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These Bathroom Design Ideas May Just Hurt Your Home's Resale Value
By MILY KAMMERLOHR
Vanity
Double vanities aren't practical. "Guests or future owners [...] may find those double-double setups unnecessarily obtrusive," says Ryan Fitzgerald, owner of Raleigh Realty.
Before you put your house on the market, examine the impact these double vanities have on the overall space in the bathroom. Consider adding better storage areas instead.
Themes
"Themes can limit your buyer pool because we all have different tastes," says Eric Bramlett, owner of Bramlett Residential. Go with more classic, neutral designs and colors.
Avoid making your bathroom too niche with "extravagantly patterned wallpapers or multi-colored mosaics," Fitzgerald says. "Keep things relatively neutral and classic."
Fixtures
Buyers want to see a clean bathroom, and "old, corroded faucets or yellowed lighting" scare them off, says Adrian Pedraza, owner of The California Home Buyer.
Fixtures can cost $800 to $1,500 and are worth it. "Opt for timeless finishes like chrome or brushed nickel and spend a bit extra on quality shower fixtures," Bramlett adds.
Storage
Buyers look for storage space. "Clutter is […] public enemy No. 1, but tiny, minimalist pedestal sinks or loud, open shelving leave no room for storage," says Fitzgerald.
Other experts agree, as Pedraza adds, "Building out storage can easily top $1,500." This isn't a quick fix like popping into IKEA for a storage cart or adding a magazine basket.
Dark Colors
Bathrooms often have fewer square feet than other rooms. Dark, moody colors in a small space make it seem cramped. Bramlett says, "Light colors are […] the way to go."
Consider pale blues, like a powder blue for the powder room, classic colors like gray and light brown, or white with warm undertones so it doesn't have a hospital-like feel.