Trend or Fad? Knowing the Difference Could Save You Money

When it comes to updating your home, especially with the intention of putting it on the market, it’s essential to strike a balance between incorporating current trends into your renovations and avoiding fleeting fads. This distinction can significantly impact your potential pool of buyers.

Fads typically involve intense and widespread enthusiasm for something, but they tend to fade in popularity quickly and often lack practicality.

But are design trends predictable?

Unlike fads, trends have more extended lifespans and are more sustainable as a market force. They provide insights into the general direction of development over time. Design trends often have predictability because they are rooted in practicality, which justifies their enduring popularity.

So, how do popular passions evolve into trends?

While fads can occasionally transform into trends, predicting when this shift will occur can be challenging. If your goal is to attract a wide range of buyers and facilitate a swift sale, it’s advisable to steer clear of design choices that are excessively new, overly avant-garde, or excessively costly. Let’s delve into a few current fads to consider:

Wallpaper

According to HomeLight, “Thanks to Instagram and Pinterest, busy, bold wallpaper is making a significant comeback, with online searches for ‘bold print wallpaper’ increasing by 401% in the past year.” While wallpaper can infuse a unique personality into your living space, it remains just that – unique. Some buyers may perceive wallpaper as visual clutter, diverting their attention away from envisioning themselves in the space. Neutral paint tones, conversely, tend to possess broad appeal and can be effortlessly customized by potential buyers.

Kitchen Finishes

If you’ve watched HGTV lately, you’ve likely witnessed the prevalence of fancy gold or brass finishes in kitchens and bathrooms. However, this falls under the category of a “fad.” Despite its growing popularity, such finishes are still relatively uncommon in the majority of homes, especially in suburban areas. Opting for finishes with broader appeal is a safer bet unless you reside in a trendy city with a sizable, design-conscious millennial buyer base.

Open Kitchen Shelving

Open kitchen shelving has gained prominence in recent years, particularly in design shows. When staged meticulously and executed well, open shelving can look aesthetically pleasing. However, in the hustle and bustle of daily life, it often falls short in terms of functionality, appearing cluttered and disorganized.

Bathrooms

Beyond finishes, consider the fundamental features of your bathroom. Large walk-in showers have witnessed increased popularity, but they often necessitate the removal of bathtubs. Before making such a drastic change, take into account your potential buyers. While you might not be an avid bath enthusiast, a bathtub is often considered a necessity for young families with small children.”

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