Old Decor Trends That are Now Home Decorating Mistakes
Trends and styles don’t last in home decor. Things that looked fresh just a few years ago could be home decorating mistakes today. If you are ready to buy or sell property, knowing what makes it look dated can increase your chances of getting the best price.
The Analog Thermostat
Nothing says “old heating system” is quite like an analog thermostat. Switching to digital, or even better, smart technology will not only make your home look modern but may also save you money on heating and cooling bills.
Digital and smart thermostats are programmable, meaning you have more control over your HVAC system. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, you may save up to 10% on heating and cooling costs every year by simply lowering your thermostat 7°-10°F for 8 hours per day from its standard setting. A programmable thermostat allows you to make those adjustments ahead of time so you’ll save.
Beige
Okay, Beige is not going away altogether, but the days of painting everything that color are gone. If you want to give your place a color makeover, then look to add some warm colors to the mix, like terracotta. Beige is still a popular choice but just try to mix things up a bit. For example, if you paint the walls beige, then enhance it with vibrant furniture or in your wall decor.
Floor to Ceiling Mirrors
For decades interior designers used mirrors to give the illusion of space. They could make a small room, apartment, or house seem bigger. Today it just looks dated and out of place.
Light color combinations, striped walls, and built-in storage cabinets do the same thing, but better. Add some well-placed lighting to create that same roomy look without all the smudges that show up on mirrored walls. If you still want a mirror in the room, purchase a large standalone mirror or a round one to hang on a bare wall and get the same effect with a much more timeless feel.
Fake Distressed Furniture is Just Tacky Home Decor
Those days of trying to make all your furniture look “vintage” are coming to an end. Too many weathered finishes led to its timely demise. If you love the vintage look, make it more authentic and not forced. If an older piece catches your eye, fit it into the decor. Don’t buy something new and make it look old, though.
One of the Worst Home Decorating Mistakes: Dated Wallpaper
Wallpaper has been making a comeback, but in many cases, people leave old wallpaper up because they don’t know how to remove it. Some might still look good, but most of those busy wallpaper styles of the mid-century bring down the whole room today.
Some kits and tutorials tell you how to paint exciting patterns on your wall and give the room a classy new look. The paint is easier to remove when it’s time to refresh the decor again, too.
Old decor trends are just that — old. So let the experts at Bancroft & Associates, one of Tucson’s most respected real estate brokerage and management firms, help you lose those home decorating mistakes and find a space that makes you feel great today.
