Every detail in a home sends a message, especially to buyers seeing dozens of listings in a week. The right updates can draw people in and make a home feel instantly livable. The wrong ones? They sit.

We’re not talking about full remodels—we’re talking about smart, strategic cosmetic decisions that give your listing a leg up. From finishes and fixtures to paint colors and backsplashes, some choices consistently help homes move faster and for more.

So what actually resonates with today’s buyer? Let’s break it down with insight from our expert designers.

This or That: Paint Edition

✔️ Warm Whites

Think soft, clean, and natural: whites with taupe or greige undertones that reflect light and feel fresh without feeling sterile.

Why it sells: Warm whites create visual consistency and make spaces feel bigger, brighter, and easier to personalize.

✖️ Cool Grays

Cool-toned grays used to dominate—but today, they can read cold or dated, especially when paired with warm wood tones or gold hardware.

Why it sits: It can clash with newer finishes and make spaces feel flat in listing photos.

Project by Renovation Sells Chicagoland West

This or That: Fixtures + Finishes

✔️ Polished Nickel or Soft Brass

These finishes are timeless, neutral, and versatile. They pair well with warm and cool palettes and photograph beautifully.

Why it sells: Clean and familiar, without being boring.

✖️ Skip the Chrome

Chrome might be classic, but it’s also cold. This finish can feel basic and sterile—doing little to elevate a space or make it feel current.

Why it sits: Buyers see chrome as dated and underwhelming. It lacks the warmth or character that today’s homeowners are drawn to, making it less likely to leave a lasting impression.

This or That: Kitchen Backsplash

✔️ Simple Subway Tile (with a twist)

Classic subway tile still works—especially when it’s styled with a vertical stack or elongated shape.

Why it sells: Clean, neutral, and helps buyers focus on the space, not the tile.

✖️ Pass on the Glass

Glass tile might have felt sleek years ago, but today it often reads as dated and builder-grade—especially in kitchens and bathrooms.

Why it sits: It lacks warmth, feels impersonal, and doesn’t add the upscale touch buyers are looking for. Instead of elevating a space, it can cheapen the overall look and make a home feel stuck in a previous decade.

This or That: Flooring

✔️ Wide-Plank LVP or Light Hardwood

Durable, neutral, and consistent across the home. Buyers love light wood tones and soft, natural finishes.

Why it sells: Creates flow from room to room and holds up to wear.

✖️ High-Gloss, Dark, or Warm-Toned Floors

Dark floors show dust, scratch easily, and can make spaces feel smaller. Add in warm tones like cherry or golden oak, and the look quickly feels dated.

Why it sits: Visually heavy, tough to match with modern finishes, and out of step with today’s preference for lighter, more neutral design palettes.

Project by Renovation Sells Naperville

The Psychology Behind These Choices

Buyers aren’t just buying features—they’re buying feeling.

When a space looks simple, neutral, and intentional, it creates a sense of calm and confidence. It feels easy to imagine living there.

That’s why we help sellers and agents make focused updates that appeal to the broadest range of buyers without losing style. It’s not about being boring—it’s about being market-smart.

Your Takeaway

The best design isn’t the boldest—it’s the most intentional.

When you choose finishes, fixtures, and updates with resale in mind, the results speak for themselves: more interest, faster offers, and better returns.

Our expert designers know what buyers respond to—and our renovation teams bring it to life, fast.

Ready to make the right design calls for your next listing? Let’s talk.