• Link to Facebook
  • Link to Instagram
  • Link to TikTok
  • Link to Pinterest
  • Link to Mail
Phone: 980-404-9600
Greenbrook Design
  • Home
  • About
    • Cabinet Design
    • Interior Design
    • Our Process
    • Install FAQ
    • Meet The Team
      • Chloe Tate
      • Hannah Deal
      • Taylor Walker
      • Tina Colgan
    • Our Story
    • Testimonials
  • Design Center
    • Cabinet Lines
    • LED Cabinet Lighting Prep
    • More Products
  • Portfolio
    • Inspiration Gallery
    • Project Portfolio’s
  • Design Journal
  • Contact Us
  • Events
  • Careers
  • 980-404-9600
  • Click to open the search input field Click to open the search input field Search
  • Menu Menu
A kitchen with black and white cabinetry and a island countertop with gray chairs
Walker Woodworking

Design Notes

How To Modernize Your Outdated Home

Share this entry
  • Share on Facebook
  • Share on X
  • Share on Pinterest
  • Share on LinkedIn
  • Share on Reddit
  • Share by Mail

Does your home feel old and out of touch with the times? Have you wondered how to update its style and make it trendier? But do you also worry about the cost and effort of such a project? If you answered yes to these questions, we have the answers for you.

Every house eventually gets old. It doesn’t matter how well-designed the home is; this is bound to happen. As TEJRentals.com explains, that’s because popular house design trends are constantly changing as technology advances and buyer preferences shift.

And when preferences shift, you can’t go back and rebuild your home; you have to stay with what you have. But you don’t need to rebuild the house to bring it into the modern era. Updating your home does not require making massive changes to the property.

You need to understand the difference between style, class, and function. Although a house’s style may become outdated, it does not have to lose its class. Every home can remain functional regardless of its style and age.

An old-style home is one thing, but an obsolete home is an entirely different matter. In this article, we outline simple things you can do to pull your outdated home out of the past and into the modern period. You will be able to restore its appeal without giving up the quiet dignity that’s associated with old homes.

Declutter and Clean Your Outdated House

Giving the home a deep clean gives you the chance to look at the house with new eyes. You will be able to audit your belongings and reassess the usefulness of each item. You don’t know how much clutter you have accumulated until you do this process.

Simply getting rid of unused stuff and cleaning your carpets will make the home feel fresh. Doing a deep clean helps you see the actual state of the house. You can accurately assess the condition of various areas or objects in the home to determine the next steps.

Walker Woodworking custom cabinets peg drawers utensil drawer organized kitchen deep drawers dovetail drawers

Create More Space In Your Outdated Home

Modern homes have simple furniture and a lot of open space. They are designed to maximize airflow and allow ease of movement, unlike older homes, which often have huge furniture pieces.

Creating more space introduces the streamlined flow of a modern home into your old home. A few ways to do this are to replace large furniture with sleek modern ones, rearrange furniture to make rooms look bigger, get rid of carpets, discard old appliances, remove stacks of paper and other stuff, and rearrange cords and cables to hide or make them less messy.

Update Window Treatments

Blinds, shutters, and drapes determine how much light gets into the home and serve as a backdrop to the entire room. They can make a room feel confined, and just by looking at the window treatments in a home, you can guess what year the house was designed.

In place of inefficient old window treatments, use modern options like bright-colored drapery panels, sheer curtains, eco-friendly blinds made of rattan or bamboo, metal blinds with a wood-like appearance, or roman blinds.

Graber Window Treatments
Greenbrook Design

Repaint The Outdated Home

The color of the paint on walls and ceilings blankets everything in the home. If the paint is dull, faded, or old-fashioned, it will cloak everything in the home with these qualities. When painting your house, you must approach it strategically.

Merely applying a new coat of paint is not enough; the color palette you chose matters. Choose neutral interior colors to make rooms feel brighter, roomier, and airier. You should pay special attention to the colors of trims and crown moldings.

Update The Light Fixtures and Power Outlets

If the rooms in the home are poorly lit, most of your redesign efforts will become invisible at night. Poor lighting also makes rooms feel cramped. Additionally, aging light fixtures will feel out of place against the now redesigned home.

Replacing light fixtures and power outlets with modern versions that are more efficient and attractive will create a better overall result. The position of lighting also matters. By having sufficient lighting at various levels of each room, you will achieve the most illumination.

a kitchen with a marble island and stainless steel appliances
Walker Woodworking

Update Hardware

Door and cabinet handles, as well as plumbing fittings, draw a lot of attention. Swapping worn-out old designs for modern ones will have an immediate impact and lift your outdated home into the current. Visitors’ eyes instinctively go to the handles on doors and drawers, as well as the faucets on kitchen and bathroom sinks.

Small changes in these areas can have a significant impact. When changing the hardware on kitchen and bathroom cabinets, it is also a good idea to refresh the cabinets themselves by refacing or repainting them.

