A real estate expert has revealed the interior decor trends that might be turning off potential homebuyers, with pastel colors leading the list of undesirable features. According to an analysis conducted by Agent Advice that examined decor-related Google searches across the country and each state last year, the least popular home design elements were identified, highlighting pastel furniture as the decor choice with the lowest interest. This information comes as a surprise, especially considering pastel colors and scalloped furniture have seen an increase in popularity over the past year.
Chris Heller, Co-Founder of Agent Advice, emphasized the significant impact that home decoration has on attracting buyers. He stated that well-decorated homes are more visually appealing and are more likely to resonate with buyers, often resulting in them being willing to pay more for a property that meets their aesthetic preferences and requires less renovation or redecoration. “This gives you an advantage in the competitive real estate market, particularly during peak periods like March, April, and May,” Heller noted, outlining the strategic importance of home staging for both in-person and online viewings.
The analysis not only highlighted pastel colors as the least appealing option for prospective buyers but also identified scalloped furniture, antique farmhouse decor, upcycled furniture, and industrial elements as other decor styles that could potentially deter homebuyers. These trends, which encompass a range of aesthetics from vintage to modern and farmhouse, seem to have their popularity waning, despite their prominence on social media platforms due to various cultural and design movements.
Surprisingly, the research also unveiled the design choices that are currently attracting attention from homebuyers. Among the most searched-for design elements are accent walls and pendant lighting, with minimalist elements such as monochromatic color palettes and open floor plans also ranking high. These findings suggest a shift towards simpler and more timeless design choices, reflecting a broader trend that might be driven by generational preferences and the transient nature of social media-fueled trends.
Heller further added, “The data shows the short-lived appeal of trends that rise to prominence of social media, which will attract some but likely not the majority.” He advised sellers to adopt simpler decor choices that offer a blend of personality and warmth, recommending warmer neutral tones, ample natural light, and a decluttered space as effective strategies for making homes more attractive to a wide range of buyers.
Design choices, ranked from least to most popular (nationwide)
Design Trend Average Monthly Google Searches pastel colors 290 scalloped furniture 341 antique farmhouse decor 1,625 upcycled furniture 1,883 industrial decor 2,708 scandinavian decor 2,975 botanical wallpaper 4,267 vintage decor 4,300 gold cabinet hardware 4,900 geometric wallpaper 5,658 arched window 6,600 arched door 6,725 layered rugs 8,300 mirror wall 9,300 wicker furniture 12,192 wood walls 12,367 color blocking 15,625 circular couch 19,392 boho decor 20,825 earthy tones 23,083 floral wallpaper 25,217 maximalism 25,650 jewel tones 27,375 gallery wall 27,375 wallpaper murals 27,900 hanging plants 38,950 accent wall 51,333 minimalism 62,750 pendant lights 62,958