Decorating Choices That Date Your Home: Southern Style Insights
When it comes to home decor, certain design elements are like a time capsule, clearly signaling which decade they hail from. While you might easily identify the loud patterns of the ’60s or the cherry wood finishes of the ’90s, some elements are much sneakier in their approach to aging your space. According to Southern designers, here are eight choices that might be making your home feel outdated—without you even realizing it.
Poorly-Scaled Pieces
One of the most common mistakes in decorating is the use of poorly-scaled pieces. Aileen Warren of Jackson Warren Interiors highlights the issue of “postage stamp rugs.” These small rugs can make a dining room feel cramped and disjointed. Ideally, when the chairs are pulled out from the table, all four legs should remain on the rug. A properly sized rug not only enhances the look of your space but also creates a sense of flow and unity.
Bad Lighting
Lighting can make or break a room. If your chandelier or light fixture is feeling a bit drab, it could be dragging your dining room down with it. According to Maggie Dillon, an effective solution is to replace old chandelier candle covers with fresh white ones, which can brighten the entire space. Additionally, creating “layers of light” through dimmable fixtures adds a modern touch that enhances the overall ambiance.
Cherry Wood Finishes
Ah, cherry wood—the quintessential choice of the ’90s that seems to linger even today. Designers Anna Still and Marguerite Johnson from Still Johnson interiors believe that while wood furniture is timeless, cherry wood finishes are not. They encourage homeowners to be open to more current wood tones that can add a fresh look while still honoring the classic elements of your home.
Deep Primary Colors
Bright primary colors often evoke an earlier era, especially in a dining room context. Jessica Davis of Atelier Davis observes that deep primary red walls and classic Chippendale chairs are a dead giveaway for an ‘80s influence. To breathe new life into a dated color palette, she suggests transitioning to shades like terracotta or plum, which offer a more contemporary and sophisticated vibe while allowing for an eclectic mix of styles.
Matchy-Matchy Furniture
Gone are the days of matching every piece of furniture in your dining room. Betsey Mosby, a Jackson, Mississippi designer, advocates for a more eclectic approach. Mixing an antique dining table with different woods or paint colors for a sideboard can create visual interest. By carefully curating your pieces rather than purchasing them in a suite, you cultivate a collected and intentional feel rather than a mass-produced look.
Popcorn Ceilings
Let’s address the elephant in the room: popcorn ceilings. This texturing technique may have seemed innovative at one time, but today it often signals a lack of renovation updates. The Still Johnson team simply states, “Enough said.” Removing popcorn ceilings can dramatically update the feel of your dining area—allowing for more modern finishes to shine.
Lack of Contrast
A balanced design often relies on contrast—especially between colors and textures. Kentucky decorator Bethany Adams asserts that while darker, saturated colors can add depth, they should be balanced with brighter accent colors and varied textures. This not only enriches the visual aspect but also helps to prevent the room from feeling stale or overly dark.
Tattered and Stained Fabrics
Finally, fabric condition is a crucial indicator of a room’s upkeep. The Still Johnson designers note that while wear can denote character, tattered or stained fabrics present a different story. If your upholstery is looking yellowed or dirty, it may be time for a refresh. Incorporating newer, clean textiles can instantly uplift the overall aesthetic, making your dining room feel rejuvenated and inviting.
These eight insights from Southern designers serve as a guide to help modernize your dining room and eliminate those pesky decor choices that may be unintentionally anchoring your style in the past. Embrace the opportunity to blend classic influences with modern touches for a current, vibrant living space.