These 9 Design Choices Are Aging Your Home
Heavy Window Treatments
Thick, dark drapes and bulky valances might have looked luxurious in the past, but current design research shows that they can significantly date a living space. According to trend reports from the National Association of Home Builders in 2024, homeowners now overwhelmingly prefer light, airy window treatments or even bare windows to maximize natural light.
Heavy fabrics also tend to attract dust and allergens, making them less practical for modern life. Modern blinds or sheer curtains create a brighter, fresher feel, instantly updating a room.
Designers note that removing these old-fashioned treatments can make windows look larger and rooms more inviting. If privacy is a concern, frosted glass or layered, lightweight fabrics are now trending.
The move toward openness and simplicity reflects a larger shift in home design preferences since 2023.
Wall-to-Wall Carpeting
Wall-to-wall carpeting, especially in neutral beiges or pastels, was once a staple of comfortable homes. However, reports from Houzz and Realtor.com in 2024 highlight that most buyers now see it as a relic of the 1980s and 1990s.
Hard surface flooring, such as engineered wood, luxury vinyl plank, and tile, is the top choice, with research from the National Floor Covering Association indicating a 35% increase in hard flooring installations since 2023. Old carpets can harbor stains and odors, instantly sending signals of age and wear.
Even new carpet can look dated if it covers an entire room. Area rugs layered on hard floors provide warmth without making the space look tired.
Removing wall-to-wall carpet is often cited as one of the most effective updates for a modern look.
Popcorn Ceilings
Popcorn, or “cottage cheese,” ceilings were widely used from the 1950s through the 1980s for their ability to hide imperfections. Yet, according to a 2023 survey by HomeLight, 61% of real estate agents say popcorn ceilings are a top feature that turns off buyers.
They can make a room feel shorter and darker, and they’re notoriously difficult to clean. Many popcorn ceilings also contain asbestos if installed before 1980, posing health risks and making removal a priority for safety as well as aesthetics.
Flat, smooth ceilings or even subtle textures are now the norm. Removing popcorn texture is one of the most popular renovation projects, leading to higher home values and a fresher, more contemporary feel.
This design shift is so strong that entire businesses now specialize in popcorn ceiling removal, reflecting just how unwanted this feature has become.
Brass Fixtures and Hardware
Shiny brass doorknobs, faucets, and light fixtures were everywhere in the 1990s, but they have fallen far out of favor. According to the 2024 U.S.
Houzz Kitchen Trends Study, matte black, brushed nickel, and even aged brass (with a softer, less reflective look) have largely replaced polished brass finishes. Design experts point out that outdated hardware is one of the first details people notice, and swapping it out is a quick, impactful update.
Brass fixtures can make a home look stuck in the past, especially when paired with other old-school details. Contemporary finishes blend better with both modern and transitional interiors.
Real estate data from Zillow in 2023 showed that homes with updated hardware spent less time on the market, underscoring the impact of this simple change.
Overly Ornate Woodwork and Molding
Heavy crown molding, chair rails, and intricate woodwork were once seen as the height of sophistication. However, a 2024 survey by the American Institute of Architects reveals that 72% of homeowners now prefer streamlined, minimalist trim and molding.
Excessive detailing can make rooms feel smaller and busier, especially in homes built after 2000. Simpler baseboards and window trims are now favored for their ability to make spaces look larger and cleaner.
Designers recommend painting existing ornate woodwork the same color as the walls to visually minimize its impact if full removal isn’t possible. This shift toward minimalism is supported by a growing trend in open-plan living and Scandinavian-inspired interiors, which focus on light, space, and function.
Homeowners looking to update should consider stripping back rather than adding more decorative trim.
Dark, Heavy Wood Cabinets
Rich mahogany and cherry wood cabinets were a symbol of luxury in kitchens and bathrooms for decades. But market research from the National Kitchen & Bath Association in 2023 shows a strong move toward lighter wood tones, painted cabinets, and mixed materials.
Dark cabinets tend to absorb light, making kitchens feel smaller and less inviting. Repainting or refacing cabinets in lighter hues can immediately brighten even the most cramped spaces.
White, gray, and soft green shades are especially popular, as seen in the most-followed kitchen renovations on social media platforms in 2024. Open shelving and glass-fronted cabinets can also break up the visual weight of old-fashioned cabinetry.
Homeowners frequently report that this change alone makes their entire home feel more up to date.
Busy Wallpaper and Borders
Floral wallpaper borders and bold patterned wallpapers were once a go-to for adding personality. Now, according to a 2024 report by Better Homes & Gardens, over 60% of homeowners prefer painted walls or subtle, textured wallpapers.
Busy patterns can overwhelm a space and make it feel smaller, while peeling wallpaper signals neglect. The resurgence of wallpaper has focused on modern, minimal designs or statement walls rather than covering every surface.
Peel-and-stick options have made updates easier than ever, and they’re designed to be easily removable. Neutral paints or simple accent walls keep interiors looking fresh and flexible.
This shift is backed by the rise of “quiet luxury” interiors that favor calm, understated backdrops.
Outdated Tile Patterns and Colors
Avocado green, mustard yellow, and pink tiles in kitchens and bathrooms were all the rage in the 1960s and 1970s, but today they’re considered a clear marker of an outdated home. The 2024 Home Design Forecast by the National Association of Realtors found that buyers consistently ranked neutral tile colors—like whites, grays, and beiges—as the most desirable.
Busy patterns and bold colors can make a space feel cramped and distract from the room’s function. Updating tile, even if only as a backsplash or shower accent, is now one of the most popular renovation projects.
Subway tile and large-format porcelain tiles have dominated new installations in the past two years. These choices not only look modern but also help small spaces appear larger and cleaner.
Traditional Light Fixtures
Crystal chandeliers, multi-armed brass sconces, and frosted glass dome lights can all instantly signal a home’s age. Lighting trends tracked by the American Lighting Association in 2024 show a huge jump in the popularity of minimalist pendants, sculptural LED fixtures, and natural materials like rattan or linen.
Old-fashioned fixtures often don’t provide enough light for today’s open-plan living, making spaces feel dim and closed in. Swapping out a dated fixture is one of the fastest ways to update a room and can cost less than $200 on average, according to HomeAdvisor’s 2023 data.
Even classic fixtures can look fresh with new bulbs or shades, but most designers recommend going bolder with lighting choices. Improved lighting can dramatically change a home’s atmosphere, making it feel younger and more welcoming.
