WASHINGTON — What seemed fresh and modern in home decorating even a few years ago can be a turnoff for buyers today. And if you’re freshening up with an eye toward a quick sale of your home, social media has made keeping up with those trends both easy, and critical.
“Through image-centric social media sites like Instagram and Pinterest, consumers are constantly able to provide feedback and look at images all the time, which means trends are really evolving at a pace that we’re not used to seeing,” real estate listing site Trulia’s Lynnette Bruno told WTOP.
To get one of those sales that finds a buyer in a matter of days, sellers either have to have really good taste, or be willing to let the agent stage their home.
Bruno said agents report staging is key to selling it quickly.
Sometimes it’s not taste, it’s practicality that’s pushing popular trends to the sidelines. An example is bamboo floors, highly popular just a few years ago.
“They just aren’t as durable as we originally thought,” Bruno said. “Normal wear and tear on the floors makes them look more tired and warn.”
Also out, a decorating trend that was definitely hot a few years ago.
“This might break some of your hearts, but our experts are telling us that reclaimed wood is definitely on the out. I really think reclaimed wood is beautiful, but like many trends, it has just been overused,” Bruno said.
Also out right now: exposed lighting, granite countertops and DIY organizing projects and products.
What’s in right now?
Wallpaper is back, especially wallpaper with contemporary patterns. Also in: high-gloss lacquer on walls, pattern-on-pattern design, minimalism and strong accent rugs.
Trulia has more details about current home design trends on its blog.
