7 Home Decor Faux Pas That Date Your Interiors, According To Designers

Some decorating trends have an expiration date. While mid-century modern designs like elegant Eames furniture or Eero Saarinen-designed lap chairs are back in style and selling big, for example, other homes can look old-fashioned. Not to mention, a home stuck in the past can lose some of its potential resale value. According to Eugene Colberg, director of Brooklyn's Colberg Architecture, "Upgrading a home can maximize its value when it hits the market." "In addition, houses become more livable after renovation," says Kohlberg.

Common culprits like popcorn ceilings or laminate floors are easy to spot. But how to find the debt of future young retirees at home? Do not worry. AD has done all the work for you. Read on for a list of seven rare features you should upgrade to.

All gray inside

"Every time I see a house with gray wood floors, gray cabinets, gray walls, tiles and ceilings, I think that this space is not only run down, but also outdated," says Becky Wright of Sorry Girls, creator of YouTube in Toronto. about DIY, sustainability and interior design. White and muted gray were the mainstay of vintage and cottage-style interiors in the 80s and 90s. Joanna Gaines, who perfected the farmhouse style on Fixer Upper, also diluted the grays with rich greens and vibrant blues.

If you don't know how to do this, or need to take the plunge with a bold color, Wright recommends using white, which is easier to paint in case you change your mind later or want the furniture in any color adapt. You can also try peeling and pasting wallpaper with an interesting pattern. According to a recent survey of home decoration trends by global retailer and payment service Klarna, purchases of self-adhesive wallpaper, especially in noble colors and patterns, increased by 92%.

Floor covering stairs

Wooden kitchens, with many options to complete the look, are not the only place where natural materials shine. Wood makes a comeback throughout the house, including the stairs. As a result, carpeted stairs, especially those covered with beige upholstery, look very edgy. "Often, carpeted stairs can look worn if they're original [to the home]," says Kelsey McDermaid, also of Sorry Girls. "They will find it out of style or potentially unsanitary. Taking it apart and painting, staining or adding runners to the stairs will be a winning decision."

If you don't anticipate a major stair upgrade in the future, at least replace the carpet with something new. For modern rugs, choose rugs that are textured and pleasant to the touch. These motifs are woven at different heights to create luxurious 3D effects.

tanned exterior

There is nothing more attractive than bright, modern colors. Not so long ago, real estate agents encouraged homeowners to choose a "safe" color, like brown—it flashes or it doesn't flash. The color also tends to work well with any type of landscape. Red and beige were also in fashion in the 1990s and 2000s, but now the gritty exterior is paired with a clean, modern aesthetic. A great way to freshen up your home's exterior is to apply a fresh coat of paint, and it doesn't have to cover the entire house. "Painting your front door is a relatively simple and transformative update that can breathe new life into your exterior," says Kevin Lenhart, design director at Houston-based residential landscaper Yardzen. "Your front door sets the tone for the rest of your home. It stands out from the street and is often the focal point of your home's exterior." As for the color of the front door, Lenhart says the company often gets requests for black and charcoal to match the sleek, contemporary look. In other cases, clients choose "a timeless navy blue or a dusty navy blue like Benjamin Moore Newburyport Blue (HC-155) to blend seamlessly with the soft organic landscape popular at the time."

Lamps and accessories

While brushed brass hardware is the crown jewel of kitchen cabinets, experts say over-the-top fixtures like large oval handles and large bathroom fixtures (ahem, fixtures) are making their way into the kitchen. the way they make spaces look dated. Instead, opt for matte black hardware for its minimalist aesthetic, advises Kohlberg. As for glittering accessories, crystal mini chandeliers have long since invaded the bathroom. But even here, simplicity is important. "A new faucet can completely change a bathroom," says Lizzy McGraw, Venice Beach designer and author of Creative Style. Minimalist bras inspired by mid-century modern style have caught on as more and more people strive for sophistication.

Pretentious window shades

Homeowners are looking for the gap between indoor and outdoor spaces and overworked windows are no longer desirable as they tend to darken the exterior. In addition, trendy and expensive window decorations are now often considered old-fashioned, says Wright. "When my parents sold their house, they removed all the '90s tubs from their windows and even trimmed the bottom of the detailed piping on the shutters to make them look more modern." The Klarna Home Decor Research also reports that sales of pink and green curtains rose by more than 100% in the first two weeks of January.

Those who love drama play it out; Look out for Lily Allen and David Harbour, who decked out their Brooklyn home with floral window treatments to match the rest of their floral fantasy.

Mirror wardrobe doors

An 80s staple known for adding glam and sparkle to the yuppie era, mirrored cabinet doors make even small spaces seem larger. But the feature fell out of fashion. Rather, farmhouse barn doors, French closet doors, and pocket or even folding doors add some personality to a quiet bedroom without making the space look dated. Updating even small items like closet doors can change the look of a room and make nearby spaces more inviting, says Kohlberg.

Old equipment

When was the last time you saw white kitchen appliances? Maybe in your grandmother's apartment in Florida. There is a difference between something that looks vintage, like a fancy Smeg fridge. and an old, worn device. Even if you don't have the budget to buy new parts, you can do it yourself by painting the refrigerator in the color of your choice.

Things like the "giant retro microwave built into the kitchen" that no longer works are clear signs of a tired kitchen. "Even if they work, they may not be the latest option," says Wright. If so, is it time to remove it and maybe do a new drywall?

It originally appeared in Architectural Digest.