Your home accessories play a big role in shaping the overall feel and style of your space. While some items add charm and personality, others can unintentionally make your home look outdated.
Knowing which accessories date your space helps you avoid styles that drag down your décor. This article will guide you through common home accessories that might be holding your design back, so you can keep your space fresh and inviting.
Shiny brass doorknobs
If you choose shiny brass doorknobs, your space might start to feel stuck in the past. These knobs often give off a dated, overly polished look that was popular decades ago.
While brass has charm, the shiny finish can appear flashy or out of place in modern homes. If you want brass, consider a matte or unlaquered finish instead. It feels more current and adds subtle warmth without overwhelming your decor.
Heavy iron kitchen fixtures
Heavy iron fixtures can make your kitchen feel dark and bulky. While they were popular years ago, they often weigh down the space and clash with lighter, modern styles.
If you love iron, consider slimmer or matte finishes instead. These options keep some character without overwhelming your kitchen’s look.
Switching to mixed metals like black and chrome or polished nickel can refresh your kitchen instantly. It’s a simple change that brightens and updates your space.
Deep red Tuscan pottery
If you have deep red Tuscan pottery in your home, it can quickly make your space feel dated. These pieces often feature heavy shapes and classic ceramic styles that were very popular years ago but less so now.
You might find large urns or ornate bowls in this deep red color. While charming, they don’t blend well with today’s lighter, more minimalist trends.
Consider swapping them out for simpler, more neutral decor to keep your space fresh and inviting.
Golden yellow wall paint
Golden yellow wall paint might seem bright and cheerful, but it can quickly make your space feel outdated. This shade was popular in past decades and might not fit modern design trends anymore.
If you want to use yellow, try softer or muted tones instead. These options tend to look fresher and blend better with current styles. Consider how golden yellow walls could limit your decorating choices in the future.
Tumbled travertine tiles
If you’re thinking about updating your floors or walls, tumbled travertine tiles might seem like a timeless choice. However, they can quickly date your space with their rough, uneven texture and classic look.
These tiles often evoke a rustic or cottage-style vibe, which won’t always match modern or contemporary decor. If you want a fresh, current aesthetic, consider alternatives with cleaner lines or smoother finishes.
Goopy traditional chandeliers
You might think a classic chandelier adds elegance, but overly ornate, goopy ones can make your space feel dated. Those heavy designs with too many crystals or excessive curves often overwhelm a room.
If your chandelier looks like it belongs in a vintage movie set, it’s time to rethink. Opt for cleaner, simpler lighting that still brings charm without the excess. Your space will feel fresher and more inviting.
Cheap brass cabinet knobs
If you choose cheap brass cabinet knobs, they can quickly make your space feel outdated. Many budget options lack durability, often wearing down or tarnishing fast.
You might find knobs that look nice at first but lose their finish with regular use. Updating to higher quality or more modern styles can keep your space feeling fresh.
Consider simple brass knobs with classic shapes only if you want a vintage look, but be mindful they may not age well over time.
Worn-out doorknobs
If your doorknobs look scratched, faded, or loose, it’s a small detail that can make your whole space feel tired.
Swapping them for fresh, modern hardware can brighten up your doors instantly. Satin brass or textured bronze are popular, easy upgrades.
You don’t need to replace the whole door just the knob. It’s a simple fix that can give your home a cleaner, updated look.
Faux marble plastic decor
You might be tempted by faux marble plastic items because they look elegant and are usually affordable. However, these pieces often date your space quickly, especially when the plastic shine is too obvious.
Using faux marble trays, coasters, or small decor can feel temporary rather than timeless. If you want marble accents, choose real or high-quality alternatives for a longer-lasting style.
Overly ornate picture frames
When you choose picture frames with heavy carvings or excessive gilding, they can quickly make your space feel dated. These frames often pull attention away from the photos themselves.
While a touch of vintage charm can work, overly ornate designs tend to clash with modern decor styles. It’s better to keep frames simple and clean.
If you love a bit of detail, try frames with subtle accents instead of those with deep, intricate patterns. This keeps your space feeling fresh while still adding personality.
Heavy velvet drapes
Heavy velvet drapes can quickly make your space feel outdated. Their thick, plush texture was once popular but now often feels too formal or bulky.
You might find they darken your rooms more than needed since many block a lot of sunlight.
If you prefer a lighter, more modern look, consider swapping these for curtains with a slimmer profile or lighter fabric. This small change can freshen your space instantly.
Plastic faux flowers
You might think plastic faux flowers brighten your space easily. But over time, they often start looking faded or cheap.
Their unnatural shine and stiff petals can make your room feel less inviting.
If you choose them, pick high-quality options with realistic colors. Otherwise, they may date your décor more than you’d like.
Using real or silk flowers is usually a better way to keep a fresh look without constant upkeep.
Beveled glass coffee tables
Beveled glass coffee tables can quickly make your living room feel outdated. The thick glass edges were popular decades ago but now often appear heavy and old-fashioned.
If you want a modern look, consider sleeker glass tables without the beveled detail. These offer a lighter, airier feel that keeps your space fresh.
Beveled edges also show smudges and scratches more easily, making maintenance a bit more demanding than with smoother surfaces.
Large ceramic figurines
Large ceramic figurines can quickly date your space if they feel bulky or overly ornate. You might find that oversized pieces, especially those with outdated designs, take up too much visual space.
If you want to use ceramic art, choose modern, simple shapes that add interest without overwhelming the room. Otherwise, these big decorations might make your home look stuck in the past.
Lace tablecloths
Lace tablecloths can quickly add a dated feel to your space. Their intricate patterns and delicate material often remind people of vintage or older home styles.
If you have one, it might make your room look less contemporary, especially in modern settings. They work well in rustic or traditional homes but feel out of place in minimal or sleek designs.
Using lace tablecloths means your table is covered with something that looks delicate and old-fashioned. This can be charming but may also make your space feel less fresh.
