Do you think your home feels outdated? If you can’t quite put your finger on what’s making it feel that way, we have you covered. This post outlines some design choices that can make your home look outdated, and we also provide some ways to bring a more updated feel.

1. Overly complicated light fixtures

Light fixtures can make or break a room. However, this doesn’t mean that you should pick the most ornate or sparkly chandelier you find. It’s better to use simple designs made of metal and glass for a more classic look.

It is better to use simple designs made of metal and glass (from Unsplash)

2. Carpet

In addition to being an outdated choice, carpet can hold allergens and make your cleaning routine more challenging. More and more homeowners are deciding to ditch the carpet and go for modern flooring options such as hardwood or vinyl. If you still want to add a touch of warmth, it is better to use area rugs.

Area rugs are better than carpets (from Unsplash)

3. Honey oak cabinets

If you still have those honey oak cabinets, your kitchen likely looks outdated. With so many gorgeous stain choices available, you can find one that doesn’t feel so old-fashioned.

Updating the oak stain adds a modern feel (from Houzz)

4. Clutter

If your home is cluttered, it instantly gives off an outdated feel. It might not be a fun task, but it’s best to take some time to clean and declutter. Next, organize your stuff. Conceal any clutter in decorative wicker baskets, or get furniture with built-in storage options. Don’t forget to organize that cluttered shoe rack in your entryway. By removing the visible clutter, your home won’t look so visually jarring.

Organize your home to make it look more appealing (from Houzz)

5. Patterned sofa

If a ’60s look isn’t what you’re going for, it is better to pick a sofa in a solid neutral. While patterned furniture was perfectly stylish back then, now it is considered an outdated choice. You could even reupholster your old furniture.

Pick a sofa in a solid neutral (from Unsplash)

6. Toilet rugs

Those fluffy toilet rugs used to be trendy, but they should stay in the past. If you want to add a touch of warmth to chilly bathroom tiles, it is better to opt for modern and more sophisticated choices.

Modern bathroom rugs are a better choice (from Houzz)

7. Lace curtains

While lace drapes used to be a popular trend, they are best avoided today. Instead, add linen or sheer white curtains for a modern feel. Also, the length of the curtains will change how your home looks. Floor-to-ceiling curtains will make your home look more luxurious and expensive.

Floor-to-ceiling curtains will make your home look more luxurious and expensive (from Unsplash)

8. Doilies

Covering every surface in your home with protective doilies is a very outdated practice. When you do this, you conceal the beauty of the furniture. Ditch the doilies and conduct regular maintenance to protect your furnishings.

Ditch the doilies! (from Houzz)

9. Too many framed photos

While displaying framed photos is an excellent way to personalize your home, it’s easy to go overboard. Instead, create a nicely curated gallery wall to show off your important life moments. If you have too many photos and want them all shown off, it is better to get a digital frame. They come with enough storage to display a slideshow of your favorite images.

Nicely curated gallery wall (from Houzz)

10. Corner tubs

The corner tub is proof that you shouldn’t follow trends blindly. Despite looking spacious, this feature doesn’t provide much comfort. Instead, switch it with a sleek freestanding tub that won’t go out of fashion anytime soon.

The freestanding tub is a modern choice (from Houzz)

11. A too-formal living room

The living room is the central point in the home, where you gather with your family and enjoy. That’s why you should highlight comfort and functionality without going overboard on the formalities. Ditch the extra cushions, as they won’t feel comfy. Opt for function and comfort when it comes to choosing furniture.

Comfort and functionality (from Houzz)

12. Fogged shower doors

Those shower doors are visually unappealing and are also nearly impossible to keep clean. Instead, opt for frameless doors or a doorless design if you can. This refined design has a streamlined look and doesn’t bring visual clutter.

Doorless showers create a more open look (from Houzz)

13. Wallpaper borders

Wallpaper borders can give off the impression that you are in your grandma’s house. Modern wallpaper is stylish enough to stand out on its own, so it’s time to ditch the borders.

