Remember sunken living rooms, wood paneling, and brass bathroom fixtures? Home design trends come and go like the fashion runway, and can taint your view of a property when you are in the market for a new home. 

“I’ve been in real estate long enough to see home trends rise and fall,” says Eric Bramlett, realtor and owner of Bramlett Real Estate in Austin, Texas. “What was once the must-have feature can quickly become the thing buyers want to rip out first. The good news is that a lot of outdated design choices are easy to fix and shouldn’t stop you from buying a house.” 

However, some old features that go beyond aesthetics can be both expensive and dangerous to remedy, says Bramlett. “Structural problems, outdated electrical, and hazardous materials are a different story. When you’re buying a house, focus on what actually matters long-term. If it’s something you can change with a little time and money, don’t let it scare you away, but if it’s a major safety or structural issue, that’s when you need to think twice,” he advises.

We spoke with homebuyers and real estate professionals to determine which outdated home features top their list. Here are four outdated home trends once in vogue that have fallen out of favor, but are fairly easy to change or update, along with one trend that is a total deal-breaker. 

Intercoms: Easy Fix

Back in the day, before every family member had a cell phone and smart home systems were invented, bulky plastic intercoms were used to communicate with family members throughout the home. When touring a possible new home, these antiquated devices that were popular in the 1980s might catch your eye and make you wonder if you can live with them. The good news is that they are easy to remove or cover up with a bookshelf, piece of artwork, or hutch. 

Wallpaper, Stencils, and Bold Paint Colors: Easy Fix

Many of the people we spoke with mentioned outdated, unattractive walls, such as bold paint colors, loud wallpaper, decorative wallpaper borders, and stenciling on the walls. 

Writer Gary Wollenhaupt recently moved to Colorado Springs, Colorado, and dealt with old-fashioned walls. “We were able to overlook accent walls and stencils because we’ve repainted many times,” he says. “Apparently, the previous owners went to Paris on vacation and there are several Paris-themed stencils in the house, like one for a historic perfume shop in the primary bedroom and one for a patisserie on the kitchen pantry door.” 

Although Wollenhaupt has yet to address the Paris theme in his new home, he knows that these are easy fixes. They’re the type of outdated home feature that shouldn’t turn you away if you otherwise love the house. “Some people see a house stuck in the 1990s and assume it’s a bigger issue than it is, but a weekend project with a paint roller changes everything,” says Bramlett.

Popcorn Ceilings: Easy Fix

Sheldon Sutherland, retail expert and owner of Epoxy Werx in Surprise, Arizona, recently purchased his first home and looked up to see unappealing popcorn ceilings. “I came across a beautiful house from the 1990s, which had popcorn ceilings,” he says. “Initially, this out-of-trend characteristic turned me off, but then I realized this cosmetic problem could be solved with a little effort and money,” he says. Dealing with the ceilings helped Sutherland understand home features in the market that are mostly cosmetic and easy to fix vs. structural changes “that can completely ruin the deal.”

Note: If popcorn ceilings were installed in 1980 or before, the texture may contain asbestos that requires professional removal for safety.

Dated Light Fixtures: Easy Fix

While outdated lights are an eyesore, they are relatively easy and inexpensive to replace and shouldn’t deter someone from buying a property. Content marketing and brand specialist Jasmine Charbonier recently bought a home in Tampa, Florida. She was turned off by its awful Hollywood-style vanity lights, shiny brass bathroom fixtures, and fluorescent box lighting. However, she said they are all easy to swap out as a quick DIY project. 

Bramlett agrees: “They might look bad, but replacing light fixtures is quick and cheap. These kinds of updates don’t cost much and shouldn’t be a dealbreaker if the bones of the house are good,” he says.

Knob-and-Tube Electrical Wiring: Red Flag

While some outdated home trends are easy to address, there are others that raise a red flag since they could end up being a major expense to update or fix due to heavy construction or health and safety issues. Sutherland faced the shock of discovering old wiring that was a big turnoff. “A seemingly perfect house revealed its true colors when the inspector uncovered extensive knob-and-tube wiring hidden behind freshly painted walls, a potentially hazardous and budget-busting issue that immediately crossed it off my list,” he says. 

