4 Easy Ways to Modernize a Dated Home

Does your home make you feel like you're living in another era, and not in a good way? Whether you are sprucing up your home to sell, or just want to give it an update without doing a full blown remodel, this short list is full of affordable things to do to modernize the look and feel of your home! Most you can do yourself!

1. Update light fixtures:

Think of light fixtures as the crown of the room. They can make quite the statement, so it is important to be mindful of the style and size you select to top your favorite rooms with. Start with light fixtures in big impact rooms, such as entryways, dining rooms, and living rooms to make the biggest difference, and then move onto bedrooms and bathrooms. Switching your light switch plates from the once popular ivory to a modern white is another easy task that you do not need an electrician to do.

2. Paint:

Paint can completely change the look of a room. A home may feel dated when there are outdated color palettes or wood cabinets with a yellow or red stain. Freshen up dated wood cabinets with a few coats of neutral paint. Popular colors include classic white, light gray, and beige. Further modernize with new hardware. Avoid trendy colors like navy blue, emerald green or dark grays on cabinets since these are more labor-intensive projects. For a fun pop of color, paint a smaller space (like a powder room) or nook for a focal point. Tile is also able to be painted using special tile paint (try Rustoleum Tub and Tile) to give even the most dated print a new look in white or another color. You can even paint a linoleum floor, and there is a plethora of stencils online if you want to add a interesting design.

3. Replace plumbing fixtures:

Most plumbing fixtures do not require a plumber to install and can really change the feel of a kitchen or bathroom. Just make sure the faucet you buy has the same hole configuration as your existing faucet. If you have gold plumbing fixtures from homes of the 80’s-90’s era, a quick way to modernize is to update to a brushed finish like a satin nickel or brushed brass.

4. Change window treatments: 

Changing old and dated window treatment out with a fresh, trendy set is another way to completely change the feel of a room. Whether you choose shades, drapery, shutters or blinds, changing out window treatments is a major step to making your home feel modern and new.