In closing, although far from being everything you can do in your home, these steps will get you on your way to a more modern home. Enjoy doing them. Cheers.

Share this entry
  • Share on Facebook
  • Share on X
  • Share on Pinterest
  • Share on LinkedIn
  • Share on Reddit
  • Share by Mail

a brick house with a lawn and trees redesign your homeGreenbrook Design

How to tell its time to redesign your home

Life, Styled

When you first moved into your property, you took the time to come up with the perfect design for a space you’ll call home. However, over time, circumstances change, and so do people. And, now, you’ve found yourself in a situation of wanting to change things up a bit. If you’re wondering how to tell it’s time to redesign your home, sit tight and let us walk you through all the major signs.

Read more
December 14, 2022/by Stacey Walker
https://i0.wp.com/greenbrookdesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/065.jpg?fit=1920%2C1280&ssl=1 1280 1920 Stacey Walker https://greenbrookdesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Design-Center-Logo-1-02-300x213.png Stacey Walker2022-12-14 14:44:092025-07-24 14:44:43How to tell its time to redesign your home
Vintage style living room with wallpapered wallsGreenbrook Design

The Value of Antique Shopping

Life, Styled

Homes are a collection of things we love, and sometimes those things can come from places outside the traditional sources, such as your typical home furnishings stores. Increasingly, designers and homeowners alike are discovering the benefits of antique stores. These places, often thought of as the last stop for items no one else wanted, have become a popular shopping stop for those who want to have something unique in their home and enjoy the thrill of “treasure hunting”. More and more design styles are also embracing vintage finds, seeking to blend them together to create something special, such as the grand millennial and mid-century modern styles. Millennials are also enjoying the freedom to branch out in their design choices, creating a home that is customized to their own personality. Antique shopping can be a wonderful way to uncover those special touches that can make all the difference in your home, so let’s explore how to get started and what to do with all of the treasures you find.

Read more
December 14, 2022/by Stacey Walker
https://i0.wp.com/greenbrookdesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/custom-cabinets-european-farmhouse-style-vintage-sitting-room-historic-home-renovation.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1 800 1200 Stacey Walker https://greenbrookdesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Design-Center-Logo-1-02-300x213.png Stacey Walker2022-12-14 14:24:262025-07-24 14:24:48The Value of Antique Shopping
a red mixer on a marble countertop, transitional kitchen styleWalker Woodworking

The Return of the Butler Pantry

Design Notes

More designers and contractors are incorporating this secondary space into the kitchen to gain square footage and have an area that works as an extension of the kitchen. Let’s dive deeper into what a butler pantry is and what the benefits are for you.

Read more
December 14, 2022/by Stacey Walker
https://i0.wp.com/greenbrookdesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Pantry-storage-hidden-pass-through-Walker-Woodworking-custom-cabinets-kitchen-design-pantry-design-NKBA-winner.jpg?fit=1800%2C1200&ssl=1 1200 1800 Stacey Walker https://greenbrookdesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Design-Center-Logo-1-02-300x213.png Stacey Walker2022-12-14 11:05:162025-08-08 15:28:09The Return of the Butler Pantry
a kitchen mirrored walnut islandWalker Woodworking

What are Mullion Cabinet Doors?

Design Notes

This is why we have created multiple door profile styles so that each of our clients can find the one that perfectly tells their story to everyone. At times, they are not able to pinpoint one that speaks to them, which is why we offer custom door styles as well. Several of our clients have opted for mullion cabinet doors, which always add a beautiful touch to their space.

Read more
November 14, 2022/by Stacey Walker
https://i0.wp.com/greenbrookdesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Walker-Woodworking-custom-cabinets-kitchen-island-walnut-rubio-chocolate-cracked-pepper-mullions-mirrored-cabinets-Inset-cabinets-Shelby-door.jpg?fit=1980%2C1320&ssl=1 1320 1980 Stacey Walker https://greenbrookdesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Design-Center-Logo-1-02-300x213.png Stacey Walker2022-11-14 20:24:452025-07-17 20:25:25What are Mullion Cabinet Doors?
a dining room with a table and artwork on the wallGreenbrook Design

Guide to Forgotten Interior Design Styles that are Making a Comeback

Design Notes

Recycling old styles with a modern twist is a phenomenal way to honor the past while creating the future. Nostalgia is a valuable part of the creative process, especially in designing homes, our little personal factory of memories. So, don’t be afraid to try out some of these forgotten interior design styles that are making a comeback. It’s nice to freshen up your whole concept and take a little walk through a time capsule. Let your creativity fly in the limbo of styles, and wonder what else will be new soon.

