Admittedly, it can be hard not to follow certain design trends. They’re the perfect source of inspiration that can transform a home from lackluster to uniquely yours. However, it’s worth knowing that when it comes to selling up, there are a few trends that the experts say can be viewed as red flags by potential buyers.
Of course, there are plenty of interior design trends that can boost the value of your home, and there are those that do quite the opposite. It’s easy to fall into the trap of following the latest fashions, but being too reactive and niche can be a rookie error when it comes to real estate. Buyers can find it hard to look past overly personalized schemes, viewing them as a potentially costly renovation project or even just can’t see their own tastes working in the space.
It’s always important to decorate according to your tastes and styles as the rightful owner of your home, but you might want to reconsider these six interior design trends, as real estate experts and interior designers say they could be devaluing your home.
1. Carpeting
(Image credit: Future)
Carpets have been making a bit of a comeback in recent years, with carpet trends leaning more natural and neutral (thankfully). But for many of us, they aren’t the desired flooring, and future buyers could see carpet, no matter how on-trend, as a costly reno to pull up. So if you know you will likely sell your home in the near future, perhaps don’t commit to the carpet revival trend.
Omer Reiner, President of FL Cash Home Buyers, says, ‘A lot of things that are go-to parts of a home’s design or decor for years become almost automatic, though taking the time to think things through would likely lead to different choices. One of these is carpeting, specifically wall-to-wall carpeting. It is easy on the feet, but if you have younger kids or pets, it will not take long for this carpet to be flattened, stained, and otherwise destroyed. Even bringing in the pros will not help with some of this damage. Not only that, but replacing carpet in an entire room (or the whole house!) can be costly and a big hassle.’
Magnolia Home By Joanna Gaines X Loloi Banks Machine Washable Brick / Ivory Area Rug
Instead of fitting a costly (and unfashionable) carpet, opt for a classic rug that’s easy to move when needed. A vintage-inspired runner is a great choice for a narrow entryway or hallway that needs warmth and character.
You can’t beat a jute rug; it warms a room and provides handfuls of texture all at the same time. They’re far more trendy than carpet and create a similar cozy effect at a lower price.
Loloi Amber Lewis Monty Collection MOT-03 Ivory/Beige
This plush textured rug is a no-brainer accessory that exudes sophistication and timelessness. Position it at the heart of your living room with a coffee table on top for a classic arrangement.
2. Minimalism
(Image credit: One Represents Ltd / Future)
Minimalism is a trend that constantly comes and goes, and you can never be quite sure if it’s in or out. Although when done right, in the right space, it can be a really classic aesthetic, real estate experts say overly minimalist or bare spaces aren’t the most welcoming to buyers and can, in fact, devalue the home.
Interior designer Melissa Roberts, founder of Melissa Roberts Interiors, says, ‘While clean lines and simplicity are hallmarks of modern design, going too minimalist can make a home feel cold, empty, or lacking personality. Buyers may perceive the space as unfinished or feel it lacks warmth and comfort. It can also be perceived as inexpensive, which deters quality buyers.’
To honor your tastes, consider incorporating some minimalist decor ideas in your home, such as a neutral color palette or natural textures, but pair them with more characterful features, like vintage pieces or handmade furniture, to create a more transitional interior.
3. Open shelving in the kitchen
(Image credit: deVOL Kitchens)
This one came as a bit of a surprise to me. When I asked the experts what trends devalue the home, many said that open shelving was a major red flag, particularly when used in the kitchen. So if you are considering shelving instead of kitchen wall cabinets, proceed with caution.
Pat Roach, president of Southwestern Real Estate, says, ‘While open shelving looks trendy and airy in photos, buyers often see it as impractical. It requires constant tidiness and offers less concealed storage. Many buyers prefer the functionality and cleanliness of traditional cabinets.’
