What is making a house look dated right now?

A lot can change in interior design trends over the years. Just like fashion, homes evolve, and what was once in vogue can start to feel outdated or stale. If you’ve walked into a space and felt like it had a certain “old” feel, you’re not alone. Certain design choices and materials are currently making homes look dated, even if they were once considered the epitome of style.

If you’re wondering why your home doesn’t feel fresh or why your friends' houses seem more "current," it could be due to a few key elements that are no longer in vogue. Here are some of the design features that are contributing to homes looking outdated right now, along with tips on how to modernise your space without an entire overhaul.

1. Overuse of Bold, Dark Wood (Especially in Cabinets)

Why It’s Dated: While wood is timeless, the overuse of dark, heavy woods like mahogany, cherry, and dark oak has become a hallmark of outdated interiors. This was especially common in the 90s and early 2000s. While these woods can add richness and elegance, they often give rooms a closed-off, dark, or heavy feel.

• In the Kitchen: Dark wood cabinets, paired with matching dark countertops and backsplashes, can make your kitchen feel dated and closed in, especially if you have a smaller space or limited natural light.
• In Living Rooms: Oversized wooden furniture or thick wooden paneling can make a space feel old-fashioned and overly heavy.

What to Do Instead:

• Opt for lighter woods like oak, ash, or maple, or go for painted cabinets in modern, neutral tones (white, grey, or navy).
• Consider open shelving or light-coloured natural finishes for a more airy, contemporary look.
• You could also choose minimalist metal accents or glass-front cabinets for a more sleek and modern aesthetic.

2. Wall-to-Wall Carpeting

Why It’s Dated: Wall-to-wall carpeting, once a popular choice for comfort and warmth, can now give off a dated vibe. Carpets are seen as harder to clean and maintain, and they can often absorb odours and dirt, making them less ideal for modern living. Additionally, carpets can sometimes make spaces feel less open or airy.

What to Do Instead:

• Replace old carpeting with hardwood floors, laminate, or luxury vinyl tiles (LVT) that are more durable and easier to clean.
• Opt for rugs to add warmth and colour to rooms rather than wall-to-wall carpeting. You can easily change them out to refresh a room.

3. Excessive Matchy-Matchy Décor

Why It’s Dated: There was a time when perfectly matching furniture and décor was the gold standard for interior design. Think: matching sofas and armchairs, identical lamps, and accessories in every room. While symmetry can still be beautiful, the overly coordinated look can feel stale and lack personality.

What to Do Instead:

• Create eclectic pairings or choose furniture pieces that vary in texture, shape, and material.
• Go for mix-and-match styles—pairing a modern sofa with a vintage armchair or combining traditional and contemporary furniture pieces in one room.
• Use unexpected pops of colour and personal accessories to add interest and individuality to the space.

4. Outdated Tile and Backsplash Choices

Why It’s Dated: Tiles can be a great way to add personality to your space, but some tile choices have fallen out of favour. 1970s-inspired olive green, brown, or yellow tiles in kitchens and bathrooms, as well as extensive use of patterned tiles, can make spaces look stuck in the past.

• Tile Patterns: Excessive use of busy patterns, like floral or retro geometric shapes, can make a room feel dated.
• Boring Backsplashes: Basic white subway tiles without any variation have become so ubiquitous that they can start to feel lifeless or flat if not paired with something interesting.

What to Do Instead:

• Try subtle, sophisticated backsplash choices like marble, concrete, or bold, neutral colours in clean lines.
• For added personality, go for a mix of materials, like a combination of mosaic and stone or patterned tiles used sparingly as accent pieces.
• Update old tile grout with a dark contrast (charcoal or black) for a more modern, bold look.

5. Popcorn Ceilings (Acoustic or Textured Ceilings)

Why It’s Dated: Popcorn ceilings, once popular for hiding imperfections and reducing sound, are now widely considered a design flaw. They can make a room feel old-fashioned and drab. Plus, they are incredibly difficult to clean and often make a space feel “heavy” or “cluttered” visually.

What to Do Instead:

• Remove the popcorn texture and replace it with smooth, flat ceilings for a cleaner, more modern appearance.
• For an extra touch, consider adding recessed lighting or a contemporary light fixture to help elevate the space.

6. Overly Ornate, Heavy Furniture

Why It’s Dated: Furniture that’s heavy on ornamentation or overly ornate can make a space feel old-fashioned and formal. Think carved wooden armoires, gold-trimmed mirrors, and bulky, intricate furniture pieces that dominate the room.

What to Do Instead:

• Choose sleeker, streamlined furniture with clean lines and simple profiles. Think mid-century modern or Scandi-inspired designs.
• Opt for minimalist pieces that allow more natural light to flow through the room, and balance heavier items with more open, airy pieces.
• For a fresh touch, add textural variety through fabrics like linen, velvet, or leather.

7. Outdated Fixtures and Hardware

Why It’s Dated: Brass, gold, and chrome fixtures were once a staple in many homes, but over time, they have become synonymous with an outdated look. Tacky light fixtures, ornate faucets, and clunky door handles have fallen out of favour.

What to Do Instead:

• Opt for matte black, brushed brass, or oil-rubbed bronze finishes for a more sophisticated, contemporary look.
• Modern lighting—such as pendant lights or flush-mount LED fixtures—is a simple way to make a big impact.
• Update hardware like drawer pulls, cabinet knobs, and door handles with sleek, modern alternatives in finishes like brushed nickel, black, or polished chrome.

8. Overuse of Wallpaper

Why It’s Dated: Wallpaper can add personality and charm to a space, but excessive use of overly floral, loud, or heavy-patterned wallpaper can quickly date a room. While wallpaper is making a comeback in some circles, it’s important to be selective about where and how it’s used.

What to Do Instead:

• Stick to subtle textures and geometric patterns in areas like feature walls, or use wallpaper with nature-inspired motifs for a modern, stylish look.
• If you love patterns, consider accent walls or smaller spaces (like powder rooms) rather than covering large areas.

9. Heavy Curtains or Drapes

Why It’s Dated: Floor-to-ceiling heavy drapes, particularly in bold, formal fabrics like velvet or brocade, can make a room feel overly stuffy and dated. This style was more popular in the '80s and '90s but has since fallen out of favour with the rise of natural light and lighter, airier materials.

What to Do Instead:

• Go for light, airy fabrics like linen or cotton for a breezy, modern feel.
• Consider sheer curtains, Roman shades, or blinds that allow more light into the room.
• Layered window treatments with minimal hardware can still provide the right amount of coverage without feeling heavy.

Final Thoughts: Refreshing Your Space

The key to staying current with interior design isn’t about following every trend, but rather about being aware of what’s beginning to feel outdated. By making small changes—updating furniture, refreshing colour schemes, and simplifying architectural features—you can breathe new life into your home and make it feel fresh and contemporary.

So, if your space is feeling a little stuck in time, consider making a few of these tweaks. With a little effort, you’ll be able to turn your home into a modern, stylish haven that’s timelessly chic.