The Top 5 Ways Interior Design Increases the Value of Your Home

 

When people think about increasing their home’s value, their minds often jump to large-scale renovations: adding square footage, building an extra bathroom, or installing a backyard pool. While these options can be effective, they are often costly and disruptive. What if there were a simpler, more elegant way to achieve the same goal?

Thoughtful interior design is one of the most underrated tools for enhancing your property’s market value. Not only can it make your home more beautiful and functional, but it can also directly impact buyer interest, appraisal values, and final sale prices. Whether you’re planning to sell or simply want to maximize your investment in your home, investing in interior design is a smart, strategic move.

Here, we’ll explore the top five ways interior design can boost your home’s value—with financial insights, real-life examples, and practical design solutions to inspire your next project.

1. Transforming Kitchens: The Home’s MVP

The kitchen is widely regarded as the most important room in the home. It’s where families gather, meals are prepared, and memories are made. It’s no surprise that a well-designed kitchen is often a buyer’s top priority.

Why It Matters:

Design Enhancements That Add Value:

  • Replacing outdated countertops with quartz, granite, or butcher block.

  • Refinishing or repainting cabinets and adding stylish new hardware.

  • Updating lighting with statement fixtures and under-cabinet LEDs.

  • Integrating energy-efficient, stainless-steel appliances.

Real-Life Example:

A homeowner I worked with here in Asheville, NC, invested $20,000 in a minor kitchen refresh: quartz countertops, a modern backsplash, and sleek brass fixtures. When the home went on the market, it attracted multiple offers, selling for $45,000 above asking price. The updated kitchen was repeatedly mentioned as the top selling point.

2. Revamping Bathrooms: From Functional to Fabulous

Bathrooms are small spaces with outsized influence. An outdated bathroom can turn buyers away, while a spa-like retreat can leave them dreaming of making the home their own. Investing a small amount in a bathroom refresh can go a long way in the return of investment many homeowners seeing as much as 71% ROI.

Why It Matters:

  • Immediate Impact: Bathrooms are second only to kitchens in their ability to impress or deter buyers.

  • Reliable ROI: A midrange bathroom remodel typically recoups about 70% of its cost.


    Design Enhancements That Add Value:

  • Installing a walk-in shower with frameless glass doors and high-end tiles.

  • Replacing dated vanities with modern, floating options.

  • Upgrading faucets, showerheads, and lighting to create a spa-like feel.

  • Adding heated flooring for a touch of luxury.

Real-Life Example:

A couple I know here in Western North Carolina spent $18,000 modernizing their master bathroom with a freestanding tub, a frameless shower, and statement tile. The updates not only improved their day to day existence living in the home but it helped their home appraise for $35,000 more than its pre-renovation value!

3. Maximizing Space with Strategic Layouts

Interior design isn’t just about adding furniture—it’s about rethinking how space is used. Smart layouts can make even modest homes feel larger, more functional, and more desirable.

Why It Matters:

  • Versatility is Key: Buyers appreciate homes with spaces that adapt to their needs, such as home offices or multi-functional rooms.

  • Perceived Value: A home that feels well-organized and spacious is often appraised higher.

Design Enhancements That Add Value:

  • Converting underutilized areas like nooks or basements into usable spaces could see as much as a 75% ROI.

  • Rearranging furniture to improve traffic flow and highlight focal points.

  • Adding custom built-ins for storage and display, reducing clutter.

  • Using mirrors and strategic lighting to make spaces feel larger.

Real-Life Example:

One of my interior designer friends worked with a family living in a 1,200-square-foot bungalow to reconfigure their living room and dining space into an open-concept layout. The project, which included custom shelving and better lighting, cost $20,000. The result? The home sold for $60,000 more than similar properties in their neighborhood.

4. Creating Cohesive Design for Instant Appeal

First impressions matter, and interior design plays a huge role in shaping them. When a home feels cohesive and thoughtfully designed, buyers are more likely to envision themselves living there—and to make competitive offers.

