Say Goodbye To Your Resale Value: The 2025 Trend Buyers Are Tired Of Seeing

Sometimes, renovating your home based on trending styles can really pay off if you are planning to sell in the near future. Unfortunately, that also means the wrong design choice can kill your resale value if homebuyers shift their focus. Such is the case in 2026, as experts like Cozey design executive Evan Clabots say homeowners are leaving sterile designs like all white in 2025. When discussing 2026 interior design trends, Clabot said, "The stark, gallery-like look that dominated the past decade is finally winding down. People want homes that feel warm and personal again" (via MarthaStewart.com).

In the past, the sleek, almost commercial look was popular due to the appearance of cleanliness, space, and modernity. However, consumers and designers agree that comfort is the star of the show in 2026. That means more color, texture, and craftsman design, and fewer "clean lines." Homebuyers are looking for spaces that feel more personal, are easy to care for, and promote general wellness in 2026.

All-white walls and tile work were all the rage for the past few years, but not anymore. Homebuyers are sick of the overly bright, commercialized feel of all-white kitchens and bathrooms. According to Hannah Jackson, a Coldwell Banker real estate agent, homebuyers describe all-white designs as "boring" and "feeling like a rental" (per Apartment Therapy). In addition, these designs look clean only as long as they are kept clean, which means more regular maintenance is required to keep the area spot-free.

Don't finish everything with chrome or stainless steel. That's one home decor trend our design historian is happy to leave behind in 2026. Sleek, surgical metals that look clean have been popular for decades, but in the 2020s, they dominated more than just appliances. Stainless steel has been used for countertops, shelving, lighting fixtures, hardware, and more, and frankly, it's a bit overwhelming. Too much sleek metal can make the area feel more like a hospital or science lab than a home.

Outdated features don't have to define your home. Before making any major changes, take your sales timeline into account. If you are planning to sell in the next year or two, you may want to start investing in changes now before you start showing the home. However, if you plan to sell more than a few years down the road, tailor your design choices to your household until you actually consider listing it.

If you have all-white tile lining your kitchen or bathroom, consider 2026 bathroom tile trends like hand-painted tile for an affordable update that has homebuyers excited. Instead of tearing up your kitchen and investing in an expensive retiling job, all you need is some paint and imagination. You can DIY your own painted tiles or have an artist paint them for you. The hand-painted tile trend brings artistry into the space without requiring a significant remodel.

When it comes to metals, try replacing stainless steel or chrome accents with bronze or copper. The matte, earthy tone grounds the design and brings a natural element to the room that evokes a sense of comfort.