Challenge 2: Designing to Sell

Get all of my design tips from the weekly judgment of the challenges.

By Vern Yip

Master Bedroom: Less Isn't Always More

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Although I applaud the choice of a new floor to replace the worn out old one, selecting plywood for this more traditional home would not have been my first choice. Aside from quality issues, the plywood squares have a more distinctively "modern" feel that may potentially alienate buyers of a more traditional home.

A prefinished hardwood floor or a wood laminate floor, in scenarios where budget is an issue, would give the same wood look with a broader buyer appeal—and can be done in about eight hours for a room this size. Placing contemporary accents, artwork, furniture and fabrics in a more traditional home you're trying to sell is fine since they are easily removable elements. Installing a plywood floor in the same traditional home, however, is a potential turn-off for many buyers who view that as a more permanent component that would be difficult to remove or replace.

The team did a respectable job of limiting the accessories to give the room a cleaner appearance, but artwork to compensate for empty wall space would have been a nice touch to give the space a warmer feel. Remember to keep rooms clean and clutter free—but the right accessories, artwork, plants and flowers are necessary components that showcase a house as a future "home."