How To Update A Dated Home Without Remodeling

Are you tired of living in a house that’s stuck in a bygone era? Do you dream of walking into a beautifully updated space that reflects your personal style? I’m here to tell you that it’s possible to transform your dated home without breaking the bank or embarking on a lengthy remodeling process. In fact, my husband and I did just that with our first home, which had its fair share of… let’s say, interesting design choices.

The floral wallpaper, pink tile, and green shag carpet were definitely a product of their time. But after years of saving up and making incremental changes, we turned that house into a stunning showcase property. And the best part? We didn’t have to sacrifice our sanity or our bank account in the process. So, what if I told you that it’s possible to give your home a major facelift without the stress and expense associated with a full-scale renovation?

Would you be willing to invest some time and money now to transform your space into one that truly reflects your personality and lifestyle?

#1 – PAINT

Paint is often regarded as the most effective way to entirely revamp the aesthetic appeal of a home. While it’s essential to give walls a fresh coat, paint can also be used to breathe new life into a multitude of other surfaces within your residence. From furniture to trim, and even accessories like vases or picture frames, paint offers an impressive range of possibilities for personalizing your space.

It’s crucial to take the time to test different hues before making a final decision, as lighting conditions can significantly impact how a color appears. To avoid any costly mistakes, I recommend procuring peel-and-stick sample sheets from reputable suppliers like Samplize. This will enable you to accurately evaluate various shades in your specific environment, ensuring that the ultimate choice aligns with your unique style and preferences.

Kitchen cabinets

Have you ever seen the impressive transformations of kitchen makeovers where wooden cabinets are given a fresh new coat of paint? It’s undeniable – painting wood-tone cabinets can completely revamp your kitchen. For inspiration, take a look at our recent article highlighting kitchen cabinet colors that deviate from the traditional white option. This approach is not only aesthetically pleasing but also provides an opportunity to breathe new life into your cooking space.

Bath vanities

Just as updating kitchen cabinetry can breathe new vitality into a space, painting a bathroom vanity can similarly revitalize an otherwise dated room. The transformative power of paint is beautifully showcased in this stunning bathroom makeover, where the newly refreshed vanity serves as the crowning glory.

Doors

Upgrading the exterior of your home doesn’t have to break the bank. A simple yet effective way to give your entry a modern makeover is by painting your front door. This cost-effective solution not only enhances your home’s curb appeal but also allows you to add a touch of drama to your interior spaces. I’m particularly fond of extending this concept to interior doors, where a bold splash of color can bring personality and charm to your home’s interior.

If you’re looking for some inspiration, be sure to check out my previous post on painted doors.

Baseboards and Trim

The debate surrounding painted wood baseboards and trim has been ongoing for quite some time. On one hand, many people cherish the traditional look of natural wood trim, and would never consider concealing its unique character with paint. Others, however, prefer the crisp, clean appearance of white trim throughout their homes. Ultimately, there is no right or wrong answer, as it’s a matter of personal preference and what creates a space that truly reflects one’s style.

While painting over wood trim can indeed result in a completely transformed look, I will say that it can be particularly impactful when done in a bright, bold color like white. Take a moment to consider the dramatic difference this change can make before making your decision.

Built-Ins

Built-ins can add a touch of elegance to a room, but unfortunately, many outdated ones are contributing to an overall dated aesthetic. The natural inclination might be to remove them entirely, yet consider giving them a fresh coat of paint before making any drastic changes. If you have well-crafted built-ins with clean lines and sturdy construction, a new layer of color can breathe life into these features and instantly update the space, transforming it into a modern oasis.

Tile

When homeowners look at dated tile, they often think of a major renovation as the only solution. However, painting over the tile can be a game-changer for those who are hesitant to commit to a full-scale makeover. The results can be nothing short of astonishing, as seen in a stunning bathroom transformation by The Painted Hive. This innovative approach not only saves time and effort but also allows homeowners to preserve their tile’s original condition if it remains in good shape.

In fact, painting over tile floors can completely revamp their appearance, making them look like an entirely new surface. With the right paint job, even linoleum and wall tiles can be transformed into a fresh, modern look that belies its humble origins.

Floors

Transforming your home’s flooring with paint is another creative way to give it a fresh new look. One of the hottest trends in interior design right now is patterned tile, but you can achieve a similar effect with paint at a fraction of the cost! To get started, explore Etsy for stencils and check out Cutting Edge Stencils as a great place to begin your search. With a little creativity and some paint, you can unlock the power to completely transform your space.

