Designers say this 1 unassuming and affordable feature will make your home look more expensive

This article discusses a significant design mistake that can negatively impact a home's resale value: wall-to-wall carpeting, especially when used throughout the entire house. Real estate agent Allison Chiaramonte of Warburg in New York notes that most buyers view wall-to-wall carpeting as something that needs to be removed. Even if it appears clean and well-maintained while furnished, it often looks soiled once furniture is moved, making it a detractor for potential purchasers. The preference for hard flooring has grown, with numerous affordable and visually appealing alternatives to traditional hardwood now available, diminishing the appeal of carpet. Flooring has evolved into a prominent design feature, and covering it with wall-to-wall carpet is seen as a lack of flexibility, which modern buyers typically do not appreciate. While wall-to-wall carpeting is generally discouraged, there are specific exceptions. In bedrooms, some buyers still prefer soft flooring, though often in the form of area rugs rather than full carpeting. These rugs typically stop a few inches from the wall, allowing for easier changes in decor and maintaining the versatility of wood flooring underneath. Historically, many New York City co-ops mandated a certain percentage of carpeted flooring to reduce noise, but these rules are less strictly enforced today. For sellers, removing wall-to-wall carpeting can present a challenge if the subfloor is exposed and not suitable for immediate use, or if new wood flooring installation is required. In such cases, Chiaramonte advises clients to have carpets professionally cleaned to present them as fresh, though she strongly recommends avoiding permanent carpeting where possible during renovations for better resale value, suggesting custom area rugs that leave an inch or two of space from the wall as an alternative. Alexis Rodgers, an interior designer and stager in Philadelphia, acknowledges that wall-to-wall carpet is not a selling point for real estate listings. However, she believes it can be appropriate for certain luxury homes, particularly in upstairs bedrooms, to create a cozier atmosphere. It can also serve as a cost-effective solution to cover undesirable existing flooring, such as old, dated tiles, during pre-sale renovations. Nevertheless, Rodgers highlights a key concern for buyers: the hygiene factor. Unless the carpet was personally selected by the buyer, moving into a home with carpets previously used by others and their pets can be off-putting, as they rarely feel as clean as hardwood floors. Beyond aesthetics and personal preference, health considerations also play a significant role in the decline of wall-to-wall carpeting's popularity. Chiaramonte notes that increased awareness of allergies and the prevalence of pets make carpets seem less hygienic to many people. Research from the National Center for Biotechnology Information confirms that carpeted flooring tends to harbor more dust and allergens than hard flooring. Additionally, carpets can emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are chemicals that can cause irritation in some individuals, further reducing their appeal. The article also presents an example of an alternative flooring choice from media personality Ali Levine, who selected wood tile downstairs and wall-to-wall carpeting upstairs in her new home, except for the laundry room and bathrooms. She opted for carpet upstairs for a cozier feel and a soft surface for her baby. However, Levine expresses dissatisfaction with the carpet's quality and stain resistance, especially with pets and a baby, despite choosing a light grey color and specific texture. She acknowledges limited options at the time and is considering replacing it with a better type of carpet or removing it entirely in the future. In another instance, Diane Rutkofsky, who lives in a Texas flood zone, chose Nucore Waterproof Flooring throughout her home after a sewage flood, highlighting the practical benefits of waterproof options in specific circumstances. This type of flooring, a composite wood with a vinyl layer, offers durability and budget-friendliness. The increasing variety and quality of alternatives to traditional hardwood, including vinyl, laminate, and composite options, have rendered wall-to-wall carpeting largely obsolete. Area rugs, in contrast, are more popular than ever, offering a flexible and budget-friendly way to update a room's look without the long-term commitment of wall-to-wall carpet. #HomeDesign #ResaleValue #WallToWallCarpeting #HardwoodFlooring #InteriorDesign #RealEstate #FlooringChoices #HomeRenovation #AreaRugs

