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Some design choices that were once popular can now make a home feel dated and less appealing to buyers. While vintage touches can add character, certain features like popcorn ceilings, carpeted bathrooms, and heavy drapery can make a space look stuck in the past. Updating these elements doesn’t have to mean a full remodel—small changes can make a big difference. Here are outdated design features that may be dragging down your home’s value and simple ways to refresh them.
Popcorn Ceilings Dulling Your Space
This living room exudes a warm ambiance with plush seating and abundant natural light from sheer curtains. However, the dated popcorn ceiling detracts from the overall contemporary feel, making the space look older than it is. Consider replacing it with a smooth finish or modern paneling to update the look effortlessly.
Outdated Wood Paneling Cramping Style
This room is defined by its dark wood paneling, lending it a vintage charm but also a dated appearance. The eclectic mix of furniture introduces warmth, yet the heavy walls absorb natural light, making the space feel enclosed. Brighten the room by painting the paneling a lighter shade or incorporating reflective decor to modernize effectively.
Carpeted Bathrooms That Should Be Tiled
This bathroom features classic white subway tiles and warm-toned walls that create a cozy atmosphere. However, the carpeted floor raises concerns for hygiene and maintenance, potentially trapping moisture and odors. Consider replacing the carpet with tiles or waterproof flooring for a fresh and practical update.
Avocado Green Appliances from the Past
This kitchen features vintage green appliances and cabinetry, reminiscent of a mid-century era but now lost in time. The faded colors and worn surfaces clash with today’s sleek aesthetic, making the space feel outdated. Update the look by opting for stainless steel appliances and a fresh coat of paint to revitalize the kitchen.
Shag Carpets Holding Onto the ’70s
This hallway features a bold orange shag carpet that dominates the space with its retro flair. The walls are visibly worn, showcasing peeling paint and damage that detracts from the home’s overall appeal. Replace the carpet with a neutral, sleek flooring option, and refresh the walls with a clean coat of paint for a contemporary update.
Floral Wallpaper Overwhelming Rooms
This bedroom’s dark floral wallpaper serves as an intense backdrop, potentially overpowering the room’s ambiance. The rich patterns compete with the decor, making the space feel smaller and more enclosed. Consider opting for a lighter, simpler wall treatment to create a more open and soothing environment.
Brass Fixtures Tarnishing Modern Design
This bathroom showcases vintage brass fixtures, offering a nod to classic design but dominating the room’s aesthetic. The ornate clawfoot tub adds character, yet the use of brass throughout can make the space feel dated. Consider updating by mixing in modern elements or more subtle finishes to balance the décor.
Mirrored Walls Reflecting an Old Era
This dining room features an entire wall of mirrors, attempting to create a sense of space but ultimately doubling down on a dated aesthetic. The mirrors reflect the vintage wallpaper and formal dining set, emphasizing an older style rather than modernizing the room. Consider replacing the mirrored panels with a fresh coat of paint or artwork to bring new life and character into the space.
Tile Countertops That Need an Upgrade
This kitchen features a tile countertop and backsplash, showcasing a rustic yet outdated design that might hinder modern appeal. The grout lines can be challenging to maintain, making the area look worn over time. Consider updating to seamless surfaces like quartz or granite for a fresh, clean look that’s easier to upkeep.
Hollywood Vanity Lighting That’s Past Its Prime
Hollywood vanity lighting, with its row of exposed round bulbs, was once a staple in bathrooms but now feels outdated and harsh. The bright, unflattering light can make a space look less inviting and give off a builder-grade feel rather than a high-end look. Swapping it out for modern sconces or a sleek backlit mirror instantly updates the space and creates a softer, more flattering glow.
Over-the-Range Microwaves Dominating Kitchens
Mounting a microwave over the stove was once a popular way to save counter space, but it often makes a kitchen feel dated and cramped. The bulky appliance can take away from the overall aesthetic, making the cooking area look less streamlined. Replacing it with a stylish range hood and relocating the microwave to a built-in cabinet or under-counter drawer creates a more modern and functional layout.
Wallpaper Borders Dating Your Decor
This room features a vintage floral border that wraps around the top of the walls, adding a nostalgic touch but potentially dating the space. The ornate pattern competes with more contemporary decor, creating a disjointed aesthetic. Replace the border with a clean, painted finish or a subtle wallpaper for a cohesive and updated look.
Honey Oak Cabinets from Another Decade
This kitchen showcases a series of oak cabinets with ornate brass hardware, which may feel heavy and outdated. The classic farmhouse sink contrasts with the rest of the aesthetic, but the overall look lacks contemporary appeal. Refresh the space by painting the cabinets a lighter color and updating the hardware for a more modern, open feel.
Outdated Ornate Fireplace Mantels
Elaborate fireplace mantels with heavy carvings and intricate moldings can make a room feel stuck in the past. These overly decorative designs often clash with contemporary styles and can make the space look more formal than inviting. A simple refresh with a clean-lined wood mantel or a sleek stone surround brings a fresh, updated look while still making the fireplace a focal point.
Heavy Drapes Weighing Down Interiors
These ornate, tassel-laden drapes cast an old-world charm that may overpower the natural light entering this space. The heavy fabric and intricate swagging can make the room feel darker and dated. Swap them out for lighter, more minimal window treatments to brighten the space and add a contemporary touch.
