Generic housing design is linked to treating homes as liquid market assets

An analysis links generic housing design to housing’s treatment as a liquid market asset. Housing is described as shifting from homes built for future occupants to projects developed by real-estate agents and companies; because liquidity favors broadly acceptable properties, this is said to encourage more standardized interiors. Projects built by people who will not live in them are characterized as being judged through a financial model rather than lived experience.

An old-versus-new comparison uses the Home Alone house: a 1990 interior with wallpaper, carpets, texture and warmth is contrasted with a reconstruction dominated by white and gray. The reconstruction’s rationale is unconfirmed; one view is that the design sells better. Another opinion is that an unsuccessful renovation can reduce a property’s value because buyers may need to remove what was added.