These Design Choices Are Dating Your Home, According to Pros

With how often tastes and trends change, there’s no shame in wanting to switch up the look of your living space. But sometimes, it's difficult to identify what exactly makes your home feel dated.

If your kitchen is beginning to look a little stale or an unnameable feature in your bedroom is making everything feel off, there are certain design choices that could be the culprits.

Your design preferences are personal, and not everyone will agree on what makes a room sing—and what won’t. But, there are some particular features that could date your home more than others.

We spoke with designers to get their take on the fixtures, furniture, and colors to avoid in order to prevent creating a home that looks outdated.

Installing Trendy Pieces Permanently

There’s nothing wrong with embracing different trends as they pop up—that’s the fun of interior design, after all. Luis Carmona of VERDE Interior Design notes that taking trends too far can lead to a dated home and disappointment.

Unless you’re certain this is a style you’ll love for years to come, it’s better to keep them less permanent. If you are gravitating towards a design trend, Carmona suggests using items that can easily be swapped or removed, like peel-and-stick wallpaper, rugs, art pieces, and paint colors.

Committing to a Major Color Trend

Speaking of throwing all your time and efforts into major trends, the same can be said for not just fixtures, but colors, too.

“Certain color trends, like an all-white kitchen, can appear like cool choices at the time, but are often the reason why a space looks dated,” Carmona says.

There are certain timeless color palettes and schemes that haven't wavered over time. When it comes to bringing in a recent color trend, start small.

Sliding Barn Doors

One of the most common fixtures seen in modern farmhouse homes is a sliding barn door. They’re certainly a stylish choice for those who favor a country-tinged living space, but in the long term, it might not be such a good idea.

Max Bennink, a realtor with Sebastien | Daniel Alliance at COMPASS, says these types of doors go beyond dating a home—they’re just not all that functional either.

“They don't offer any privacy or noise suppression, and they're always banging against the wall,” he says.

Instead of choosing a door on wheels, go for a more traditional option or a sliding door that sits flush to a wall and blocks noises. If you really like this rustic look, choose something with planks or farmhouse details that still closes like a standard door.  

Blue (or Colorful) Kitchen Islands

With the number of houses Bennink has seen, there is another trend that he often spots in homes that haven’t held up well over the years: blue kitchen islands.

“I'm not sure why these got so popular from 2018 to 2022, but they did not age well,” he says.

Although it seems like a fun pop of color at the moment, staring at a bold blue every time you go to cook a meal might get old. One of the main reasons this happens, according to Bennink, is that most people don’t select the right kind of blue.

When it comes to choosing the best blue paint colors for your home, it depends on the style you want. For something that’s versatile and eternally classic, a slate green-blue is never a bad idea, neither are more muted shades that are less in-your-face than cobalt.

Overwhelming Colors and Patterns

Maximalism is the perfect design style for dwellers who prefer things that are bolder, bigger, and brighter. If you’re new to the world of vibrant tones and pattern mixing though, it’s better to be careful with how you redecorate.

Ladina Schöpf, an interior designer, and founder of LS Projects, notes that people should be conscious of what prints and hues they use to adorn their homes.

“Using excessive patterns and bold colors can quickly make a space feel outdated,” she says. “Instead, opt for a more neutral and balanced color palette that allows for versatility in decor styles.”

This doesn’t mean you have to avoid that floral wallpaper or checkered throw blanket completely, just start with small doses.

Architectural Wall Tiles

Another direct route to a dated home? Architectural tiles. These are often cemented all around the walls of kitchens, bathrooms, feature walls, and fireplaces.

Interior designer Colleen Primm of Colleen Primm Design notes that it “has had its moment” and she personally hasn’t “recommended it in years" to her clients.

“While it might still be okay for outside of your home, it’s no longer something you want to see on the inside,” she adds.

What to do instead? Primm recommends selecting just one large piece of tile for a wall rather than opting for a collection of smaller pieces. This is more modern and works in a variety of homes.

Outdated Furniture Styles

Schöpf adds that certain furniture styles can make for a glaringly dated room, too.

“Avoid heavy, ornate furniture pieces and focus on more streamlined and contemporary designs that have a timeless appeal,” she says. Big antique armoires and Victorian couches have their places, but a room full of intricate, statement furniture can quickly feel old and out of style.

On the topic of furniture, take a look at your lighting fixtures while you’re at it. The wrong lamp, a sterile bulb, or a traditional flush-mount ceiling lamp can quickly put a damper on things.

Schöpf says to incorporate a blend of different lighting options as this will “create a well-lit and inviting atmosphere.”

Read Next: 4 Design Trends Everyone Seems to Love, But Designers Secretly Hate

Read the original article on The Spruce.