How to Design Your Home for Sale: Staying En Vogue with Your Home Style
- Elisa Cool Murphy
- Mar 10
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 16
Understanding Home Style Trends
Trends come and go in every aspect of life. This includes fashion and home design. Typically, styles linger for about ten years before cycling back every 30 years. For example, the baggy jeans and fit-and-flare silhouettes of the 90s are making a comeback. Much like the hits from the 90s girl group, En Vogue—some styles are always "in vogue."
Similar to fashion, interior design follows a rhythm. Current trends embrace elements like glass bricks, teals, dusty rose accents, and art deco touches. Surprisingly, old wallpaper trends like borders and stencils are seeing a resurgence. Keep in mind, these staples have a long history, as they've been around as long as wallpaper itself.
Current Trends in Interior Design
Recently, reports indicate that the sterile white-on-white or grey-and-white “Apple Store” aesthetic is losing its charm. Homeowners are seeking warmth and personality. Maximalism is stepping into the spotlight. Think bold terrazzo surfaces and warm walnut finishes with layered textures. These elements bring depth and character to a home (BHG.com).
Keep reading this post to “Free Your Mind” from outdated home trends. Trends that felt fresh a decade ago might not resonate with potential buyers today.

Should You Update Before Selling?
If you plan to sell your home, you may wonder whether to update it or leave it as-is. Today’s buyers are savvy. They have many options at their disposal. A few strategic updates can drastically increase your home’s appeal. This could include modernizing fixtures, refreshing the color palette, or incorporating subtle maximalist accents. Updating enhances your home while preserving its unique character.
At Cool Murphy Real Estate, we guide you through this process. We identify upgrades that attract buyers while maintaining your home’s charm. Our strategy focuses on improvements that provide a genuine return on investment. Recommendations will differ based on neighborhood, home style, and price point because buyers have various preferences.
For instance, if you embraced New Orleans’ Italianate shabby chic vibe, that style may not appeal to every buyer today. Remember, homes have stories. The original owners likely didn’t prefer the chipped plasterwork or large-format post-Katrina tiles. Yet, many who renovated over the past 20 years believe those choices make a house feel like home.
The Balance Between Personalization and Market Trends
When making design choices, consider your future plans. If you intend to stay in your home for five to ten years, feel free to personalize your space. Your home is a canvas for your personality. It could reflect a “Saved by the Bell meets MTV’s Total Request” vibe or develop an entirely new aesthetic.
For long-term homeowners, the joy of living in a space that truly reflects your taste often outweighs market trends. However, if you are considering a sale soon, it’s wise to keep an eye on current preferences. Having a knowledgeable realtor by your side can help ensure your home appeals to buyers today.

Informed Updates: How We Can Help
In New Orleans, each neighborhood has its own story, and your home is part of that narrative. Whether you're preparing for a sale or creating your personal haven, informed updates matter.
At Cool Murphy Real Estate, we tailor choices to meet the needs of motivated, qualified buyers willing to pay top dollar for homes. We help you assess whether your investments will yield the expected returns. Our expertise ensures that your updates are meaningful, rather than merely chasing trends.
So, for those who still cling to industrial chic or minimalist design, remember: you may ask for top dollar, but quoting En Vogue: "No, you're never gonna get it, not this time." Perhaps, however, in 25 years!

Voted Neighborhood Favorite by Nextdoor, Team Cool Murphy is a top-producing, licensed real estate team based in New Orleans, brokered by Cool Murphy, LLC.
Celebrated for her next-level creative approach to real estate, Elisa Cool Murphy is an award-winning, top-performing real estate broker in New Orleans and the founder of Cool Murphy Real Estate. She specializes in historic homes and consults on new builds and renovations for resale.
Contact Her - email: cool@coolmurphy.com
Facebook: @homeinneworleans
IG: @coolmurphynola
YouTube: @coolmurphynola
phone: 504-321-3194
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