Top 5 Design Tips Before You List in 2026

Not all home upgrades are created equal, especially when you’re preparing to sell your home. If you’re thinking about listing your property in the new year, now is the ideal time to make thoughtful updates that can increase your home’s value and help it stand out in a competitive spring market. In this article, we bring you the Top 5 Design Tips Before You List in 2026.

By Lesley Myrick

JoJo and I have seen it time and again: homes that “shine” sell faster and for more. And good news! With the right strategic upgrades, you don’t need a full renovation to impress buyers. Below are five smart, design-forward improvements that offer serious return on investment.

Whether you’re preparing to sell a beloved historic home in Macon or a newer property that needs a little polish and personality, these updates can make a major difference.

 1. Refresh the Kitchen (Without a Full Gut Remodel)

You’ve heard it before: kitchens sell homes. But that doesn’t mean you need to tear yours down to the studs.

A high-impact kitchen refresh might include:

• Updating countertops and backsplash
• Swapping outdated cabinet hardware
• Replacing tired light fixtures with modern statement pieces
• Painting cabinetry

Even minor layout tweaks, like removing a peninsula or relocating appliances, can dramatically improve flow and function, making your kitchen more appealing to buyers.

 2. Upgrade Your Lighting Game

Lighting is one of the most underestimated tools in a designer’s toolbox, and one of the most effective ways to add style and perceived value. Layered lighting creates warmth, enhances architectural features, and helps buyers emotionally connect with a space.

Focus on:

• Updating old flush mounts or builder-grade fixtures (no more boob lights, please!)
• Adding sconces or pendant lights to dining areas, bathrooms, and hallways
• Replacing dated ceiling fans with more modern alternatives

 3. Prioritize Paint — and Pick the Right Palette

Fresh paint instantly makes a home feel well-maintained and move-in ready. But color choice matters. A warm, sophisticated palette (not just builder’s beige or generic gray) can help buyers picture themselves in the home while still feeling fresh and current.

Neutral doesn’t mean boring — think soft, earthy whites, warm grays, and rich, earthy tones that play well with natural light and pair beautifully with woodwork or historical elements.

 4. Define the Layout and Flow

Buyers often struggle to imagine how a space could function, and that hesitation can slow down (or completely sabotage) a sale. Simple layout enhancements that define purpose and flow can create clarity and confidence.

• Style a clear entry moment (even if you don’t have a formal foyer)
• Stage open-concept areas with rugs and furniture placement that define zones
• Rearrange furniture to highlight architectural features like fireplaces, windows, or built-ins
• Remove bulky or unnecessary pieces to let rooms breathe

If your layout feels confusing or underwhelming, that’s exactly where a designer can help buyers see the full potential. (A Design Strategy Session is your secret weapon here!)

 5. Boost Curb Appeal That Lasts Through Winter

Curb appeal doesn’t stop when the leaves fall. In fact, it matters even more when landscaping isn’t in full bloom.

Focus on:

• Painting or refinishing the front door
• Updating exterior lighting
• Power washing siding and walkways
• Adding oversized planters or seasonal greenery for a welcoming touch

First impressions count — especially when buyers are scrolling through multiple listings or pulling up for a showing.

 Getting Ready to Sell in 2026? Start Now.

If you’re even thinking about selling this spring, now is the time to connect with the right team. Joanna JoJo Jones is one of Macon’s top-performing realtors, known for her expertise in pricing, staging, and negotiating strong outcomes for sellers. And when you’re ready to take your home’s presentation to the next level, I’m here to help you make strategic design choices that elevate your home’s value and appeal.

Let’s help your home make the kind of first impression that gets offers! Schedule a consultation with Lesley Myrick Interior Design to get a tailored, high-ROI action plan.

And if you’re ready to discuss your 2026 sale strategy, reach out to JoJo for expert local real estate guidance.

 About Lesley Myrick

Lesley Myrick is an adventurous, intuitive, and exceptionally organized interior designer specializing in designing distinct “forever homes” in Macon, Georgia. She works with high-achieving professionals to create playful, personality-driven and family-friendly spaces that are as functional as they are unique.

At Lesley Myrick Interior Design, we make the typically confusing design process seamless. Lesley’s high-touch, deeply engaged design process means that we accept just 6 large-scale remodeling projects per year.

Learn more about Lesley’s interior design services and inquire here to start your design project.

See Also: Macon Seller’s Guide to Avoiding Costly Renovation Regrets, by Lesley Myrick