4 Common Design Mistakes That Make Your Home Look Dated (and How to Fix Them)
Is your home feeling a little... stuck in the past? Sometimes it’s not the big things that make a space feel outdated — it’s the small details that go unnoticed but have a huge visual impact. The good news? A few easy updates can completely refresh your home and make it feel modern, cohesive, and timeless.
Here are four common design mistakes that might be making your home look dated — plus a few simple ways to fix them.
1. Builder-Grade Light Fixtures
Lighting has the power to completely transform a space — yet it’s one of the most overlooked design elements. Those standard “builder-grade” flush mounts or basic pendants can instantly make your home feel generic.
How to fix it: Swap them out for statement lighting that reflects your style — think brass or matte black finishes, unique shapes, or natural textures like rattan or linen. Even just changing the bulbs to a warmer tone can make your space feel softer and more inviting.
2. Rugs That Are Too Small
If your rug isn’t grounding your furniture, it’s probably shrinking your room visually. Tiny rugs make even the most beautiful furniture layout look off-balance and awkward.
How to fix it: Choose a rug that’s large enough for all your main furniture pieces to at least touch the edges. In living rooms, the front legs of your sofa and chairs should sit on the rug. In bedrooms, the rug should extend beyond the sides of the bed to create a cozy, proportionate feel.
3. Heavy Drapes or Window Treatments
Bulky curtains or dark window treatments can make a room feel smaller and dated. Heavy fabrics block light, collect dust, and visually weigh down the space.
How to fix it: Opt for light, airy fabrics like linen or cotton in soft neutrals. Hang curtains higher and wider than your windows to give the illusion of height and make the space feel open and fresh.
4. Matchy-Matchy Furniture Sets
Gone are the days when buying an entire matching furniture set was the goal. Too much coordination can actually make a space feel flat and uninspired.
How to fix it: Mix it up! Combine different materials, textures, and finishes. Balance is key: aim for variety, but keep a consistent color palette to tie it all together.
Ready to Modernize Your Space?
At Interyrs, we specialize in creating spaces that feel fresh, functional, and uniquely yours — without breaking the bank. Whether you’re refreshing one room or redesigning your whole home, our design packages make it simple to elevate your space and fall back in love with your home.