We all want our homes to be attractive and reflect our personal style, and we choose decorative items to achieve both of these goals. Unfortunately, this sometimes means significant logging or maintenance costs.
If you live in a house you've owned for years and years, decorate it however you like. However, if you're renting and can move at any time, or plan to sell your home, think twice before investing in furniture, artwork, or other fixtures that you can't take with you. The decor you choose today may not match the style of your future home, forcing you to start over, and if you plan to sell, some of the choices you make may turn away buyers.
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GOBankingRates is where people in the real estate and design industries get their advice on budget decorating ideas. Eight of their proposals are in the process.
Wallpaper
Wallpaper was a staple in the homes of the 1960s and 1970s; Look for it next time you're watching reruns of The Brady Bunch or Columbo, but it's gone. Although today you can see designers using wallpaper in some projects on HGTV shows, in general it is rare.
"As design trends change, wallpaper styles can quickly become outdated. Choosing a patterned or bold wallpaper may appeal to you now, but in a few years it may look dated, making the room more little catchy and in need of something new," he says. Boyd Rudy is a Michigan real estate broker from MiReloTeam through Keller Williams.
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Theme design
Home design and remodeling expert Wendy Wang says it's wise to resist the urge to decorate with themes.
“For example, a nautical theme, anchor accents, sailboat artwork, or a beach theme with all the crabs. At first glance, they can look attractive, especially to complement a certain environment or express personal interest, says Wang, owner of F&J Outdoor Group. "These things usually make a room look elegant rather than elegant and sophisticated. When the novelty wears off, they quickly age the space.
Instead, she says, use themed pieces as complements rather than focal points.
I recommend investing in classic, timeless pieces and incorporating small accents to subtly bring out the theme. It's really about balancing flavor and personality with broad appeal,” he adds.
Expensive window treatments
When it comes to window coverings, one home design expert believes you should keep it simple.
"Many people spend money on expensive and complicated curtains to decorate their homes," says Jessica Wilson, editor and co-founder of InYouths LED Mirrors. "While these pieces add visual appeal, they are often a wasteful investment. New blinds can be difficult to clean and maintain, shortening their lifespan compared to simple window treatments. In addition, these blinds may not suit the design of the future home, making them poor for resale. Their cluttered design can also make a room look cluttered and uninviting. Instead, choose simple treatments and more affordable windows to create an attractive and timeless home.
Artificial plants
If you want greenery in your home, real estate veteran Pete Evering recommends growing and caring for real plants instead of buying artificial ones, especially if you plan to sell your home soon.
"Fake plants may not have a significant impact on resale value, but they can create a negative first impression on your home, making it look cheap and unrealistic," says Evering, Utopia Property. Business development manager. "Their finished look is unnatural and detracts from the overall visual appearance of the space. Visitors or potential buyers may perceive it as an indifferent sign or decorative shortcut. Artificial plants can make the room look lifeless and unattractive instead to give you the freshness and vitality that real plants provide."
Wall to wall carpet
In some old TV shows, you'll see carpet on the floor, not wood, tile, or fancy vinyl. Sometimes even in the bathroom. But Roman Smolowski, a real estate expert and owner of A+ Construction and Remodeling in Sacramento, California, offers another option.
“From a resale point of view, carpet weaving can suffer. Many buyers these days choose wood or tile floors for their aesthetic appeal and durability. Carpets are often associated with allergies and can hide dust, dirt and other pollutants that can cause health problems. This may deter health-conscious consumers or those with allergies.
"In terms of design, rugs can make rooms feel small and dated, adding curb appeal to the entire home. Although the current trend leans toward minimalist and modern spaces, rugs can feel out of place and dated hopeless."
Decorative light
Imagine a luxurious crystal chandelier in a classic Victorian style in a minimalist living room or an industrial pendant light. It looks great when moved, but it's a waste of resources because it can clash with the overall design of the home,” says Zachary Smegel, founder of Real Estate Licensing Wizards.
"Aside from the aesthetic controversy, such a statement can be a double-edged sword when it comes to resale. Potential buyers may find it excessive or contrary to their taste, forcing them to consider the costs of replacement before they buy. "I've had clients who love their homes, but it just doesn't fit their style. They are reluctant to buy expensive bulbs."
Water sources
Like wallpaper and light fixtures, beauty is in the eye of the beholder when it comes to water features.
"Yes, a beautiful fountain at the entrance of your home or in the middle of your yard can add beauty to your property and create a relaxing atmosphere," says Benas Leonavichus, founder of Home Capris.
"However, water fountains can be very expensive decorative items in terms of cost and installation. If you plan to sell your property in the future, you should know that they do not add any monetary value. In fact, they can decrease value of your home in the eyes of some buyers, as such large water features are often less than beautiful." Their advantages are that they require maintenance that can be easily weighed.
they throw blankets
"One thing I often see people splurging on when decorating their homes is expensive designer rugs," says Peter Ranchman, an interior designer and founder and CEO of Floor Theory in Los Angeles. "Sure, they can be made of beautiful materials and have a modern design, but the reality is that most people don't want to worry about having them professionally cleaned every time they want to renovate. It's like having beautiful art that you can't touch and enjoy without fear of destroying it."
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