Is it just wasted money if the next owner doesn’t care? Or do those little things actually help resale sometimes?
Honestly, it’s a bit of both. Custom features like a dog shower or reading nook can make your space uniquely yours, and they do add value for the right buyer. But yeah, there’s a chance some folks might see them as “nice-to-haves” rather than must-haves. If it’s something you’ll truly enjoy every day, it’s rarely wasted money in terms of quality of life. Resale is always a gamble, but thoughtful design choices tend to age better than super niche ones.
WHERE DO YOU EVEN START WITH HIRING SOMEONE TO DESIGN YOUR HOUSE?
- You’re spot on about the “it depends” factor. I’ve seen people put in things like built-in espresso bars or secret bookcase doors—sometimes buyers love it, sometimes they just shrug.
- If you’re planning to live there for a while, I’d say lean into what makes you happy. That’s not wasted money if it improves your daily life.
- When it comes to resale, the trick is balance. Stuff like extra storage, mudrooms, or a well-thought-out kitchen almost always gets a thumbs up from future buyers. Super-specific features (like a climbing wall in the living room) are more hit-or-miss.
- I’ve had clients who worried about resale so much they ended up with a house that felt generic. They regretted not adding those personal touches.
- On the flip side, I’ve also seen homes with really quirky features sit on the market longer, but when the right buyer comes along, they’re willing to pay a premium because it feels “just right” for them.
- If you’re hiring someone to design your house, bring up these concerns early. A good designer will help you find that sweet spot between personal and practical.
- And honestly, trends change. What seems niche now might be the next big thing in five years. Who knew everyone would want a home office or a mudroom until recently?
- At the end of the day, if you’re investing in your own comfort and happiness, that’s never really wasted. Worst case, you enjoy it while you’re there, and maybe the next owner will too.
It’s a balancing act, but don’t let resale worries totally dictate your choices. Your home should feel like yours, not just a showroom for the next person down the line.
I’ve had clients who worried about resale so much they ended up with a house that felt generic. They regretted not adding those personal touches.
This hits home. I worked with a couple last year who were obsessed with “future buyers”—every decision was about what someone else might want. In the end, their place looked nice enough, but it could’ve been anyone’s house. Six months later, they called me back asking if we could add some of the things they originally wanted (a reading nook, a bold tile in the entry).
Honestly, I get the temptation to play it safe, but you’re the one living there now. There’s always a risk that something unique won’t appeal to everyone, but I’ve seen plenty of buyers get excited over features that felt personal and unexpected.
If you’re hiring a designer, don’t be afraid to push for what matters to you. The “safe” route isn’t always the most satisfying—or even the best investment long-term. Trends shift, and sometimes what feels quirky today is exactly what people want tomorrow.
Totally agree with this—playing it safe just leads to a house that feels like a model home, not your home. I see it all the time: people get so hung up on resale value that they forget they’re the ones actually living there for years. I get wanting to protect your investment, but honestly, most buyers aren’t looking for a blank slate. They want to see a place with some character, something that stands out from the rest.
I’ve built a few places myself and every time I added something a little “out there”—like a built-in bench under the stairs or a weirdly shaped pantry—it ended up being the thing people commented on the most. It’s funny, the stuff you think might hurt resale sometimes ends up being the selling point.
Curious—has anyone ever regretted going bold with a design choice? Or did it actually make you love your place more?
WHERE DO YOU EVEN START WITH HIRING SOMEONE TO DESIGN YOUR HOUSE?
This is spot on—people get so wrapped up in “neutral for resale” that they forget to make the place feel like theirs. I’ve worked with clients who were hesitant about a bold tile or unique built-in, but honestly, those are almost always the things they end up loving most. Sure, there’s a risk, but bland design is a bigger risk in my opinion. I’d argue it’s better to live in a space that excites you, even if it’s not everyone’s cup of tea.