If you feel like your House looks dated and a little worse for wear, you’re not alone. Many homeowners struggle to keep their spaces fresh and modern. Here’s what you can do to identify the things that are most detracting from your home, so you can make the appropriate changes and create a current, welcoming space.
1. Heavy Oak Furniture The first thing that probably ruins your home is heavy oak furniture. If you have an oak dining table, secretary desk, or cabinets throughout your home, these pieces risk aging your space. While oak was once synonymous with quality, current design trends favor more eclectic and mixed approaches.
Why is it dated Matching oak furniture sets create a predictable, stark look that seems trapped in the 1990s. Modern homes embrace variety and personality through a mix of materials and finishes.
How to update Consider introducing different materials and finishes. Many people initially chose oak because it lasts a very long time and, while there is nothing wrong with that, you should explore other durable materials. Interior steel doors are a great modern alternative. They are incredibly durable, provide a sleek industrial aesthetic, and serve as a neutral backdrop that adapts to changing decor styles without requiring replacement.
Quick Wins for Updating Oak Furniture Mix wood tones instead of matching everything Replace heavy oak pieces with lighter woods like ash or maple. Pair remaining oak furniture with metal, glass or stone accents Consider refinishing oak pieces with a lighter stain or painted finish 2. Overly themed rooms Themed rooms and coordinated room sets are decidedly out of fashion in 2026. Rooms that are too themed or coordinated (think matching bedspreads, curtains, and wallpaper with the same pattern) can really have a negative impact on your home. Heavy floral designs, in particular, can make spaces feel dated and overwhelming.
Why is it dated When every element fits together perfectly, pieces don’t have the layered, collected-over-time look that defines modern interiors. It signals “purchased as a set” rather than “carefully curated.”
How to update Rather than implementing broad, matching themes, combine complementary elements to create a more unified yet interesting experience. Use specific items to nod to what you love, rather than going for obvious themed decor.
Dated approach Modern approach Everything matches perfectly Mixing Patterns in the Same Color Family Heavy themed decor throughout Subtle nods through accessories Matching Furniture Sets Selected and eclectic pieces Bold and busy patterns Clean lines with texture For more inspiration on updating your space, check out our guide on creative ways to decorate with fabric.
3. Texture overload Playing with textures is a great way to add dimension to your space, but not all textures age well. Some elements that were once popular have become obvious markers of outdated design.
Textures to avoid Warning signs that your textures are dated Popcorn ceilings: These textured ceilings collect dust, make rooms look dated, and are expensive to remove. Dark wood paneling: Wall paneling can work in modern homes, but dark wood varieties look heavy and old-fashioned Tiled worktops: Grout lines collect grime and the look is reminiscent of the 1980s Textured wallpaper: Heavy, raised textures date quickly How to update Stick to sleek stone, smooth plaster, and natural materials. If you want texture, get it from:
Natural stone with subtle variations Smooth concrete or waxed plaster Wood with clean, modern finishes Subtle textile variations in fabrics If you can apply this philosophy to the floors in your home, you’ll create a more cohesive, timeless foundation that will keep your home from looking dated and help you achieve the modern look you want, even on a limited budget.
4. Wall-to-wall carpet Wall-to-wall carpeting, especially in neutral beige or gray, is one of the biggest dating culprits in 2026.
Why is it dated Wall-to-wall carpeting, especially in living rooms and kitchens, looks dated and can trap allergens and odors. It lacks the flexibility and clean aesthetic of modern flooring options.
Modern alternative Hardwood, luxury vinyl plank, or tile with area rugs offer a cleaner, more contemporary look while still providing the flexibility to change up your style. Rugs give you the warmth of a rug with the ability to easily update them.
Budget-Friendly Flooring Updates Option Cost Range Difficulty Luxury Vinyl Plank $2 to $7/square foot Suitable for DIY Laminate $1 to $5/square foot Suitable for DIY Engineered hardwood $4-12/square foot Moderate Tile $5-15/square foot Professional 5. Brass and gold fixtures (misused) Refinishing your hardware, faucets, and fixtures can instantly date your home if not done thoughtfully.
Why is it dated 1990s builder-grade brass or overly ornate gold fixtures lack the refined quality of modern metal finishes. The bright, yellow-toned brass that was everywhere in the 80s and 90s now screams “outdated.”
See also
How to update Today’s brass and gold finishes work when they are:
✓ Do this Choose matte or brushed finishes rather than glossy
✓ Do this Use sparingly as intentional accents
✓ Do this Invest in high-quality lighting fixtures
✓ Do this Mix with other metals for added depth
Creating a timeless home for 2026 and beyond The key to avoiding an outdated look is not to follow every trend. It’s about creating a balanced, thoughtfully designed space with quality materials that age gracefully.
Your action plan in 5 steps Mix materials rather than matching everything Choose quality over theme when selecting furniture and decor Embrace subtle textures which adds interest without overwhelming Invest in durable and classic elements as steel doors which adapt to changing styles Personalize wisely rather than following the themes too literally Final Thoughts By addressing these common dated items, you can transform your home into a fresh, modern, and timeless space. The best part? Many of these updates can be done gradually and on a budget, allowing you to refresh your home over time while maintaining its character and charm.
Looking for more home renovation inspiration? Check out our guides on keep your kitchen fresh And create a more organized living space.
Better Living uses affiliate links. If you make a purchase through them, we may receive a small commission (for which we are deeply grateful) at no cost to you..