Unless you’re already settled in your forever home, you’re probably approaching your next renovation with resale value in mind. After all, pink tile in the kitchen could be fun, but what will potential buyers think in a few years? Alternatively, you may be fine trading your bathroom’s old porcelain countertop in for a new laminate one, but others might consider this a missed opportunity to invest in something longer-lasting.
Whether you’re at the very beginning of the design process or nearing the end of the planning stage, it’s worth checking out these design mistakes that experts say can damage your resale value.
Overusing Engineered Materials
“Vinyl windows, quartz countertops, and ‘man-made’ hardwoods will be the first things to date your home and decrease your resale value,” says Hannah Reehl, founder of her namesake design firm in southern Alabama. Simply put, she insists, plastic homes don’t last.
Taylor Murphy, founder of his namesake design firm in Austin, Texas, recommends “materials that have a human relation such as natural stone, handmade tile, and warmer toned colors.” This is because, according to Murphy, they have soul and make people feel comfortable and welcome.
Going Too Big with Color and Pattern
It’s true that not everyone wants a neutral space, but designing one is inherently more palatable to potential homebuyers. “I’m a big believer in keeping things classic and timeless,” Shivani Vyas, founder of her namesake design firm in Macon, Georgia, says. “You can never go wrong with a soft, creamy color palette, marble or subway tile in bathrooms, and hardwood floors.”
If you yourself are a fan of the bright and bold—which Vyas agrees can be a beautiful way to bring a space to life—consider leaning in with decor instead of the big features.
Incorporating Too Many Features
Everyone exists in their space differently, which is why Murphy insists that it’s important to make sure your home feels open and amenable to a range of lifestyles. “Don’t crowd your space with every feature available,” he advises. “It’s okay if you don’t have room for a freestanding tub in your primary bath. A generously sized shower with a bench and a sizable niche would feel much more luxurious than trying to fit one in for the sake of a trend.”
Plus, Vyas points out, overly busy homes can actually appear smaller and less functional. “Less is more. It’s important to maximize the layout with pieces that fit the scale of your space and don’t impede any walkway areas,” she explains.
Installing Noticeably Mismatched Floors
No, this doesn’t mean you can’t have carpet in your bedroom and tile in your bathroom—in some cases, using different flooring absolutely makes sense. For Vyas, mismatched floors is a problem when your primary communal areas are noticeably inconsistent. One room may have laminate while another has hardwood and another still has luxury vinyl planks (LVP). This kind of clashing signals to potential buyers a lack of thoughtfulness that they’ll have to pay to fix later on.