Lisa O
If you’ve ever wondered if your home is a little stuck in the past, there are a few telltale signs that might be giving it away. While some vintage elements can definitely add charm—others make your home look like it’s frozen in time. Let’s look at 15 signs your home may be feeling a bit outdated.
Landline Telephone
Remember when we’d race to answer the phone, not knowing who was calling? Those days are long gone. If you still have a landline phone taking up space, it’s a clear sign your home hasn’t caught up with modern times. Most people today have ditched the corded phone in favor of mobile devices that fit in their pockets.
Net Curtains
Net curtains used to be the go-to for privacy while letting light in. However, their delicate patterns can give a room an old-world vibe. Nowadays, sleek roller blinds or plantation shutters are the choice for modern homes. If your windows still sport lacey net curtains—it might be time to freshen things up with more contemporary window coverings that add a crisp and clean feel.
DVD Players
Do you still have a shelf full of DVDs? While they were once prized possessions—streaming has made them nearly obsolete. With platforms offering movies at your fingertips, that DVD player now looks like a relic from a time when we waited for discs to arrive in the mail. If your DVD collection is gathering dust, change it to a smart TV or streaming stick.
Avocado-Colored Bathrooms
Nothing says “blast from the past” like an avocado-colored bathroom. This once-popular color choice brings to mind shag carpets and bell-bottom jeans. While green is making a comeback in modern design, the avocado shade is still a reminder of the ’70s. Replacing those dated tiles with neutral tones or bold accents can instantly bring your bathroom into the present.
Cottage-Style Kitchen Units
Cottage-style kitchens have that cozy, homey feel, but their overly ornate details can make a kitchen look cluttered and out of sync with today’s sleek, minimalist trends. Modern kitchens focus on functionality, clean lines, and smart storage. If your kitchen resembles an old English countryside scene, consider simpler cabinetry and more streamlined appliances.
Heavy Drapes
Thick, floor-to-ceiling drapes were once elegant, adding drama and warmth to a room. But they can also make spaces feel dark, heavy, and dated. Modern homes now lean toward light, breezy fabrics or even bare windows that let natural light flood in. If your curtains feel like they belong in a grand old estate—switching to something more airy can brighten your whole home.
Foggy Shower Doors
Knock down those old, foggy shower doors, my friend. The silver frame and smudgy glass panels are nearly impossible to keep clean and make small spaces feel bulkier. Depending on your layout, you can leave your shower open, install frameless glass doors, or add a custom shower curtain for a fresh look.
Popcorn Ceilings
Popcorn ceilings, with their bumpy texture, were all the rage for a while because they were easy to apply and hid imperfections. However, they’ve fallen out of favor and are now seen as a mess. These textured ceilings can also trap dust and make a room feel outdated. Smoothing out your ceiling will give your home a cleaner look and make it feel more open and modern.
Patterned Carpets
Remember those bold, colorful carpets from the ’80s and ’90s? While they were once a design statement—patterned carpets now feel chaotic and dated. People today prefer neutral flooring like hardwood or sleek tiles that make spaces feel bigger and more polished. If your carpet has swirls or floral patterns, switch it to a solid color or wooden floor to update your space.
Wood Paneling
Wood paneling was once considered a stylish and durable option for walls, but now it often feels like a blast from the past. It can make your room feel dark and closed in. Light-colored walls with paint or wallpaper are now the go-to for creating open, airy spaces. If you’re still surrounded by dark wood walls, painting over them or replacing them with drywall can give your home a bright vibe.
Clunky Light Fixtures
Big brass chandeliers and bulky ceiling fans were once a sign of sophistication. But now, they tend to feel heavy and overpowering. Modern lighting favors simplicity—with sleek designs that blend into the room rather than dominate it. Updating your lighting fixtures can make a big difference in how modern and open your home feels without requiring a complete renovation.
Overstuffed Furniture
Overstuffed furniture might look cozy, but it can take up a lot of space and make rooms feel crowded. The trend now is toward more compact, minimalist furniture that offers comfort without overwhelming the room. If your living room feels like it’s been taken over by bulky sofas, consider downsizing to sleeker pieces that give the room space to breathe.
Brick Fireplaces
A brick fireplace can totally steal the show in a room, but that old-school red brick can make your space feel a bit behind the times. Nowadays, people are leaning toward fireplaces with sleek finishes like concrete or even black metal. If your fireplace looks more like a “cozy cabin” than a “stylish living room,” consider swapping out the mantel or adding some unique tiles around it.
Tiled Countertops
Tiled countertops used to be the height of luxury, but those pesky grout lines make them a pain to clean and keep up with. These days, people are all about seamless countertops like quartz, granite, or even concrete for their sleek look. Plus, these are also easy to maintain. Switching to a modern surface can amp up its style and functionality.
Old Thermostats
If you’re manually adjusting your thermostat, it’s a step into the future. Smart thermostats that get your preferences and can be controlled from your phone are a hallmark of a modern home. Not only do they make life easier—but they can also save you money on energy bills by optimizing heating and cooling.