Home upgrades can give your space a fresh and appealing look. However, while some upgrades can significantly enhance the aesthetic and value of your home, others can do the opposite. It’s easy to get carried away with the latest trends and stylish upgrades, but it’s essential to keep in mind that not all of them are beneficial in the long run. This blog post will guide you through 9 “stylish” home upgrades that can actually backfire, and help you make informed decisions about your home improvements.
1. Wall-to-Wall Carpeting
Wall-to-wall carpeting was all the rage in the ’70s and ’80s, but today it’s seen as outdated and impractical. Carpets can easily trap dust, allergens, and pet dander, making them difficult to clean and unhealthy for those with allergies. Additionally, carpets can depreciate quickly, making them a poor investment.
Instead, consider opting for hardwood floors. They’re timeless, easy to clean, and add value to your home. If you still crave the cozy feel of carpet, consider area rugs that can be easily cleaned or replaced.
2. Open Shelving
Open shelving might look cool and modern, but it’s not always practical. Anything placed on open shelves is exposed to dust and grease, especially in the kitchen. Plus, unless you’re an expert at organizing, your open shelves can quickly turn into a visual mess.
Instead of open shelves, consider functional cabinets with doors. If you still want to showcase some items, you can use glass-fronted cupboards or a few select open shelves.
3. Wallpaper
While wallpaper can add a pop of color or pattern to a room, it can also appear dated and overly busy. Not to mention the hassle of installation and removal. If you ever decide to sell your home, potential buyers might see the wallpaper as a nuisance.
Paint is a more versatile and manageable option. You can easily change the color when you’re ready for a new look, and it’s more appealing to potential buyers.
4. Overly Trendy Fixtures
Trends come and go, and what’s stylish today may become passé tomorrow. Overly trendy fixtures, like flashy chandeliers or unusual faucets, may lose their appeal over time.
Opt for classic, timeless designs that will stand the test of time. Remember, you can always add a touch of trendiness with easily replaceable items like pillows, rugs, or artwork.
5. Excessive Tiling
While tiles are durable and easy to clean, excessive tiling can make your home feel cold and impersonal. Plus, replacing tiles can be expensive and time-consuming.
Consider using tiles sparingly, like in the bathroom or kitchen backsplash. For the rest of the house, stick to warmer materials like wood.
6. Popcorn Ceilings
Popcorn ceilings were popular in the ’60s and ’70s for their ability to hide imperfections and dampen noise. However, they’re now seen as outdated and can even lower the value of your home.
If you have popcorn ceilings, consider getting them removed by a professional. Smooth ceilings are more modern and can make your home feel brighter and more spacious.
7. Overly Bright Colors
While bright colors can add personality to your home, they can also be overwhelming and hard to match with furniture and decor. Plus, bright colors can go out of style quickly.
Stick to neutral colors on your walls and add pops of color with your decor and furniture. This way, you can easily change the color scheme of your room without having to repaint.
8. Converted Garages
While converting your garage into additional living space may seem like a good idea, it can actually decrease the value of your home. Many people value a garage for storage or parking, and converting it can be seen as a downside.
If you need more living space, consider building an addition or finishing your basement instead.
9. DIY Projects Gone Wrong
DIY projects can be fun and cost-effective, but not all of them are successful. A poorly executed DIY project can lower the value of your home and cost you more in the long run.
Before starting a DIY project, make sure you have the necessary skills and tools. And remember, it’s okay to hire a professional for more complex tasks.