Keeping a home valued at top dollar often feels like a relentless struggle between staying on top of updates and avoiding new trends that may end up feeling dated more quickly than others. William Collins, a real estate developer, advises there are often ways to incorporate current trends and preferences in a low-key manner ready to stand the test of time or undergo minor tweaks to stay relevant. For homeowners who want a bit of the modern without facing a full renovation to sell in the future, a few basic tips can help.
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William Collins on adopting trends with timeless style
Accent versus full embracing
Some trends, such as eye-catching paint styles, contrast colors, and bold patterns can really attach a home to a specific time period and design aesthetic. When reselling is a desire in the future, consider moderate or light adoption of preferred trends to avoid putting off future buyers or investing serious dollars in new trims and paints to sell.
For example, a desire to embrace modern farmhouse chic could be limited to moveable options, such as furnishings and decor, versus an exterior paint job and a complete overhaul of tiles, appliances and cabinetry. A similar approach could have been used for 80s pastels and the eye-catching patterns of the 70s to limit immediate dating. Another possibility is partial embracing, such as adding a reclaimed wood accent wall but avoiding redoing major areas of the home, according to William Collins.
Embrace changing work styles
While style is always debatable, respecting trends spurred by fundamental changes in daily life is smart. For example, the COVID-19 pandemic led to many people starting to work from home for the first time and many stayed. Architects and interior designers have increasingly noted renovators and new builds asking for more space ready to adapt to or use as an office. Also popular is making accommodations for exercise equipment.
Creating more formalized opportunities for office space in the home is an easy adaptation with opportunities for adjustment by any future owners. Instead of designating a third or fourth bedroom as an optional office, it’s better to include some features, such as built-ins, ample plug-ins, and Zoom-ready walls that are OK for a bedroom but made for an office. The same holds true for workout areas. Hard flooring, mirror space, and ample ventilation are fine for a bedroom but necessary for a workout area. Incorporating these life-derived trends as they fit the homeowner’s needs does not impede value and can increase it as either space can easily convert to additional living spaces, bedrooms, craft rooms, and more.
Designing spaces
Some concepts, such as open floor plans, float back and forth in popularity and can stick around for decades before falling out of favor. When designing a home, William Collins advises it’s necessary to consider support walls. Beyond that, if an open concept space is designed with care, it can be easily enclosed with other design elements. Similarly, French or pocket doors can be used to make more flexible spaces while adding their own unique charm to living spaces.
Focus on other improvement-based trends
Some other trends in home improvements can include the installation of energy-efficient lighting, appliances, and other power-saving measures. If the investment can pay for itself before a homeowner plans to sell, the cost is more than worth it even if additional savings aren’t realized over time. Other considerations can include maximizing bathrooms by ensuring at least one has an easily accessible shower and that other dated elements are removed.
