21 Things That Make Any House Feel Old and Outdated

Dark wood paneling was so popular in the 1960s and '70s that it was once nearly almost impossible to avoid in any neighborhood. Today, while many homeowners have phased out the dark and dreary feature in favor of neutral or brightly painted drywall, paneling remains in plenty of homes that haven't been remodeled in decades. If you have real wood paneling, consider bleaching or painting over it to freshen it up. If, however, the walls are covered by sheets of wood-look panels, pull them off now!

Related: 9 DIY Ways to Redo Your Wall—Without Paint

A staple in kitchens of the 1980s and '90s, these golden-toned wood cabinets have fallen out of favor as white and gray cabinets have risen in popularity. If you don’t like your light-stained cabinets, but they’re in good shape, consider refinishing or painting what's there.

Related: 9 Simple DIY Ways to Reinvent Your Kitchen Cabinets

It’s a subtle change, but as the neutral of choice has shifted to gray, warmer beiges—ones with undertones of pink, yellow, or peach—are starting to feel out of date. If gray is too cool for you, consider a greige (that’s gray + beige), which is a light neutral with both cool (gray) and warm (brown) notes.

Related: Better Your Builder-Grade Home with 12 Old-House Details

Popular in the 1960s and '70s for their durability, wipe-clean convenience, and low price point, laminate countertops, particularly Formica, were a mark of pride. Though the material is still a good, affordable option, it’s no longer as popular as natural or engineered stone countertops like marble, granite, and quartz.

Related: 10 Ways You're Accidentally Ruining Your Countertops

In the early 1990s, shiny brass faucets, light fixtures, and hardware were the norm, beloved for their flashy sheen. Though gold-toned hardware is on its way back into style, these newer versions are more muted in tone and feature rounded or geometrically inspired silhouettes instead of the clunky shapes of 20 years ago.

Related: 14 Long-Forgotten House Trends We're Glad Are Gone

A 19th-century staple that enjoyed a revival in the late 1980s and early '90s, this fussy floral wallpaper feels out of date today. Done right, it can add vintage flair in an eclectic space—but done wrong, it just looks like Grandma decorated your space (no offense, Gram).

Related: 12 Photos That Prove Wallpaper Still Wows

This soft-hued pink was all the rage just a few years ago. As with any trend, millennial pink became old news once the design world selected new colors to obsess over. Paint over this passé shade with a timeless neutral tone, and avoid purchasing pricier furniture pieces in the color—save the millennial pink for decorative accents that you can easily replace.

Related: 10 Once-Trendy Paint Colors That Still Look Good Today

Tiling, whether in the kitchen or bathroom, is best kept for floors and backsplashes nowadays. Once popular in the ’70s, tile counters are a sure sign that your home needs an update. This type of countertop isn’t just visually unappealing, it’s also incredibly tough to clean properly—yet another reason to swap your old countertops and pick an easier to maintain surface.

Related: 12 Vintage Kitchen Features We Were Wrong to Abandon

This cheap material is long-lasting, but easily dents and discolors. Update your old linoleum floors on a budget by opting for laminate flooring, which can be placed over existing linoleum floors.

Related: 9 Sneaky Ways to Get New Floors for Under $50

At one time pine was the preferred wood for furniture. From tables and chairs to hutches and chests, rooms were decked with the light wood. While a little pine is okay, a lot of it is overwhelming. Opt for other attractive wood furniture choices instead: teak, walnut, acacia.

Related: The 15 Best Cheap Furniture Makeovers We've Ever Seen

Spicing up walls by hand was big in the ’90s. Adding texture or dimension with sponging was a tedious task, but left homeowners with a look that was coveted at the time. Stenciling, too, was a hobby that left many ’90s era walls with delicately painted-on patterns. It’s time to grab a can of paint and cover up those outdated faux finishes and themed stencils. 

Related: 9 Paint Color Rules Worth Breaking

A few bold floral pillows are the perfect accent in an otherwise monochrome living room. The trouble comes when floral patterns start to overwhelm a room. Spaces covered in floral designs are straight out of the ’80s. Mix and match solid and floral accents to avoid looking like your grandma’s house.

Related: These Questionable Home Trends Used to Represent Wealth and Luxury

Bulky curtains and heavy valences are a thing of the past and for good reason. Heavy window treatments can quickly overwhelm a space and make it feel claustrophobic. Not to mention the upkeep required. The greater the surface area, the more dust chunky curtains will inevitably attract. 

Related: 21 Clever Tricks to Make Your Home Look Bigger and Brighter

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