I’m a real estate broker: 3 living room renovations you’ll regret

Are you planning to renovate your living room? Ideally, homeowners will want these renovations to result in a comfortable, timeless space. What homeowners don’t want is a living space filled with mistakes that cost too much to fix later, especially if they plan to sell the home in the near future.

GOBankingRates spoke with a real estate broker and an interior designer to learn more about the living room mistakes homeowners regret most financially. Keep reading to learn three design mistakes to avoid in the living room.

Over-personalization

Maybe you saw a home video of “Architectural Digest” touring a celebrity’s home and liked some of the custom designs you saw in their living room, like huge built-in bookshelves or grid lighting LED.

As appealing as it may be to customize a living room, Colten Claus, associate broker at 8z Real Estate, doesn’t recommend doing so for several reasons.

The first is cost, which can scare buyers off before renovations begin. Buyers who want custom features like built-in shelving or specialty lighting could end up paying anywhere from $5,000 to $25,000 to get the job done, Claus says.

Another problem is its lack of universal appeal. The owner might like it, but Claus said the custom features might not appeal to future buyers. The more a homeowner personalizes their living room, the more difficult it may become to sell their home later.

Instead of spending too much on over-customizing the living room, Claus recommends homeowners look for versatile solutions that can accommodate different needs. Some examples include the use of freestanding shelves or adjustable lighting fixtures.

Buy matching furniture sets

At first glance, purchasing matching furniture sets may seem like a quick and cost-effective way to renovate a living room. But Andrea Schumacher, president of Andrea Schumacher Interiors, said it’s a common mistake that can result in a static, uninspired space.

“A living room should be dynamic and reflect the personality of its occupants,” said Schumacher. To add depth and character to the space, she recommends investing in a variety of furniture styles and pieces.

Shopping for a variety of furniture doesn’t have to be a costly outing, either. Consider exploring budget retailers like World Market or Ikea, or checking out Pottery Barn’s Open Box deals, which allow shoppers to purchase returned furniture at a fraction of the original price.

Low lighting

You may think that opting for a living room with a single lighting source, such as a single lamp, gives the space a dreary aesthetic. The reality is that poor lighting choices often make living rooms feel dark and uninviting.

This can even harm the living room in the long term. Claus said homeowners who neglect to layer lighting or rely solely on overhead lights detract from the ambiance and functionality of the room.

According to Claus, a lighting overhaul costs between $1,000 and $5,000. It’s not cheap to transform a poorly lit living room into good lighting, but it’s worth it.

“Incorporate a mix of ambient, task and accent lighting to create a well-lit and welcoming space,” Claus recommends, adding that homeowners can enhance the living room atmosphere and add layers of light by using floor lamps, table lamps and wall sconces.

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