How do I learn what is desireable?

[Cameron Price]

I'm not sure if my question makes sense, but let me explain. 

I have experience doing almost every aspect of remodeling. I completely rennovated my last rental. Electrical, plumbig, siding, shingles, hardwood floors, ceramic tile, paint... the list goes on and on. But I'm clueless on materials, paint colors, most desireable flooring. 

How do you know if people like babboo floors more than tile? Or granite counter tops better than quartz or tile, or concrete? Or that subway tile in a bathroom is desireable? Or that bead board is awesome? I've picked up some of this from just being around the industry, but I keep learning how much I dont know.

If i wanted to do a high end renovation, I wouldnt know what matetials to choose. Who knows this stuff best, real estate agents? Interior designers? The people on BP? :) And how do I learn faster, other than just keep on doing rehabs and picking up stuff as I go along?

I hear someone say, that desk is mahagony, and I go, "ok.... why is that so special?" And then I research mahagony and learn that people pay more for mahagony than something built out of good ol southern yellow pine, or oak.

The school of hard knocks has taught me that 3 bedrooms and 1 bath is somewhat functionally obsolete for resale, but seems everyone else already knew that. I know now. Lol.

[Dawn Brenengen]

@Cameron Price I would visit new homes too.  The designers work with buyers day in and day out, and they have first hand knowledge of what most people are picking to put in their new homes.  So, the builders usually follow suite and put the same materials in their inventory homes.  You could probably even visit some builder design centers where they usually have some kitchens and bathrooms already set up so you can see what all the materials look like together.  Choose timeless and neutral materials with pops of interest here and there.  You don't want to get too taste specific because it will narrow your market (as in the bamboo floor example above).

Do you have a friend with good taste?  Take her shopping with you when you're choosing materials.  Buy her lunch.