Read more
November 14, 2022/by Stacey Walker
https://i0.wp.com/greenbrookdesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Walker-Woodworking-custom-cabinets-dean-chandelier-live-edge-dining-room-table-dovetail-furniture.jpg?fit=1920%2C1280&ssl=1 1280 1920 Stacey Walker https://greenbrookdesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Design-Center-Logo-1-02-300x213.png Stacey Walker2022-11-14 14:49:152025-07-24 14:50:36Guide to Forgotten Interior Design Styles that are Making a Comeback
Page 18 of 50«‹1617181920›»

Follow us on Facebook

Office

Address
112 N. Lafayette St.
Shelby, NC 28150

 

Contact
Jan@greenbrookdesign.com
980-404-9600

 

Showroom Hours:
Monday 9 to 5 pm
Tuesday 9 to 5 pm
Wednesday 9 to 5 pm
Thursday 9 to 5 pm
Friday 10 to 4 pm
First Friday’s extended hours 5 to 7 pm
Saturday 10 to 2 pm

 

Our showroom is open to the public. Design meetings require an appointment, which can be done by phone or email. CONTACT US

 

Vendors require an appointment. Please contact: Jan@greenbrookdesign.com

Join Our Newsletter
  Thank you for Signing Up
Please correct the marked field(s) below.
Email
Name

Latest Projects

  • Dry Bar Inset custom cabinets BM Creamy White Cherry wood top American walnut stain deocrative outlet covers Walker Woodworking Greenbrook Design wine storage liquor cabinet
    Luxury Lake House LivingJuly 23, 2026 - 3:34 pm
  • Modern kitchen with wooden chairs and island.
    Second Generation – Modern RemodelJune 30, 2026 - 11:21 am
  • Elegant bathroom with gold vessel sink
    Sherrills Ford Custom Home Featuring Semi-custom CabinetsMay 13, 2026 - 2:25 pm
  • Walker Woodworking custom cabinetsStoll Hood white bar stools island lighting mullions open kitchen design Catawba door
    Sherrills Ford Custom Kitchen & Master BathroomMay 12, 2026 - 11:49 am
  • Bunk room bunk beds custom cabinetry Walker Woodworking custom finish lake house ideas
    Sherrills Ford Custom HomeMarch 20, 2026 - 12:18 pm
  • Walker Woodworking Greenbrook Design LED Lighting Walnut drawer boxes 60 Julien Sink 48 Range
    Kitchen Remodel gets Inset CabinetryJanuary 22, 2026 - 2:01 pm
  • Walker Woodworking custom cabinetsWalnut island Piedmont Door Top Knobs hardware Honey Bronze Reeded cabinets End panel design kitchen designer 1
    Kitchen Remodel meets Custom Detail & Everyday LivingJanuary 6, 2026 - 5:55 pm
  • masterbath design bathroom designer Greenbrook Design Shelby NC Walker Woodworking custom cabinets reeded doors rounded vanity floating vanity
    Serene Reeded RetreatJanuary 6, 2026 - 4:38 pm
  • Walker Woodworking mountain homes Quarter Sawn White Oak Silestone Clifton Door Profile Integrated End Panel Vertical Dividers Stoll Industries Metal hood panel ready appliance
    Modern Mountain OakNovember 15, 2025 - 1:46 pm
  • KLI%40HeatherIsonPhotography Walnut reeded hood Curved island with waterfall edge black metal mullions Stoll Ind. Walnut cabinets texture in the kitchen
    Reeded Cabinetry in StyleOctober 29, 2025 - 11:56 am

Categories

  • Design Notes (138)
  • In The News (5)
  • Life, Styled (87)
  • Smart -Innovative – Solutions (8)
  • Uptown & Undercover (3)
  • What's New (7)

Quicklinks

Get Started

Meet the Team

FAQ

Testimonials

7 Step Process

Our Services

Contact Us

Events

Dealer For

Walker Woodworking

Cabinets by Cabico

Metropolitan Woodworks Cabinets

Fabuwood Cabinets

Shamrock Cabinets

NatureKast – Outdoor Cabinetry

James Martin Vanities

Find Our Showroom

112 N. Lafayette St.

Shelby, NC 28150

Greenbrook Design 2025 - Enfold Theme by Kriesi
  • Link to Facebook
  • Link to Instagram
  • Link to TikTok
  • Link to Pinterest
  • Link to Mail
Link to: 10 Ideas for your Spare Room Link to: 10 Ideas for your Spare Room 10 Ideas for your Spare Rooma kitchen with blue cabinets and a white wallWalker Woodworking Link to: What’s Right For You? How to Choose your Kitchen Appliance Link to: What’s Right For You? How to Choose your Kitchen Appliance Walker Woodworking custom cabinets beige kitchen cabinets beige kitchen wolf kitchen appliances white countertop white tile backsplash oven hood kitchen farm sinkWhat’s Right For You? How to Choose your Kitchen Appliance
Scroll to top Scroll to top Scroll to top