Recessed lighting, often referred to as can lights, presents an interesting dichotomy in the real estate and interior design worlds. While these fixtures are highly favored by home buyers and rank as the third most valuable element in a house, according to Redfin's spring 2022 data—following only a new kitchen and a front patio—they are widely disliked by professional interior designers. Designers often find builder-grade recessed lighting to be unappealing and restrictive. Robert McKinley, for instance, expresses strong disapproval for these fixtures, and Sean Ronnie Hill of Rise Design Studio prefers lighting that offers flexibility and movement rather than being fixed over a single focal point. Despite designers' reservations, the popularity of recessed lighting among home buyers means that many homes are equipped with this type of illumination. For homeowners who find themselves with these ubiquitous, yet often uninspiring, lighting fixtures, several straightforward solutions exist to enhance their aesthetic and functionality without undertaking extensive or costly renovations. These solutions aim to mitigate the common complaints associated with recessed lighting, such as harsh glares and a lack of ambiance. One effective method to improve recessed lighting is the installation of dimmer switches. A significant issue with can lights is their tendency to produce a stark, almost fluorescent glare, which can create an unwelcoming atmosphere. By integrating dimmer switches, homeowners gain control over the light intensity, allowing them to adjust it to create a softer, more inviting mood. Further enhancing this effect, opting for warmer-toned lightbulbs can significantly mellow the overall glow, contributing to a more comfortable and aesthetically pleasing environment. Another approach involves supplementing or even replacing overhead recessed lighting with alternative light sources, particularly table lamps. For individuals who are not fond of overhead illumination, closing off the recessed light openings and strategically placing chic table lamps can transform the lighting scheme. Table lamps can be effectively utilized on nightstands, kitchen islands, and even bathroom vanities. These smaller fixtures cast a more ambient and localized light, which can contribute to a more layered and intimate lighting design, offering a stark contrast to the broad, often flat, light provided by recessed fixtures. For those willing to undertake a more hands-on project or hire an electrician, converting recessed lights into pendant lights offers a significant upgrade. Conversion kits are readily available at hardware stores or online retailers. These kits enable homeowners to transform existing recessed lighting fixtures into points for hanging pendant shades of their choice. This modification not only introduces a decorative element but also allows for a more directed and often softer light distribution, moving away from the purely functional, and often sterile, look of standard recessed lighting. This option provides an opportunity to infuse personal style and design flair into a space that was previously defined by a more generic lighting solution. Ultimately, while recessed lighting may be a strong selling point in the real estate market due to its perceived modernity and efficiency, homeowners and designers alike can find ways to adapt or enhance these features to align with contemporary design preferences and create more appealing living spaces. The choice to modify or embrace recessed lighting often comes down to individual taste and the desired atmosphere for a home. #RecessedLighting #HomeBuyers #InteriorDesign #LightingUpgrades #HomeImprovement #DimmerSwitches #TableLamps #PendantLights #RealEstateTrends

While some design choices can enhance a home's value and appeal, others, despite their current popularity, might inadvertently decrease its market worth. This article, drawing insights from interior design and real estate professionals, identifies seven decor trends that could deter potential buyers or quickly render a home dated. The core message is that excessive personalization or adherence to fleeting trends can negatively impact a home's value, especially if a sale is anticipated in the near future. One significant trend to approach with caution is "color drenching." Although currently fashionable, overly bold paint choices are seen as highly personal and may alienate buyers who prefer a neutral palette or are unwilling to undertake repainting. While repainting is a relatively easy fix, real estate advisor Missy Derr suggests that such choices can make buyers perceive additional costs, thereby reducing the home's perceived value. However, if selling isn't immediate, personal expression through color is still encouraged. Another trend highlighted is the overuse of fluted panelling and reeded finishes. Interior designer Olga Doykhen notes that what once appeared sophisticated now feels generic and mass-produced, particularly when implemented without considering the home's architectural style. She advises opting for timeless designs and quality natural materials that complement the home's inherent character over trendy, mass-market applications. Surprisingly, over-the-top smart home improvements are also cited as a potential drawback. Missy Derr points out that technology evolves rapidly, making expensive, cutting-edge systems quickly obsolete or irrelevant to many buyers. While energy-efficient upgrades are generally beneficial, highly specialized features like app-controlled faucets or color-changing lighting might not be universally appreciated or understood, thus failing to add significant value. "Instagram Beige" minimalism, characterized by warm, earthy color palettes, also receives scrutiny. Olga Doykhen argues that these spaces, while visually appealing online, often lack depth and personality in person, akin to the once popular "millennial gray." The article suggests that true minimalist decor, when done correctly, can be appealing to buyers. The key lies in creating warmth and invitingness through layered neutrals and contrasting textures (e.g., ivory with espresso, chalk with tobacco, tactile materials like cashmere or oak) rather than monotonous beige. Statement tile, particularly bold patterns in kitchens and bathrooms, is another trend the experts advise against for homes on the market. Derr emphasizes that these areas are costly to remodel, and highly distinctive tile choices, while personal, can be a turn-off for prospective owners who might not share the same taste. A balance between neutral and classic, with timeless shapes and natural materials, is recommended over extreme choices. Conversely, all-white kitchens and bathrooms are deemed too sterile and uninviting, suggesting a need for warm, neutral tones. Excessive open shelving in the kitchen, despite its aesthetic appeal in curated images, is often perceived by potential buyers as impractical, leading to clutter and reduced storage. Rachel Blindauer, an interior and furniture designer, recommends a balanced approach, combining closed and open storage judiciously to showcase only a few sculptural essentials rather than an entire pantry's contents. Finally, accent walls incorporating wood trim or moulding, while a contemporary trend, are viewed as problematic for resale. Derr explains that unless a buyer specifically desires such a feature, they will likely perceive the cost and effort of removal, wall repair, and repainting. This personalized feature can decrease the home's marketability by presenting an immediate renovation task to prospective owners. #HomeValue #DecorTrends #InteriorDesign #RealEstate #HomeStaging #ResaleValue #ColorDrenching #SmartHome #Minimalism