8 Design Mistakes That Make Your Home Look Dated — and How to Avoid Them
From Redrose Estate Agents – Helping You Sell or Style Smarter
Trends evolve, and what once looked stylish can quickly feel tired. At Redrose Estate Agents, we know that dated décor can hold back your home’s value — especially when you’re trying to sell.
If you’re wondering why your space isn’t quite hitting the mark, these eight common design mistakes might be the reason. Here’s what to avoid — and what to try instead.
8 Design Mistakes That Make Your Home Look Dated — and How to Avoid Them
1. Overuse of Brown or Dark Wood Furniture
That chunky sideboard or old-fashioned dining table can make even a light room feel heavy.
✅ Try this instead:
Balance darker woods with neutral tones, lighter accessories, or give pieces a makeover with chalk paint and new handles.
2. Busy or Outdated Wallpaper
Traditional florals, borders and dated patterns can make a room feel fussy and small.
✅ Try this instead:
Go for clean feature walls, subtle textures, or modern wallpapers in geometric or botanical prints.
3. Matching Furniture Sets
Identical bedroom or lounge sets can feel flat and impersonal.
✅ Try this instead:
Mix it up — combine vintage and modern pieces, and add interest with varied textures and finishes.
4. Heavy Curtains and Swags
Thick curtains with tiebacks, pelmets, or tassels are no longer in vogue and can block precious natural light.
✅ Try this instead:
Switch to simple, floor-length linen or voile curtains to let in light and give a modern, airy feel.
5. Beige Overload
Too much beige can make a room feel bland and uninspired.
✅ Try this instead:
Layer neutrals with texture and contrast — think stone, off-white, sage and soft grey for a warmer, contemporary look.
6. Cluttered Surfaces
Too many accessories and family photos can distract from your home’s features.
✅ Try this instead:
Less is more. Declutter surfaces and style with a few key pieces to make the space feel curated and calm.
7. Acrylic Corner Baths
Once a bathroom status symbol, these bulky baths now scream 1990s and take up unnecessary space.
✅ Try this instead:
If budget allows, replace it with a freestanding tub or sleek straight bath. Even retiling around it and updating taps can modernise the look.
8. Varnished Wooden Banisters
Glossy orange-tinted pine banisters instantly age a hallway or staircase.
✅ Try this instead:
Sand and repaint in classic white, soft grey or even black for a clean, modern contrast. Or consider painting the spindles and staining the handrail for a stylish two-tone effect.
Why It Matters When Selling – 8 Design Mistakes That Make Your Home Look Dated — and How to Avoid Them
Buyers want homes that feel fresh, updated and ready to move into. Dated design elements can:
- Turn off younger buyers
- Lower the perceived value
- Slow down interest
At Redrose, we offer practical staging and styling advice to get your home sold faster — without costly renovations.
Thinking of selling?
Let Redrose Estate Agents help you get your home market-ready with honest advice and local expertise.
📍 Based in Buckshaw Village | 🏡 Experts in Chorley, Leyland and beyond
Update wisely. Sell confidently.
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8 Design Mistakes That Make Your Home Look Dated — and How to Avoid Them