This experience taught him to look beyond surface-level eyesores, like the examples mentioned above, and focus on critical systems like electrical, plumbing, and foundation integrity. It’s critical to hire a professional to do a thorough home inspection. “In today’s competitive market, where move-in ready homes command premium prices, savvy buyers can find value in properties with outdated aesthetics but solid bones, allowing for personalization without breaking the bank on essential repairs,” says Sutherland.

The post 4 Outdated Home Features That Are Easy to Fix—and 1 That’s a Major Red Flag appeared first on Bob Vila.

A new year brings a fresh start, which might include the desire for home improvements. But how do you know where to focus your efforts to get the most bang for the buck? 

“Your home is not only a sanctuary and safe place, but it is first and foremost a potential investment in your future,” says Phyllis Harbinger, FASID, NCIDQ, CID, a professional interior designer, strategy coach, author, and owner of Design Concepts/Interiors, LLC (DCI Studio) in Greenwich, Connecticut. “When deciding on a home improvement, I suggest researching which enhancements will actually give you the highest return on investment (ROI).”  

We spoke to Harbinger and several other experts, including interior designers, home contractors, and real estate agents, to find out which high-ROI renovations they anticipate for 2025 to help boost your home’s value and comfort. 

1. Kitchen Remodel

The kitchen is the heart of the home where friends and family love to gather. So a kitchen facelift is a must-have, says Suzy Minken, licensed real estate salesperson at Compass in Short Hills, New Jersey. More people are prioritizing modern, functional kitchens. “Depending on your budget and timing, there are relatively inexpensive improvements that can transform a dated kitchen to one that is fresh and modern,” says Minken.  

Kitchen upgrades to focus on include adding stainless steel appliances; painting or replacing dark cabinets with white ones; swapping out older light fixtures with more modern options; and installing new countertops with a light, bright material like white quartz. Harbinger also suggests adding a kitchen island, if possible, since it is “a welcome addition to the hub of the home to gather, serve, eat, and do homework while adding incredible value,” says Harbinger.

2. Bathroom Renovation

Renovating bathrooms throughout the house is another smart investment to boost a home’s value and leave a lasting impression. Homeowners and home buyers are increasingly prioritizing features that combine functionality and lifestyle, with many willing to invest more to meet these needs, says Steve Gold, luxury real estate agent at Corcoran in New York City. 

“One highly sought-after feature is a spa-like retreat in the bathroom, reflecting the growing wellness trend,” says Gold. “High-end fixtures like rainfall showers and luxury faucets…are popular choices for creating serene, indulgent environments. Not only do these upgrades elevate daily living, but they also offer significant returns on investment,” he says.

If budget is an issue, Minken recommends focusing on replacing the bathroom vanity and sink, shower doors, floor tile, mirrors, and lighting to update bathrooms effectively for less investment.

3. Outdoor Living Space Enhancements

Experts also agree that outdoor upgrades add value to a home. “Patios, decks, and outdoor kitchens allow for increased surface area and attract buyers looking for places to entertain and de-stress,” says Bubba Peek, a real estate investor and owner of Bubba Land Company based in Jacksonville, Florida. “These areas almost always pay off, making them a favorite in regard to ROI.”  

Adding square footage to a porch or patio can improve your home’s value, says Harbinger. “Retractable screens, sliding and folding walls, an outdoor fireplace, or a wood-burning stove add months of enjoyment and lift our moods, enhancing our well-being,” she says. She is grateful for the new products on the market, such as resilient textiles, furnishings, and floor coverings that provide durable options for outdoor spaces.

4. Smart-Home Features

Technological innovation in homes is another big one, says Peek. “Clients purchasing homes tend to prefer systems that include smart technology, such as surveillance cameras, air conditioning controls, and coordinated lighting systems.” According to Peek, “these upgrades bring added ease of use.” They also boost the house’s worth, which makes them valuable additions.

Harbinger agrees that technology presents an opportunity for renovations with high ROI. “From lighting and music systems to security and temperature control, smart-home technology can be life-changing,” she says. “We install lighting systems that follow daylight and program shades to lower and raise at appropriate times throughout the day. And motion sensors can illuminate a space as you walk through and turn off the lights as you leave,” says Harbinger.

