Seven interiors trends that put buyers off your house

We spend thousands of pounds making our homes more beautiful, and following the latest interiors trends. However, a recent Mumsnet thread revealed that instead of making our home look more attractive, in some cases we're doing precisely the opposite, and if we're trying to sell, our style choices could be turning potential buyers off.

See also: The houses that have been on the market for years - why won't they sell?

See also: Are we set for a house price collapse?

We have tracked down seven style choices that could prove to be a huge mistake.

1. Wordy decorations
The Mumsnet thread was packed with opinions and disagreements, but one trend that clearly upset a lot of people was the use of words in decorations - like a sign in the lounge saying 'relax' or in the kitchen saying 'cook'. Others were offended by inspirational quotes either stencilled or stuck onto walls - or on large canvases.

There were some who loved these designs, but given how easy it is to put them into storage or paint over them before putting your house on the market, it's easy to err on the side of caution.

2. Cushions - especially shiny or sequinned ones
A couple of cushions were deemed inoffensive by the Mumsnetters, but sofas and beds covered with them look cluttered and messy. They also allow people to make cheap, fashionable changes to their home - and cheap fashion isn't always something a buyer is looking for.

Before a sale, therefore, restrict yourself to two cushions on each sofa, and as few as possible on the beds - ideally none.

3. Feature walls with statement wallpaper
There isn't a single feature wallpaper in the world that appeals to everyone, so if you put it up, there's a good chance you are putting off a reasonable number of people who look around the property. If you put it in a small room, or a narrow room, you'll also make it look even smaller.

Nobody wants to do an enormous amount of decoration in a home they are about to leave, but at least it's only one wall to strip and repaint before a sale.

4. Photos on canvases
This divided the Mumsnetters, but for sellers is an absolute no-no. If you have pictures of your family - especially large photos and canvases, box them up before you put the house on the market. A survey by Anglian Home Improvements got viewers to wear glasses that tracked their eye movements, and discovered that women in particular were distracted by lots of photos in the room. There's a risk that if they see you as being too much a part of the home, buyers cannot imagine themselves there.

5. Wood panelling
A study by Bathrooms.com found that this is the design trend most likely to cut the value of the property. Impressively, 46% of people would rule a property out immediately if the home featured panelling. Ripping it out is no small job, so you can try painting it to blend it with the rest of the room. However, if it dominates, you'll need to face the fact that you'll either have to tackle it yourself, or brace yourself for buyers making cheeky offers.

6. Coloured bathroom suites
The Bathrooms.com study found that avocado suites in particular are off-putting for buyers. Some 71% of people said that if they bought a home with one, it would be the first thing they would change.

While a bathroom overhaul can be incredibly expensive, it's worth investigating the cost of a local plumber instilling a very basic white suite - it could be a few hundred pounds well spent.

7. Bright colours
The Mumsnetters were divided over the issue of colour - between those who hate grey and beige decor, and those who love it. A telling statement came from one, however, who said it made the home look like a show home. When you are selling, that's exactly what you want your home to look like, so that other people can imagine stamping their personality on the place.

If your colour schemes are bright and bold, therefore, it's a good idea to crack open a tin of white paint before you see an estate agent.