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If your home is feeling a bit stuck in the past, it might be time to rethink some of the design choices that have been lingering for too long. Certain features, once considered stylish, can now date your space and make it feel outdated. From overused materials to outdated furniture choices, there are plenty of things that can easily make your home look like it’s from a different era. Here are 15 common design elements to look out for, along with modern alternatives to keep your space fresh and up-to-date.
Wood Paneling Walls
Wood paneling, particularly the dark, glossy variety, can make a room feel like it’s stuck in the past. This heavy, outdated style can create a closed-off or outdated atmosphere in your home. Consider repainting the panels in a lighter, more neutral tone or replacing them with modern wall treatments like drywall or a clean, textured wallpaper.
Avocado Green Appliances
Avocado green appliances were once a hallmark of ’70s kitchens but now feel out of place in contemporary spaces. The bright, bold colors can easily date your kitchen and clash with more modern design elements. Upgrade to stainless steel or black appliances for a sleek, timeless look that complements any style.
Floral Wallpaper
Floral wallpaper, especially in busy or outdated patterns, can give your home a vintage feel that may not fit with more modern aesthetics. The bold, repetitive patterns tend to overpower a space, making it feel crowded and heavy. Opt for solid colors, subtle textures, or contemporary wallpaper designs like geometric or minimalistic patterns.
Vertical Blinds
Vertical blinds were once the go-to choice for covering large windows but have since become associated with outdated decor. Their heavy, stiff appearance and noisy function can create an unattractive, formal look in a room. Instead, choose light, airy fabrics like Roman shades, sheer curtains, or contemporary roller blinds for a fresh and modern feel.
Arched Cabinet Doors
Arched cabinet doors, once a staple in traditional and vintage kitchens, now often seem out of place in modern spaces. The rounded edges can make the cabinets look heavy and old-fashioned. Switching to flat-panel doors or minimalist shaker styles will give your cabinets a more updated, sleek appearance.
Carpeted Bathrooms
Carpeted bathrooms are both outdated and impractical, as they absorb moisture, leading to potential mold and mildew problems. This style not only dates your space but also makes the room harder to clean and maintain. Switch to tile, vinyl, or even modern wooden flooring options for a cleaner, more contemporary bathroom.
Mirrored Walls
Mirrored walls were a trend in the ’80s and ’90s but can now make a room feel like a time capsule from that era. While they can make a space feel larger, mirrored walls can be overwhelming and show every smudge and reflection. Consider replacing them with modern, framed art, neutral-colored paint, or accent mirrors for a lighter, more modern touch.
Tile Countertops
Tile countertops, especially those with visible grout lines, can create a dated look that’s hard to escape. The uneven surfaces and hard-to-clean grout make tile feel less desirable in modern kitchens. Instead, choose solid stone surfaces like granite, quartz, or butcher block for a smooth, timeless appeal.
Overstuffed Recliners
Overstuffed recliners can give a room a bulky, dated appearance with their large proportions and heavy upholstery. They often dominate the space, making it feel smaller and less streamlined. Consider opting for sleeker, more compact seating options like modern armchairs or minimalist lounge chairs that still offer comfort but with a more refined look.
Track Lighting
Track lighting, once a popular choice for modern homes, can often make a space feel more like a showroom than a cozy home. Its harsh lines and visible tracks can disrupt the flow of a room. Replace it with recessed lighting or stylish pendant lights that offer a more subtle and sophisticated lighting solution.
Dated Ceiling Fans
Old-fashioned ceiling fans with bulky designs and outdated finishes can give a room a retro or neglected feel. The visible blades and heavy structures often clash with more streamlined, contemporary decor. Opt for a sleek, modern fan design or consider replacing it entirely with stylish overhead lighting.
Lace Curtains and Doilies
Lace curtains and doilies can instantly make a room feel stuck in another time, often giving off a frilly, overly feminine vibe. These decor items are heavy on intricate details and can easily overwhelm a space. Swap them for simple, elegant window treatments like light linen curtains or minimalist blinds for a cleaner look.
Overuse of Oak Finish
Oak furniture, especially when overused, can create a dated, overly traditional atmosphere in your home. The heavy, orange-toned finish can make your space feel dark and older than it is. Try incorporating lighter woods like ash or maple, or go for painted furniture pieces in neutral tones to achieve a more modern and refreshed look.
Heavy Drapes with Tassels
Heavy drapes with tassels or ornate detailing can weigh down your room and make it feel old-fashioned. The luxurious but dated fabric and styling can create a stuffy or overly formal atmosphere. Opt for lighter, simpler fabrics like linen or cotton in neutral shades for a more relaxed, modern vibe.
Plaid Upholstery
Plaid upholstery, often associated with older or traditional furniture, can make a room feel stuck in the past. The bold, repetitive pattern is often hard to pair with modern decor, giving a room an outdated feel. Choose solid, neutral fabrics or minimalistic patterns for your upholstery to keep things fresh and versatile.