5. Energy Efficiency Upgrades

Finally, upgrading a home with more energy-efficient products like solar panels, insulation,  efficient HVAC equipment, multipanel windows, and window film is another beneficial way to invest in a home’s future. “Buyers are now looking for energy-efficiency features as a way to save money on bills, combined with investing into eco-friendly appliances,” says Peek. These choices can decrease energy expenses dramatically, while raising home appraisal values. 

The post Experts Predict These 5 Home Improvements Will Have the Highest ROI in 2025 appeared first on Bob Vila.

Unless you live in an older home with plaster and lath walls, then you’re likely surrounded by panels of compacted gypsum powder that make up the interior walls and ceilings in many homes. While most of us are familiar with standard white board drywall sheets, there is actually a wide variety of drywall types. They come in such mysterious sounding names as blue wall, green wall, and purple wall, Type C, and Type X. 

Since these names provide very little insight into when and where you should use them, selecting drywall panels for your next home renovation project can be more than a little confusing. We tapped Mitch Coluzzi, who’s flipped hundreds of homes for SoldFast.com as the home buying company’s head of construction, to help us make sense of it all. With his help, we’ve assembled a list of the 10 most common types of drywall, complete with descriptions and intended applications. 

1. White Board

The most common type of drywall, white board, is made from compressed gypsum powder that’s held in place by heavy grade paper. White board is used to create walls and ceilings in bedrooms, living rooms, and hallways. It’s the most affordable type of drywall and comes in a broad range of thicknesses. Unlike other types of drywall, white board doesn’t have any mildew or mold resistance, so it’s not suitable for bathrooms or kitchens. 

Best For: White board is best used for ceilings and walls in bedrooms, hallways, and living areas. 

Common Sizes

1/4 inch: This thinner drywall thickness is used for covering worn out, damaged drywall. Since it’s also more bendable than thicker drywall, ¼-inch drywall is also suitable for creating curved walls.

3/8 inch: Slightly thicker than 1/4-inch drywall, 3/8-inch drywall is used to repair holes in drywall and can also be used for walls with a slight curve.

1/2 inch: The most common thickness of white board, 1/2-inch drywall is the standard for creating interior walls.

5/8 inch: Whereas 1/2-inch drywall is typically used for walls, this thicker drywall is the standard for ceilings. 

2. Green Board

Green board is a moisture-resistant drywall that gets its name from the green-colored wax paper backing that gives it its resistance to water. Its moisture-resistant qualities make it a popular choice for kitchens and bathrooms, though Coluzzi notes that you should only use it for walls and ceilings that do not come into contact with water. 

Best For: Its resistance to moisture makes it suitable for walls in kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms. 

3. Blue Board

Blue board is a porous type of drywall that is designed specifically to bond with veneer plaster. Unlike white board drywall, which has seams you must tape, mud, and sand multiple times, blue board is simply taped then veneered over with a thick layer of plaster. While this method is expensive and requires technique and skill that’s beyond what the average DIYer can handle, it produces an aesthetically superior finish that’s more durable than standard drywall.  

Best For: Blue board is specifically designed for veneer plastering. 

4. Purple Board

Purple board, a type of drywall made by Gold Bond Building Products, has a gypsum core that’s resistant to moisture, mildew and mold. These qualities make purple board ideal for areas prone to moisture. “Purple is water-, mold-, and mildew-resistant and should be used at any wet location,” Colluzi says. 

This mold-resistant drywall also has a heavier paper coating than standard white board, which makes it more resistant to scuffs, dents, and scratches. Its ability to endure abuse makes purple board an attractive drywall option for high-traffic parts of the home, such as hallways, stairwells, and garages.

Best For: Wet humid areas such as bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms, and high-traffic parts of the home. 

5. Paperless

Paperless drywall uses a moisture-resistant fiberglass covering instead of paper. This design protects the drywall from water, preventing mold and mildew growth, while also making it stronger and more durable than traditional drywall that uses a paper covering. This makes paperless drywall ideal for bath and shower walls that are above the tile line and behind toilets and vanities. Since paperless drywall is also Greenguard certified, it emits very few volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which is good for indoor air quality. 

