Home Accessories You Don't Need

Have you ever found yourself saying, "I just have to have that yogurt machine"? So did these designers, who confess they too bought home accessories that they've never used.

Steam Shower
"I just had to have a steam shower. My whole bathroom was torn up to install the pipes and the fittings, the glass door needed to be sealed in a certain way, the ceiling specially painted to resist mold. Unfortunately, I never have time for the spa day I fantasized about. I don't even take long showers. I've used it maybe two times. If you divide the amount I spent by two, I probably could have purchased a small interest in Bliss Spas." — Richard Mishaan

Commercial-Grade Stove
"When I moved into my home six years ago, I was sure I needed a commercial-grade stove in the kitchen. I had visions of dinner parties and guests gathering around for a home-cooked meal. I neglected to consider one important point — I don't cook. I have yet to turn the stove on." — Nate Berkus

Linen Cocktail Napkins
"Linen cocktail napkins. They're beautiful to look at and use, but I pass them up every time in lieu of paper because of the thought of having to iron them." —Victoria Neale

Cashmere and Mohair Throws
"As a shopaholic with a serious impulse-buying addiction, I buy things I don't need all the time. My ivory mohair throw and blanket were spectacular non-necessities. They looked great neatly folded, but shed more fur than a dog when I got them home. Still, I can't bring myself to part with them, and now they live under my bed. Sumptuous-looking antique wicker cat baskets never fail to seduce me — and have never once managed to entice a cat to go anywhere near them. Ditto the mini-cashmere blankets I thought would be adorable to line the baskets with." — Elaine Griffin

Lawn Games
"Lawn games: stainless-steel bocce balls, professional horseshoes, and a personalized croquet set. There they sit in the garden shed." — Dennis Wedlick

Soft-Serve Ice Cream Maker
"I was at Canyon Ranch and fell in love with their soft yogurt machine. I wanted to re-create it at home, so I went out and bought a professional-grade soft ice cream maker. It was just too much trouble. And it was so bloody expensive. I'm going to sell it on eBay." — Carolyne Roehm

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