Alice Moszczynski, a New York-based Interior Designer at Planner 5D, agrees. She says. ‘Another trend that’s been quietly hurting resale value is the use of open shelving in kitchens instead of upper cabinets. It photographs beautifully for Instagram, but it’s impractical for real life. Buyers will worry about storage loss and visual clutter, especially in smaller homes. If the shelves are overloaded or badly styled, it can also make the kitchen feel messy or cramped, which is an instant turnoff during walkthroughs.’
4. Living walls
(Image credit: Future)
A design trend that brings the outside in, living wall ideas are a beautiful idea, however, they can be high maintenance, a job and style that not every buyer will see as appealing
Tami Pardee, Founder and CEO of Pardee Properties, says, ‘One trend that’s starting to backfire is the rise of living walls, those vertical gardens inside the home. In theory, they’re beautiful and eco-conscious. But in practice, most buyers don’t want to inherit a high-maintenance feature that requires watering systems, pruning, and occasional pest control. Unless you have a green thumb and a maintenance team, they quickly become more chore than charm.’
If you’re looking to introduce more greenery into your scheme, consider large-scale terrariums or potted plants such as a Fiddle Leaf fig or an indoor palm instead, as they’re far easier to manage and can be removed when the next owner moves in and look appealing for viewings.
5. Lacquered kitchen cabinetry
(Image credit: Future)
Despite being one of this year’s kitchen cabinet trends, lacquered finishes may not be the wisest design choice to follow if you are selling your home anytime soon. Real estate experts say the trend is too much of a statement and it’s unlikely to be appreciated by all, not to mention it’s a distinctive style that lacks endurance.
Tami says, ‘Another trend we’re seeing lose traction, especially among resale-minded homeowners, is heavily lacquered kitchen cabinetry, especially in bold, trendy colors. It might photograph beautifully on day one, but lacquer finishes are notoriously difficult to touch up or repaint. If the color isn’t timeless or doesn’t vibe with the rest of the home, buyers start calculating renovation costs the moment they walk in.’
Consider a heritage hue for your kitchen cabinet color, like a timeless white or sage green, as these are unlikely to date or put buyers off.
6. Bold wallpaper
(Image credit: Future)
Don’t get me wrong, wallpaper ideas are an important part of designing a home; however, try not to opt for an overly distinct style that feels like a bold statement if you plan to sell your home in the not-so-distant future, as this will likely not resonate with every individual and could prevent a sale.
The pattern-drenching trend is fun, but it might not be a trend to follow if you’re looking to sell your home. Alice says, ‘One trend that could be devaluing your home is bold or overly personalized wallpaper. Statement walls and maximalist prints have had a strong moment in recent years, but they can be highly polarizing to potential buyers.’
She adds, ‘What might feel like a fun paisley print powder room to you may read as an eyesore to someone else. Wallpaper is notoriously tricky and expensive to remove or replace, so some buyers may mentally deduct the cost and effort from their offer.’
Poiret Grasscloth Wallpaper
This lightly textured, grasscloth wallpaper is a classic, vintage-inspired style that is guaranteed to provide character without overwhelming. It’s neutral but still interesting and won’t put buyers off.
Strippable Hedera Green Painterly Vine Wallpaper
This luscious wallpaper is delicate and whimsical. It’s playful but doesn’t feel like a distinctive design trend. It would make the perfect addition to a powder room or a guest bedroom.
You can’t beat a heritage stripe. It’s the perfect transitional choice that almost any potential buyer will enjoy as it doesn’t dominate; instead, it delicately frames a room and exudes elegance.
If you’re considering selling your property soon, it’s worth paying attention to the trends that buyers don’t love to see. Styles that are overly bold or distinctive don’t resonate with a large audience and can feel too personal, resulting in less interest and a decrease in the value of your home.
First, consider colors that will add value to your home to ensure your scheme is timeless and buyer-friendly. Then bring in larger pieces, such as furniture styles that will increase the value of your home, to ensure your home is market-ready.
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