Designing for the Now
Stop Renovating for the Next Buyer
“But what if we sell in a few years?”
It’s one of the most common things I hear when clients start planning a renovation. And I get it—resale value matters, especially with how unpredictable the market can feel. But here’s my (somewhat spicy) take: stop renovating for someone who doesn’t live there yet.
Instead, design for you. For your routines, your quirks, your taste.
I see it time and time again—people make “safe” choices: beige paint, generic hardware, bland tile. Not because it’s what they love, but because they think it will offend the least number of people down the road. But what’s the point of a newly renovated home if it doesn’t feel like home at all?
Here in New England, so many of us live in older homes. They come with charm, yes, but also plenty of renovation challenges. So when you do take on a project, why not make it personal? At the end of the day, a space designed with intention, quality materials, and thoughtfulness will always appeal, even if it’s not everyone’s exact style.
The best homes tell a story. Let yours be one that reflects you, not a future buyer you’ve never met.
👉 Do you agree, or do you play it safe for resale? I’d love to hear how you’ve approached this balance in your own home.
(PS: There’s a version of this rant happening on Instagram, too—come join the conversation.)
The Slate Team