Bold patterns make a statement (from Houzz)

14. Plastic sofa covers

We understand that you want to protect your sofa and make it last as long as possible. However, those plastic covers look very tacky and you should avoid them at all costs. Instead, opt for modern throws that add a touch of style and protect your sofa.

Cozy throws will protect your sofa (from Houzz)

15. All gray color palette

A color palette consisting solely of grays looks so dull. If gray is your favorite neutral and you don’t want to give it up yet, introduce a little playfulness into the space. Add other neutrals such as white, beige, creams, and navy to spice things up.

Add a pop of color to gray palettes (from Houzz)

16. Farmhouse decor

Traditional farmhouse decor feels very outdated. If you still want that cozy feel, introduce elements of the modern farmhouse style.

Modern farmhouse decor looks more inviting (from Houzz)

17. Fake plants

If you struggle to keep your house plants alive, you might be tempted to add freshness with faux ones. Don’t! Remember, having no plants is better than having fake ones.

Natural plants add interest to a room (from Unsplash)

18. Greige tiles

If your home still has that builder-grade tile, it likely has a dated look. The color doesn’t seem to fit any color scheme, so replacing the outdated tiles is a good decision. White subway tiles are timeless classics that look stylish and won’t go out of fashion anytime soon.

White subway tile is a timeless classic (from Houzz)

19. Wall decals

Wall decals were once a great hit, and not only for the kids’ room. Now, they bring an outdated feel to your home. Switch them out with patterned wallpaper or a mural that makes a gorgeous statement.

Murals are a better choice than decals (from Houzz)

20. Wood paneling

Even though wood paneling used to be quite popular, it is widely considered outdated now. This feature limits your design options, so feel free to remove it. Also, darker paneling will make your home look dingy. Switch with crisp white drywall to introduce an airy feel and instantly update your home. 

Wood paneling looks good only when paired with specific styles (from Houzz)

You're reading 20 Things That Are Making Your Home Look Outdated, originally posted on Decoist. If you enjoyed this post, be sure to follow Decoist on Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest.

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Many people love the coastal style for its fresh colors, abundance of textures, and relaxing vibes. Inspiration comes from natural shoreline elements such as sea, sand, and sky. The style is described as more casual, with nautical details and textured fabrics that bring an authentic look. With the right combination of elements, you can bring the beach-chic look to your home. In this post, we guide you through this popular style and its main characteristics!

The origin of coastal style

The coastal style originated from the Atlantic coast and has spread widely through the states. Every region has its own interpretation, but the basics remain the same. Therefore, it is up to the homeowner to decide how they want to implement this classic style. 

A coastal interior looks bright, airy, and relaxing. You can instantly spot the nautical accents, rattan, and blue colors. Feel free to display the seashells you gathered during your last holiday for a touch of charm, and add anything related to sea and sand. The coastal style borrows heavily from nature, including the colors and materials. Forget about glossy textures and metals, as they don’t fit the vibe. 

In addition, a coastal home should feel bright and airy. A cramped and dark home won’t have those cozy coastal vibes you aim to achieve. Make sure the natural light stays unobstructed. Use sheer curtains, minimal window treatments, and light colors to get the most available daylight.

Jute, rattan, and linen are the most commonly used fabrics (from Houzz)

Mix of textures

A carefully selected mix of natural textures works in both classic and modern coastal interiors. A rattan chandelier is ideal for bringing a relaxed vibe to your kitchen. The coastal style prefers a weathered look, so opt for whitewashed finishes instead of crisp paint. 

Shades of blue and beige are part of the color scheme (from Houzz)

While bleached oak is an ideal choice for furnishings, blond maple or ash can also be considered. Driftwood can be added in the form of decorative details, complemented with wicker and rattan for the ultimate touch. Authentic jute texture is one of the style’s signature features, so adding a jute area rug will bring a touch of warmth. Linen upholstery in light colors brings the summer vacation feeling to your home. 

Soothing ambiance (from Houzz)

Color scheme

The coastal color scheme starts with layering neutrals. White and off-whites are the base for your accent colors, providing a neutral backdrop and making the space feel airier. Next, you can layer beige, gray, turquoise, or light blue. A mix of lovely turquoise and teal tones will introduce a pop of color. For a lively coastal interior, you can also add a gorgeous coral shade. Or you can opt for navy blue as an accent for a slightly bolder choice. If you prefer to keep it minimal, try a curated mix of neutrals. 

