Common Home Decor Mistakes That Make Your Home Look Dated- And How to Fix Them
When it comes to creating a beautiful, timeless home, there are a handful of common design mistakes I often see clients trying to correct. In fact, when moving into my own home- many of these were at the top of my list to update sooner rather than later. I’m a big believer your home should feel like you, but sometimes a few small tweaks can make a big difference in creating a classic, updated look. Today, I’m sharing 10 home decor mistakes that might be unintentionally dating your space- and, of course, easy ways to fix them. Maybe you haven’t crossed these off your to-do list yet? I certainly have a few left to tackle. Let’s dive in!
This post is meant to be helpful and to help get your wheels turning if you’re feeling stuck furnishing or decorating your home. I do want to reiterate- your home should look and feel however you see fit. It’s yours to make your own, regardless of what is currently dated or trendy. When we moved into our current home, there were many of these eye sores sprinkled throughout. Consider this your reminder that it all takes time… and that’s part of the beauty of creating a home you love.
1. Overly Matchy Furniture Sets
Remember those furniture store displays where everything, from the sofa to the coffee table to the end tables, matched exactly? While cohesive design is important, overly matching furniture can feel flat and outdated. I recommend avoiding the “bedroom in a box” aesthetic, easy as it may seem.
Instead:
Curate a piece you truly love and combine complementary styles, finishes, and materials for a layered, designer look. Pair an upholstered sofa with a vintage coffee table, or mix metals and wood tones within the same room. The contrast adds so much more character and depth. Just because you’re not going the matching set route, doesn’t mean you have to spend a fortune. In addition to thrifting vintage pieces, here are 45 designer approved furniture finds from Amazon.
2. Outdated Light Fixtures
Lighting is often overlooked or we wait until the last stages of a project to update fixtures, but it has a huge impact on the overall aesthetic of your home. Fixtures that scream “builder grade” or feel stuck in another decade can instantly make a space feel dated. In my 1990’s builder-grade home, it was basic flush mounts, which have been coined “boob lights”. I think we’ve replaced almost all of them by now.
Instead:
Swap outdated light fixtures for layered and timeless options. Think clean lines, natural materials, and classic finishes like aged brass or polished nickel. Don’t be afraid to make a statement with a sculptural chandelier or add a playful shade to your sconce- lighting should feel intentional and beautiful. Give this post a read… tips for layering lighting like a designer!
3. Outdated Window Treatments
When I think of outdated window treatments, my mind immediately goes to plastic blinds or cheap builder grade panels with grommets. In our house, it was plastic shutters.
Instead:
Opt for lighter, tailored window treatments like linen drapery panels, woven shades, or simple Roman shades. Allowing more natural light into your space can instantly make your home feel more spacious and inviting. Here are some of my recommendations for affordable window treatments for a custom designer look!
4. Neglecting Your Walls and Paint Finishes
Scuffed and worn walls make your house look neglected. Paint touch up or maintenance goes a long way in making your home feel clean, but outdated wall colors or overly textured walls can also age a room quickly. Additionally, choosing the wrong finish for a specific area can feel jarring.
Instead:
Choose timeless, neutral paint colors that feel warm and inviting- think soft whites, taupe, or blues and greens. If you want color, go for saturated, classic tones instead of trendy shades that might not stand the test of time… and stick to smooth finishes for walls. Check out this post for my designer guide for choosing the best paint sheen or finish!
5. Clutter Rather than Thoughtful Styling
Too many small knick-knacks or cluttered surfaces can make even a beautifully designed room feel chaotic and dated.
Instead:
Practice thoughtful styling. Curate groupings, stacks, or corral decorative objects in odd numbers, mix heights and textures, and leave plenty of negative space. Quality over quantity is key when it comes to styling! Having an eye for editing is equally as important.
6. Inconsistent, Dated Flooring
Nothing makes a home feel more disjointed than inconsistent flooring that abruptly changes and lacks cohesion. While there’s nothing wrong with carpet in bedrooms, dated wall-to-wall carpet (especially in living area) can really drag down the look of your home. It can also begin to feel gross or dirty, depending on how well it has been cared for.
Instead:
Upgrade to hardwood, engineered wood, tile, or replace your carpet once it’s past its prime. Layer a cozy area rug on top of hardwoods for warmth and texture. Even if replacing flooring isn’t in the budget- a large, stylish rug can hide a multitude of sins. However, it’s important to keep your area rugs looking nice, too! Check out this post on how to clean vintage rugs at home (without damaging them).
7. Over-The-Top Themes
Themes (like coastal or nautical, farmhouse, or cottage core) can date a home quickly if they feel too literal.
Instead:
Rather than leaning fully into one theme, take inspiration from it. Pull a few elements you love and blend them thoughtfully with other styles for a more collected, personal look. You can even repeat them elsewhere in your house. For example, I love horses and equestrian design- so you’ll notice they appear throughout my home… but my house isn’t designed like a horse barn or to any one extreme.
8. Dated Hardware and Fixtures
Inexpensive cabinet knobs and pulls, worn-out doorknobs, or cheap brass hardware from the ’80s can really date a space.
Instead:
Swapping out hardware is one of the easiest and most affordable upgrades you can make! Choose classic, well-made hardware in timeless finishes- aged brass or polished nickel are all great options. Check out this guide on how to measure, select, and install interior door hardware.
9. Lack of Personalization or Character
A home that feels clinical or undecorated with no personal touches can feel cold or outdated. Putting effort into your home shows! It’s a representation of yourself and your personal style.
Instead:
Add personal, meaningful layers, vintage finds, artwork you truly love, family heirlooms, or DIY projects. These pieces tell your story and keep your home feeling authentic and timeless. I’m really proud of the home we’ve slowly created and made our own!
10. Ignoring Scale and Proportion
Furniture that’s too large (or too small) for a room can throw everything off and make a space feel awkward.
Instead:
Before buying, always measure and plan your layout carefully. Invest in pieces that fit your space. A well-proportioned room looks polished and intentional, no matter the aesthetic.
FAQ
You don’t need a full renovation to refresh your home. Small changes like swapping light fixtures, updating hardware, fresh paint colors, and styling thoughtfully can make a big impact and help your home feel more curated and timeless!
Overly themed decor, wall-to-wall carpet in common areas, heavy textures on walls, and bulky, matching furniture sets can quickly date your home.
Absolutely! Updating outdated design elements, even simple ones like hardware and lighting, can enhance the overall appeal of your home and make it more attractive to future buyers. Check out these 10 home updates that actually pay off and add value!
Designing a home is a journey, and it’s totally normal for your aesthetic to evolve over time. If you recognize any of these home decor mistakes in your space, don’t stress- small, thoughtful updates can completely transform the look and feel of your home. Start with one vignette at a time. I’d love to hear, have you tackled any of these common design mistakes in your home? Are there any you’re planning to update soon? Let me know in the comment section below! Here’s to a great week, friends.