Honestly, I've seen this play out so many times it's almost funny. Remember when everyone was obsessed with avocado-colored appliances or shag carpeting? Yeah, exactly. Trends come and go, but there are definitely some cosmetic upgrades that tend to hold their value better than others.
In my experience, the trick is to stick with neutral, timeless choices for the big-ticket items. Think classic subway tiles in white or soft grays, hardwood floors in natural tones, or simple cabinetry. These things rarely scream "dated" even after a decade or two. Sure, they might not be the hottest thing on Pinterest next year, but they're unlikely to become eyesores either.
On the flip side, anything super bold or overly trendy—like those geometric patterned tiles or bright-colored cabinets—can quickly become a liability. I once renovated a property where the previous owner had installed bright turquoise countertops (I kid you not). They probably thought it was super chic at the time, but by the time I got there, potential buyers were practically running away. Had to rip it all out and start fresh... lesson learned.
If you're thinking about resale value down the road, I'd say keep your big investments neutral and classic, then sprinkle in trendy stuff through accessories or smaller details that are easy (and cheap) to swap out later. That way, you can enjoy the latest trends without committing yourself—or future buyers—to something they'll regret later.
But hey, if you're planning to stay put for a long time and turquoise countertops make you happy... who am I to judge? Just know what you're getting into!
Fair point about neutral choices, but honestly, I've seen some bold design choices become selling points later. Had a property with a funky retro kitchen—thought it'd tank resale, but buyers loved the "character." Sometimes quirky pays off... just gotta find the right buyer.
Good point about quirky features sometimes paying off—I've seen it go both ways, though. Had a place once with a super modern, minimalist bathroom. Thought buyers would love it, but feedback was mixed. Some said it felt cold or clinical. Guess it really depends on the market and trends at the time. Makes me wonder, do you think certain design styles age better than others, or is it always just luck of the draw?
I totally get what you're saying about minimalist designs sometimes feeling cold. When I was house hunting recently, I noticed a similar thing—some places that probably looked super trendy a few years ago just felt kinda dated now. Like those ultra-glossy kitchens or bathrooms with super angular fixtures...they seemed cool at first glance, but after a while, it just felt like something out of an old sci-fi movie, haha.
I think certain styles do hold up better over time—like classic or neutral designs. They might seem boring initially, but they're easier to update or personalize later on. On the flip side, something that's too trendy can really lock you into a specific time period. But then again, maybe it's also about how well the space is maintained or adapted over the years? I guess it's probably a mix of style choices and luck...and maybe how adventurous future buyers feel when they're looking!
Yeah, I see your point about trendy designs aging quickly. But do you think it's mostly about style choices, or could it also be about the quality of materials used? Like, maybe higher-quality fixtures or finishes age better even if they're trendy at first. I've noticed some older homes with quirky styles still look great because the materials were solid and well-maintained...maybe that's part of why some spaces hold their value better over time?
