Monday Market Update: First, Break Some of the Rules…

Home design tips you may NOT want to follow!

There are countless design and organizing icons and home and garden channels that have changed the way we style our homes. Even staging a home is nearly required now as potential homeowners expect to see what they view on tv, YouTube and in magazines. But not every designer idea is a fit for every individual – so how can you update to modern standards AND still retain your individuality (and preserve ROI)?!


A recent article from Realtor.com® suggests the top design trends NOT to follow as exemplified by one staff writer. Here is our summary:


#1: Just say ‘no’ to the all-white kitchen. Implement color, contrast and character via lighting, hardware and fixtures.


#2: Don’t assume open concept is a must. One maybe good thing that came out of COVID was the acknowledgement that merged, open spaces are not always ideal for your sanity! Sometimes a cozy, closed off room is a better sanctuary. When designing a room, don’t think about open or closed concept; think about making defined and distinct spaces that fit your needs.


#3: You can still use ‘can’ lights. While many designers insist that can lights can ‘never be chic,’ they can be part of an overall lighting scheme. They may not be your only light or you most eye-catching element, but they do serve a purpose and that is valuable.


#4: Designers don’t let a tv dictate a room - but you should. Many experts advise to hide the tv or at least not center the room around it. But if you are striving for full functionality, why not?  A solid layout should showcase how the room is actually used – even if it may look more stylish another way.


#5: Keep your color photos. Designers often insist that black and white wall galleries are dramatic and timeless. But is that what’s really important? A gallery wall of full-color, family photos evokes reality and authenticity far more than a two-tone tint you can find anywhere.


We hope these tips have helped you envision a balance of how to update your home and incorporate all that you love at the same time!


Read In Full: ‘I Ignored These Celebrity-Loved Design Tips When Renovating My Home—It’s Proof That Bowing To Trends Doesn’t Always Pay Off’


Bobbi Decker
DRE#00607999

Broker Associate, Bobbi Decker & Associates
650.346.5352 cell
650.577.3127 efax
www.bobbidecker.com
NAR Instructor….“Designations Create Distinctions”
CIPS, SRS, ABR, CRS, SRES, GRI, CLHMS, REI, AHWD, RSPS, MSLG

Bobbi Decker & Associates fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. For more information, please visit: http://portal.hud.gov/


Bobbi's Blog

By Kim Yearry February 4, 2026
What to do when aging loved ones refuse support.
By Kim Yearry February 2, 2026
5 ways you can refresh without a remodel.
By Kim Yearry January 29, 2026
Including surprise salt sources you would not expect.
By Kim Yearry January 26, 2026
The newest quarterly report reveals balance matters more than price!
By Kim Yearry January 21, 2026
Enthusiasm & trust for AI varies by generation.
By Kim Yearry January 18, 2026
Incorporating 2026 color trends without having to paint!
By Kim Yearry January 13, 2026
All ages can help our nation’s blood shortage!
By Kim Yearry January 11, 2026
Could this lead to more buying and selling?
By Kim Yearry January 8, 2026
These are some of the things we’ll be talking about!
By Kim Yearry January 4, 2026
It’s not just curb appeal… it’s what it takes to keep it that way!