Your home is a reflection of your style, but certain design choices can quickly make it feel stuck in the past. Recognizing these elements helps you keep your space looking fresh and inviting without a complete overhaul.
By knowing what features tend to date a home, you can make simple updates that improve your space and keep it feeling current. This guide will help you spot common design pitfalls so you can create a home that feels both comfortable and up to date.
Tuscan-themed decor
If your home has heavy Tuscan-themed decor, like orange and gold tones or rustic, sun-baked walls, it can quickly feel dated. These Old World styles were popular before but now might make your space look stuck in the past.
Updating with cleaner colors and simpler finishes can refresh your look without a full remodel.
Granite countertops
Granite once symbolized luxury in kitchens. Now, many patterns feel busy and outdated.
If your granite has bold veins or intense colors, it might make your space look stuck in the past. Consider swapping it for a simpler, more neutral surface to refresh your kitchen’s look.
Tile countertops
Tile countertops were popular years ago, but today they can make your kitchen feel outdated. The grout lines often stain and become hard to clean, which affects the overall look.
If you want a fresher style, consider replacing tile with a solid surface. This change can modernize your kitchen and make maintenance easier for you.
Orange wood furniture
If your furniture has an orange wood finish, it can make your space feel stuck in the past. This warm, dated tone often clashes with today’s more neutral palettes.
You can tone it down by staining the wood a softer, more natural color. Alternatively, updating your decor with muted earth tones can balance the brightness of orange wood.
Oddly scaled antiques
You might love antiques, but pieces that are oddly sized can throw off your space. Oversized or tiny furniture feels out of place and can make your room look unbalanced.
Choosing items that fit well with your room’s scale helps create a more polished and comfortable environment. Keep your antiques proportional to other furnishings for a timeless look.
Travertine tile flooring
Travertine tile was popular years ago, but it can quickly make your home feel outdated. The natural holes and worn look often show wear more noticeably than other materials.
If your floors are travertine, you might find they clash with modern, sleek design trends. Consider updating or covering them to refresh your space without a full remodel.
Sliding barn doors
Sliding barn doors were trendy for a while, but they can quickly make your home feel dated now. They don’t block sound well, so noise can easily travel between rooms.
If your floor isn’t perfectly level, these doors might not close properly, which can be annoying in everyday use. Consider other door styles if you want a timeless look.
Glass mosaic tile backsplashes
If your kitchen has a glass mosaic tile backsplash, it might feel stuck in the past. These small, shiny tiles were popular years ago but can look busy or overly flashy now.
You can update the look by choosing simpler, larger tiles or going for more natural textures. This change can refresh your kitchen without a full remodel.
Lace drapes
If your home still has lace drapes, it might be time for a refresh. Lace curtains can give a space a traditional look that feels outdated today.
You can update your windows with simpler, modern curtains or blinds. This small change helps your room feel brighter and more current without losing charm.
Bulky corner tubs
If your bathroom has a bulky corner tub, it can quickly make the space feel outdated. These tubs often take up too much room and don’t match today’s sleek, minimalist designs.
You might want to consider replacing it with a more streamlined tub or a spacious walk-in shower. This small change can open up your bathroom and give it a fresher look.
Heavy floral wallpaper
If your walls are covered in heavy floral wallpaper, it can quickly date your space. These patterns were popular decades ago but now often feel overwhelming and busy.
You don’t have to remove it right away. Try balancing it with simple, modern furniture and neutral accessories to freshen the look without a full redo.
Brass hardware and fixtures
If your home features shiny gold or overly polished brass hardware, it might feel a bit dated to visitors. Consider switching to unlacquered brass instead, which offers a softer, more natural look that develops character over time.
This subtle change refreshes your space without losing the charm brass brings. It’s an easy update that helps your home stay current.