Outdated or timeless? Find out + get quick tips to refresh your space!

Hello decor friends,

On the regular, I get asked what “outdates” a home, well I feel that outdated design is less about style and more about a home’s ability to evolve. A fresh, current space isn’t defined by trends—it’s shaped by a willingness to adapt and align your surroundings with how you truly live. Flexibility and thoughtful updates can keep any home feeling vibrant, and relevant, regardless of cabinet color or paint choice.

 Here are 3 unexpected factors that can make a house feel dated:

1. Builder grade everything

 When purchasing a new home, don’t stress about chasing trends. Instead, focus on thoughtful changes that make your space feel personal, not cookie-cutter. Even small tweaks—like molding detail on the walll, different staircase spindles can add character with intention. The more your floor plan reflects your lifestyle, the more timeless it will feel. Builders design homes based on what's trendy now and what can be built efficiently—not necessarily what's interesting or reflective of buyers' values. 

2. Low-Quality Furnishings

Creating a timeless look starts with choosing pieces that are built to last. Furniture made from low-quality materials often won’t stand the test of time—either in style or durability. People are trying to create timeless design with fall-apart pieces, which goes against the whole philosophy. Quality doesn’t always mean expensive, though. With a little patience, shopping sales and perhaps being willing to shop secondhand you can uncover well-made, classic pieces at a fraction of the cost.

3. No Personal Touches

Nothing makes a home feel flat faster than a lack of personality. If everything looks straight out of a catalog—brand new, store-bought, and machine-made—it can leave your space feeling more staged than lived-in. Add some life! Think kids’ artwork on the fridge, mixing vintage pieces, antiques or a funky thrifted find. Personal touches bring warmth and character.

Where in your home do you feel you could use a little intentional sprucing up so you don’t fall into the dreaded “outdated” category.

Until Next Time,

~Tatum