9 Design Choices That Might Be Dating Your Home—And What To Do Instead
Let’s be real: trends come and go—and some hang on way longer than they should. If you’ve ever walked into a home and instantly felt like you time-traveled to the early 2000s (but not in a nostalgic way), you know what I mean.
And hey—no judgment if you once loved your Venetian plaster or that moody faux-Tuscan dining room moment. We all had a phase. But if you're thinking about selling—or just want your home to feel a little more current—some of those design choices may be quietly holding you back.
Here are a few décor red flags that might be dating your home... and how to fix them without losing your personality in the process:
1. Columns (That Should've Retired With the Romans)
You know the ones. Dramatic. Decorative. And… totally not necessary. Unless you live in Caesar’s Palace, it might be time to let those architectural statements go.
2. Niches Galore
Remember when every wall had a niche? A place for a sculpture, a vase, a weird little light? Yeah… it’s not giving modern anymore. Clean lines and open walls are where it's at.
3. Venetian Plaster Walls
Once the pinnacle of luxury, these textured walls now just whisper, “I haven’t been updated since Bush’s second term.” Smooth it out, paint it up, and let your space breathe again.
4. Italian-Meets-Gothic Drama
Dark scrollwork furniture. Ornate iron light fixtures. Wine-themed wall art. Grape leaves. (Lots of grape leaves.) We’ve all seen it—and if your home still has it, buyers will see it too. It’s giving 2004, and not in the fun retro way.
5. Palm Tree Vibes
We love a little tropical flair, but full-on palm tree wallpaper or themed guest rooms? That era had its moment. And it’s over.
6. Wicker Overload
Wicker can be chic… when done right. But if it looks like your entire living room came from Pier 1’s 2003 catalog, it may be time for a rethink. Try mixing it in with modern pieces instead of letting it take over.
7. Matchy-Matchy Furniture Sets
Yes, it was easy. And yes, it felt pulled together at the time. But today’s buyers are looking for spaces that feel curated, not catalogued. Mixing materials, textures, and shapes = modern. Full 5-piece matching espresso bedroom set? Not so much.
8. That One Granite Color (Yes, You Know the One)
You know the speckled gold and brown granite that was everywhere in the early 2000s? It’s not doing your kitchen or bathroom any favors. Swapping it out for a lighter quartz or solid surface—or even just painting the cabinets to contrast—can make the whole space feel refreshed.
9. Oversized, Overstuffed Furniture
Big, heavy furniture pieces can instantly make a space feel smaller and dated. Those massive leather sectionals or ornate wood armoires? They swallow rooms whole. Today’s buyers want open, airy, and livable—not furniture that looks like it belongs in a castle.
So, What Do You Do If Your Home Is Giving “Time Capsule”?
You don’t need to knock down walls or start fresh. A few smart updates—like neutral paint, swapping dated finishes, and editing out the drama—can completely shift the vibe.
And in this market? Not looking dated isn’t just nice—it’s strategic. Buyers want homes that feel current, calm, and move-in ready. If your space feels stuck in another era, they’re scrolling right past it.
Thinking of Selling? Want the Honest Truth (and a Little Style Guidance)?
Let’s walk through your home together. I’ll help you pinpoint what’s holding it back—and how to elevate it without losing its charm.
Ready to see your home through a buyer’s eyes? Let’s schedule a walk-through. You bring the questions, I’ll bring the coffee—and the candor.