Whether you’re a homeowner considering selling your house or a real estate investor, understanding the current market trends is critical. Aesthetic appeal plays a significant role in determining a property’s resale value, with certain decor trends potentially lowering it. This article aims to highlight these trends and help you make informed decisions.
It is not about discouraging individualism or creativity in home decor, but rather providing insight into what potential buyers might find less appealing. Expect to gain an understanding of decor elements that, while they might be aesthetic or trendy, can subtly lower the resale value of your property.
Overly Personalized Decor
Many homeowners fill their spaces with highly personalized items, from family photos covering every wall to bold, unconventional paint colors. While these choices can make a house feel more lived-in and unique, they can also make it harder for potential buyers to see themselves in the space.
Neutralizing decor with more universally appealing touches helps broaden your home’s appeal. By creating a blank canvas, you allow buyers to imagine their own furniture and personal touches in the home, increasing the chances of a quick and competitive sale.
Garish Colors
Bright reds, neon greens, and other bold shades may suit your personality, but they can overwhelm potential buyers. Strong wall colors can make rooms feel smaller and harder to decorate around, often discouraging buyers who prefer a clean slate.
Soft neutrals such as grays, beiges, or warm whites are a safer choice when preparing a home for market. They appeal to a broader audience, highlight natural light, and create a calm, spacious feel that helps sell a property faster.
Wall-to-Wall Carpeting
Wall-to-wall carpeting once symbolized cozy luxury, but today it’s often viewed as outdated and difficult to maintain. Carpets trap dirt, allergens, and odors, which can make a home feel less fresh, even if the carpet has been cleaned.
Modern buyers generally prefer hardwood floors, laminate, or luxury vinyl. These flooring choices not only look more stylish but are easier to maintain and longer-lasting, boosting resale value.
Popcorn Ceilings
Popcorn ceilings were once considered practical and trendy, thanks to their sound-dampening texture. Today, however, they are seen as unattractive and outdated, giving homes a neglected look.
Many homeowners choose to remove popcorn ceilings or cover them with smooth finishes for a more modern appeal. While removal can be a project, it’s often worth the investment to improve both aesthetics and market value.
Outdated Bathrooms
Bathrooms with pink tiles, avocado fixtures, or dated linoleum floors instantly signal to buyers that updates will be necessary. While some may appreciate retro charm, most see outdated bathrooms as a costly renovation project waiting for them.
Simple updates, such as fresh paint, new fixtures, or modern tiles, can significantly boost resale value. Even small investments in bathroom upgrades can create a more polished, buyer-friendly impression.
Over-the-Top Light Fixtures
Chandeliers dripping with crystals or quirky themed lights may suit your taste, but they don’t always resonate with buyers. Extravagant fixtures can feel like an added cost if buyers assume they’ll need to be replaced.
Streamlined, modern, or classic lighting is typically a safer bet. Fixtures that provide both functionality and subtle style appeal to a wider pool of potential homeowners.
Vibrant Kitchen Cabinets
Colorful kitchen cabinets can be fun and bold, but they don’t always appeal to buyers looking for timeless style. Bright blues, reds, or yellows might make a statement but also suggest an expensive repainting job to anyone who doesn’t share your taste.
Neutral shades like white, cream, or gray remain the most universally appealing. They not only brighten a space but also help kitchens look larger and more inviting to buyers.
Converted Garage
Garage conversions often add extra living space but come at the cost of storage and parking—two features many buyers prioritize. What you view as a creative addition may feel like a loss of functionality to someone else.
When selling, a traditional garage often holds more value than a makeshift living space. If possible, converting it back to its original use can make the property more attractive to buyers.
Wallpaper
Wallpaper can add personality, but it’s also highly personal and difficult to remove. A potential buyer might love the home but see wallpaper as a costly project they’ll need to address.
Neutral paint colors remain a more practical and appealing choice when preparing a home for sale. They make rooms feel fresh, updated, and easy for new owners to personalize.
Exotic Landscaping
Elaborate gardens filled with rare or high-maintenance plants may impress some but intimidate others. Buyers often worry about upkeep, especially if the plants are not suited to the local climate.
Simple, low-maintenance landscaping with native plants typically adds more value. It enhances curb appeal while reassuring buyers that upkeep won’t be overwhelming.