Why It Matters:

  • Emotional Connection: Buyers often decide within minutes whether they like a home. A cohesive, welcoming design makes all the difference.

  • Broad Appeal: Neutral, timeless interiors attract a wider audience of potential buyers.

Design Enhancements That Add Value:

  • Establishing a consistent color palette throughout the home.

  • Updating flooring to match across rooms, creating a seamless flow.

  • Styling with minimalist furniture and décor for a polished look.

  • Adding eye-catching details like a feature wall or statement lighting.

Real-Life Example:

One townhome owner I consulted with spent around $15,000 on cohesive design updates, including fresh paint, refinishing hardwood floors, and swapping mismatched lighting for modern fixtures. The updates led to multiple offers and a final sale price $35,000 above the appraisal value.

 

5. Incorporating Eco-Friendly and Energy-Efficient Features

Today’s buyers are increasingly focused on sustainability and efficiency. Interior design updates that include eco-friendly materials and energy-saving features can add significant value.

Why It Matters:

  • Lower Utility Costs: Buyers appreciate homes that reduce energy bills.

  • Future-Proofing: Green design features are becoming more of a must-have than a nice-to-have.

Design Enhancements That Add Value:

  • Installing energy-efficient LED lighting and smart home systems.

  • Using sustainable materials like bamboo, cork, or reclaimed wood for flooring and furniture.

  • Adding double-pane windows and better insulation to improve energy efficiency.

Real-Life Example:

A friend of mine who lives in a suburban area invested $10,000 in energy-efficient upgrades, including smart thermostats, low-flow plumbing fixtures, and reclaimed wood accent walls. The updates added $25,000 to the home’s appraisal value while lowering their utility bills by 20%.

 

The Financial and Emotional ROI of Interior Design

Interior design offers both tangible and intangible benefits. Not only does it increase the financial value of your home, but it also enhances your quality of life while you live there. Consider these key advantages:

  1. Higher Resale Prices

Stylish, move-in-ready homes command premium offers, often selling for 10-20% more than less-updated properties.

  1. Faster Sales

Homes with thoughtful design updates spend less time on the market, reducing carrying costs and stress.

  1. Enhanced Living Experience

Even if you’re not planning to sell soon, living in a beautifully designed space improves day-to-day life.

 

A Professional Designer’s Role in Maximizing Value

Investing in interior design is a big decision, and the guidance of a professional designer can ensure you’re making the right choices. Here’s how I can help:

Targeting High-Impact Updates

I’ll help you focus on the changes that offer the best ROI, so your budget is spent wisely.

Creating a Unified Vision

A cohesive design plan ensures every room complements the others, increasing the overall appeal of your home.

Managing Vendors and Timelines

I work with trusted contractors and suppliers, so your project runs smoothly and on time.

Simplifying the Process

Design projects can feel overwhelming, but I handle the details, leaving you free to enjoy the transformation.

 

Ready to Boost Your Home’s Value?

Interior design is one of the smartest investments you can make for your home. Whether you’re preparing to sell or simply want to enjoy a more beautiful, functional space, I can help you achieve your goals.

Contact me today to schedule a consultation. Let’s create a design plan that increases your home’s value and achieves your unique goals.

Interior design is far more than just décor—it’s a strategic tool for increasing your home’s value while making it a joy to live in. By focusing on areas like kitchens, bathrooms, layouts, cohesive design, and sustainability, you can transform your property into a buyer’s dream and maximize its market potential.

The best part? You don’t have to tackle it alone. As a professional designer, I bring the expertise, creativity, and resources to turn your vision into reality—and to ensure your investment pays off.

Let’s get started today. Your dream home (and a higher property value) is just a click away!

 

If you are looking to transform your space or just want to say hi, I'd love to connect! You can reach out through the link below or reach me directly at sarah@sukkhainteriordesign.com.

 
 

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BY SARAH BRONSTEIN
 
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