After having shown a lot of houses AND sitting in new construction homes, I can always always always tells when a man has designed a home vs. when a woman has been at the helm.  Don’t get me wrong – some men have exquisite taste and really can nail a design.  But when I’ve looked at homes designed by women, they really seem to get it.  For example, if there’s an inch or two left on the end of a standard set of cabinets, a smart designed will throw in a baking sheet cabinet.

Some designs, though, can go terribly wrong. From How Stuff Works, here’s one of ten design flaws they feature,

Windows that don’t open!

Sealed and shuttered windows create a safe feeling and can prevent drafts in colder climates, but they also pose a safety hazard when the need to escape from fire or other home emergencies arises. Building codes in the United States and elsewhere require exit planning, and older homes need upgrades to meet the minimum codes for safety. Likewise, concealed outer doors and windows — sometimes considered safer due to being out of sight — can become ideal spots for crime or illegal entry.

I had windows that didn’t open in my dorm room a thousand years ago. It was miserable then. It’s miserable today. Don’t make that mistake!