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Home improvements can set homeowners back thousands of pounds and demand considerable effort. The benefit is that properties typically gain value once renovations are finished.

Many seek inspiration from social media platforms like TikTok for home enhancement ideas, and whilst turning to social media for renovation guidance isn't necessarily problematic, James Newman, an interior designer from luxury property firm Raffle House, cautions that not every design trend will boost home values and could make properties "harder to sell". He observed that certain features homeowners install "won't add value" and may even "put buyers off". He explained: "If you don't want to waste your money, these are the trends to stay away from."

1. Quirky wallpaper

Boasting 57.5 million views, #wallpaperdecor represents a hashtag on TikTok where social media users showcase their brilliant wallpaper decor concepts to assist with interior design inspiration.

Whilst wallpaper is growing in popularity, incorporating it into the property "won't add any value". James explained: "Wallpaper is a personal choice, and while quirky wallpaper can look good on a feature wall, most of the time it's going to put off potential buyers, and it is something you should remove when selling your home."

Furthermore, quirky wallpaper can prove costly depending on wall dimensions and represents an expense "you won't recuperate when you sell".

2. Media walls

Featuring over 239.8 million views, the #mediawall hashtag stands as one of the most sought-after interior design trends on TikTok. A media wall typically comprises a large flat-screen television, LED lighting and a built-in fireplace. Whilst they remain fashionable presently, they are not viewed as essential by buyers.

The designer clarified: "When you buy a home, you often don't want to purchase other people's technology, such as TVs, as they go out of date quickly.

"The biggest problem I have with media walls is that they often are built for large TVs. If you move home and take your TV with you, the new buyer then has to buy a 65-plus-inch screen to fill the gap. Not to mention, they will need to rewire the wall. A media wall may look good, but it won't add value to your home and will put buyers off."

3. Wooden panelling

Visible home improvements usually add value to a property, but wooden panelling can be a hit or miss in terms of home enhancements. With over 34.1 million views, the hashtag #Woodpanel is another popular TikTok design trend that should be avoided.

When done correctly, panelling can add style to a home; however, on TikTok, users often use slat panels, which are "thin and look cheap".

James stated: "Once again, panelling is going to be a personal preference, and if someone doesn't like it, they will have to pull the panelling down and replaster the walls, which is an added expense someone won't want when moving into a new home. Even if you do like the slat panels, they can be expensive to purchase and won't add any value to your property."

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