I'm an interior expert – two design blunders that make your house unsellable

The Irish Sun

6 days ago

NOW that summer is well underway, the brighter days and warmer nights mean that the
housing market is starting to come alive.
Many believe that summer is the best time to put your home on the market when the better weather can make things easier and more enjoyable.
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Summer can be the best season to sell your home
Credit: PA
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But there are some design mistakes that could be making your house unsellable
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And it's bad news if you like the industrial look
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But did you know that there two several interior design blunders that could be making your house unsellable?
A well-styled home can make a huge difference when it comes to attracting potential buyers.
But interior experts have revealed that there are two design errors that could also have the opposite effect.
So, if you're thinking of putting your home on the market, then you might want to take note.
George Levett, a conveyancing solicitor at
One of these is eclectic maximalism, a design style that embraces a 'more is more' approach.
While it's tempting to inject personality into your home, it's important to consider how your choices will affect the property's long-term appeal
George Levett
conveyancing solicitor
This trend that is gaining popularity is characterised by bold patterns, rich textures, and an abundance of colours.
It has seen a dramatic rise in interest, with Pinterest Trends revealing a 54 per cent month-on-month increase in searches for the term.
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While experimenting with this trend can be fun and provide a unique expression of personality, experts warn it could have unintended effects on your home's value.
George says: 'While it's tempting to inject personality into your home through design, it's important to consider how your choices will affect the property's long-term appeal.
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'Many potential buyers prefer neutral, adaptable spaces where they can easily imagine their own style.
"A maximalist design can overwhelm and alienate these buyers, leaving them unsure of how to make the space their own.'
He explains that when it comes to the property market, homes with overly niche or polarising design trends can be harder to sell.
He adds: 'The more eclectic or maximalist the interior, the harder it may be for a buyer to visualise themselves in the space.
"It's essential to strike a balance between personal style and what's likely to appeal to a wider audience.
'In the end, you want your home to be a place where buyers can picture themselves settling in without feeling like they need to overhaul everything.'
While eclectic maximalism may dominate the conversation, another trend that could make your home 'unsellable' is the excessive use of industrial decor.
This includes having things like raw metal fixtures, exposed brick walls, and stark, warehouse-like interiors in the home.
While this style has a bold, edgy appeal, it can also give the space a cold, impersonal feel.
This trend may work in certain settings, but it's not always ideal for a family home or a property that needs to appeal to a wide range of buyers.
The five colours that are becoming outdated in 2025
IT'S important to make sure that when you update your space, you create a look that won't quickly become outdated.
With that in mind, interior designers have revealed the five colours that are beginning to fade now that we are halfway into 2025.
Interior pro Paulina Wojas from
Emerald Green
- "While this colour is still loved for its luxe vibe, its declining popularity could be due to it being oversaturated".
Camel
- "This could be due to Camel's brown-yellow undertone that may be too warm for a clean aesthetic, and 2025 interior trends favouring more muted, earthy tones such as taupe and olive.'
Burgundy
- "A prominent trend this year is open, airy spaces with organic elements, which could explain burgundy's declining demand".
Scarlet Red
- "While its vibrant hue is desirable for maximalist interiors, scarlet red's intensity can become overpowering, resulting in colour fatigue.
Teal
- "While this aquatic shade is still desirable and perfect for coastal, Greek-inspired interiors, the low number of teal sales could be due to changing preferences and trends shifting towards warmer colour palettes.'
George believes that overly industrial spaces can create challenges for prospective buyers.
He warned: 'Industrial design can make a home feel more like a converted loft than a lived-in family space.
'While some buyers may appreciate the raw, minimalist aesthetic, many will find it difficult to see the warmth and comfort they expect in a home.
"This style tends to be too niche and can alienate those looking for a more inviting and homely atmosphere.'
'Exposed pipes, concrete floors, and steel fixtures may work well in a trendy downtown apartment or a converted factory.
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"But for most families, they may feel more like a cold, utilitarian space than a welcoming home.
'For those looking to sell, it's crucial to focus on creating a space that has warmth and character while still being versatile enough to attract a wide audience.'
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The bold, eclectic maximalism approach might not be best for selling your home
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Too much brickwork as part of an industrial design is also not ideal
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