Earn more money when you sell your home
Increasing home value through interior design is one of the most valuable things any homeowner can do. And you don’t need to remodel your entire house or break the bank doing it.
…but if you make some smart upgrades, you absolutely can.
Paint here. Some updated fixtures there. Maybe a flooring update or two.
Addition by addition. These little changes add up quick.
This guide walks through every detail of home interior design that adds the most value. No crazy estate agent speak. Just simple, actionable tips.
Let’s dig into it…
Table of Home Interior Design Tips
- Why Home Interior Design Affects Value
- Rooms That Increase Home Value
- Value-Adding Design Tips
- Don’t Make These Design Mistakes
- When To Hire Professional Interior Designers
Why Home Interior Design Adds Value
Here’s the secret your real estate agent won’t tell you…
Your buyers decide if they want to buy your home before they even enter the front door.
Why?
Once they see your home, they’ll start making calculations. How much can they afford? How much will renovations cost? Will they even like it here?
Good interior design sweeps those problems under the rug.
Paint colors that make buyers feel at home. Flawless decoration that appeals to the majority of buyers. Curb appeal that makes people emotional.
For example, imagine walking into your kitchen.
Old appliances and dated cabinetry scream renovate. New quartz counters and sleek panels say you can move in tomorrow.
Kitchen renovations, and remodels in general, used to be the most lucrative home updates. Remodeling Magazine’s 2024 study proved minor kitchen remodels now have a 96% return on investment. That’s insane!
Professional interior design services have blown up because homeowners recognize the massive value they add. Decor experts understand psychology. They know what buyers are looking for.
Rooms That Impact Your Home Value
Since we know that interior design matters, which rooms should you focus on?
You won’t believe how few rooms will impact your sale price.
It’s easy to throw seasons bedrooms at you. But that won’t do you any good. Instead, you need to know which rooms are worth your time and which aren’t.
Let’s take a look at a few.
Kitchen
The kitchen is the single most important room in your home.
Buyers know it. Realtors know it. And if you know it, you can sell your home for what it’s worth.
New kitchen cabinets. Granite countertops. Stainless steel appliances.
If your kitchen looks like it was stuck in the Stone Age, your property value suffers.
Kitchen remodeling continues to be one of the top home projects for growing your home value. Simple updates like replacing cabinet hardware can work wonders.
Bathrooms
Bathroom renovations are a close second.
Flipping through real estate listings, you’ll notice beautiful bathrooms everywhere. And there’s a reason.
New flooring. Fresh paint. Clean fixtures.
Modern bathrooms speak volumes to buyers. They’ll assume the rest of your house was treated with similar care.
Living Spaces
Buyers are hungry for open living spaces.
That doesn’t always mean knocking down walls (although that could help). Often it just means rearranging your furniture.
Your living space should welcome visitors with open arms. That may include accent walls, upgraded lighting fixtures, or opening up the flow between rooms.
Value-Adding Design Tips
Alright, now let’s get into the meat and potatoes.
What home upgrades should you make to increase value? Here are the best options:
Paint
Paint is magical.
It’s also one of the cheapest ways to increase your home value. Want to spend less and earn more? Paint.
Stick to neutral colors whenever possible. There’s a reason 76% of buyers prefer lighter paint colors. They help your home sell faster.
Skip loud designs. You love that bright red accent wall. But paint it white and watch the value climb.
Fixtures and Lighting
Nothing ages a home quite like old dingy lights.
Update light fixtures wherever you can. Look for recessed lighting opportunities. And get rid of any orange lighting dying on your hands.
Flooring
Over time, your flooring takes a beating.
Buyers will assume your whole house was neglected if your floors are worn. Replace carpets that look like they’ve been hash smoked. Sand and refinish dull wood flooring.
Cabinets
You don’t need to install all new cabinets to refresh your home.
Replace doors and update hardware to give your cabinets a modern vibe. Add a fresh coat of paint or stain to make them shine.
Design Tips to Avoid
Ah yes, the mistakes we learn from.
Here are some of the biggest interior design pitfalls homeowners make when trying to increase value.
Personal Touches
That crazy wallpaper in your kitchen might be your favorite thing about your home.
Butterm try selling a house with unconventional designs. You’ll have a hard time making yourself out.
Buyers love neutrality. If you have eclectic tastes, consider updating those personal touches before selling.
Higher-End Renos
Putting a $35,000 kitchen into a neighborhood of fixer-uppers won’t get you $35,000 back.
Likewise, you don’t want your bathroom to scream “farmhouse” when your neighbor’s fancy brick stuffs. Research your competitors and plan your renovations accordingly.
Clunky Furniture
While we’re on the subject, your furniture plays a role too.
Avoid furniture that blocks flow throughout your home. Make sure you have adequate storage. And arrange furniture to make each room feel as large as possible.
DIY
Most homeowners can paint a room.
But that bathroom demolition? Maybe leave that to the pros.
While you can complete many renovation projects by yourself, others should be left to professionals. According to Credence Research, the residential segment accounts for more than 60% of the overall interior design market. Spend the money to get it done right.
Should You Hire Professional Interior Designers?
When should you call in the big guns?
If you’re stressing about every angle of your home, call a professional.
Maybe you’re planning a major renovation. You don’t know where to start with furniture. You want help decorating.
Don’t be afraid to pay for some professional help. Good designers will save you money in the long run by making smart recommendations.
They’ll know which trendy items won’t appear dated in five years. Interior designers prevent costly mistakes during renovations.
Wrapping Up
You’ve got this.
Home interior design has a massive impact on your home value. Remodel your kitchen and bathrooms. Paint your home neutral colors. Take care of the small stuff and watch your home sell.
Here’s a quick recap:
- Make sure your kitchen and bathrooms are up to par
- Stick to neutral colors and design features
- Make your rooms functional
- Match your interior design to the neighbors
- Don’t be afraid to hire professionals for big projects
