11 Decorating Habits That Instantly Age Your Home

Many people hold on to vintage furniture for its nostalgic value, but some pieces simply do not work in modern homes. Over time, furniture styles and materials have changed, and certain older pieces no longer hold up. If your home feels cramped or outdated, it might be time to let go of some of those vintage items. Updating your furniture can improve comfort and style in a big way. 

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Overuse of Dark Wood Furniture

Dark wood furniture, especially in large pieces, can create a heavy and outdated atmosphere. While it might have been popular in the past, it tends to dominate a room, making it feel enclosed and dim. Opting for lighter wood or even mixing in metals and glass can create a more open and updated look. A well-balanced approach can help avoid the dated feel that dark furniture often brings.

If you are not ready to replace large items, try adding more contemporary accents, such as sleek lighting fixtures or colorful textiles. These can work to modernize the space without completely overhauling the furniture. You can even swap out dark furniture with a few lighter-toned alternatives for a gradual transformation.

Excessive Use of Matching Furniture Sets

Matching furniture sets once seemed like a foolproof way to achieve a polished, coordinated look. However, over-relying on them can make your space feel formulaic and overly symmetrical. A more eclectic mix of furniture, incorporating different textures, colors, and styles, adds personality to a room. This approach not only makes the space feel more fresh, but it also adds visual interest.

You can start small by mixing up dining chairs or incorporating different styles of side tables. This change helps break up monotony and offers a much more relaxed and contemporary vibe. Experimenting with variety will bring the room to life while avoiding that dated uniformity.

Overdecorating with Heavy Drapes

While curtains can be a beautiful addition to any room, heavy drapes often make a space feel cramped and old-fashioned. Opting for lighter, airier window treatments can open up the space and bring in more natural light. Sheer curtains or modern blinds allow for light filtering without overwhelming the room. Additionally, they can help highlight the beauty of the room’s other elements.

If you’re not ready to part with your heavy drapes, consider replacing them with something more minimalistic and light. Even upgrading to simple linen curtains can make a noticeable difference. It is a simple way to let more light in and update the look of the room.

Using Too Many Wall Mirrors

While mirrors are great for making spaces feel larger, using too many can have the opposite effect. When mirrors are placed everywhere, it can make the room feel chaotic and old-fashioned. Fewer, strategically placed mirrors can reflect light and visually expand the space without overwhelming it. Opting for mirrors with modern frames or unique shapes can also help create a fresh atmosphere.

Consider using mirrors as a statement piece rather than covering every wall with them. A large, stylish mirror above a mantelpiece or a small one by a window can be just enough to brighten the room.

Sticking with Outdated Color Schemes

Color schemes from past decades, such as olive green, mustard yellow, or bright oranges, can quickly age your home. While these colors might bring nostalgic charm, they can make your space feel stuck in time. Instead, opt for more neutral tones like soft grays, whites, or muted blues. These modern shades provide a clean and open backdrop that can be accented with vibrant hues.

You can experiment with accent walls or colorful art pieces to bring in character without committing to overly bold or outdated colors. A room painted in neutral tones can also serve as a better canvas for introducing new, seasonal colors through accessories or throw pillows.

Keeping Old-School Wallpaper

While wallpaper can bring personality to a room, older patterns can be a major turn-off. Floral prints or overly textured wallpapers often make rooms feel outdated and stuck in a past era. Instead, modernize your walls with neutral paint, or experiment with contemporary wall decals that can easily be removed.

For those who love patterns, go for geometric designs or minimalistic prints. These are not only timeless but also easier to maintain and swap out when you’re ready for a new look.

Overusing Plastic or Fake Plants

While artificial plants might seem like a low-maintenance way to add greenery, overusing them can make your space look outdated. Fake plants often lack the texture and life that real ones bring to a room. Switching to real plants can not only refresh your space, but it also adds a natural element that brings the room to life.

If caring for real plants is too much work, opt for higher-quality faux plants that resemble real foliage. A few well-placed, realistic plants will enhance the overall aesthetic without feeling cheap or out of place.

Cluttered Shelves and Surfaces

Cluttered shelves, countertops, and coffee tables can quickly make a home feel busy and disorganized. This excess can detract from your space’s true potential and make it appear outdated. Keep surfaces tidy by only displaying a few select items that match your décor style. Less is often more when it comes to modernizing a room.

Investing in stylish storage solutions, such as baskets, shelves, or hidden cabinets, will help keep things organized. This will allow the beauty of your furniture and décor to shine through without feeling overcrowded.

Displaying Outdated Artworks

Art is a powerful way to express style, but outdated or overly traditional artwork can easily age your home. Large, ornate paintings or overly classic scenes may clash with a modern living environment. Look for contemporary pieces or modern prints that add color and life to your walls. Art that reflects current design trends can help your home feel fresh.

Consider going for minimalist artwork or photography for a clean, modern touch. You can also rotate art from time to time to keep things updated without overwhelming your walls.

Relying on Overly Themed Décor

While themed décor can be fun in certain rooms, overuse of themes throughout your home can make the space feel like it belongs in a time capsule. Over-the-top beach, farm, or rustic themes can quickly make your home look stuck in a past era. Stick with a more subtle approach by using small accent pieces to reflect a certain vibe or season.

For example, instead of an entire coastal-themed room, incorporate coastal elements with a few art pieces, throw pillows, or textiles. This allows your home to feel modern and fresh, while still holding on to personal touches.

Sticking to One Type of Lighting

One type of lighting can make your home feel flat and lifeless. Relying solely on overhead lighting or the same floor lamp can create a harsh or dated atmosphere. Layering different types of lighting, such as ambient, task, and accent lights, can create a more dynamic and inviting space.

Consider adding table lamps, pendant lights, or wall sconces to create a range of lighting effects. Mixing in different light sources also gives the room more depth and allows for better functionality.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.