4 Tips for Freshening Up a Dated Home

by Ellen Garcia 08/27/2020

Image by StockSnap from Pixabay

Your home is your statement to guests and allows you to show your personality to the world. The only problem is that over time, trends will change, and what once used to be a modern home can suddenly look dated and in need of freshening up. This issue becomes more important if you plan on selling your home in the near future. Homebuyers want a home that is move-in ready and may not need a lot of redecorating immediately. If you have a home with dated decor and are looking to spruce things up, consider the few tips listed below. 

Update Your Color Palette

One of the easiest to spot signs of a dated home is an older color scheme, which makes this the ideal place to start. First, find a color scheme that is modern and fresh and then decide how it can be worked into each room in your home. You can start with paint and then use the new colors to add accents with pillows, blankets and artwork. Adding modern throw rugs is a quick and less expensive way to update older flooring and can add in your new color choices.

Give Your Lighting a Facelift

Lighting is another easy-to-change item in your home, that can quickly jump it ahead a decade or two. You will not only enjoy a fresher look but will also likely save on your energy bills as most new lighting comes with more energy-efficient bulbs. Make sure you choose a modern metal finish and then incorporate it first in lamps and hanging lights, eventually moving on to replace recessed lighting with more modern fixtures. 

Replace Old Flooring

This type of update can be significantly more expensive than others but can quickly modernize an old room. Consider replacing worn or dated carpet and refinish hardwood floors. If you have a heavily traveled space that is not ideal for your current carpet, considering changing to hardwood floors or more modern laminate options. If your kitchen and bathrooms are still sporting linoleum, changing them to tile can be cost-effective and make a dramatic difference. 

Don't Forget Hardware and Faceplates

These items may get little attention, but changing them can be one of the quickest ways to give a room a facelift. Update the faceplates of switches and outlets and find more modern handles, doorknobs and hinges for your kitchen and bathroom. Choosing more modern designs and finishes can pull together the look of the room and all for a minimal expense. 

If your home feels like it is stuck in a previous decade, trying the few tips above can easily spruce it up and make it more appealing for your guests and potential buyers as well. 

About the Author
Author

Ellen Garcia

Ellen Garcia Broker, GRI, SRS, ABR, RSPS, SRES, RENE, MRP, LRS, LSE, LSS, AHWD, e-PROÒ Ellen believes that listening and understanding her clients' needs are the foundation of a successful business partnership. Her knowledge of the many unique communities in Fairfield County is an invaluable asset to clients new to the area, and she is able to help anyone moving to, from or within Fairfield County make an easier transition into a new home and community. For clients who are preparing to sell their homes, Ellen offers her first-hand knowledge of how to leverage the strength of a "brand" in showcasing and marketing their properties. Ellen offers a powerful advantage in bringing her skills and resources to work for her clients. With over 10 years, of full-time experience in the real estate industry, she is well-versed in the Fairfield County real estate market. Ellen has successfully completed: · Over 130 closed sales and rental transactions · Representing a dollar volume of over $65 million Ellen’s people skills lead the way in building a strong network to assist and support her clients in achieving their goals through every step of the real estate process: · Negotiations both local and global · New business development (sales & marketing) · Creative problem solving · Building partnerships · Tapping into Halstead Property’s network of 1100 agents in NYC and Lower Fairfield County Her career in Real Estate has been recognized with many awards including: "Agent of the Year” for Halstead Property Wilton and "Most Closed Sale and Listing Transactions” numerous times. Within Connecticut, Ellen has been recognized over the past several years as a "Connecticut Magazine 5 Star Realtor”. Awards 2016 & 2014 AGENT OF THE YEAR – HALSTEAD WILTON – HIGHEST GROSS SALES 2016 - 2011 CONNECTICUT MAGAZINE 5-STAR REALTOR AWARD 2016 - 2013 MOST CLOSED LISTINGS – Wilton Office 2016, 2014 - 2012 MOST CLOSED SALES – Wilton Office 2016, 2015, 2014 HALSTEAD PROPERTY PRESIDENT’S COUNCIL 2013, 2012 & 2011 HALSTEAD PROPERTY DIRECTOR’S COUNCIL 2014 HALSTEAD – PLATINUM CIRCLE 2016 HALSTEAD - GOLD CIRCEL 2015, 2013 HALSTEAD – SILVER CIRCLE 2007 COUNTRY LIVING ASSOCIATES OUTSTANDING RELOCATION SPECIALIST PRESIDENT'S AWARD (2005, 2006 & 2007). Leading Real Estate Companies of the World PREMIER CLUB – SILVER AWARD FOR REFERRAL ACHIEVEMENT (2006) Sales Associates Recognition Program Professional Associations: · Connecticut Association of Realtors (CAR) · National Association of Realtors (NAR) · Consolidated Multiple Listing Service (CMLS) · Connecticut State-wide MLS (CTMLS) · Mid-Fairfield County Association of Realtors (MFCAR) · Senior Advantage Real Estate Council (SAREC) · Real Estate Buyer’s Agent Council (REBAC) · Seller’s Representative Specialist Council (SRS) · e-PRO Professional Designations: · BROKER · ABR (Accredited Buyer Representative) · SRS (Seller’s Representative Specialist) · RENE (Real Estate Negotiation Expert) · GRI (Graduate Realtor Institute) · RSPS (Resort and Second Property Specialist) · MRP (Military Relocation Professional) · SRES (Seniors Real Estate Specialist) · LRS (LeadingRE Relocation Specialist) · LSS (LeadingRE Sales Specialist) · LSE (LeadingRE Service Expert) · AHWD (At Home with Diversity: One America) · REALTOR e-PRO · CONNECTICUT TRUST FOR HISTORIC PRESERVATION