As the leaves turn golden and temperatures drop, homeowners nationwide will be reaching for deep burgundies, burnt oranges, and cosy textures to transform their spaces for autumn. While these seasonal updates might feel perfect for creating that hygge atmosphere, one expert says they could be doing more harm than good if you’re planning to sell your home.
Property expert Kevin Barzegar from Kaybridge Residential, an award-winning independent estate agency serving Epsom, Ewell, and Worcester Park, warns that going overboard with autumn trends could seriously impact your home’s market appeal.
“We see this every year around this time,” explains Kevin. “Homeowners get excited about seasonal decorating, but what feels cosy to you might feel cramped and dated to potential buyers. The wrong autumn styling choices can make spaces appear smaller, darker, and too personalised.”
Below, Kevin reveals which popular autumn trends could be costing you thousands, and shares his top tips for seasonal styling that actually adds value.
Autumn Decorating Trends That Are Putting Buyers Off
1. Dark, Moody Paint Colours
While deep forest greens and rich burgundy accent walls might look stunning on Instagram, they’re a major red flag for estate agents. These trendy autumn shades can make rooms feel significantly smaller and reduce the amount of natural light bouncing around your space.
“Dark colours absorb light rather than reflect it,” says Kevin. “A room that felt bright and airy with neutral walls suddenly feels cave-like with a dark feature wall. Buyers walk in and immediately notice how much smaller the space appears.”
The problem gets worse during autumn and winter months when natural light is already limited. What would usually look dramatic and cosy in summer can feel oppressive when the days are shorter.
2. Oversized Halloween And Seasonal Decorations
That life-sized skeleton in your hallway or the collection of giant pumpkins covering your dining table might be perfect for your autumn Instagram posts, but they’re doing your property no favours when it comes to viewings.
Oversized seasonal décor creates visual clutter and distracts buyers from focusing on the actual features of your home. Instead of noticing your beautiful wooden floors or spacious layout, potential purchasers are trying to navigate around your autumn display.
“Buyers need to be able to imagine their own belongings in the space,” Kevin explains. “When every surface is covered with seasonal decorations, it makes it nearly impossible for them to picture their own life there.”
3. Heavy Textures And Furnishings
Chunky knit throws, thick velvet cushions, and heavy woollen rugs are autumn staples, but layering too many can make your home feel dated and overly personal. Such textures, while cosy, can overwhelm smaller spaces and make rooms appear cluttered.
The issue becomes particularly problematic when these heavy textures dominate the colour palette. A living room filled with deep purple velvet, thick burgundy throws, and dark wooden furniture can feel more like a Victorian parlour than a modern family home.
“Buyers today want light, bright, and flexible spaces,” notes Kevin. “Heavy seasonal styling can make even the most well-designed room feel stuffy and old-fashioned.”
4. Autumn-Themed Wallpaper And Permanent Features
While removable autumn décor can be easily changed, some homeowners go further by installing autumn-themed wallpaper or permanent features like dark wooden panelling. These choices can seriously date your property and limit its appeal to a very specific buyer type.
Seasonal wallpaper featuring autumn leaves or harvest motifs might feel perfect in October, but it can look tired and out of place for the other eleven months of the year.
How To Style Your Home For Autumn Without Losing Value
The good news is that you don’t have to skip seasonal decorating entirely. Kevin shares his top tips for adding autumn warmth without compromising your home’s selling potential:
- Keep It Subtle And Natural: Instead of bold colour changes, introduce autumn through small, natural touches. A few real pumpkins on a kitchen island, some seasonal flowers in a vase, or a single autumn wreath on your front door can add seasonal charm without overwhelming the space.
- Focus On Lighting: Combat the darker months by maximising light rather than embracing the gloom. Add extra lamps, use warm white bulbs, and keep curtains open during viewings. Well-lit spaces always feel more valuable to buyers.
- Choose Neutral Seasonal Accents: If you want to change your soft furnishings, opt for neutral autumn tones like warm creams, soft golds, or muted oranges. These colours add seasonal warmth while maintaining broad appeal.
- Less Is Always More: Stick to the rule of three: no more than three seasonal items per room. This creates interest without creating clutter, allowing the room’s actual features to shine through.
Kevin Barzegar, Property Expert At Kaybridge Residential, Comments:
“Autumn styling should be seen as an opportunity to showcase your home’s potential rather than impose your personal taste on potential buyers. The trick to it is to create a warm, welcoming atmosphere that feels seasonal but not overwhelming. Simple touches like fresh flowers, subtle lighting, and one or two carefully chosen accessories can add that cosy autumn feeling without compromising your property’s market appeal.
“Remember, buyers are looking for a blank canvas where they can imagine their own lives unfolding. Heavy seasonal styling can actually work against you by making spaces feel smaller and more personalised. The goal is to highlight your home’s best features – its natural light, spacious rooms, and flexible layout – not distract from them with temporary decorations that won’t be staying anyway.”
