Considering a big remodel?
Top agents say: “Avoid these overdone trends”

There are so many complex factors that contribute to a home’s market performance. From location and layout to style and staging, maximizing your home’s desirability is the best way to appease today’s picky buyers. This is where real estate experts play a key role in priming your property for resale. Since they’ve seen it all, they know what sticks.

“Shag carpet was all the rage in the 1970s. Wallpaper borders and glass bricks were beloved in the 1980s. Along came the blonde wood in the 1990s,” says Brittany Anas, contributor at Apartment Therapy. “And now, these features are some of the first things to go when planning a home remodel.”

Some may scoff at these dated trends, but flashback to yesteryear, and they all made the top of the ‘love’ lists. The fact is, today’s seemingly foolproof fads are bound to be the old news of tomorrow. If you’re looking to increase your home’s value while solidifying its long-term staying power, don’t be blinded by the latest HGTV craze.

Investment for the ages

The question remains: how do you know the difference between tacky and timeless? More often than not, trends tend to center on the same key features. They include color, floor plan, permanent fixtures, as well as dedicated spaces (rooms designated for a particular activity or hobby).

Before we break down what’s overworked, consider the impact of color as it’s employed throughout various areas of the home.

How hue makes money

  • Bedroom – For sleeping quarters, avoid bright colors and opt for muted tones such as light blue, which is said to increase a home’s value by $2,800
  • Kitchen – Whether buying fresh or refinishing, two-toned cabinetry helps boost your sale by $1,547, especially if the lower is black or navy
  • Living Room – In entryways, hallways and common areas like the living room, avoid white at all costs; a clean slate decreases value by $4,000
  • Bathroom – Yellow and brown are still out, but a light blue-gray shade entices homebuyers to the tune of $5,440—an outstanding return
                                                                                                                                        **For more, visit Krista Fracke, International RE Firm

Stay away from these 7

So, what interior design investments should homeowners avoid? Start with these overdone trends most real estate agents say are on the way out.

  • White-out kitchens

Hit up any showroom nowadays, and all you see is a sea of white. Realtors say the trend is so big that it’s destined to fail. “We are seeing earthier colors now, including dark wood paneling on the cabinetry and stone countertops,” says NYC agent Steven Gottlieb.
Just 20 years ago, blacked-out kitchens had a moment. Today, the look would read more dungeon than dashing.

  • Brass fixtures

More and more homeowners are jumping on the bold brass bandwagon. But for kitchens and bathrooms, it’s best to stay with a timeless finish.
For faucets, showerheads, soap dispensers and towel bars, choose stainless steel, brushed nickel or similar versatile metals. These are capable of adapting to any color scheme, while brass tends to act as the scene-stealing centerpiece.

  • Movie theaters

Just 10 or 15 years ago, having a media room symbolized wealth and luxury. Today, smartphones, iPads and streaming services are in vogue. There’s no need for a dedicated space for soon-to-be obsolete entertainment.
“It essentially becomes storage and wasted space,” says agent Aundrea Paskett of RE/MAX.

  • Open concepts

For the past decade, it’s been somewhat of a routine: buyer moves in and knocks down every last wall, merging kitchen with dining room with living room. But—is this really what families want in 2019? While the trend is still around, more people are opposed to open concept, especially if they live in cramped cities.
Catherine Smith of NYC’s Warburg Realty says, “Many of my clients are opting to keep the kitchen and living area separated for a number of reasons, including the feeling of having more space.”

  • Barn doors

The farmhouse fad is still going strong. Still, this particular trend has many real estate agents scratching their heads.
Not only are barn doors big, bulky and too common—they’re also terrible at keeping in heat and blocking out noise. Unless your home is located in farm country, the trend doesn’t make sense.

  • Going gray

Just a few short years ago, neutral meant white, beige, sand or tan. Now, it seems every contractor is playing it safe with the same old grayed-out look.
It’s everywhere—cabinets, hardwood floors, tile, furniture, walls. There’s no denying gray’s popularity, but the trend is teetering on the edge of absurdity. Savvy homebuyers still appreciate variety. Put simply, don’t overdo it.

  • Wine cellars

Once a must-have for high-end buyers, a devoted wine space doesn’t necessarily equate to increased value. Agents say the average family—even if well off—isn’t looking to store a massive wine collection.
Instead, cater to the universal. If you’re renovating for resale, avoid dedicated hobby rooms unless the space can be used as an office or guest bedroom.

Everest says: stay with staying power
Avoid the trendy traps