14 Design Trends That Lower Home Value

Your home isn’t just a place to live – it’s also an investment. While you might love certain design choices, future buyers might see them as costly problems to fix. I’ve seen how trendy decorating decisions can actually slash thousands off your property value.

Here are 14 design trends that might seem cool now but could hurt your wallet later.

1. Bold Wallpaper Choices

Nothing screams personal taste louder than wallpaper with vibrant patterns or unusual textures. While you might adore that flamingo print in your bathroom, potential buyers often see it as an immediate removal project.

Most house hunters mentally calculate $500-1000 per room to strip away your beloved wall coverings. Neutral walls sell homes faster and for more money because they allow buyers to envision their own style in the space.

2. DIY Texture Ceilings

Remember popcorn ceilings? They’re the poster child for dated home features that tank resale value. But today’s DIY texture trends aren’t much better! Those sponge-painted or heavily textured ceilings you created during lockdown weekends might feel artistic to you.

Unfortunately, smooth ceilings are what buyers want. Removing ceiling textures is messy, expensive work that typically costs $1-3 per square foot. Keep it simple up above if you want to protect your investment.

3. Converted Garages

Turning your garage into a home gym or bonus room might seem like adding square footage, but it actually backfires financially. Most buyers specifically want garage space for vehicles and storage.

A converted garage can reduce your home value by up to $10,000 or more. Parking protection is non-negotiable in many markets, especially areas with harsh weather or limited street parking. If you need extra living space, consider finishing a basement or attic instead.

4. Carpeted Bathrooms

Stepping onto soft carpet after a shower might feel luxurious, but it’s a massive turnoff for buyers. Bathroom carpeting screams “mold factory” to home inspectors and potential purchasers alike.

Water and carpet simply don’t mix. Even high-quality bathroom carpeting absorbs moisture, harbors bacteria, and develops stains. Most buyers immediately plan to rip it out, mentally deducting at least $1,000 from their offer. Stick with ceramic tile, vinyl, or engineered wood for bathroom flooring that maintains value.

5. Highly Personalized Kids’ Rooms

Your child might adore that built-in castle bed or ceiling painted like outer space, but these ultra-customized features can actually hurt your home’s value. Permanent themed installations force buyers to factor in renovation costs.

The more specialized the design, the narrower your buyer pool becomes. Parents with differently-aged children or other plans for the space see your princess paradise as a project to undo. Keep kid-themed décor to removable items like curtains and wall art if you’re concerned about future resale.

6. Eliminated Closets

Removing closets to expand rooms or create open-concept spaces is a major value-killer. Storage space ranks among buyers’ top priorities, and homes with inadequate closets typically sell for significantly less.

For every closet you remove, expect your home value to drop by thousands. Even small closets are better than none at all. If you need more room, consider alternative solutions like furniture rearrangement or adding built-ins that don’t sacrifice valuable storage space.

7. Bright Colored Appliances

That fire-engine red refrigerator or cobalt blue stove might perfectly match your kitchen theme, but colored appliances significantly limit buyer appeal. Most house hunters prefer neutral stainless steel, black, or white appliances that work with any design scheme.

Colorful appliances feel dated quickly as trends change. Replacing a full suite of kitchen appliances costs $4,000-10,000, which buyers will factor into their offers. If you crave color in your kitchen, add it through easily-changeable items like curtains, rugs, or accessories.

8. Removing Bathtubs

Swapping your only bathtub for a walk-in shower might seem modern, but it’s a costly mistake if you ever plan to sell. Families with young children and buyers who enjoy soaking specifically search for homes with at least one tub.

Houses without any bathtubs can lose 5-10% of their potential value, especially in family-friendly neighborhoods. The ideal setup includes at least one bathroom with a tub and another with a shower. If space allows, consider a combo rather than eliminating bathing options.

9. Trendy Bathroom Tile

Those hexagon tiles or bold geometric patterns might look amazing on your Instagram, but highly specific bathroom tile trends date quickly. Bathroom renovations are expensive, averaging $10,000-15,000 for a full remodel.

When buyers see trendy tile choices, they often calculate immediate replacement costs. Neutral, classic tile patterns maintain value longer. If you love current tile trends, incorporate them through inexpensive accents like a small backsplash or decorative border that can be easily updated without breaking the bank.

10. Too Much Carpet

Wall-to-wall carpeting throughout the entire house signals outdated design to today’s buyers. Modern homebuyers strongly prefer hardwood, engineered wood, or luxury vinyl plank flooring in main living areas.

Homes with excessive carpeting typically sell for 3-5% less than comparable properties with hard surface flooring. Carpet in bedrooms remains acceptable, but dining rooms, living rooms, and kitchens with carpet are immediate renovation targets. Replacing all carpeting is one of the first projects many buyers plan, affecting how much they’ll offer.

11. Overly Dark Paint Colors

That moody charcoal living room or navy blue bedroom might feel cozy to you, but dark paint colors make spaces feel smaller and often repel potential buyers. Dark walls require multiple coats of primer and paint to cover, representing extra work and expense.

Homes with primarily dark interiors can sell for 1-3% less than similar properties with lighter walls. If you love dramatic colors, use them sparingly on accent walls or in smaller spaces like powder rooms. Keep primary living areas in lighter neutral shades to maximize appeal.

12. Eliminating Bedrooms

Combining two small bedrooms to create one larger space might improve your daily life, but it’s a financial mistake when selling. Home values are significantly tied to bedroom count, with each bedroom potentially adding 15-20% to your property value.

Removing a bedroom to create a master suite or home office can drop your home into an entirely different price bracket. Three-bedroom homes almost always sell for more than similar-sized two-bedroom properties. If you need specialized space, consider converting attic or basement areas instead.

13. Unusual Lighting Fixtures

That massive industrial chandelier or collection of Edison bulbs might perfectly express your personal style, but extremely distinctive lighting fixtures often detract from home value. Unusual or oversized fixtures can dominate rooms in ways that distract potential buyers.

Lighting should enhance spaces, not overwhelm them. Extremely modern or unconventional fixtures can also quickly look dated as trends change. Opt for timeless, properly-scaled lighting with broad appeal, and save your statement pieces for your next home or take them with you when you move.

14. Luxury Upgrades in Budget Neighborhoods

Installing a chef’s kitchen with $15,000 appliances or a spa bathroom in a modest neighborhood creates value misalignment that you’ll never recoup. Real estate appraisers compare your home to nearby properties, and extreme upgrades don’t necessarily raise your value proportionally.

Over-improving beyond neighborhood standards typically returns just 50-70% of your investment. High-end finishes in otherwise mid-range homes create pricing challenges for realtors. Match your improvements to your neighborhood’s general price point for the best financial return.