Countertops

While many people believe there’s nothing they can do to improve the appearance of their countertops, the truth is that there are innovative solutions available. In recent years, countertop paints have undergone significant improvements, allowing homeowners to effortlessly transform the look of their kitchen or bathroom. The 36th Avenue, a popular DIY blog, has showcased one such project that demonstrates the power of paint in elevating the aesthetic appeal of a space.

By painting outdated green countertops and white kitchen cabinets, the blogger achieved a remarkable before-and-after transformation.

Fireplaces

When it comes to older homes, brick fireplaces are a common feature. However, if your brick fireplace is making the surrounding space feel dark and heavy, consider giving it a fresh coat of paint or whitewashing/limewashing treatment. Many homeowners opt for painting over their brick fireplaces, and it’s a relatively straightforward process. Alternatively, you could choose to retain some of the brick’s character by limewashing or whitewashing it.

For coastal or farmhouse-style spaces, I find that a whitewashed or limewashed brick fireplace adds visual interest and warmth, as the color variation of the brick is still visible. If you decide to go the limewashing route, Romabio paint from Home Depot is an excellent choice. It’s worth noting that this approach can create a beautiful, weathered look that’s perfect for certain design styles.

Light Fixtures

When replacing light fixtures isn’t feasible, a quick and easy solution is to give dated ones a fresh new look through painting. Simply grab some spray paint from Home Depot, protect any areas you don’t want painted with tape, and voilà! You’ll be amazed at the transformative power of a little paint. For inspiration, check out this example where [link].

Door Hardware

Updating door hardware can be a simple way to give your home a modern makeover, much like swapping out outdated light fixtures. One approach is to replace existing hardware with a new style and finish, which can be done as a DIY project. Alternatively, you can breathe new life into your old hardware by giving it a fresh coat of paint. This budget-friendly option allows you to achieve a unique look without breaking the bank.

With these easy updates, you’ll be well on your way to transforming your dated home and making it feel modern and refreshed.

#2 – REPLACE LIGHT FIXTURES

Giving your home a fresh makeover doesn’t have to break the bank or require extensive renovations. One simple yet effective way to breathe new life into your space is by swapping out outdated lighting fixtures. This easy DIY task can have a profound impact on the overall aesthetic of your home, and it’s a great place to start if you’re looking for an instant update.

Start by replacing old entry lights, dining room chandeliers, and bathroom vanity lights – these are often the most noticeable and make the biggest difference. Additionally, consider trading in those ubiquitous ‘boob’ lights that have become all too common on many ceilings. While they may be cheap, there are certainly more stylish and current options available at a similar price point.

By investing in new light fixtures, you’ll not only be updating your home’s look but also improving the ambiance and functionality of each room.

#3 – UPDATE YOUR DOORS

When we first moved into our home, the doors left a lot to be desired. The hollow, flat wood doors with brass knobs were far from the stylish upgrade we had envisioned. To give our space a much-needed refresh, we replaced all of our doors with crisp white paneled doors from Home Depot. The transformation was nothing short of remarkable, completely transforming the ambiance and aesthetic of our home.

The once-dreary hallway now radiated cleanliness and brightness, leaving us feeling like we’d given our entire house a fresh new lease on life.

The beauty of this update lies not just in the door replacement itself, but also in the myriad ways it can be replicated on a smaller scale. A simple coat of paint or some strategically placed custom moulding can work wonders in giving your existing doors a whole new look and feel.

We’ve seen some incredible examples of this in action, from bold color choices to cleverly incorporated trim pieces.

#4 – CHANGE THE BASEBOARDS

Our first home featured unassuming oak baseboards that, while decent, failed to make a lasting impression. The fact that they blended seamlessly with the floor didn’t exactly elevate their presence. However, when we opted to replace all our doors and the corresponding trim, including the baseboards, we decided to upgrade to taller, white-painted ones – what a transformative difference! If you’re currently enjoying simple, white baseboards in your home, there’s no pressing need to make changes.

But if, like us, you’re dealing with undersized or outdated baseboards, I highly recommend giving them some TLC.

One approach to freshening up existing baseboards is to create the illusion of larger ones by adding a small piece of trim an inch or two above the original baseboard and painting both the trim and the space between them white. For inspiration, take a look at the example below.

