9 McDonough Southern Decor Pieces That Lost Value And 5 That Never Had Any

Southern decor once dominated the homes of McDonough, Georgia, with timeless pieces that spoke to elegance and tradition.

Yet, like the ever-changing tides of fashion, interior design trends have evolved, leaving some once-prized items languishing in obscurity.

While certain pieces have lost their luster and value, others never quite captured the admiration they were meant to. We’ll take a closer look at the Southern decor trends that are now financial missteps, and those that were never destined to shine.

1. Excessive Use Of Faux Finishes

Sponge-painted walls and faux marble finishes dominated southern interiors during the 1990s. Homeowners paid professionals hefty sums to create these textured surfaces that were supposed to add dimension and character.

Today, these finishes scream outdated and require significant effort to remove. What once cost thousands to apply now costs thousands to eliminate, with modern buyers preferring clean, simple wall treatments.

2. Heavy, Ornate Furniture

Massive mahogany dining sets with intricate carvings once symbolized southern prosperity. Families invested small fortunes in these heirloom pieces, expecting them to appreciate over generations.

Modern homeowners prefer lighter, more versatile furniture that can move between spaces. Antique dealers now struggle to sell these pieces for even a fraction of their original cost, with some ending up in thrift stores.

3. Overly Bright Or Dark Color Palettes

Hunter green paired with burgundy once dominated southern interiors. These bold color schemes extended from walls to upholstery, creating rooms that felt either oppressively dark or jarringly bright.

Contemporary design favors neutral palettes with strategic pops of color. Homes featuring these outdated color schemes typically sell for less, as buyers mentally calculate repainting costs before making offers.

4. Outdated Chandelier Designs

Brass and crystal chandeliers with elaborate designs were once status symbols in southern dining rooms. Families invested thousands in these lighting fixtures, considering them permanent home improvements.

The market for these ornate pieces has collapsed with modern preferences shifting toward simpler, more industrial designs. Estate sales often feature these once-expensive fixtures selling for pennies on the dollar.

5. Mass-Produced Rugs

Factory-made rugs featuring cabbage roses and intricate borders were staples in southern homes. These mass-produced floor coverings were marketed as affordable alternatives to handmade oriental rugs.

Quality issues became apparent as these rugs aged poorly, with colors fading unevenly and materials breaking down. Despite their initial cost, these rugs hold virtually no resale value compared to authentic handwoven pieces.

6. Traditional Wallpaper With Bold Prints

Bold floral wallpapers once adorned nearly every southern bathroom and bedroom. Homeowners invested in custom installation of these eye-catching patterns, believing they added character and charm.

The labor-intensive removal process makes these walls a liability rather than an asset. Properties featuring extensive wallpaper typically sell for less as buyers factor in removal costs and potential wall damage repairs.

7. Antique Brass Fixtures

Lacquered brass doorknobs, light fixtures, and bathroom hardware were once considered elegant upgrades in southern homes. Homeowners paid premium prices for these finishes, which required regular polishing to maintain their luster.

Brushed nickel and matte black have rendered brass fixtures obsolete. Renovation-minded buyers now view these once-expensive details as immediate replacement items rather than valuable features.

8. Overly Themed Rooms

Remember those rooms entirely dedicated to roosters or lighthouses? Once the pride of southern homes, these single-theme spaces now look dated and overwhelming.

Interior designers cringe at the sight of matching rooster canisters, curtains, and wallpaper borders. Potential homebuyers often see these themed rooms as immediate renovation projects rather than charming features.

9. Cluttered, Maximalist Decor

Southern homes once showcased every collectible and heirloom simultaneously. Every surface held figurines, framed photos, or decorative boxes in this “more is more” approach to decorating.

Today’s buyers favor clean, uncluttered spaces with room to breathe. What was once seen as cozy and personalized now reads as chaotic and overwhelming, with homes featuring this style lingering on the market longer.

10. Cheap Mass-Produced Knickknacks

Porcelain figurines and resin decorations filled countless southern curio cabinets. Despite their low quality, these items were accumulated in impressive quantities, often as souvenirs or gifts.

No secondary market exists for these mass-produced trinkets. Even charity shops frequently decline these donations due to oversupply, making these collections essentially worthless despite the emotional attachment they may hold.

11. Old-Fashioned Decorative Plates

Collector plates featuring Norman Rockwell scenes or commemorative events hung proudly on southern dining room walls. Marketed as limited editions that would increase in value, these plates were purchased as investments.

Reality proved disappointing for collectors. Most plates sell for a fraction of their purchase price if they sell at all. Entire collections often fetch less than the price of a single plate when new.

12. Excessive Collectibles

Precious Moments figurines and porcelain dolls once commanded dedicated display spaces in southern homes. Collectors invested thousands in these mass-produced items, believing they would appreciate substantially.

The market collapsed as younger generations showed little interest in these dust-gathering collections. Complete sets in perfect condition now sell for mere dollars at estate sales, representing significant financial losses for original owners.

13. Outdated Ceramic Animals

Ceramic geese wearing seasonal outfits once graced southern porches and entryways. These decorative birds came with interchangeable clothing for holidays and seasons, requiring dedicated storage space for their extensive wardrobes.

Modern decorators view these items as kitschy rather than charming. What once sold for considerable sums at craft fairs now languishes in thrift stores, unable to find new homes even at giveaway prices.

14. Overly Decorative Pillows

Tasseled, fringed, and heavily embellished throw pillows once covered southern sofas and beds. These ornate accessories featured velvet, embroidery, and beadwork, often costing hundreds per pillow.

Contemporary design favors simpler, more practical pillow styles. The labor-intensive cleaning requirements and scratchy textures of these decorative pillows make them undesirable to modern homeowners, resulting in minimal resale value.