10 Things Making Your Home Feel Outdated
Whether you have just moved, are moving soon, or have been in the same house for 20 years, we all share the same desire to want a home that we can love. But sometimes, even with the best intentions, we can create or allow our space to become a home that appears old and outdated. More often than not, we don’t even realize what makes it seem so outdated because we learn to adapt to our surroundings as humans. So here are 10 things that could be making your home feel outdated. Carpet Galore There was a time when a house covered in carpet was a luxurious must-have. Times have changed, though, and hardwood is a much more modern option. Carpet does have its benefits with comfort underfoot and absorbing sound, which remains beneficial in bedrooms and some basements. But it would be advised to consider updating your main floor to hardwood for a more modern feel and a much more hygienic option. Hygienic consciousness is a big thing to consider when you are talking about flooring. Remember that even if you choose to keep the carpet in some areas of your home, it may be best to replace it with a new carpet if it has been heavily used. Linoleum Floors Linoleum floors were once a go-to flooring material since it was a cheaper long-lasting material. Unfortunately, linoleum floors dent easily and discolour with time. If you still have linoleum flooring, it may be time to upgrade. If you choose to update the floor with laminate flooring, it can be placed right over the existing linoleum floor and is a budget-friendly upgrade. You can also upgrade with vinyl plank or solid hardwood flooring. In the bathroom, you can use vinyl plank flooring as it is waterproof, or you can go with a slate or slate-like ceramic tile that will match virtually any colour palette that you choose. Laminate Countertops Laminate countertops were once popular for their wipe-clean convenience, durability and low price point. For houses built in the 50s and 60s, laminate countertops were definitely the go-to; Generally, Formica countertops were the most popular during this time. Laminate countertops are still used as they continue to be one of the most affordable options. However, laminate that’s chipped, warped and discoloured will age your kitchen exponentially. A polished look will go a long way in the kitchen, so if you do have laminate countertops in your home, considering upgrading to a natural or engineered stone countertop like marble, granite, or quartz and give your kitchen a much-needed cosmetic lift. Quartz is low maintenance and more affordable if you want a marble look without the cost. Tile Countertops Tile has been a popular choice for aesthetics on the floor, walls, and countertops over different periods of the last century. However, once popular in the 1970s, tile countertops are now very outdated and a giveaway that your home needs an update. This type of countertop is visually unpleasing, and it’s also challenging to clean correctly. Out of Style Fixtures and Hardware Out-of-style fixtures and hardware is a detail that often gets missed in our own homes, so don’t feel bad if it’s something you missed. According to most designers, nearly every finish is in style right now, from chrome, brushed nickel, and brass to oil-rubbed bronze. However, this doesn’t mean that your shiny brass faucets from the 1990s are still in style, newer gold-toned hardware is on its way back into style, but they are more muted in tone. Getting a contemporary look is all about the design and lines of the fixtures, feature rounded or geometrically inspired silhouettes instead of the clunky shapes of 30 years ago. The most important key with fixtures and hardware is to bring consistency. You need to choose a unified finish and match all large fixtures for a less mix and match look. Popcorn Ceilings Popcorn ceilings once provided ceilings with a textured look that created a challenge for anyone trying to clean them. Popcorn ceilings have decreased in popularity over the years. Many homes still have them, since removing these ceilings, which can contain asbestos, can be expensive, messy and potentially dangerous to your health. Wood Wall Paneling Wood wall panelling was popular for many decades, nearly impossible to avoid in any neighbourhood. While most people have phased out the wood panelling for a more modern, brightly painted drywall, many homes haven’t been remodelled in decades and are sporting it. If your home still has this wood wall feature, it is time to change it up! Making this change will update your space, making it more modern and aesthetically pleasing. Floral Accents Now don’t take this out of context. Having some floral accents within the home will most likely never go out of style. I am only referring to rooms with one big floral accent, like the rooms that feel like a nightmare that has sent you back to an 80s living room with floral couches and floral window coverings, heavily accented by floral wallpaper. Mix and match floral accents with solid colours to avoid the 80s flashback. Once Trendy Paint Colors The colour of your wall makes a bold statement about your house as a whole. Updating your paint colour is a quick and inexpensive way to create a more modern appeal to your home. If you’re in the market to sell, all-white walls or a subtle light gray tone wall with the right accent decor can be an excellent option to allow potential buyers a clean slate to imagine their decor style. Stenciling and Sponging In the 1990s-early 2000s, adding texture to walls by hand with either stencil or sponges was popular. It was a time-consuming and tedious task, but it was all the rage for a few years. However, if you still have sponged walls or stencilled paintings on your wall, it is time to grab some paint and cover that up. We all have our personal favourites when it comes to
Just Moved In? Make Your House a Home for the Holidays
If you’ve moved this Christmas, you’re still getting used to both your outside environment and being inside your brand new home. Things are fresh and, well, it might feel a little strange. If you need Christmas decor, chances are you will want to buy locally. This is the case for 55% of Canadian consumers, who are being more mindful of giving back due to the events this year. Whether you’re shopping local or online, you still have the task of turning your new house into a home and filling it up with the spirit of Christmas. Here’s how you can do that. Realign Your Decor Your new house might be painted in a different colour from your previous location. This means you may have to purchase decor that better fits in with the new palette. Christmas trees, which saw purchases worth over $91.2 million just two years back, are not of the one size fits all type. Make sure you get one that’s suitable for the room you want to set it up in. Watch the Plasterwork Your house may or may not have new plasterwork, which reportedly takes about a year to fully dry. While a lived-in house feels homey, it’s probably better to not destroy any walls right away. It’s not why you went through the ordeal of moving. For the time-being, steer clear of wall-mounted decorations and all heavy items in general. You might not feel at home just yet, but keeping the house as it was when you fell in love with it will help you get there. Take Advantage of New Decorative Spaces While the walls may be off-limits for now, there will likely be other sections of your home you can take advantage of when setting up holiday decor. Perhaps you now have a staircase or a front garden. Liven up the staircase with garlands and bulbs. Put Santa and reindeer decor in your garden if you’re so inclined. Meet Your Neighbours You will want to be on friendly terms with your new neighbours for the holiday season. Take the time to get acquainted, from a safe distance, of course, and share some warmth for the season. Be Active in the Community These days, many small towns and even big cities are holding virtual events as a workaround due to the pandemic. People will always find a way to celebrate what they love. If you’re a Christmas lover, try scouting for activities that might be going on this season and take part. It might be different and odd, but it’s something you’ll likely enjoy in the end. Start New Traditions Your virtual event could turn into a tradition for the family. Who knows? You could also start your own traditions in your new home. Let the family give their best ideas, It’s okay to feel sad about not being able to visit old friends and family this time around, but don’t let it keep you back from having a festive spirit. Have fun trying options for a new tradition. It may not quite feel just right this year, but that’s all part of the fun of having a new home. You’ll get another chance next season. Stick to Your Usual Habits Even as you adopt new traditions, don’t forget to practice old habits. Nothing beats cuddling up around the television and watching Christmas films as you wait for the big day to arrive. Eat your usual Christmas meals, bask in your decor, and embrace your new environment. Get ready for the new year with a positive spirit. About to Move? Perhaps you’re just on the verge of moving and not quite in your new home yet. Maybe that’s what’s going to be your big step to start the new year. If that’s the case, reach out to our experienced team of professionals at Relocate Stress Free to help make your holiday moving experience as magical as Christmas itself.