If money is no object, this article is probably not for you. However, if you view your home as an investment, continue reading. Most interior design choices that hurt a luxury home’s resale value boil down to one thing: inconsistency. I’m not here to police your personal style—your home should be a reflection of you! If you want to live in a gothic castle or a maximalist dreamscape, I support you 100%. However, if you plan to sell before your next major renovation, your design choices will impact your bottom line. Poor design decisions can lead to price reductions and a longer time on the market.
I say this as someone who has seen it all. I’m a Private Client Real Estate Agent and luxury home investor. While I’m not an interior designer, I have a keen eye for design—and a lot of experience watching buyers hesitate over questionable choices.
Top Five Interior Design Offenders
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Interior Design That Clashes with Exterior Architecture
The biggest offender? A traditional exterior hiding an ultra-modern interior. Think colonial outside, spaceship inside. Buyers love a home that feels cohesive from the curb to the primary suite. -
Eclectic Styles That Don’t Appeal to the Majority of Luxury Buyers
It pains me to say this, but Hollywood Regency is on the list. And I love Hollywood Regency. The problem? Niche styles don’t always translate well to the general market. Fewer buyers embrace the eclectic, making resale trickier. -
Inconsistent Design Flow
A home should feel harmonious. That doesn’t mean every room needs to be identical, but drastic stylistic shifts—like a contemporary kitchen in an otherwise traditional home or a boho-chic primary suite in a transitional house—can be jarring. -
Cheap Finishes in a Luxury Home
Nothing says “cut corners” like fiberglass bathtubs, engineered wood floors, or pre-fabricated cabinets in a multi-million-dollar property. If the home is marketed as luxury, the finishes need to match. -
Choosing to Do Nothing
If your luxury home is a time capsule, buyers will notice—and probably not in a good way. It doesn’t matter if your home was featured in D Magazine 30 years ago; time has marched on, and your house has been left behind.
Planning to Sell Before Your Next Major Renovation? Keep These Guidelines in Mind
Express Yourself Through Furnishings and Décor
View everything else as a canvas. Large, bold artwork, statement furniture, and unique accessories let you showcase your personality without making permanent changes that could alienate buyers. If your style is avant-garde or deeply personal, use removable elements to create a space you love while keeping resale value intact.
Play with Paint and Window Treatments
These elements allow for personal expression without costly structural changes. Repainting walls or swapping out window treatments can make a dramatic impact while remaining relatively simple to reverse. If you love bold colors, opt for an accent wall instead of painting an entire room in an unconventional hue. Window treatments are another opportunity to bring in personality—luxurious drapes or sleek motorized blinds add sophistication while remaining easy to replace for future buyers.
For Expensive Fixtures and Updates, Choose Timeless Over Trendy
Trendy choices age quickly—and rarely in a good way. That terrazzo countertop or bold patterned tile might be all over design blogs today, but buyers may see it as an expensive mistake in five years. When investing in high-ticket items like countertops, cabinetry, or flooring, opt for classic, high-quality materials that stand the test of time. Think marble, quartz, or natural hardwoods—elements that always feel sophisticated.
Maintain a Consistent Design Throughout the Main Areas
Your home should feel like a well-curated experience, not a design tug-of-war. Buyers expect a sense of cohesion when moving from room to room, particularly in luxury properties. If you’re updating one part of the home, make sure it aligns with the rest—an ultra-modern living room in an otherwise traditional home will feel disjointed. When remodeling selectively, maintain consistent flooring, trim, and hardware finishes to create a seamless aesthetic that appeals to a wide range of buyers.
Hire a Professional Interior Designer
A seasoned designer can help ensure your home is both beautiful and marketable. Even if you have a great eye for design, an experienced professional will refine your vision and align it with market expectations while maintaining your personal taste. They can also help with material selection, avoid costly mistakes, and ensure that any investments you make provide a strong return when it’s time to sell.
Need Help Getting Your Home Ready to Sell?
If you’re in the Dallas or Collin County area and considering selling, I’d love to help you get your home market-ready. Whether your goal is to maximize your return, speed up your sale, or simply receive expert guidance, I’m here to help. Let’s discuss your goals and create a tailored strategy to ensure your home stands out in the luxury market. Reach out today, and let’s get started!
About the Author
Edwin Jones is a Private Client Real Estate Agent serving in the North Dallas Tollway corridor, from Park Cities to Plano to Prosper. An avid investor and serial entrepreneur, he holds an MBA and a bachelor’s degree in Economics from Southern Methodist University. With a deep understanding of luxury home design, finance, marketing, and real estate investing, Edwin brings a well-rounded, strategic perspective to every client interaction. His writing reflects the same level of intentionality: starting with a compelling premise, organizing key insights, weaving in personal experience, and using AI to generate a first draft, which he then polishes through editing, fact-checking, and plagiarism screening. His commitment to excellence ensures that the content is informative and trustworthy for anyone navigating the world of luxury real estate.
