9 Design Features That Are Dating Your Home and How to Fix Them
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The 90s and 00s may be back in style in terms of fashion, but they are out when it comes to interior design.
Kristen McGowan recently shared 9 design features that date a home and how to modernize them, using her new home in Nashville, Tennessee, built in 1989, as an example. I really like Kristen's practical advice on updates that can transform a dated space into a fresh, contemporary one.
Here's the video and the main points summarized below. These are such quick and easy fixes and I'll definitely be implementing some of them in my home:
Table of contents
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1. Built-in Kitchen Desks
Once popular in the '90s to early 2000s, built-in kitchen desks now seem outdated. Kristen suggests repurposing this space into larger pantry storage or a stylish coffee bar for a more practical and modern look.
Get some inspiration on coffe bars from fellow Redesigners here:
2. Old Floor Vent Covers
Old floor vent covers can significantly date a home. Replacing them with vent covers that match the floors provides a seamless and updated appearance. You can find wood-style flor vent covers on Amazon:
Hardwood White Oak Floor Vent
3. Beige Switch Cover Plates and Outlet Covers
Beige or ivory switch plates and outlet covers give a space an old and dirty look. Swapping them out for white or even decorative options like brass or black covers can instantly refresh a room.
Taymac 2600W Masque Revive Polycarbonate White 1-Gang Cover
Sunco Lighting 4 Pack 5CCT Retrofit LED Recessed Lighting
4. 6-inch Recessed Can Lights
Traditional recessed can lights can make a home look dark and dated. Retrofitting these with LED lights not only modernizes the look but also provides customizable and long-lasting lighting solutions:
5. Raised Panel Cabinets
Raised panel cabinets from the '80s and '90s add unnecessary lines and make kitchens look smaller. Opting for flat or skinny shaker cabinet styles can provide a cleaner, more contemporary look.
Shaker Base Kitchen Cabinet
6. Outdated Front Doors
Front doors with small decorative windows popular in the '80s and '90s can age a home. Replacing them with doors that have larger, simpler window panels can let in more light and give a more up-to-date appearance.
Wrought Iron Single Door Frosted Glass Matte Black
Solid French Door Frosted Glass
7. Dark and Thick Grout Lines
Thick, dark grout lines can make tile floors look older than they are. Choosing grout that matches the tile and using thinner grout lines can create a seamless and modern look.
Laticrete PermaColor Select Grout Color Kit - 2 Pack
8. Edison Bulbs
Edison bulbs, once trendy, now date a home and can seem out of place. Swapping them for more contemporary lighting options can brighten and modernize the space.
Edison Light Bulbs 60W Equivalent, Dimmable Vintage LED Light Bulbs
9. Glass Mosaic Tile Borders
Glass mosaic tiles, especially in borders for backsplashes or showers, are reminiscent of the '90s and 2000s. Opting for solid tiles with less variation can achieve a more sophisticated and timeless look.
11" X 12" Ceramic Arabesque Mosaic Tile in Mystique Gloss
12x12 Geometric Pattern Modern Encaustic Style Ceramic Wall Floor Tile
Kristen emphasizes that while some of these changes are minor, they collectively can transform your home. I love that you can start with small updates and gradually work on larger projects to modernize your space.
Are you going to try out any of these swaps and upgrades? Let me know in the comments below.
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