What NOT to Do: 6 Questions to Ask Before Making Interior Design Choices That Hurt Home Value
When homeowners think about increasing property value, interior design upgrades often top the list. But not every bold move or Pinterest trend translates into a good return on investment. In fact, some choices can actually lower a home’s market value or alienate potential buyers.
To help you avoid costly design missteps, six seasoned female realtors weigh in on the smartest questions to ask yourself when deciding what not to do when staging or renovating your home’s interior.
1. “Will this appeal to a wide range of buyers?”
– Michelle Gomez, Realtor (Los Angeles, CA)
“When homeowners ask me about value-adding upgrades, I always encourage them to think about mass appeal,” says Michelle Gomez. “Installing a neon-colored backsplash or designing a jungle-themed guest bathroom might feel fun, but most buyers won’t share your taste.”
What not to do: Don’t choose ultra-personalized or polarizing decor themes. Avoid overly bold paint colors, unusual wallpaper, or eccentric light fixtures that could scare off buyers looking for a neutral canvas.
2. “Am I prioritizing style over function?”
– Renee Clark, Broker (Chicago, IL)
“It’s easy to fall in love with trendy aesthetics,” says Renee Clark. “But if a design choice sacrifices function, it could be a dealbreaker.”
What not to do: Don’t remove closet space for a built-in art nook or swap out practical kitchen storage for open shelving that looks good on Instagram but lacks usability. Always ensure upgrades enhance how the space works, not just how it looks.
3. “Am I over-improving for my neighborhood?”
– Lisa Tran, Realtor (Austin, TX)
“There’s such a thing as too much renovation,” Lisa warns. “If you install marble floors, high-end European fixtures, or custom cabinetry in a neighborhood where homes sell for $300K, you may never see that money again.”
What not to do: Don’t design as if your home is a luxury listing if your zip code won’t support that value increase. Over-improving can price your home out of the market.
4. “Is this trend already on the way out?”
– Tanya Miller, Agent (New York, NY)
Design trends move quickly. “Buyers today may already be tired of what was hot just a year ago,” Tanya says. “Barn doors, shiplap, and all-gray interiors were once hits. Now, some buyers roll their eyes.”
What not to do: Don’t chase fleeting trends. Instead, opt for timeless updates—neutral tones, classic finishes, and adaptable spaces. That’s what sells.
5. “Am I making permanent changes for temporary needs?”
– Naomi Ellis, Realtor (Phoenix, AZ)
“A homeowner once converted her dining room into a yoga studio, complete with hardwood inlays and floor-to-ceiling mirrors,” Naomi recalls. “It was beautiful—if you were a yogi. But buyers only saw lost dining space.”
What not to do: Don’t make permanent, expensive renovations for temporary lifestyle needs. If your design shift is personal and not easily reversed, it might cost you during resale.
6. “Have I consulted a real estate professional before investing?”
– Sandra Park, Agent (Seattle, WA)
Sandra emphasizes the importance of market insight. “A design magazine or influencer might suggest something that’s visually stunning, but that doesn’t mean it translates into ROI in your specific market.”
What not to do: Don’t skip the expert opinion. Before committing to a big design overhaul, ask your realtor what buyers in your area are actually looking for. They know which design trends resonate—and which turn buyers away.
Final Thoughts: Design Smart, Sell Smart
Your home is your sanctuary, and it should reflect your personality—but if you’re designing with resale value in mind, restraint and strategy are key. The goal isn’t to strip your home of character, but to balance personal taste with buyer appeal.
Ask these six questions before you pick up a paintbrush or call a contractor. The smartest design decisions often involve what not to do.
As Michelle Gomez puts it: “Sometimes, the best way to protect your home’s value is to simply not make a mistake.”
