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Whether you are updating your home to reflect a new chapter in your lives, or prepping the house for sale, here are the top design trends projected for 2019. It is a fact, a home that shows well, sells faster and for top dollar. So if a new home is on your horizon, consider tailoring some of these ideas for a new look without breaking your budget. Many empty nesters are electing to stay put and reorganize their space to include an in-law suite to accommodate aging parents. Other popular updates include converting a former nursery or child’s room into a man cave, she-shed, home office, home theatre, or game room. If 2019 is the year of change in your lives and possibly your address, you’ll want to have a look at these trending updates in home renovation.

One continuing trend with no signs of quit is emulating the high-style designs found in four-star restaurants and five-star hotels in our dwellings. For smaller homes, this could mean taking a hard look at your furniture and consider replacing it with multi-purpose units. For example, table that easily converts to a bar or a room divider in less than a minute. Or installing a table that folds up completely into the wall when not in use. Let’s not forget Murphy beds! These have long provided the answer to the need for a dedicated home office that converts as needed into guest quarters.

Another exciting new element is the use of three dimensional printing effects on wall decor and even patterned flooring. Speaking of patterns, classic herringbone is finding its way into both traditional and contemporary settings alike. Not ready to commit to an angled hardwood floor in your living space or whitewashed herringbone vinyl plank flooring in your kitchen? Start small with a similar patterned bedspread, to see if this trend has legs in your home and your life.

What’s Hot and What’s Not in Home Design Trends

Beyond questionable decor items like a floral bedskirt, which can easily be packed, all of us harbor at least one fixed design element in our homes that is passe and could deter buyers. Among these design faux pas are wallpaper borders, vertical blinds, textured ceilings, sponge-painted walls, non-neutral toned granite, and geographically-themed homes such as Santa Fe, Tuscan, Mediterranean, or even styles such as modern over more traditional design choices.

While urbane dynamism may reflect your taste level, many buyers might not agree with you. Therefore, realtors advise making your home appear inviting, yet serve as a blank canvas for the new owners. That means decluttering every room down to the bare necessities, even to the point of putting your big, comfy furniture in storage and staging your home with newer, fresher, smaller pieces. Aware that buyers are looking for an open floor plan and walk in closets? Problem is your pre-1970s home has neither? No point in taking a sledgehammer to what might be a load-bearing wall or sacrificing part of a bedroom for more storage. Instead, draw up a floor plan (there are many freeware sites online that allow you to do just that) that shows how easily they can do it once the house is theirs. As for your shallow closets, remove the old rod and install a wire and steel unit that offers shelving and hanging sections for zero unused space and maximum clothes storage options.

If your budget is tight the top three changes you can make are relatively inexpensive: new paint, new area rugs, and new light fixtures. Dark-toned paint can deter buyers who’ve never wielded a paintbrush. New, lighter paint sends the right message- that your home has been well-maintained and is fully updated. Opt for tints, beige only if you must, light gray is having a moment, and pale blue as well. Keep window trim crisp with a coat of satin-finish white for just the right contrast. (Stained wood trim is very 1970s. Just. Don’t. Do. It.)

Carpets should be steam cleaned, and new color coordinated area rugs used to demarcate distinctive activity regions such as seating and dining, especially in larger, multi-purpose rooms. The idea here is that while most buyers want an open concept, they’ll have to be shown how these vast spaces can best be utilized. The most expensive fix is also known to influence many home buyers- new lighting. Install recessed lighting in dark rooms, and while gold is having a comeback, those buying for the long-haul will opt for silver and bronze fixtures. Note: Today’s trend, Edison bulbs, is tomorrow’s “what were they thinking?” It has almost had its day, so use these sparingly, if at all.

Adapting the top design trends of 2019 via a complete or partial renovation, or even just some fresh updates to home decor can have a positive effect on home buyers, and for those staying put. Repurposing a well-loved home to reflect current interests and life stages will increase its value and ‘liveability’ overall. Demonstrating to potential buyers through visual clues such as fresh paint signal that the home is sell-worthy, and will doubtless bring about a positive outcome regardless of the current market in your region.