#5 – REPLACE OLD CARPET

While it’s estimated that the average lifespan of carpet is 10-15 years, if your flooring has reached this milestone, replacement may be necessary. Before taking the plunge, take a closer look to see if there might be something more valuable hiding beneath – literally! Hardwood floors are not only a stylish choice but also boast numerous benefits, including ease of cleaning, durability, and resistance to allergens like dust and mites.

Uncovering hardwood flooring under old carpet can be akin to discovering a hidden treasure in the world of home improvement. To determine if you’ve struck gold, simply lift up your floor vent or pull back a section of carpet to get a glimpse of what lies beneath. If your floors are indeed hardwood, you’ll have the option to refinish them and restore their original beauty, though be prepared for the possibility that they may require replacement if they’re water-damaged.

In such cases, consider alternative options like new hardwood, luxury vinyl, or high-quality carpet – just remember that hardwood or luxury vinyl will likely provide a more modern and desirable look.

#6 – REPLACE OUTLETS, SWITCH PLATES, AND THERMOSTAT

White has become the new standard for electrical outlets and switches, rendering ivory tones outdated and slightly dingy. The good news is that this change is easily achievable without requiring electrical expertise. A subtle transformation from ivory to white can significantly impact the room’s overall aesthetic.

Similarly, older analog thermostats not only appear dated but may also be costing you money due to their outdated technology.

By replacing your old thermostat with a digital and programmable one, you can enjoy significant energy cost savings while simultaneously enhancing the space’s visual appeal.

#7 – REPLACE FAUCETS

A dated faucet can instantly transform a bathroom from stylish to stuck in the past. Moreover, older faucets can harbor dirt and grime, making them an eyesore. Fortunately, replacing an outdated faucet is a straightforward DIY project that requires no professional expertise, yielding a dramatic impact on the overall aesthetic of the room. For those with single-hole faucets, simply seek out a like-for-like replacement featuring the same hole configuration as the original.

If the thought of this process seems daunting, consider consulting a simple DIY guide from Lowes, which provides an accessible tutorial on how to replace a bathroom faucet.

#8 – ADD MOULDING

Transforming a living space into a reflection of one’s personality is achievable by incorporating unique details, such as crown moulding, new window trim, and wainscoting. These traditional elements can add a sense of quality and beauty to homes that may lack character, particularly those built between the 1950s and 1980s.

If you’re fortunate enough to own an older home already featuring these details, consider showcasing them or updating with a fresh coat of paint to further enhance their appeal. Alternatively, adding these elements can significantly elevate the overall aesthetic of a room. Pre-made wainscoting panels from Home Depot offer an easy and quick installation solution. For instance, incorporating simple trim boxes into a dining room walls can produce stunning results.

#9: CHANGE HARDWARE

If you’re blessed with beautifully crafted cabinets, yet hesitate to give them a fresh coat of paint, there’s an effortless and budget-friendly way to elevate their aesthetic appeal – by simply swapping out the knobs and pulls. This DIY project is not only easy on the hands but also won’t put a dent in your wallet, making it an excuse-free endeavor! The same transformative power can be applied to interior doors, where upgrading the hardware with sleek new knobs or levers can work wonders.

For instance, Amerock offers a range of stylish options that can instantly give your entryways and hallways a sophisticated makeover.

#10: CHANGE WINDOW TREATMENTS

Upgrading outdated window treatments is a great way to give your room a fresh new look. Old blinds and heavy valences can quickly make a space feel tired and worn out. By removing these dated elements, you’ll not only allow more natural light into the room but also create a more modern aesthetic. In today’s design landscape, simplicity is key when it comes to window treatments.

A popular approach is to pair minimalist drapery panels with clean-lined blinds or shades made from materials like wood, bamboo, or synthetic materials. This creates a visually appealing and harmonious look that can elevate the entire space.

SUMMARY

As I reflect on the journey of updating my first home, I’m reminded that sometimes it takes patience and perseverance to transform a dated property. While it may not happen overnight, the end result can be incredibly rewarding. Our years-long renovation process was well worth the effort, as we were able to recoup our investment – and then some – when it came time to sell.

The house underwent a remarkable transformation, and I only wish I had been blogging and taking photos during that time to share the journey with you. Nevertheless, the payoff was substantial. If your home is showing its age or feeling stuck in a particular era, I encourage you to explore some of the creative updates mentioned here. You might be surprised at the hidden potential waiting to be uncovered.

And if you’re looking for help planning and executing your next DIY project, our DIY Project Planner can provide valuable guidance. This tool will help you break down tasks into manageable steps, identify necessary materials and supplies, and create a realistic schedule to ensure your project’s success.