Sometimes when I am hired the homeowner plans on selling in 5 years but needs to update prior to putting it on the market. So the first thing I am asked is to design something that the next homeowner will like. There is a huge problem with that because I do not know WHO the next homeowner is going to be, so how can I design for someone I have never met? I don’t know what colors they like or what style they prefer. Where do we go from here?
My suggestion is to create a design keeping with the style of the house but still design with YOUR likes. I don’t mean use red stained cabinets but use materials you find appealing and will enjoy for the remaining time you live in your home. Lean on your designer and their experience to ensure you are still designing something that others find appealing. You can also look in magazines and online places like Houzz that shows what has been most popular with their viewers.
I do want to note that there is no guarantee the next homeowner will love what you did and may still remodel once they are the new owners. That is something no one can predict which is why I stress to design something that YOU like. Enjoy your home for the time you are there. Who knows, maybe you might just stay.