four unexpected factors contributing to a dated appearance in your home.
Rewritten Article:
Navigating home renovation content online can leave you questioning your home's appeal. As you drool over others who're tearing out their ol' oak cabinets and transforming open floor plans, you may feel your own space is getting left behind. But in an era where trends are faster than a cheetah on speed, the boundary between timeless and outdated can get hazy.
NeKeia McSwain, the principal designer at NeKeia + Co, asserts that outdated design is more about an unwillingness to adapt than a home's appearance. A design that flexes with your ever-changing lifestyle is the secret to keeping any space looking modern, no matter what shades your cabinets are. Here are four surprising factors that make a house feel dated, along with McSwain's suggestions for timeless alternatives.
Faded Flooring Styles Designers Aren't Touching in 2025## Generic Construction PlansGiving your new abode timelessness can keep you up at night. Instead of sweating trends, focus on intentional alterations to the floorplan that stand out, McSwain says. A sunken floor, conversation pit, or unexpected nook can add intrigue to an open floorplan, enhancing originality and moving beyond cookie-cutter designs[1]. Developers often design homes based on what's trendy and what can be built efficiently, with little thought given to potential buyers' needs. Plan your layouts carefully, considering how they'll serve you best, and your home will be anything but bland.
Quick and Easy DIY Home Upgrades You Can Handle Yourself## Rigid LayoutsHomes need to evolve with us, adjusting to our ever-changing lifestyles. Setups that have remained untouched for years can feel tired to visitors, but more importantly, won't serve your needs anymore. Spend some time assessing whether your current layout suits your needs.
"Maybe this is the season when you need more sunlight, so you move your couch closer to the window," McSwian says. Or perhaps you transition from married to single, and that second nightstand finds a new purpose as a side table in the living room[2]. Treating your home as a fluid, adaptable space ensures it'll never go out of style. "It's the evolution of a space that creates timelessness," McSwian adds.
In case you're wondering, McSwain, your friendly design guru, doesn't skimp on sharing her wisdom. Here's a quick rundown:
Innovative Living Room Layouts for Maximizing Space## Cheap Quality FurnishingsDesigning for timelessness proves challenging with furniture of questionable quality. The makers of low-quality goods have little motivation to create flexible items that retain their charm year after year. "People are trying to create timeless design with fall-apart pieces, which contradicts the very essence of timelessness," McSwian says[1]. Timelessness requires quality materials, even if they come with a higher price tag. Be patient and browse thrift stores to find better-made pieces at lower prices.
Lastly, here's a pro tip for a home with no soul:
Giving Your Home a Personal Touch## Lacking PersonalityFew things are more boring than a house that looks like it's straight out of a catalog. If everything you have is brand spanking new and store-bought, your home will feel as lifeless as a cardboard cutout. Add character to your space with items that speak to you on a personal level—like that gnarly old cat tree or your kid's latest artwork[1]. Another approach to pumping up the personality is incorporating objects from your cultural heritage. McSwain, who incorporates African design into her projects, believes cultural objects are essential for creating a home that feels unique[1]. "We design dream homes, but there has to be some culture embedded in the space for it to truly become yours," McSwian declares[1]. Cultural pieces provide a sense of history and uniqueness, warding off the stench of trendy outdatedness. "I designed a swivel chair inspired by Black women's braided hair," McSwian proudly explains. "To me, that's a style that speaks to timeless design as it has deep roots in tradition." Get creative and let your home's story unfold!
[1] Enrichment Data: McSwian's projects highlight rich, tactile materials and unique design details, such as a leather swivel chair inspired by traditional African clothing and hair braiding. [2] Enrichment Data: McSwian advises moving furniture to take advantage of sunlight and thoughtfully considering how a layout meets the homeowner's immediate and future needs. [3] Enrichment Data: McSwian creates spaces that highlight cultural significance, ensuring her designs are rooted in the homeowner's heritage and reflect their personal style, promoting a non-trendy, timeless aesthetic.
- NeKeia McSwain suggests focusing on intentional alterations to the floorplan for a timeless home, recommending unique features like sunken floors, conversation pits, or unexpected nooks to set a home apart from cookie-cutter designs.
- McSwain urges homeowners to assess their current layouts and make adjustments as needed, emphasizing that homes should evolve with the changing lifestyles of their inhabitants.
- Designing for timelessness proves challenging with furniture of questionable quality, according to McSwain. She advises seeking out quality materials, even if they come with a higher price tag.
- According to McSwain, a home with no soul is one that lacks personality, suggesting adding items that speak to the owner on a personal level, such as handmade or culturally significant pieces.
- In 2025, McSwain predicts that faded flooring styles will no longer be in demand, advocating for homes that are intentionally altered and unique in their design.
- Homeowners should consider remodeling advice and decorating advice from professionals like NeKeia McSwain when planning home improvement projects to ensure their spaces remain timeless and adaptable to their changing lifestyles.
- In addition to browsing home-and-garden and home-improvement sites online, McSwain encourages homeowners to seek inspiration from publications such as Better Homes and Gardens (BHG) for fresh home improvement ideas and decorating advice.
