8 Features That Date Your Home and How To Update Them

Planning to sell your house, or wanting to refresh your living space? Most homes reflect the era they were built in, but sometimes a few highly visible design choices can signal to buyers that a property needs more work than they thought. Identifying and addressing these dated home features is often the quickest path to improving buyer appeal, and potentially securing a higher offer.

We've compiled eight common features that may be holding your home back, along with practical, budget-conscious solutions, featuring insights from a home design expert.

1. Single-color accent walls

Accent walls — where one wall in a room is painted a different, bolder color — were once a popular way to add drama. However, modern design trends are moving away from this single-wall statement.

Amy Vroom, owner of interior design company The Residency Bureau, says accent walls immediately date a space.

“In the rooms I’m designing for my clients, we take the color or wallpaper around the entire room and allow for additional colors in the furnishings and décor. It’s a more cohesive look,” Vroom said.

The fix: Color drenching for elegance

Instead of highlighting one wall, drench it all in color. This style saw a 149% increase in mentions on Zillow listings, making it one of our top home trends of the year. To get this look, you’ll want to paint all the walls, trim, and sometimes even the ceiling in a single hue to create a unified space. 

2. Outdated hardware and fixtures

The style and finish of items like cabinet pulls, doorknobs, and faucets are subtle details that can instantly place a home in a specific decade. Think shiny, ornate brass or heavy, stylized fixtures.

The fix: Swap out hardware

Vroom said swapping out hardware is a low-cost, high-impact update.

• Choose timeless finishes: Look for brushed nickel, matte black, or brushed gold.
• Match your architecture: Use streamlined styles for modern homes and subtle curves for traditional homes.
• Upgrade the faucet: A new kitchen or bathroom faucet makes a huge impact on buyers.

3. Overly bold paint colors

Highly saturated colors like bright reds or neons tend to alienate the average buyer. These colors signal that the home will require immediate, personalized repainting after closing.

The fix: Emphasize neutral or natural tones

The key to mass appeal is using colors that feel soothing and serve as a beautiful backdrop for a buyer’s possessions. Zillow research has found that Earth tones can attract higher offers in certain rooms.

If you love color and want to show it, Vroom said you can keep things balanced by choosing a different version of your favorite shade.

• Use Earth tones: Shades of green, blue, and brown feel calming and contemporary.
• Mute your favorites: If you love red, choose a "muddier" or more saturated version rather than a bright primary red.

4. Dark wood trim and dated cabinetry

While wood is a perennial favorite, certain styles and colors — particularly builder-grade oak cabinets from the ‘80s and ‘90s — can instantly date a kitchen or bathroom. Heavy, dark trim can also make rooms feel smaller and absorb light.

The fix: Lighten up with paint or refacing

Cosmetic changes to wood elements are extremely effective if you’re not ready for a full remodel.

• Paint cabinets: Olive green kitchen cabinets could increase your home’s sale price by about $1,600, according to a Zillow analysis.
• Brighten trim: Turning dark trim into a crisp white instantly brightens a room.
• Choose modern tones: Stick with lighter woods like oak, alder, or warm walnut.

Painting dark cabinets a neutral color (white, light gray, or even a soft green) is a great way to give your space a facelift.

5. Chevron patterns

For several years, the bold, zig-zagging chevron pattern dominated everything from throw pillows to backsplashes. Like many overused trends, its popularity has faded, and it can signal a trend from years past.

The fix: Herringbone for timelessness

The herringbone pattern is the favored geometric choice for modern buyers. Zillow data shows that herringbone tile and floors contribute to higher engagement with home listings. Vroom said herringbone offers visual interest without feeling like a fleeting fad.

"Herringbone patterns tend to be more timeless — think about wood flooring used hundreds of years ago in a herringbone pattern."

6. Tile countertops

Tile countertops are associated with maintenance challenges and grout lines that are difficult to clean. Buyers prefer smooth, non-porous surfaces that feel luxurious.

The fix: Opt for seamless surfaces

Zillow data indicates that tile countertops are associated with homes selling for slightly less than homes without this feature. 

If your budget allows, swap out tile for quartz or soapstone. See what Zillow’s data says:

• Quartz: Helps homes sell for a 3.0% premium.
• Soapstone: Can lead to a 2.7% price premium.

These can be pricey to install. Home improvement website Thumbtack estimates that quartz countertops cost an average of $2,873 to buy. And that’s not including the cost of installation.

Vroom has an alternative, more affordable solution:

"If you don’t have it in the budget to replace your countertops, you could look at updating your kitchen by painting your cabinets," she said. 

7. Open floor plans

While once the gold standard, open floor plans can lack privacy and noise control. Zillow data shows mentions of open floor plans are down by 10% this year. Buyers are now looking for spaces with the option to close things off when needed.

Vroom said this trend is likely driven by practical needs.

"I think people are discovering that a little separation is helpful for having more focused areas with a dedicated use,” she said. "People still want an open-concept area that connects with the living room, kitchen and dining room, but having some dedicated spaces where there can be more privacy is desired."

The fix: Carve out dedicated spaces

You don't need a massive renovation to create boundaries.

• Add a partition: Use freestanding dividers, bookshelves, or sliding panels.
• Define with rugs: Use large area rugs and distinct lighting to delineate the living area from the dining area.
• Create a home office: Converting part of an open plan into a dedicated library or office is a major selling point.

8. Sliding barn doors and rustic decor

The farmhouse-style wood door and rustic aesthetic are slowing down in popularity. Zillow listing mentions of barn doors are down 2%, signaling a shift toward more refined, contemporary styles.

This trend extends to other rustic materials, as Zillow's home trends data also shows a slight decline in mentions of "wood cabinets," "wood stove," and "butcher block" countertops.

The Fix: Modernize the style, keep the function

If you love the function of a sliding door, simply update the style.

• Sleek materials: Replace heavy wood with doors featuring glass panels or minimalist metal frames.
• Streamlined hardware: Swap bulky black iron tracks for brushed nickel or stainless steel.

Your next steps to refresh your outdated home features

Whether your home needs a full refresh or just a few small tweaks, start with simple changes. A fresh coat of paint or new cabinet hardware can go a long way in making an outdated space feel move-in ready. By tackling these features strategically, you maximize your investment and appeal to today’s buyers.

Once you’re ready to list your home, let your new features shine by using Zillow Showcase. This elevated listing style lets buyers take a virtual tour of each room and view interactive floor plans. You can also finance your home improvements with Zillow Home Loans to ensure your property is market-ready. For more tips on boosting your home's value, check out our guides on increasing curb appeal and modern kitchen trends.