Home design trends evolve constantly, and while some styles stand the test of time, others begin to show their age quickly. A home that feels dated doesn’t necessarily mean it’s falling apart or neglected—it could simply be a matter of aesthetics that no longer resonate with modern tastes. Whether you’re planning to sell or just want to refresh your surroundings, identifying these dated elements is the first step to creating a more current, appealing space.
Here are specific items and features that often make a home look outdated—and how to fix them:
Popcorn Ceilings
Once popular in the mid-20th century for their acoustic properties, popcorn ceilings now scream “outdated.” They not only collect dust but can also contain asbestos if installed before the 1980s.
Update Tip: Hire a professional to remove the texture and opt for a smooth or lightly textured ceiling for a clean, contemporary look.
Honey Oak Cabinets
The warm golden hue of honey oak dominated kitchens and bathrooms in the ‘80s and ‘90s. Today, it tends to make a room feel dated and heavy.
Update Tip: Consider painting them a neutral color like white, greige, or navy, or replace them with more streamlined cabinetry in a natural wood or modern finish.
Brass Fixtures (Old Style)
While brass is making a comeback, the high-shine, yellow-toned brass fixtures of the late 20th century are a dead giveaway of an older home.
Update Tip: Replace them with matte black, brushed nickel, or updated brushed brass hardware and lighting for a fresh, on-trend look.
Tile Countertops
Tile counters, especially with wide grout lines, were a staple in homes built in the ‘70s through early 2000s. Today, they’re considered impractical and outdated.
Update Tip: Replace with quartz, granite, or solid-surface countertops that offer a sleek, easy-to-clean surface.
Wall-to-Wall Carpeting (Especially in Bathrooms)
Carpet in bathrooms was once seen as a cozy luxury, but now it raises hygiene concerns and visually dates the space.
Update Tip: Replace with tile, luxury vinyl, or waterproof laminate flooring for a modern, clean feel.
Overly Patterned Wallpaper or Borders
Busy florals, borders around ceilings, and vintage murals can make a home feel stuck in the past.
Update Tip: Remove outdated wallpaper and repaint in a neutral or trendy hue. If you love wallpaper, choose a modern print used sparingly as an accent.
Vertical Blinds and Heavy Drapes
These window treatments were once common, especially in homes built in the ‘80s and ‘90s, but they now feel dated and bulky.
Update Tip: Opt for Roman shades, woven woods, or simple floor-to-ceiling drapes in light fabrics for a more updated and open look.
Glass Block Accents
Popular in bathrooms and entryways, glass blocks were a go-to for letting in light while maintaining privacy. Today, they feel cold and dated.
Update Tip: Replace with frosted glass panels, clear windows with shades, or other creative lighting solutions.
Fake Plants and Ivy Garland
Plastic greenery and artificial ivy draped over cabinets or shelves were a common decorative touch in decades past.
Update Tip: Remove faux foliage and opt for real plants, or modern minimalist decor that brings life without looking staged.
Outdated Appliances and Colored Bathroom Fixtures
Harvest gold, almond, or avocado green appliances and pastel-colored tubs and toilets can instantly place a home in the ‘60s or ‘70s.
Update Tip: Invest in stainless steel or matte finish appliances and neutral-colored plumbing fixtures for timeless appeal
