5 Design Trends Real Estate Agents Want You to Skip This Year

If the latest whirlwind of social media-fueled interior design trends has you feeling a bit dizzy, you’re not alone. These fresh and splashy trends can be fun to try out in your own space, but if you plan on selling your home in the next several years there are some trends you may want to avoid.

We asked several real estate agents to weigh in on the trends they think homeowners should skip in 2024, and their answers may surprise you. Here are five design trends to skip this year, according to real estate agents.

Real estate agents acknowledge that while neutral choices are always a win in interiors, the all-white-everything trend takes it a bit too far.

“As a real estate expert, I have started to notice that homeowners and potential new buyers are gravitating more toward layered spaces with more vibrant colors,” says Marty Zancick, real estate professional and owner of Chamberlin Real Estate School. 

While white interiors can feel bigger and brighter, they can also feel cold and impersonal, especially when it comes to more permanent features in the home such as kitchen cabinets, tile floors, backsplashes, bathroom fixtures, and more.

Instead of the all-white-everything look, Zancick recommends opting for warm neutrals to give your space an inviting and cozy feel. Think natural wood tones, warm off-whites, beiges, taupes, grays, and browns, layered textiles, and pops of color throughout the space.

Open shelving has been a huge trend in kitchens for a few years now, but it’s beginning to fade in popularity as homeowners prioritize function over form. Not only does open shelving limit the amount of storage available in your kitchen, but it requires constant upkeep (like dusting and degreasing) to keep it looking clean