HOUSE THAT!?
The 10 interior design blunders that make your house unsellable – from fake plants to ‘sloppy’ curtains
Plus six ways to make a tiny bathroom look larger and feel cosier
WITH summer fast approaching, brighter days and warmer nights are on the horizon - which means the housing market is starting to come alive.
And experts have said that now is the perfect time for homeowners to put their properties up for sale as the longer days make the whole process more enjoyable.
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But did you know that there are 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 there are a few design errors that could have the opposite effect.
So, if you're thinking of putting your home on the market, then you might want to take note.
Estate agents have shared their top ten common interior design mistakes that can make your home less appealing.
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Property pro James Benson, of , revealed that even the smallest design missteps can be enough to turn someone off your home
While some of these mistakes may seem minor, they can add up, ultimately lowering the attractiveness of your home and potentially impacting its resale value.
Ignoring foul odours
One of the first things that people notice when they walk into a home is the smell - and a bad odour can be a dealbreaker for a potential buyer.
James explains that smells from pets, cooking, and dampness can linger and make people uncomfortable.
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He said: "If your home smells bad, no amount of fresh paint or beautiful decor will save it.
"Before showing your home, make sure it's aired out, and consider using neutralising scents like fresh linen or citrus. A clean, fresh-smelling home is always more inviting."
I'm a DIY fan and swear by a seven colour room that makes any home feel like it's been designed by a pro
Overloading your walls with photos
We all love having personal touches and photos around our house - they make our spaces feel meaningful, and they can bring back happy memories.
But having too many family photos and personal mementos can make a room feel cluttered and overly intimate.
The experts say: "Personal photos are best kept in albums, not displayed throughout your home.
"Too many pictures can make a space feel crowded and cluttered, which could deter potential buyers who want to imagine their own lives in the space".
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Skipping privacy in your bathroom
You might not realise it, but separating the toilet from the rest of the bathroom area can make a significant difference when it comes to selling your home.
James advises: "Privacy is key. If possible, create separate areas for the toilet, shower, and sink.
"This ensures a more functional and private space, which is something that buyers will appreciate.
“While this may not always be feasible in every home, considering this separation when designing or renovating can pay off.”
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Letting your curtains drag on the floor
This might seem like a really minor issue, but curtains that hang too low or drag across the floor make a room feel smaller and less polished.
James suggests: "Curtains should hang just above the floor, ideally an inch or two.
"This allows them to flow freely and adds a touch of elegance to the room.
"When they drag along the ground, they look sloppy, which is definitely not the impression you want to give when showing your home."
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Ignoring proper lighting in your rooms
Any interior designer will tell you that lighting can be a game-changer for any room in the house.
Spaces that aren't properly lit can make the home feel gloomy, whilst hiding the beauty of its natural design.
James explains: "Good lighting is essential for creating a welcoming atmosphere.
"Using white walls, clear furniture, and glass doors helps reflect natural light, making the space feel airy and open.
"Without proper lighting, even the most stylish room can feel dreary".
Using artificial plants
Fake plants may be considered a super-easy way to add some greenery to the home while being low-maintenance.
But James warns that it could actually be doing more harm than good.
The property pro says: "Fake plants can look cheap and are often magnets for dust.
"They can make your home feel less authentic, and when it comes to selling, buyers will notice.
"If you’re looking to add a bit of nature to your space, opt for real plants instead."
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Overdoing it with colours and patterns
Most of us like adding a pop of colour to our home to brighten up the place, but having too many clashing colours and patterns can be off-putting for buyers.
James explains: "You want to create a cohesive look that appeals to a wide range of buyers.
"Stick to a simple colour palette with subtle contrasts. Try mixing light colours with one bold accent for a modern yet inviting space.
"Too many contrasting colours and patterns can overwhelm a room, making it hard for potential buyers to imagine themselves living there."
6 ways to make a tiny bathroom look larger & feel cosier
Olivia Crosher an expert interior designer at Naturewall, shared six ingenious tips to make your bathroom feel bigger.
1. Unified Colour Scheme - “Choosing a light, soft hue and pale colours can further enhance this effect, making the bathroom feel airy and open."
2. Embrace Texture with Tiles or waterproof wall panels - "Opt for panelling or tiles with subtle, natural textures or patterns to add interest without overwhelming the space, it can add layers to the room, making it feel cosy.”
3. Strategic Mirror Placement - "Consider positioning it opposite a window or in a spot where it can catch and bounce light around the room. This not only makes the space appear larger but also brighter.”
4. Minimalist Fixtures - "Wall-mounted taps and sinks can save space while adding a modern touch that's both functional and stylish."
5. Smart Storage Solutions - "This helps maintain a serene and spacious atmosphere without sacrificing functionality.”
6. Soft Lighting for Warmth - "This approach allows you to adjust the lighting as needed and adds a cosy ambience that's perfect for relaxing baths.
Overloading your sofa with cushions
Cushions can make your sofa super comfy and cosy, but having too many can actually be overwhelming, experts warn.
James suggests: "Interior designers follow the rule of three: one large cushion, one medium, and one small.
"This balance gives your sofa a neat, sophisticated look without overwhelming the space.
"Excess cushions create clutter and make the seating area uncomfortable."
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Hanging artwork in the wrong spot
Hanging artwork is a great way to add character to any room, but experts say making sure it's put up in the right place is very important.
James recommends: "When displaying artwork, ensure it’s at eye level, or centred with the furniture.
“Hanging pieces too high or low can make the room feel out of balance.
"For the best look, artwork should be easy to view without straining your neck or eyes, and it should enhance, not overpower, the room’s decor.”
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Skipping small repairs
When you've been in your home long enough, small things like cracked tiles, leaky faucets, or chipped paint are easily forgotten about.
However, these imperfections will quickly be noted by a potential buyer, and it can create a sense that the house has been neglected.
It also might lead them to think there could be bigger issues behind the surface, which could put them off buying your home.
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James advises: "Even if these repairs seem minor, they can add up to make a significant difference in how buyers perceive the property.
"Fixing them before listing your home can help you achieve a smoother sale and even increase your asking price".
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