Styles change, and what was once trendy can quickly make a home feel outdated. Whether you’re preparing to sell or just want a fresh look, simple updates can make a big impact—without a full renovation. Here are some common design elements that can date a home and how to fix them fast.

1. Heavy Wood Tones & Orange Oak Everywhere

Warm, honey-colored wood was a staple in the ‘90s and early 2000s, but today’s buyers lean toward lighter, more neutral finishes.

✔ Fix it: Instead of replacing cabinetry, give it a fresh coat of paint in soft white, greige, or light taupe. Swapping out hardware for matte black, brass, or polished nickel also makes a big difference.

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2. Tuscan-Style Kitchens & Dark Granite Countertops

Brown-speckled granite, ornate wood cabinets, and heavy stone backsplashes scream early 2000s.

✔ Fix it: Opt for lighter, neutral countertops like quartz or honed granite. If replacing countertops isn’t in the budget, consider painting dark cabinets a fresh color and updating the backsplash with simple subway tile for an instant refresh. You can also remove or replace ornate millwork details, like scrolled corbels, to give cabinetry a cleaner, more updated look.

3. Overly Textured Walls & Ceilings

Popcorn ceilings and faux-textured walls were once popular, but today they feel more like a project waiting to happen.

✔ Fix it: Smoothing out a popcorn ceiling can be labor-intensive, but it instantly refreshes a space. For walls, swap out heavy faux textures for a smooth finish and a fresh coat of neutral paint.

4. Dated Light Fixtures

Builder-grade chandeliers, overly ornate sconces, and ceiling fans with oak blades can make a home feel stuck in the past.

✔ Fix it: Replace old fixtures with sleek, simple designs in black, brass, or polished nickel. Swapping out yellow-toned lightbulbs for warm white LEDs also helps brighten a space.

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5. Brown & Beige Tile Everywhere

Tuscan-inspired tile floors and backsplashes can make a home feel dark and dated.

✔ Fix it: If replacing all the tile isn’t an option, consider professional tile painting for backsplashes or adding a large area rug to break up outdated flooring. You can also update select areas, like replacing wall tile while keeping the existing floor—a budget-friendly way to refresh the space. If mixing new and old tile, be sure to view samples in your space to ensure they work well together.

6. Matching Bathroom Sets

Bathrooms with coordinating sinks, toilets, and tubs in colors like pink, mint green, or beige were a thing—but not anymore.

✔ Fix it: Replacing the toilet and sink is often more attainable than replacing the tub—consider professional reglazing for a clean, white finish that makes the tub look brand new. And if that isn’t in the budget, update the space with new lighting, a fresh mirror, and updated cabinet hardware. And coat of crisp white paint can help balance out older bathroom features.

Project by Renovation Sells Northern Colorado

Small Updates, Big Impact

Refreshing outdated design choices doesn’t mean a full remodel. A few simple upgrades can completely transform a space, making it feel fresh and more appealing to buyers.

Looking to update before selling? Renovation Sells specializes in high-impact, budget-friendly renovations that help homes sell faster and for more. Let’s talk about the right updates for your home!