Retro can be cool, chic and in demand… but that doesn’t always mean that a house straight from the 1970s would be seen as ‘hot property’. So if your home hasn’t seen an upgrade since carpeted bathrooms were in vogue, then it might be the right time to think about how you should modernise it.

Appliances

Nothing says ‘look how old this house is’ more so than kitchen appliances - particularly if the oven hasn’t been replaced in 20 years. Shiny new gadgets are the perfect way to bring a kitchen up-to-date, even without having to do too much more.

Of course investing in appliances won’t solve all your problems at once, but it is certainly a good place to start.

Read more: Need a quick sale on your house? 8 tips to hit the market running

Ceilings

Look up - if your ceiling is showcasing the the ‘popcorn’ effect (a spray-on treatment), then it has got to go. However, it is important you first get in a building expert to check that it hasn’t got asbestos in it.

This type of ‘feature’ was popular in the 1980s, and it is certain to not make a comeback anytime this century. This goes for ceiling tiles as well - they are an eyesore to the modern home buyer and would never be found in a new house.  

Once you get the all clear, redo the ceiling with a smooth, no-fuss finish. While you’re up there, pop in some down lights, a simple way to modernise a space.

Colour

From psychedelic wallpaper in the 70s, to dark wood paneling in the 80s, and beige, on beige, on beige in the 90s - an interior colour scheme can instantly put a property into a timewarp.  

Paint can hide a multitude of sins, as well as change the whole feel of a room, so don’t underestimate what a new hue on the walls can do to modernise a dated home. It may not be about choosing whatever colour is ‘in right now’, but rather selecting a shade that can work in with the rest of the interior.

Remember that it is usually best to remain neutral when it comes to painting walls, particularly if you are thinking about selling up soon.

Window fittings

As well as blocking natural light from your interior living space, heavy drapes around your windows have the potential to bring down the whole look of a room, particularly if they are adorned with tasseled tiebacks or net curtains.

While your curtains certainly don’t have to hide in the background when it comes to design, there is a point in which they can have a significant effect on how a space looks and feels.

Modern homes today typically have sleek window dressings - whether roman blinds, roller blinds or single pleat curtains.  

Weather-worn cladding

Cladding on a house is typically chosen to face the elements in their extreme - so when the outside of the property starts to look worn, then it is an obvious sign that the home is dated.

Anything that is stained or discoloured needs to be either replaced or painted, and this is key as the outside of your home is the first impression people have when it is on the market. If it looks unkempt and shabby, it can have an impact on the overall value too.

Accessories

From taps to cupboard door handles, light fittings, switches and personal decor. These are all ‘the little things’ which has a significant effect on how a house is viewed as a whole.

If these fixtures haven’t been changed in more than 10 years, or even since the house was built, people will notice, and having a dated interior could devalue a property.  

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Think you might be ready to put your house on the market? Check out our free guide below for everything you need to know about selling your property…