Best For: Paperless drywall’s moisture resistance makes it ideal for use above the tile line in showers and behind sinks. 

6. Cement Board

This drywall material is made from cement mixed with fibers that give it enhanced structural integrity and excellent moisture resistance. Also called backer board, cement board’s rigid structure and water-resistant qualities make it a common underlayment for tile in bathrooms and kitchens. 

“Cement board is used in direct wet locations with two thin layers of waterproofing membrane rolled on,” says Coluzzi. Due to its heavier weight, most cement board is sold in smaller 3-foot-by-5-foot sheets. 

Best For: Cement board is an ideal substrate for tile in bathrooms and kitchens. 

7. Type X

This 5/8-inch thick drywall offers a greater degree of fire resistance than other types of drywall thanks to glass fibers in its core that make it significantly more fire-resistant than standard drywall. Whereas standard drywall can withstand fire for 30 minutes, type X drywall has a 1-hour fire rating. Though sometimes used in homes, type X drywall is usually installed in commercial buildings, such as hotels, schools, and office buildings. It’s usually used to add fire protection around utility rooms and furnaces and to separate various fire zones within a building. 

Best For: Typically used in commercial buildings to meet certain fire safety codes. 

8. Type C

Similar to Type X drywall, type C is a fire-resistant type of drywall. Like Type X, type C is 5/8-inch thick and has a gypsum core infused with glass fibers. Since type C has a higher percentage of glass fibers in its core, it’s more fire-resistant than type X. While type X drywall is commonly used for walls, type C is a common fire-resistant drywall to use for ceilings and other horizontal applications that must meet certain fire resistance codes. 

“For fire-rated applications, we used type X on walls and C on ceilings because C is lighter and counts as 2X layers,” Colluzzi says. 

Best For: While type C is most often used in commercial applications, it can be used in homes for ceilings in utility rooms with furnaces.  

9. Soundproof

Soundproof drywall is made by sandwiching layers of viscoelastic materials and ceramics between gypsum. These additives reflect sound waves, effectively trapping them in the wall to reduce noise. Soundproof drywall is typically used in entertainment rooms, music studios and for shared walls in apartment buildings.  

Best For: Soundproof drywall is a good solution for dampening noise from an entertainment room or in-home music studio. 

10. VOC-Absorbing Drywall 

This advanced type of drywall has additives built into it that capture and neutralize VOCs in a home as air flows through the walls, improving the overall indoor air quality of a home. Some VOC-absorbing drywall products can capture and convert VOCs for up to 75 years and continue to work even when painted with multiple coats of paint. 

Best For: While VOC absorbing drywall is particularly useful for rooms prone to high VOCs, such as drywall for basements, garages, and workshops, this type of drywall can also be used throughout a home to improve its overall air quality.

The post These Are the Types of Drywall Every DIYer Should Know appeared first on Bob Vila.

If you are excited about your dream home remodel but feeling stressed about where to start, then you’ve come to the right place. “Much like the strength of a business relies on a strategic plan, a home renovation also requires strategy and planning,” says Kathie Chrisicos, an interior designer and founder of Chrisicos Interiors in Boston, Massachusetts. “The sequence of activities is crucial.” By working on the project in well-thought-out steps based on a priority list, you can save time and money and avoid having to learn hard lessons and redo certain parts of the project.    

We collected home renovation tips from several experts in the field to help guide you during your dream renovation project.

Tackle these projects first:

Always start with any structural renovation projects, as these initiatives can impact the rest of your plans, says Christina Giaquinto, professional organizer for Modular Closets of Lakewood, New Jersey. “These projects include any work related to plumbing, electrical needs, roofing issues, and foundation problems that are imperative for the safety and stability of your home, and must be addressed before anything else,” she says. It’s also a good idea to prioritize functionality over aesthetics and projects that will disrupt your everyday life to ensure that your daily routines and living space return to normal as soon as possible.

