Good home decor is subjective—and pinpointing “outdated” interior design isn’t as easy as pointing to an old piece of furniture or decor. For example, your mom’s old lamp from the 50s that you used to hate? Well, we call that mid-century modern now, and, in the right context, it could be the decor item that makes a room look cool and unique. Plus, with a rising interest in vintage furniture, “dated” pieces are in high demand—and they can help you add more charm and style to your home.
However, as Real Simple reports, there are certain design choices—like following trends too closely or furnishing your entire home with matching sets—that can make a home feel unintentionally dated.
For example, be careful when it comes to adding texture to your living space. While playing with textures is a great way to add dimension to any space, some elements just aren’t current enough for the here and now. Experts say these include popcorn ceilings, heavily textured walls, dark wood paneling, and tiled countertops. “These elements can easily give a space an old-fashioned and outdated appearance,” says Crockett. For a modern approach, stick to sleek stones and materials, such as marble and concrete, for more chic and natural-looking texture.
Another place to kind of rein it in, is with what experts refer to as “discontinuous color” scemes. While bold shades and hues can become a lasting design choice in your home, it’s important to make sure that everything flows just right. “As a designer, a home feels dated to me when there’s a lack of cohesive design throughout the space, resulting in a mismatched and disjointed feel,” says Atlanta-based interior designer Jasmine Crockett, founder & CEO of JoyMeetsHome. To avoid a disconnected and dated home, find a color palette that you can use throughout the entire house.
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