Decorating & Design
20+ Things In Your House That Could Be Dating It
Updated on February 15, 2023
We’ve rounded up the things that could be making your home look stuck in the past, plus get our best advice for a fresher, more contemporary look. Scroll down!
Chrome Fixtures Everywhere
If you’re planning a kitchen or bathroom reno, you may want to consider switching up your metals. This mixed metal faucet in matte black and copper brings a warm and unexpected element to this kitchen.
Red Brick Mantels
The red brick mantel that came with your home could be keeping it in the past. There are so many ways to makeover your mantel in 2023, whether you slap on a fresh coat of paint or make it a dramatic focal point with veiny marble, like this one.
Over-The-Range Microwaves
If you’re planning a kitchen remodel and have the luxury of space, consider placing your microwave in a more discreet setting, and opt for a stylish vent hood instead.
Outdated Storm Doors
Do you still have an aluminum storm door with a faded alarm sticker from the 80s? If so, it’s probably time for a refresh. This antique French door with a matching screen door proves you can still hunt for old pieces — just make sure they’re timeless and unique.
Poorly Hung Drapes
From the curtain rod you choose to the way your drapes hit the floor, there’s an art to hanging your window coverings. Say goodbye to 3-quarter length drapes, and let those beautiful fabrics flow to the floor.
Builder Basic Bedroom Lighting
The 90s called — they want their ceiling fans and dome glass flush mounts back! Think of lighting like the jewellery of your home. It’s the final touch that brings a room together. From mid-century modern to boho-inspired, bring character to your bedroom with an artful chandelier like this sculptural beauty.
Ugly TV Displays
You don’t need custom built-ins to achieve a beautiful family room. If your TV is still propped on a media unit from yesteryear, we suggest a refresh. For starters, mount your tv on the wall and place a cool credenza below it where you can display art and objets.
Living Rooms Without Area Rugs
Nothing will bring your living room together more than an area rug. Whether you opt for a statement piece like a Tuareg rug, or keep things neutral with something light and airy, you’ll love the warmth and cohesion it brings to the room.
Sterile Spaces
In 2022, there’s nothing more on trend than a lived-in space. British revival and eclecticism is back and we’re here for it! From patterned walls to vintage furniture and pops of color, it’s time to liven up your sterile rooms.
Honey Oak Strip Floors
Pale Scandi floors offer a fresher take than the honeyed oak of years past. An oiled finish is better alternative to layers of varathane that tend to get more yellow over time. Think about the dimension too: wide planks look more high-end than skinny strips.
Valances, Balloon Drapes & Swags
Overwrought window treatments have gone the way of supersized shoulder pads. Take a more pared-back approach with curtain rods and finials, too, and opt for something sleek like the example above.
White Appliances
In kitchens with dark cabinets, white appliances can stick out like sore thumbs. For an alternative, stainless steel has been proven to up a home’s resale value, but there are so many exciting finishes to choose from today (not to mention panel-ready fridges that better integrate with colorful cabinets).
Closed Off Entries
Tired screen doors and mid-century metal awnings shut down an entrance visually, lowering the curb appeal. Clear the way to a warm welcome with generous sidelights and a front door.
Themed Nurseries
This nursery is timeless (and cartoon character-free), decorated with vintage heirlooms and Scandinavian-modern furniture. Steering clear of overt themes also makes it easier to switch things up as kids grow.
Glass Vessel Sinks
Once all the rage, shallow glass vessel sinks have given way to to more substantial versions. Go deeper with a sculptural sink in stone.
Matching Furniture
The sun has set on matching dining and bedroom suites, and instead were the rise of individual vintage chairs and benches. In this vibrant dining room, a fun mix of blue and pink chairs around a custom table is unique, personal and artsy.
Stodgy Plant Displays
Grandma’s beloved African violets lined up on the sill are nostalgically quaint (and they seem to be thriving!), but there are fresher ways to showcase your plant collection. These suspended matching pots let foliage benefit from the natural light that streams in through this kitchen window, without cluttering counters, shelves or window sills.
Tired Finishes
If the finish has worn off bathroom fixtures, choose brass instead. Designer Shauna Walston says: “A natural brass gets even better with age, I have clients who fear brass is too trendy, but it’s here to stay.”
Overwrought Railings
Heavy turned spindles, chunky banisters and handrails with chipped paint have a claustrophobic effect on a staircase. This custom railing (based on a Chloe boutique in Paris) is an artful focal point that makes a statement.
Flimsy Outdoor Furniture
Creaky, plastic and nylon web outdoor furniture is no fun to sit on, and it’s a bit of a blight on a backyard. Investing in quality outdoor furniture will last for years, and beautify a garden.
Mind The Gap
Some try and turn that awkward space above cabinets into a styling spot for dishware, but it’s generally dark and tough to access. Cabinets that stretch up to the ceiling max out space and eliminate that awkward gap.
Clutter
Open display is a popular option in kitchens, but what’s on the shelves needs to be curated. Stacks of books, paperwork and tchotchkes need to be swept off surfaces in favor of meaningful, functional objects, like ceramics and glassware.
Cracked Tile & Dirty Grout
It’s hard to get a fresh start every morning when the bathroom flooring is looking tired and dingy. A new floor in a punchy pattern tile can jump start a bathroom.
Boring Coffee Table
Placing a big, boxy square in the middle of a room impedes flow and can make a small space look even more diminutive. Tables that have some airiness to them, like this undulating version, are a much more modern option.
Tired Throw Pillows
Toss pillows are a much less expensive update than reupholstering a sofa. Try a new color scheme or go the custom route with a fabric you’re in love with for an affordable splurge.
A Faded Front Door
Try a fresh coat of paint. It’s easy to forget about your front door, but thanks to regular wear and tear, they can start looking dingy fast (and you may not love the color you picked five years ago, either). We love how homeowners Michelle and Kenny Gemmill went with a cool blue for a breezy first impression.