Structural Issues

Begin by addressing safety and structural repairs and upgrades involving the foundation, roof, plumbing, and structural reinforcement. “I suggest addressing foundational or structural issues like cracks, uneven floors, or sagging walls. These are critical to the home’s safety and longevity, and neglecting them can cause other renovation efforts to fail,” says Nicole Saunders, interior design specialist and the founder of The Design Build Vault. If you install new cabinets on an uneven floor, for example, they might not sit level and could become a safety hazard. Additionally, a leaky roof can lead to serious issues like water damage that is costly to repair. 

Electrical

Another major priority early in the renovation process is the electrical system throughout the home, which is becoming more important as smart-home features gain popularity. “Addressing your electrical needs first means you can update or completely rewire without obstacles,” says Bobby Lynn, owner of Livewire Electrical in Charlotte, North Carolina. “Wait until after you’ve put up that new drywall or laid down fresh flooring, and you might find yourself tearing it all out again to fix an electrical issue, cranking up your timeline and costs,” says Lynn. He also emphasizes that fixing old wiring and upgrading to more modern and energy-efficient electrical helps make the home safer overall. 

Energy Efficiency Upgrades

Don’t wait to install insulation, new windows, and efficient HVAC equipment. By taking these steps early on, you’ll improve comfort and reduce energy costs more quickly. “It’s easier and more cost-effective to install insulation before walls and floors are closed up with drywall or finished flooring,” says Saunders. “Addressing these issues before drywall installation makes the process smoother and minimizes potential disruptions later.” 

Kitchens and Bathrooms

As the most essential rooms in the house and the most cost-effective way to boost the value of your home, renovating kitchens and bathrooms should be a high priority during the process. “I always start with kitchens and bathrooms, as these will impact the rest of the home’s interior design plan, and often serve as branching-off points,” says Chrisicos. By starting with these more complex spaces, you will be able to get back to daily living sooner and gauge where your renovation budget stands. 

Flooring

Installing new flooring should be the last step on your list of priorities during a renovation. “It’s tempting to lay down your dream hardwood or tile immediately, but wait until all heavy construction is complete,” warns Josh Qian, COO and co-founder of Best Online Cabinets in California. “Moving materials, ladders, and tools can damage new floors, and installing them too early could mean unnecessary repairs or replacements,” says Qian.

These projects can wait:

Once the most critical repairs and upgrades are finished, then you can turn to those lower on the priority list. These home remodel projects that can wait include more aesthetic tasks like painting, installing new fixtures and hardware, and placing décor and furniture pieces. 

Fixtures and Hardware

Delay installation of light fixtures, faucets, and cabinet handles until late in the process when all cabinets and tiles are installed, and electrical work is completed. This helps prevent accidental damage and ensures that your final choices align with the renovated design and layout, says Saunders. 

Painting and Wallpaper

It’s better to wait for paint and wallpaper to avoid problems related to the mess during construction. “Dust from sanding, debris from demolition, and adjustments to lighting or layout can all affect your perception of the space. Waiting also guarantees you choose colors or patterns that truly fit your finished design,” says Qian.

Built-In Storage Solutions

It’s also a good idea to wait until the end of a renovation project to install any built-in storage solutions, such as custom closets. Evie Graham, interior designer and waste management expert at Waste Direct in the United Kingdom, has noticed how living patterns can change drastically after a renovation. “What seemed like perfect storage placement during planning often becomes impractical once people settle into their new space. I suggest living in the renovated space for at least 3 months, tracking daily cleaning and organization patterns, before committing to permanent storage solutions.” This approach will lead to a more functional, maintainable home.

Furniture and Décor

While it’s hard to wait so long, it’s really important to bring in the furniture and décor items as late as possible to ensure the more invasive projects have wrapped up. “My best tip is to leave furniture and décor until the renovation dust has literally settled,” says Saunders. “This allows you to clean thoroughly and evaluate how the space feels and functions before committing to permanent placements.” Waiting also gives you time to save and invest in quality furniture pieces that complement your new space.

Landscaping

Finally, when asked about home renovation tips, several experts agreed that landscaping should be one of the last steps in a major renovation of your dream home. “Indoor renovations create significant construction waste, and heavy machinery or delivery trucks can damage outdoor areas,” says Qian.

The post Dream Home Remodel: Where to Start and What Can Wait appeared first on Bob Vila.