Home Decor Trends to Avoid When Selling Your Home

Putting your home out on the market for sale? Of course, then, you would want it to look its best!

To attract potential buyers, you must be thinking of making it look just right. And so, you turned to interior design trends you have seen on TV or in interior design magazines. 

Home decor trends can be fun and a great way to showcase your style. But when it comes to selling your home, it’s all about appealing to the widest possible audience. That means setting aside your own design preferences and focusing on creating a warm and inviting space that is ready for a new owner to move right in.

A little staging and decor magic can go a long way in attracting buyers. But not all trends are worth the effort—some can turn buyers off faster than you can say a new offer. 

If you’re prepping to sell, read this guide to learn the home decor trends you must avoid. 

What is the Quickest Way to Sell Your Home? 

In a hurry to sell your home but don’t want to deal with the traditional selling process? Selling your home to a company that buys houses for cash may be a good option. 

Cash buyers provide an expedited process. They purchase homes in their current condition, i.e., as is. That means you won’t have to repair anything. It also eliminates the delays of traditional financing, appraisals, and inspections. 

This is particularly appealing for homeowners facing time-sensitive situations such as job relocations or financial hardships. It’s, however, also a worthwhile option if you’re living in an area where homes take longer to sell. 

The Bay Area, for instance, is the fourth hottest housing market in the country. Yet, home sales in the San Francisco area have slowed down. 

A new real estate report shows that the number of Bay Area houses that have been on the market for more than 30 days is increasing. Sellers are struggling to find buyers in several counties. 

If you’re in haste to sell your home in any of the San Francisco counties, a cash buyer can help. According to John Buys Bay Area Houses, the main advantage of working with them is that you can close in as little as a few weeks. That means you can move on without the usual stress. 

Need to offload your home quickly? Discover how to sell your home hassle-free – click here!

Selling Your Home? Decorating Trends to Avoid 

Here’s a list of decor trends you might want to reconsider if you’re gearing up to put your home on the market.

1. Wallpaper

Wallpaper made a huge comeback this year. Flora and fauna prints, designs in earth tones, scenic murals, and maximalist designs dominated 2024, says Homes & Gardens. 

A wall with a beautiful patterned wallpaper looks amazing. But the thing is, not everyone loves them. That dramatic floral or neon-colored accent wall you adore might appear as one more thing to change for a buyer. They may wonder how many hours or dollars it will take to make the space their own.

Design aside, the condition of the wallpaper matters a lot. A wallpaper that is peeling or faded is a red flag. To potential buyers, it appears that the house hasn’t been well-maintained. Remove the wallpaper and repaint the walls, hence. 

Stick with light, neutral paint colors for a clean, open feel. Warm beiges, soft grays, and creamy whites are great options. These shades are universally appealing and can help potential buyers envision their own decor in the space.

2. Open Shelving in the Kitchen

Open shelving is a hit in kitchen makeovers, often seen as sleek and minimal. But the reality? For many buyers, it can be a hassle rather than a feature. 

According to Homes & Gardens, open shelving can be hard to organize as well as difficult to keep clean. Moreover, not everyone wants to see their dishes and pantry items displayed in the open. This can stress out some buyers. 

If your kitchen is heavy on open shelving, balance it with closed cabinets for a cleaner, more practical look. A decorative French dresser is an excellent alternative to open shelving. However, opt for glass front cabinets if you want to make your kitchen appear spacious. 

These will offer storage without the pressure to keep everything on display. Plus, they will appeal to buyers looking for functionality and minimal upkeep.

3. Bold and Dark Colors

Dark walls and bold accent colors have become really popular lately—yes, they can look stunning. But they are not for everyone.

A dramatic black or deep blue wall might feel cozy to you. But it can feel oppressive to others. It can make the space feel smaller and less inviting. Hence, buyers might have a hard time envisioning themselves in a room that feels closed-in.

Most buyers are actually looking for light and bright spaces. So, if you have a few rooms painted in these trendy dark hues, give them a fresh coat in a lighter shade. 

According to real estate experts, buyers are attracted to warm and inviting colors like creams, whites, and lighter beiges. Repainting the house with these shades will make your space more open and inviting, which is what you want when selling.

4. Shabby Chic and Excessive Rustic Decor

The farmhouse style, made popular by shows like Fixer Upper, was all the rage for years. 

Barn doors, shiplap walls, and rustic touches everywhere might make your home cozy. But like most trends, the farmhouse look is becoming a little dated. Your space might appear too much for buyers who aren’t fans of them. 

Heavily distressed wood and chunky, oversized furniture can make a home feel overly personalized. Buyers today are moving towards cleaner lines, more modern accents, and away from that country cabin look.

If your home has a strong farmhouse vibe, tone it down a bit. Maybe replace that barn door with a standard door or paint over shiplap walls. 

Adding a few modern or contemporary elements can make the space feel fresher and more versatile. Modern elements, according to The Spruce, include neutral colors, clean lines, natural materials, and minimalist furniture. 

In short, a lot of trendy decor might make your home look fantastic. But it could alienate potential buyers who prefer a more neutral, flexible aesthetic. 

It’s great to keep up with trends, but remember that selling is about creating broad appeal. So, keep your home’s decor simple, clean, and inviting. That can help buyers imagine themselves moving in with ease. And that’s the key to a quick, successful sale.