I know you have been waiting for this and here it is, the list of what's in and what's out from an expert out there working with buyers. Here we go:
Beadboard is out. Shiplap is in but hurry up because it is sort of fading. . .I think that a very limited use of this material is great but I have seen homes where it is in every room and that's just not going to work for most of us.
Brick wall accent - it's in! Even in small spaces like a powder room or large walk in pantry. Just do it. Don't do brick wallpaper, please!
Too many knick knacks, bric a brac, stuff sitting around. Take a look at the room pictured above. Tasteful and spare. That's more pleasing to the eye. If you have some favorite pieces, rotate them during the year.
Dark colors on the wall - not so much these days. I can't recall working with a buyer EVER who said they admired a dark painted room or wall. Most of the time "greige" is the way to go. Check out my pinterest board for ideas (https://www.pinterest.com/atlantaagent/paint-colors/. Don't listen to your best friend or neighbor please. I have had a few people list who painted before asking a professional then of course they don't want to spend the time or money to paint over it. Talk to your agent first. If you are not ready to sell but ready to paint - same tips apply. More people will admire your home if it is not a patchwork of color.
Carpet or hardwood - hardwood, real hardwood or engineered hardwood is always preferred. However, if you carpet some areas or add a runner of carpet on the stairs, do a low profile plush or maybe even one with a small print like a houndstooth in a neutral background color. Sisal stair runners are also popular. Both can be striking as long as the size of the "print" is not too large.
Kitchen cabinet color: White kitchens are most popular. But, "white kitchen" includes light gray or light beige as well. If you want to experiment with a second color, try it on the island or a small desk area or separate cabinet section. Black is not so popular these days for cabinetry generally. I personally think it's too hard to keep clean - I think others probably agree with me!
Countertops: marble, marble, marble. Did I say marble? Personally I think it can be done wrong or over done. I know some people who are afraid for you to sit a sprite on the counter for fear of staining. What's the point of that? I can't be that concerned about my countertops. Buy something light and easy to maintain like a very light, marble-like quartz or granite. Quartz is the preferred material after marble. I personally do not care for granite - it always feels dirty to me.
Fixtures: pretty much anything goes except the old bright brass of the 80's and 90's. I see many homes with different colors in different areas and it works. Best to keep it all the same in a bathroom or kitchen if possible.
Sinks: farm sink still very popular because they are so easy to use and practical. You can put anything in them, including dogs and kids! In the baths I still prefer solid white porcelain undermounted.
Trim color: this is really where it's very hard to determine what is the new "trend" because I have seen both recently in new construction. As much (tastefully well done) trim as possible and deep baseboards are still preferred. But, the color, white, off white, beige or a dark color. It kind of runs the gammut depending on the overall decorating scheme in the house. It is one to be careful with though because if you go changing it, consistency is very important. Also, hire a professional. There is NOTHING worse in a house than trim painted by a DIYer. It never looks right.
Window treatments: Spare. Two or three inch wood blinds are still popular, as are the 2 or 3 inch shutters. Try the new shutters without the middle rail - very nice. I think it looks nice to have a fabric drape in a bedroom or two but always neutral, matching the wall and not completely covering the window. Roman shades are also nice as long as they are the right color and good quality.
More to come. . .enjoy
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