How Your Favorite Design Choices Could Be Lowering Your Home’s Value

When it comes to decorating your home, it’s easy to get caught up in the latest trends and styles. However, some design choices that may seem appealing at first can ultimately hurt your home’s value when it comes time to sell. According to real estate and interior design professionals, certain trends can date a home and deter potential buyers.

One trend that’s particularly problematic is color drenching, where a single bold color is used to paint an entire room. While it may look stylish on social media, it can be a major turn-off for potential buyers who see it as a costly and time-consuming renovation project. “Even the most exciting trends like color drenching may turn off your buyer as all they see is money adding up to repaint the home,” says Missy Derr, a real estate advisor with Engel & Völkers in Atlanta, Georgia. “In fact, a bold color scheme can be a major turn-off for many buyers, especially those with families or young children who may be concerned about the impact of bold colors on their kids’ behavior and development.”

Another trend that’s falling out of favor is fluted everything, where a home is adorned with fluted paneling and reeded finishes. While it may have once been considered stylish and cutting-edge, it now feels generic and overdone. “When overused, the details lose sculptural impact and start to feel mass-produced,” says Olga Doykhen, an interior designer based in Orange County, California. “In fact, many buyers are starting to look for homes with more unique and authentic architectural features, rather than ones that feel like they’ve been mass-produced.”

Smart home improvements can also be a double-edged sword. While energy-efficient upgrades can add value to a home, things like app-controlled faucets or color-changing lighting may not be appreciated or desirable by potential buyers. “Technology changes quickly and can be expensive to upgrade and replace,” says Derr. “In fact, many buyers are looking for homes with more traditional and timeless features, rather than ones that rely on the latest technology.”

In terms of color palettes, warm, earthy tones are currently in vogue, but “Instagram beige” minimalism can be a major turn-off. “It lacks depth, character, and personality,” says Doykhen. “In fact, many buyers are looking for homes with more interesting and unique color palettes, rather than ones that feel like they’ve been copied from a social media feed.”

When it comes to tile, bold statement tile in the kitchen and bathroom may be having a moment, but neutral and timeless is best if you plan on selling your home in the near future. “These spaces are costly to remodel and are left untouched for years, sometimes even decades,” says Derr. “In fact, many buyers are looking for homes with more classic and timeless tile options, rather than ones that feel like they’re trying too hard to be trendy.”

Finally, excessive open shelving in the kitchen can be a major turn-off for potential buyers, as it can make a space feel cluttered and lacking in storage opportunities. “Minimize open shelving—show off some sculptural essentials, not everything from your pantry,” advises Rachel Blindauer, an award-winning interior and furniture designer. “In fact, many buyers are looking for homes with more functional and practical kitchen designs, rather than ones that feel like they’re trying too hard to be trendy.”

Ultimately, the key to avoiding these design pitfalls is to prioritize timeless, rather than trendy, design choices. By opting for classic shapes, natural materials, and warm neutrals, you can create a space that will appeal to potential buyers and stand the test of time.

Timeless Design Choices to Consider

• Classic shapes: Look for shapes that have been popular for decades, such as round or oval shapes, rather than ones that are trendy or unique.
• Natural materials: Choose materials that are natural and timeless, such as wood, stone, or brick, rather than ones that are synthetic or trendy.
• Warm neutrals: Opt for warm neutrals, such as beige, gray, or taupe, rather than ones that are cool or trendy.
• Layered neutrals: Use layered neutrals, such as a combination of warm and cool neutrals, to create a space that feels interesting and unique.
• Functional design: Prioritize functional design over trendy or unique design, as this will create a space that feels practical and appealing to potential buyers.

By following these timeless design choices, you can create a space that will appeal to potential buyers and stand the test of time.