Every now and then, I come across a design article that makes me nod and think, yes — this is exactly what I’m seeing out in the field.

As someone who tours model homes weekly and works closely with my stager, Janet Wagner, getting my listings to look and feel like a model home has become second nature. And in a Las Vegas market that remains ultra-competitive, where sellers need to stand out from the crowd, these design details matter more than ever.

One of the simplest ways to make your home unforgettable? Wow buyers with your walls.

And honestly, one of my favorite quick fixes is lighting. It’s one of the easiest and most dramatic changes you can make, and Janet is an absolute genius when it comes to transforming a space with just the right fixtures and placement.

So when Real Simple recently published “Say Goodbye to Shiplap—Here Are 4 Wall Treatments Designers Are Choosing Instead” by Sarah Lyon, I had to share.

Because here’s the thing — design trends don’t just live in magazines. They show up in our homes, our listings, and ultimately, in what buyers connect with the moment they walk through the door.

Here’s What’s Trending for 2026

According to the designers featured in the article, wall treatments are taking a more elegant, layered turn. Think old-world charm with a modern edge:

• Limewash & Plaster Finishes — organic, light-catching textures that make even new construction feel “storied.”

• Paneling & Vertical Slats — adding instant craftsmanship and depth.

• Draped Fabric — soft, textural, and cozy (I’m already picturing this behind a bed or in a designated reading nook).

• Picture Frame Molding — timeless architectural elegance that never feels overdone.

It’s all about creating spaces with dimension and personality — and I love seeing this shift toward warmth and texture after years of flat paint and overdone minimalism.

Why It Matters for Sellers

If you’re thinking about selling next year, this is the moment to start planning.

Staging and small updates can completely transform the way a buyer feels when they walk in — and subtle wall treatments (or a well-placed lighting refresh!) can give your home that high-end, model-home polish buyers instantly respond to even if your last full remodel was in 1997.

Janet and I love helping homeowners elevate their space long before it hits the market. That means planning your refresh now — so when it’s time to list, your home feels current, stylish, and perfectly prepped to stand out.

Full credit to Sarah Lyon and Real Simple* for the original article.
You can read it in full here.

Want to talk about how to elevate your home in 2026?
Let’s talk. Book a call with me here and download my Seller’s Guide to start planning your refresh today.

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