Older houses can be charming. But old and outdated are very different concepts. You don’t want to feel like your home is worn-out and antiquated. Fortunately, as Scott Wilkinson, the owner of Uptown Dallas Properties points out, there are many steps you can take to modernize an out-of-date property.
Most importantly, giving your home a fresh look doesn’t have to involve losing character. You are able to keep its original atmosphere along with the tiny details that have made you fall in love over the years.
In this article, we’ll take a look at the top tips for modernizing your outdated home.
Here are the best improvements for a modern feel that won’t break the bank:
1. Treat your windows
Does your home have tired looking sheers? Maybe some antiquated metal Venetian blinds? You can use simple fixes that give a fresh look to your home’s exterior. There are many approaches, including:
- Hang energy-saving curtains that are beautiful and functional
- Replace the metal blinds with more modern-looking wooden or fabric blinds
- Replace old sheers with bright-colored drapery panels
- Opt for energy-efficient windows if you have a bigger budget
2. Open up the space
Many modern homes have a spacious feeling. Creating a sense of more room doesn’t necessarily call for tearing out any walls. There are easier and cheaper ways to open up extra space.
You could lose the big and bulky furnishings in your home. The chances are the furnishings are outdated in any case. Sometimes even moving these around in your room allow you to discover the ultimate setup for an airy home.
3. Add small touches
Decorating your home is a great way of refreshing the property without giving in to costly projects. Here are some easy ways to add small touches that make a big difference:
- Replace drawer and cabinet pulls with their modern counterparts
- Decorate your couch with a throw and a new set of colorful cushions
- Reupholster large pieces of furniture by using a textured fabric
- Use basic background for your favorite furniture pieces to let them stand out
- Remove outdated prints and replace them with two-tone prints
- Opt for simple plant and flower containers
- Update the dinnerware for adding a modern touch to your every meal
- Add a little zing to your home with bright accents in the form of art pieces and pillows
4. Update the lighting
Lighting can make or break a living space. When you don’t have enough light in your home, the rooms look dark and cramped. Brightly lit homes are inviting and airy.
Working on your home’s lighting is all about strategical placement. For example, putting tall floor lamps in dark corners creates an instant difference. The final results can be very exciting.
5. Modernize bathroom vanity
Is your bathroom looking a little outdated? Remodeling your bathroom vanity is a big step towards a modern look.
- Add new hardware
- Put in a new countertop
- Repaint all the cabinets
- Install a new faucet
- Increase storage space
Compared to everything you could change in your home, refreshing the bathroom vanity is one of the easiest upgrades.
6. Replace the old colors
Paint is a quick and easy fix against outdated vibes in your home. any colors that are now associated with aged homes, such as olive and hunter green.
The color standards for homes are different nowadays. You are better off using light wall colors. These make your rooms look clean, airy, and more spacious. While you are at it, you could paint the ceilings and replace the borders for an ultimate makeover.
7. Get rid of tile countertops
Tile countertops were popular in the ’80s and ’90s. However, fewer people have them in their homes now. The material is easily subject to cracks and it looks dated.
Try any of the following materials for a trendy choice of modern countertops:
- Engineered stone
- Granite
- Marble
- Quartz
- Richlite
- Soapstone
- Stainless steel
- Wood
The bottom line: modernizing your outdated home
Do you want to update your home to make it look modern? You don’t have to undertake an expensive renovation project. There are easier solutions to upgrade the way your home looks and feels.
- Create more space by rearranging the furniture
- Upgrade your bathroom vanity
- Replace the worn, outdated colors with a fresh paint job
- Improve the lighting situation
- Redecorate your rooms while adding small touches here and there
- Treat your old windows by replacing outdated parts
Take at least of few of these steps and you’ll see the difference in no time!