Tips to Keep Your Home From Looking Dated. Home décor trends change so frequently that in no time your home can become outdated by today’s standards. Some of these design elements will go unnoticed or can be updated quickly like lighting fixtures, curtains and window treatments and paint color.
If you are planning a renovation to improve your homes resale value here are a few items to help you tackle the needed changes. Keep in mind that stainless steel appliances, neutral color décor, hardwood floors and subway tile never go out of style.
1. Popcorn Ceilings make a house look dated
Popcorn ceilings or textured ceilings were considered attractive from the 50’ to the late 80’s however, by the 1990’s they were found to contain asbestos. Removing popcorn ceilings is a messy job but will update the appearance of a room.
2. Heavy curtains or too many window treatments
Light weight and light-colored curtains are the rage today. The days of heavy curtains and poofy valances are a thing of the past. They collect dirt and dust and make a room look dark and daunting. Brighten up your rooms by allowing in more light.
3.Outdated hardware
Gold colored taps and faucets or brass fixtures and pulls on cabinets scream old fashioned and outdated décor. Select new hardware and fixtures that are chrome, black or stainless steel for a more modern décor choice.
4. Clutter Clutter Clutter
Modern décor is minimalistic and less is more. Decluttering your home is removing excess items from shelves, tables, and other surfaces. Put the kitchen appliances into cupboards out of sight to free up your countertops. Decluttering also gives a home a spacious and clean feel.
5. Outdated flooring
Nothing says outdated like carpeting throughout a home. Some people prefer carpet in bedrooms and rec-rooms but wall to wall carpeting is now a thing of the past. Today consumers use vinyl plank, laminate, or engineered hardwood floor.
Low maintenance vinyl or linoleum flooring looks cheap and dated. Consider adding an area rug to a room for a comfortable and stylish option instead of wall-to-wall carpet.
6. Wallpaper and borders
Wallpaper border was a huge trend in the 1990 and wallpaper for many years previous. However wallpaper can be stylish if you chose to do a statement wall. The days of wallpapering a whole home is considered a thing of the past. Some homeowners have used wallpaper to cover imperfections in the walls.
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It’s a nightmare for a new homeowner to remove the wallpaper and find mold, mildew, or cracks in the walls. If you are considering selling your home forgo the wallpaper and repair the walls.
7. Outdated countertops
Laminate countertops were the standard in most homes in the 70’s and 80’s because of affordability and easy maintenance. Many people today prefer natural stone, marble or wood instead of laminate countertops.
8. Vintage color appliances
Homes have had white appliances for over a century. Same can be said about colored appliances in green, blue, red or gold. Stay clear of the vintage and buy stainless steel appliances for a more modern kitchen.
9. Big jacuzzi or built-in tubs make a house look dated
In the past couple of decades homes with big jacuzzi tubs or built-in tubs were in high demand. Their popularity has faded, and instead freestanding bathtubs are in demand because of function and aesthetics.
10. Unending Beige
Neutral colors make a space look brighter and spacious. If you want to paint walls beige try beiges with yellow or pink undertones or greige which is beige and greys. At this time greige is a very popular wall color with home stagers and interior designers.
Roy Thomas SRES® (Senior’s Real Estate Specialist) is a REALTOR® with Sutton Group Professional Realty. Since 1991, Roy specializes in helping retirees with their later in life real estate transactions. Call Roy at 902-497-3031 or contact Roy here
