9 Things That Make Your House Look Dated

If your home sports any of these looks, it may be time for a change.  Read on for how-to's and Amazon products to make your home look up-to-date and beautiful!

 

1.  White Appliances: Gone are the days of kitchens filled with white cook tops and refrigerators. In their place?  Stainless steel, sleek slate and matte black finishes.  These industrial-style appliances appear much more streamlined and up-to-date while adding a touch of high-end to your space.

2.  Small-Space Furniture: Inexpensive, apartment-sized sofas, end tables, poufs and pillows are alluring, but can make your home look kind of like a dorm rather than a high-end abode.  Rather than snag a "deal" with pint-sized pieces, pinch your pennies for investment items instead.
** Designer tip: find deals on classic, high-end furnishings for a fraction of the cost through online buy-sell-trade pages or Habitat for Humanity ReStore locations.

3.  Golden Oak Kitchens: Beige, brown, and golden-oak were oh-so-popular in the 90s but now feel a bit overbearing.  Rather than keeping finishes from decades past, make your kitchen current with light-colored cabinets, countertops, and updated fixtures and appliances to match. 

4.  Builder Grade Fireplaces: While this simple fireplace appears somewhat stylish, it was a look that was SO popular and used in many track homes, but now looks dated.  Upgrade the face of your fireplace with a new mantel or tile surround. This will give it a fresh, custom look instead of the "mantel of the masses" look seen here.

5.  Worn Out Phrases: At first, they were charming.  But now, some phrases have simply been used too much!  Rather than go down the well-traveled "LIVE, LAUGH, LOVE" path, select phrases that are personal, sincere or applicable. Handmade signs with phrases near and dear to your heart, such as wedding vows, can provide tasteful decor in your home.

6.  Bar-Height Counter Tops: This bar-height counter top closes off the kitchen and makes it feel dark and dingy.  Smooth things out by giving the kitchen a fresh coat of paint and removing the high-top peninsula counter that no one wants to use.  Extend the bar counter at the same height as the perimeter tops and add counter-height stools to make a welcoming dining bar.  While you're at it, remove cabinets above the peninsula to achieve the now-popular light, bright, and open kitchen look.

7.  Heavy Floral Drapes: Ditch those dark burgundy, floral-print curtains of the 90s. Heavy drapes are a fad of the past and it’s easy to see how they instantly age a space, distracting from all of the natural light that streams into this great room. Take off years with floor-length, light-hued varieties hung high and wide to allow sunlight to stream into your space with ease.

 

 

8.  Dark Doors and Trim : Not only does the dark color of the louvered doors in the before photo look dingy, dark stained wood closes off any room.  To make a space light and bright, fresh and new feeling, paint dark doors and trim. 

** Designer Tip: Painted doors and trim are HOT!!  See how I applied the trend in my home and why I think you should consider it in yours! 

9.  Peachy Paint: The 90s called and they want their peach paint back!  As one of the least expensive things you can do to update your home quickly, rid it of dated paint colors.  Paint over your peach and tan walls that were extremely popular 20 years ago with white, beige, or gray. There are thousands of options and if you're not sure which paint color will be right in your home, get my input with an online paint consult.

Up-To-Date Decor for Any Home

 

 

Would you like a designer's eye in your home?
Get 1-on-1 Staging or Interior Design advice by VIDEO CALL or IN-PERSON
or
Subscribe to my newsletter and you'll get the two tools I made just for sellers: a DIY Staging Checklist and the 5 Things Every Home Needs to Attract a Buyer
Follow us on Facebook for Staging tips you can easily apply in the home you're selling - @StageMyListings 
This page contains affiliate links and I may be paid a commission for the products I recommend.  Thank you for your support of my business.

 


Leave a comment

Please note, comments must be approved before they are published