Modern coastal style (from Houzz)

Natural seaside elements reflected in the home (from Houzz)

Curated color palette, reminiscent of the ocean (from Houzz)

Seaside colors (from Houzz)

Lots of natural light (from Houzz)

Light colors and natural textures (from Houzz)

Relaxed kitchen with coastal vibe (from Houzz)

Coastal bedroom with a relaxed vibe (from Houzz)

You're reading A Guide to Classic Coastal Interior Design, originally posted on Decoist. If you enjoyed this post, be sure to follow Decoist on Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest.

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The basement is a space that’s often left empty or becomes a final destination for holiday decorations and other clutter. However, many homeowners see the potential in this overlooked area. A finished basement adds extra square footage to your home and you are free to use it as you like. 

Whether you want to create an entertainment room, home office, or accommodate your growing family, finishing your basement is a wise decision. In this post, we’ll highlight some of the benefits of a finished basement and a few brilliant ideas for design!

Benefits of a finished basement

An unfinished basement comes with bare walls and an exposed ceiling. The unfinished space feels cold and sterile, and it can be hard to imagine yourself living there. But with the proper finishes, your basement can become an expansion of your living space. The process includes solving moisture problems, adding insulation, framing, drywall, electricity, and plumbing. 

Depending on your needs and available space, you can create a fully functional area for your family. You can even add a kitchenette and a bathroom, turning the useless space downstairs into a basement apartment. 

With a functional space that has all the right amenities, it can even be a separate apartment inside your home. A basement apartment is ideal for teenagers seeking privacy or an in-law suite for aging parents. You can also turn it into a rental unit and secure additional income for your household. And let’s not forget about the comfort it offers for your family. You can turn the basement into an entertainment room and enjoy quality time together. 

A finished basement will also increase your home’s resale value, making it a wise investment. Having that extra square footage will make your house appear more attractive in the eyes of potential buyers. 

With the right design, a basement will feel like a living space (from Houzz)

A finished basement adds value to the home (from Houzz)

Finished basement design ideas

The basement is a space that can be tailored to your specific needs. If you aren’t sure where to start, don’t worry – we’ll provide plenty of design inspiration!

Entertainment room

If your living room is small and can’t accommodate the whole family, a basement entertainment room is an ideal choice. Provide amenities for every family member, such as a pool table, play area, and a media unit. 

Entertainment area (from Houzz)

Walk-out basements can be turned into separate apartments (from Houzz)

Home theater

If you’ve dreamed of having a big home theater, this is your chance to make the dream a reality. With a large screen and cozy seating, your theater is ready to host your movie nights with friends. This intelligent and space-saving design even incorporates a bar. 

Use the space wisely (from Houzz)

Home office

Working from home isn’t always an easy task. Turning your basement into a home office allows you to enjoy a private space solely dedicated to working.

Stylish basement for entertainment (from FCB Remodel)

Wine cellar 

Suppose you love entertaining at home with friends. In that case, a wine cellar might be an ideal choice for you. Display your finest wine selection, and don’t forget to add a table for tasting.  

Wine cellar and bar for tasting (from FCB Remodel)

Extension of the living area upstairs (from Owings Brothers)

Basement apartment

A fully equipped basement apartment has a bathroom and a kitchen and can be used for various purposes. Whether you want to create a rental unit, in-law suite, or guest room, the space has all the amenities needed. 

A finished basement can have many purposes (from Obelisk Home)

The basement apartment can become a rental unit (from Houzz)

Basement bar

A basement bar is ideal for hosting parties and gatherings. A kitchenette will enhance its functionality, so you won’t need to go upstairs to get ice for your drinks. 

Basement bar for entertaining with friends (from Houzz)

You're reading Design Inspiration for Finishing a Basement, originally posted on Decoist. If you enjoyed this post, be sure to follow Decoist on Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest.

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