These are the 3 interior design styles that can boost the value of your home, according to interior designers and real estate agents

Whether you prefer a more minimal, curated scheme or embrace maximalism by showcasing all your favorite pieces on shelves, interior design is about making your home feel uniquely yours. However, as important as it is to be true to your tastes, it might be useful to pay attention to styles that are popular with other homemakers, as the right style could boost the value of your home.

Selecting an interior design style that will feel lasting and timeless in years to come is a key part of the design process. But it's equally important to consider what will be popular among a wider demographic, as when it comes to selling your home, it's been proven that buyers are more drawn to certain aesthetics.

I spoke with real estate and interior design experts to uncover which interior design styles are most popular among buyers and which will improve the value of your home when you sell up.

1. Modern farmhouse

When I asked the experts what styles buyers like to see, the modern farmhouse style cropped up. Characterized by its rustic feel, the aesthetic encompasses all the homely elements of a traditional country interior in a more curated way, balanced by contemporary colors and modern textures.

Modern farmhouse ideas are likely popular with buyers due to the neutrality of the style, incorporating both traditional and contemporary features. Fred says, 'This design trend has been around for a while, and for good reason. It gives a warm, inviting, and stylish vibe without crossing the line into trendy.

The combination of rustic elements like shiplap and natural wood and sharp, clean lines and a light, airy color palette creates a warm and inviting atmosphere that many purchasers, particularly families, will find appealing.'

If you're considering selling your property, remember that you don't have to change your entire scheme to appeal to buyers; in fact, focusing on one important room, like a modern farmhouse kitchen, is far less costly and will still make a difference to the value of your property.

2. Transitional style

Transitional design can be hard to pinpoint, it's more of a design method than a signature style. Interestingly, the experts mentioned it a few times when I asked what style would boost the home's value.

Typically, you'll find a mix of old and new pieces in a transitional interior, embracing contrasting periods and styles through intentional, thoughtful design. Fred Loguidice, founder of Sell My House Fast Delaware, says transitional decorating ideas are 'the best compromise for most consumers. It strikes a balance between ancient comfort and modern-day simplicity.'

'Think of tidy lines on pieces of furniture, combined with heritage elements, neutral colors with added texture and heat, and long-lasting, top-quality pieces. It's inviting to a large demographic because it doesn't veer too drastically in any particular direction, presenting a versatile platform that consumers can easily personalize.'

Andrew Fortune of Great Colorado Homes says, 'If I had to pick one style that consistently adds value, I’d go with transitional design. It bridges the gap between old and new and appeals to the widest audience. It just makes the whole place feel “done” without trying too hard. At the end of the day, that’s what most buyers are after.'

Remember, there are differences between transitional and traditional interior design. The latter often features vintage and antique decor that coincides with the property's age, whereas transitional design is eclectic, balancing decor of all styles and ages.

If you're looking to incorporate some characterful pieces in your scheme, 1st Dibs is a great place to start if you're shopping for a specific vintage find. If you're hunting for a rare antique and don't have time to head to an estate sale, Chez Pluie is stocked with all sorts of gems that will make creating a transitional scheme an inspiring mission.

3. Traditional style and architecture

While a full-fledged baroque-inspired house is less likely to attract a large audience, a property with traditional architectural features often catches the eye of buyers. However, the experts say it's important to balance character with modern furnishings to appeal to buyers and help them envision their belongings in the space.

The team at Doyle Goodrowe says house styles with modern and old features are most appealing. 'Many buyers I have worked with are looking for homes with real character and uniqueness, which is what draws people to older homes that have been renovated to keep the original charm but with a more modern-day, updated feel. This is why the trends have been more traditional exteriors and modern interiors with design details like curved ceilings, intricate moldings, originally refinished doors, and arched doorways.'

Many architectural features add value to the home, so enhance them with uplifting decor and furniture. New York City-based interior designer Tara McCauley says, 'Rather than decorating in too specific a style, a more appealing approach is to blend classic architectural detailing with fresh, contemporary touches, give traditional forms a lighter, more livable touch.'

Andrew agrees, saying 'The trick is modern design that is approachable and makes people relax, which might mean adding a little bit of traditional style to hit the sweet spot. For example, crown molding is still popular, but with modern light fixtures and neutral color palettes.'

Ana Cvetkovic, Principal of Rowhome Design, says, 'Think subway tiles, marble counters, Parisian-inspired wall molding, and white walls as a timeless foundation and arched doorways as trendy accents.'

While fitting crown moulding can be a costly job and one you may not have time for before a sale, there are plenty of small but impactful ways to uplift the home and give it some authenticity. Rejuvenation is stocked with accessories that will help you give your home some patina, such as light switches and door handles, that can be swapped with your newer hardware, giving your property a traditional, aged look without spending big bucks.

Top tips from the experts

Homes with a balance of old and new decor and features are most likely to be popular among buyers. The general consensus is that a homeowner will be more drawn to an interior design style somewhere in the middle of the spectrum.

Andrew says, 'I always tell my sellers to avoid being too niche. It's possible to have too much shiplap, making a strong farmhouse style. Don't go hard in any direction. Use a soft, subtle style to gain the vibe that you want. The goal is to help buyers picture their own lives in the space.'

Are white walls still on trend? It's a popular question among homeowners, but the Doyle Goodrowe team says this design choice is wise if you're looking to sell. 'Color palettes remain more monochromatic when preparing a home to sell, and there is nothing better than white walls, which allows the new homeowner to put their personal touches on color to match their personal style.'

Generally, try to opt for styles that are more on the neutral side, as these are more likely to appeal to a wider demographic. Homes that lean too much on one end of the spectrum feel too distinct and out there, making it hard for a buyer to envision themselves in the space. A balanced interior design style will boost the appeal and thus the value of your home.