Five Things I Wouldn’t Do to My Own Home

After years of walking through homes with buyers, patterns start to emerge. Certain choices come up again and again, not because they’re wrong, but because they tend to date a home more quickly or create friction when it’s time to sell.

These are five things I personally avoid in my home, based on what has resonated most over time.

1. Mixing too many paint sheens or color temperatures

Paint seems simple, but it’s one of the fastest ways a home can start to feel disjointed. Mixing warm and cool whites, or using several different sheens throughout a space, often creates subtle visual noise. Buyers may not always be able to articulate what feels “off,” but they sense it immediately.

Cohesive paint choices—consistent undertones and thoughtful sheen selection- create a calmer, more intentional feel that translates well across different styles and lighting conditions.

2. Chasing trends in permanent materials

Trends can be fun, but I’m cautious about using them in places that are difficult or expensive to change later. Highly specific tile patterns, bold countertop choices, or statement finishes can feel fresh in the moment but may limit appeal over time.

For permanent materials, I tend to favor timeless foundations. That doesn’t mean boring; it simply means choosing elements that age gracefully and allow personality to come through more flexibly.

3. Putting off small repairs because “I’ll get to it later.”

Minor issues have a way of compounding. A loose handle, a sticking door, or a small crack might feel insignificant day-to-day, but buyers notice everything, especially when multiple “small things” add up.

Homes that feel well cared for create confidence. Staying ahead of routine maintenance not only protects the home itself but also protects its perception.

4. Over-renovating one space while the rest is left behind

A beautifully renovated kitchen can absolutely shine—but when it’s paired with outdated or neglected surrounding spaces, the contrast can feel jarring. Buyers tend to view the home as a whole, and an imbalance often raises questions about what remains to be done.

A more measured approach, making steady, thoughtful improvements throughout, usually creates a better flow and a stronger overall impression.

5. Treating lighting as an afterthought

Lighting is everything. It affects how colors read, how spaces feel, and how a home photographs. I often see homes where finishes are thoughtfully selected, but lighting hasn’t received the same attention.

Layered lighting, ambient, task, and accent, adds warmth and dimension, allowing a home to adapt to different moods and times of day. It’s one of the most impactful updates you can make, and one of the easiest to underestimate.

Small decisions compound over time. Homes that feel cohesive, well cared for, and thoughtfully lit tend to age beautifully, and sell with more confidence, without ever feeling overdone.

If you’re unsure where to focus your energy or how certain choices might be perceived over time, I’m always happy to talk it through.