10 Exterior Features That Can Make A Home Look Outdated

Have you ever driven past a house and thought it looked older than it really is? Sometimes it’s not the age of the home, but certain exterior details that give off a dated impression.

From worn materials to design choices that have fallen out of favor, these features can subtly affect curb appeal and even influence buyer perception. Knowing what to update can help your home feel fresh, welcoming, and in step with modern style.

The information in this article draws on common exterior design observations and general real estate trends. Individual outcomes may differ based on location, climate, and the unique character of each property.

1. Faded Aluminum Siding

Remember those houses with metal panels that eventually turned chalky and dull? Nothing dates a home faster than this 1970s favorite. The material itself isn’t necessarily the problem, it’s the visible wear and oxidation that occurs over time.

Modern alternatives like fiber cement or engineered wood offer similar durability with much better aging properties. Even a fresh coat of paint can work wonders if replacement isn’t in your budget right now.

2. Overgrown Foundation Plantings

How many times have you seen enormous shrubs swallowing windows and doorways? Those cute little bushes planted in 1985 have become monsters that hide your home’s architecture and create a dated, neglected appearance.

Foundation plantings should complement your home, not consume it. Consider replacing overgrown specimens with appropriately-sized varieties that won’t require constant pruning. This simple update can instantly modernize your home’s appearance.

3. Worn Asphalt Driveways

Though they’re budget-friendly at installation, asphalt driveways that have cracked, faded, and developed weedy patches scream neglect. The black surface eventually turns that sad grayish color that no amount of sealer seems to fix.

Concrete pavers, stained concrete, or even fresh asphalt with decorative borders offer more current alternatives. When upgrading, consider permeable options that allow rainwater to filter through, they’re both eco-friendly and thoroughly modern.

4. Wrought Iron Railings And Columns

Where once these scrolling metal features seemed elegant, they now often appear fussy and old-fashioned. The intricate curlicues and black paint belong to another decade entirely.

Sleek cable railings, glass panels, or simplified geometric metal designs offer contemporary alternatives. Even painted wood balusters in clean lines can dramatically update your porch or entry. This single change can transform your home’s entire aesthetic.

5. Peeling Paint On Wood Siding

Peeling paint on wood siding is not just an eyesore, it signals neglect and the potential for underlying damage. This feature is often a red flag for potential buyers, as it suggests maintenance has been deferred.

Over time, exposure to the elements causes paint to crack and peel, leaving wood vulnerable to rot and insects. This can quickly escalate from a cosmetic issue to a structural one, necessitating costly repairs.

Today, many homeowners are choosing materials like fiber cement or composite siding, which offer durability without the constant need for repainting. These modern materials can help maintain a fresh look without the labor-intensive upkeep traditionally associated with wood siding.

6. Aging Wooden Decks

A wooden deck can be a beautiful extension of your home, but as it ages, its appearance can quickly turn from charming to shabby. Signs of wear, such as graying wood, loose planks, and splinters, detract from the deck’s allure.

The maintenance required to keep a deck looking fresh is considerable, involving regular sealing, staining, or painting. Without this upkeep, the wood can become a safety hazard, with rotting boards and protruding nails.

Homeowners now have alternatives like composite materials that mimic the look of wood but resist the ravages of time and weather. These options offer a no-fuss approach to enjoying outdoor spaces without the ongoing labor of traditional wooden decks.

7. Chain-Link Fencing

Though practical, nothing says “basic” quite like a galvanized chain-link fence surrounding your property. This industrial-looking option brings to mind public schools and prison yards rather than welcoming homes.

Wooden privacy fences, vinyl options, or even modern horizontal slat designs offer more aesthetic appeal. If security is your primary concern, consider black-coated chain-link which visually recedes or pair it with climbing plants for a softer look.

8. Excessive Roof Vents And Protrusions

Did your roofer scatter different styles of vents across your roof surface? Multiple shapes, sizes, and colors of roof penetrations create visual chaos and date your home instantly.

Newer homes feature streamlined ventilation systems with ridge vents that disappear into the roofline. When replacing your roof, consider consolidating ventilation methods and choosing low-profile options in colors that blend with your shingles.

Sometimes what you don’t notice makes the biggest difference in design.

9. Faux Coach Lanterns

If your porch sports those mass-produced “colonial” light fixtures with fake glass panels and flimsy brass-look finish, you’re announcing your home hasn’t been updated since the Reagan administration. These fixtures have become visual shorthand for outdated exteriors.

Lighting technology and design have come a long way. Modern fixtures with clean lines or industrial influences offer better illumination and instant style.

Look for dark sky-compliant options that reduce light pollution for an eco-conscious upgrade.

10. Bright Colored Front Doors

Are you still sporting that fire-engine red door that was all the rage in the early 2000s? While bold door colors can work, those particularly bright hues often feel like a dated trend rather than a timeless choice.

Today’s front doors tend toward sophisticated, nuanced color palettes. Think muted sage greens, naval blues, or even black for a more current look.

The right door color should complement your home’s architecture rather than compete with it for attention.