When it comes to design details, knowing where to spend and where to save can make all the difference. Spending too much in the wrong place is as much of a no-no as not doing enough, says Denver interior designer Lita Dirks.
And, there are other ideas that are just plain outdated. Here are seven “design don’ts” for 2016 from Dirks and IBS co-presenter Tony Crasi, an Akron, Ohio-based custom builder. Click here for a summary of their presentation on Right Sizing Your Design Dollars.
OUTDATED FLOOR PLANS. Don’t fool yourself into thinking that a floor plan is meeting buyers’ needs just because it’s your top seller, says Crasi. Take an honest look to see where improvements can be made. “Strive to make it better and you can probably ask for more money because you’re making it more interesting, more beautiful, and more today,” he says.
GRANITE. In certain markets, granite countertops no longer wow buyers as they once did. Even many apartments come with granite countertops, so make your homes stand out with something different. Consider a more uniform surface such as quartz or quartzite.
OVERDONE CEILINGS. Ceiling details can be beautiful if done right, but often they border on overkill. Use them judiciously to achieve the right amount of design bling.
CRAMPED LAUNDRY/MUD ROOMS. These spaces off the garage are where the family enters and exits the home several times a day. They should be large and inviting, with lots of space for storage.
OVERSIZED ISLANDS. Some builders make the mistake of specing kitchen islands that are too large. If the kitchen is so large that you’re trying to fill it with an oversized island, consider retooling the floor plan and using that square footage elsewhere in the house.
PANTRY DOORS. Often, pantries look like a separate part of the kitchen because they have standard doors instead of doors that coordinate with cabinetry. “Don’t let it look like a bathroom, let it be part of the kitchen,” Crasi advises.
TUB VS. SHOWER. Many builders make the mistake of assuming that their customers want a bathtub, but that’s not always the case nowadays. Convene a focus group of local consumers to find out if it makes sense to offer a no-tub plans.
For those who do prefer bathtubs, standalone tubs are all the rage but find out if your buyers are willing to pay for them. “Definitely option it and let people have a choice,” he says. “That way they know you’re on top of the latest trends and you understand this is very in right now.”
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