When preparing to sell your home, understanding current buyer preferences is crucial. What adds value today can quickly diminish its appeal down the road.
While seasonal changes offer a prime opportunity for updates, unlike fleeting fashion trends easily discarded, renovations represent a significant investment requiring careful consideration. Unless you’re committed to living with a particular style for years or it’s easily adaptable, embracing overly trendy—and potentially “bold”—choices can inadvertently date your property and narrow its appeal.
A home is typically the largest financial investment most people make, alongside being where they spend the majority of their time. Therefore, prioritizing lasting design choices that are both practical and aesthetically pleasing is paramount.
Here’s a look at trends to avoid this spring:
- Colour Drenching
- Wallpapered Ceilings
- XL Sofas
- The Unfitted Kitchen
The trend away from feature walls has shifted towards “colour drenching”—painting all walls and woodwork in a single hue. While visually striking in expansive, well-lit spaces, this approach can feel claustrophobic or overwhelming in more typical homes if colours aren’t selected thoughtfully. While yellows and warm, earthy tones are predicted for 2025, be warned that yellow is notably divisive.
“Research indicates that yellow can actually provoke negative reactions; it’s considered the most challenging colour to the eye, reportedly linked to increased irritability and even infant crying.”
While wallpapering a wall is already a task, applying it to ceilings is gaining traction. However, this style remains highly specialized.
“Most buyers prefer the simplicity of painted ceilings which contribute to an open and airy feel. Wallpapered ceilings can appear fussy, make rooms seem smaller, and present a significant removal challenge for prospective buyers.”
Driven by increased time spent at home, oversized sofas—often L- or U-shaped—have become popular for their comfort. However, these can quickly dominate a living space.
“While spacious homes can accommodate them easily (and require careful logistical planning to get them inside!), they’re often impractical in standard-sized rooms and might deter potential buyers.”
The once-popular farmhouse aesthetic is fading, and with it goes the emphasis on completely unfitted kitchens. Instead of coordinated cabinetry, this trend embraces a collected look featuring freestanding butcher blocks, vintage dressers, and mismatched chairs.
“While charming in concept, most buyers prioritize functionality and expect modern conveniences, ample storage for appliances and food, and a well-organized space. A thoughtfully designed fitted kitchen remains the preferred choice for day-to-day living, offering a proven and appealing design.”
Kate Conrad, interior and homes expert and founder of Madison and Mayfair, provided this insight. Visit https://madisonandmayfair.com/ for more information.
