9 Things Making The Exterior Of Your Home Look Dated, And What You Can Do About Them

Think your home’s exterior might be stuck in a time warp? You’re not alone. From faded paint to forgotten fixtures, plenty of once-trendy design choices are now quietly aging your curb appeal.

But don’t worry, this isn’t about tearing everything down and starting from scratch. With a few clever updates and a fresh perspective, you can turn back the clock on your home’s look and have the best-looking house on the block.

Ready to see what might be dating your exterior, and what to do about it? Let’s give your curb appeal the glow-up it deserves.

1. Faded Or Peeling Paint

Nothing ages a house faster than paint that’s seen better days. Those cracking, bubbling, or faded surfaces broadcast neglect to everyone passing by.

A fresh coat in a modern, neutral color can instantly transform your home’s appearance. Modern exterior paints offer better UV protection and longer-lasting finishes than products from even ten years ago.

Consider warm grays, soft blues, or crisp whites paired with contrasting trim for a contemporary look that will stay fresh for years.

2. Outdated Light Fixtures

Those brass coach lights from the 1980s are practically waving a flag saying “this house hasn’t been updated in decades!” Swapping outdated fixtures takes just an afternoon but delivers dramatic results for your curb appeal.

Look for simple, clean-lined fixtures in black, bronze, or brushed nickel that complement your home’s architectural style. LED options save energy while providing better illumination.

For maximum impact, ensure all exterior lights follow the same design family.

3. Mismatched Or Aging Hardware

Have you noticed how those tarnished door handles, rusted house numbers, and faded mailboxes create a patchwork of styles and finishes? Small hardware elements might seem insignificant, but they contribute significantly to your home’s overall impression.

Coordinating these details with matching finishes creates a cohesive, intentional look. Choose weather-resistant materials like brushed nickel or matte black for a contemporary feel that stands up to the elements.

This budget-friendly upgrade delivers impressive results for minimal investment.

4. Worn Or Dated Front Door

Your entryway serves as the focal point of your home’s exterior, making an aging door particularly noticeable. If yours features outdated details, damage, or faded finishes, it’s broadcasting the wrong message about what lies beyond.

Replacing or refinishing your front door offers exceptional return on investment. Bold colors like navy, forest green, or even red create a welcoming statement.

If replacement isn’t in the budget, a quality paint job and new hardware can work wonders for a fraction of the cost.

5. Visible Vinyl Siding Seams

Ever noticed those telltale lines running across older vinyl-sided homes? Early vinyl products weren’t designed to hide seams effectively, instantly dating houses with this revealing characteristic.

Modern vinyl and fiber cement siding options feature improved locking systems and longer panels that minimize visible seams.

While replacing siding represents a significant investment, newer materials offer superior durability and insulation values. They also feature authentic-looking textures that mimic wood without the high maintenance requirements.

6. Cracked Concrete Walkways

The pathway to your front door sets expectations before visitors even reach your home. Crumbling concrete with weeds pushing through the cracks creates an unwelcoming first impression that’s hard to overcome.

Today’s hardscaping options extend far beyond basic poured concrete. Consider pavers, stamped concrete, or natural stone for beautiful, durable walkways that complement your home’s architecture.

Even pressure washing existing concrete and applying a quality sealer can dramatically improve appearances while preventing further deterioration.

7. Builder-Grade Garage Doors

Plain, flat-panel garage doors were standard issue for decades, but they’re now a surefire giveaway of an aging exterior. Since garages often occupy significant visual space on your home’s facade, outdated doors have an outsized impact on curb appeal.

Today’s carriage-house styles and doors with architectural details like windows or hardware create custom character without custom prices. Many manufacturers offer insulated options that improve energy efficiency while reducing noise.

Adding decorative hardware to existing doors can create an impressive transformation for minimal investment.

8. Exposed Foundation

What’s that strip of concrete doing stealing the spotlight from your beautiful siding? That exposed foundation can create a harsh, unfinished look that instantly dates your home. And it’s more noticeable when newer builds are hiding theirs with style.

Want to lay the groundwork for better curb appeal? Foundation plantings are a simple fix that softens the gap between house and landscape.

For a more lasting solution, try extending siding lower, adding stone veneer, or painting the concrete to blend in instead of standing out. Because when it comes to first impressions, even your foundation deserves a little facelift.

9. Overgrown Or Outdated Landscaping

Those massive shrubs swallowing your windows weren’t always that size! Overgrown plants and dated landscaping choices (hello, 1970s junipers) can make your home look stuck in a time warp.

Strategic pruning or removal of overgrown vegetation instantly modernizes your exterior. Replace dated plantings with varieties that maintain their shape naturally.

Layer different heights, textures, and seasonal interest for a contemporary landscape. It’ll frame your home beautifully without constant maintenance.