11 things that will make your home look outdated, according to designers

Don’t let your curb appeal suffer.

As the first impression of your home, it is important that the exterior, especially the front façade, looks fresh and welcoming. This goes beyond colorful containers and cute rugs. “Outdated” can also mean unusable, says designer Lisa Henderson of Lisa Henderson Interiors. “When choosing an outdoor space, a holistic approach will ensure a beautiful and practical appearance.” From lighting and paint colors to shutters and roofing, the smallest details can hold back your home’s potential curb appeal.

“For example, adding a modern light fixture above the front door can change the look along with a cheerful rug and potted plants,” says designer Maggie Griffin of Maggie Griffin Design. At the end of the day, every home is different, and what makes it look dated may vary, but here are some general guidelines, according to designers: “Of course, there are exceptions to every rule,” adds designer Lauren Lowe of Lauren Elaine Interiors.

Related: Exterior trends that experts say will boost your curb appeal in 2024

Trends that won’t stand the test of time

“Keep it classic and it will look great for years to come,” says Lowe. Trends often have an expiration date. When building or renovating your home, rely on timeless and traditional elements. “Anything that’s too trendy or specific to a certain time frame can end up making your home look dated,” says designer Laura Hodges of Laura Hodges Studio.

Also think about the location and style of your home. “Not every home is architecturally suited to embrace the modern farmhouse trend—one size doesn’t fit all when it comes to a white house and black trim,” adds Elly Poston Cooper, founder of Elly Poston Interiors. “And the modern windows that were popular in 2018 likely won’t be so popular in 2028.”

Incompatible materials

“The fastest way to date a project is to use inconsistent building materials that scream 1980s, 1990s or 2000s,” Cooper says. “Choose a palette and material, and then use it,” she adds. Likewise, if you’re remodeling or updating your home, make sure any new additions match the existing elements. This can be especially tricky when it comes to brick, which Low notes to avoid is brick with a pink or orange tint.

Tired plants

“Replace overgrown bushes, especially if they’re shading the house, and add interest with plant texture and color,” suggests Liz Williams of Liz Williams Interiors. While landscaping won’t age a home as much as building materials, fresh plantings can greatly improve the appearance of your home. “Tired plants should be removed or given ‘rejuvenation pruning,'” says Jean Liu of Jean Liu Design. Williams also recommends updating old containers and pots by adding fresh plants or simple ferns.

Not quite the right shutters

Whether it’s size, scale or color, the right shutters can make or break the feel of your home’s exterior. “Blinds originated from the need for weather protection, security and privacy, but over time they became like window earrings—used as pure decoration without regard for function,” explains designer Katie Wolf of Wolf Interiors. . Incorrectly sized shutters are a sign of an outdated exterior. “A real shutter needs to function, cover the window when closed, and have hardware to feel truly authentic,” says Wolf. “In terms of hardware, shutters (tacks) are designed to not only hold the shutters open, but also provide an opportunity to incorporate a design element.” Any shutters in your home should have the right hardware to keep them open, whether for work purposes or just for beauty. Shutters should also reflect the shape and size of the window. “If you have arched windows, then the shutters should be arched,” adds the designer.

Overly manicured lawns and artificial plants

“Manicured lawns can look beautiful, but because lawns take so much water to maintain, I think the look is starting to look outdated and out of touch with the changing climate,” notes Hodges, who is seeing more gardens with native plants. Hodges also recommends avoiding artificial plants on doors, hanging pots and window boxes if possible. “If you can’t use a live plant, try canned plants, which will last longer but still look great,” she suggests.

Inappropriate paint scheme

Paint is one of the best ways to freshen up your home, but before you get started, think about your palette. Mismatched colors and shades will do the opposite, increasing attractiveness. “I like a tonal color palette, like using the same color scheme to paint the exterior of your home, then shifting the palette a little lighter or darker for trim and windows,” says designer Laura Jenkins of Laura W. Jenkins Interiors. who draw inspiration from historic houses. “Don’t be afraid of color. If you don’t want to paint most of the house, have fun with the door, suggests Jenkins. And while there are so many colors to play with, be sure to consider the style of your home as well. In general, Lowe advises staying away from brown trim paint unless your home is in a classic Tudor style, and being wary of trim colors with a yellow undertone, especially if it’s paired with brick.

Polished brass fittings and lighting

Just as lighting sets the tone for a room inside a home, it is also one of the main ways to create a warm welcome outside. “The polished brass fittings and lighting feel like a relic from the 1980s,” says Jenkins. “I love brass hardware and lighting, but I always use a ‘living finish’ that will patina and age over time, which is especially important in historic homes.” When thinking about outdoor fixtures, it’s also best to avoid overly ornate pieces that could date your home into the future.

Ho-Hum Roofing

If it’s time to replace your roof due to damage or age, it might be a good idea to consider using something other than flat strip asphalt shingles. “If you’re updating your roof, use bulk architectural shingles or, if you have the budget, a luxury material (like cedar slate, slate or copper flashings), especially if your roof is highly visible,” suggests Jenkins.

Peeling paint

The power of paint is undeniable – both positive and negative. “Faded shutters and a dark front door can easily date your home,” says Griffin. Even if a complete overhaul of the appearance is not planned, a bolder shade of certain elements will make a big difference. “Fresh paint will always refresh the look, especially a contrasting color on the front door,” says Williams. “If you have a porch, consider repainting or updating the furniture.”

Retro house numbers

“Although house numbers are a small detail on the exterior, they are one of those things that can date a house. If you’ve lived in your home for more than a decade or moved into an older home, chances are your house numbers are in need of an update, says interior decorator Rashida Banks. “Changing the placement, type of font, and size of numbers are factors to consider to give your appearance an updated look. And if you use number stickers, be sure to replace them with something more modern, like numbers attached to the wall.”

Low quality windows and doors

When you think about it, windows and doors take up a large portion of the front of your home, so it’s important to consider the type of product you choose. “When updating windows or doors, be sure to use quality products that emulate the original style of the home,” Jenkins says. “And never use windows with false mullions!”