How to Tell If Your Style is Outdated

 Anyone spending any amount of time viewing design, decor or DIY blogs is sure to come across the word "outdated" about 50 million times.  The whole focus of this genre of the blogosphere is to rescue our homes, interiors and stray pieces of furniture by transforming, repainting, and refinishing until something is no longer "outdated" but fresh, new and presentable.  No one wants their space or style to be outdated.  So the big question is, How can you tell if YOUR style is outdated?

One of my (over observant and opinionated) children made a comment the other day that had me thinking.  I was referring to something in the house as having a vintage look and the helpful lad piped up with "Vintage is just a word people use to make their homes more exciting."  WHAT?  So when is something cool, retro and vintage and when is it tired, outdated and so last decade?

I have a few (a large number of) items in my home that the kids' have informed me would fall under the heading of  "grandma style."  And not in a good way.  (Now it seems a bit ironic that neither of their grandmas (nor great grandma) have things like that in their homes.  Go figure.)  What I see as vintage, the sweet children I live with (especially my boys) sometimes view as outdated.

 The chandelier over my kitchen table is from the 1950's.  Now some might consider it old fashioned and choose to replace it with something more modern.  I wanted a crystal chandelier for a while and was absolutely thrilled when this chandelier belonging to MY grandma was able to reside in my kitchen.  (see chandelier post.)  I remember it hanging in her dining room when I was a child so it also has sentimental value to me as well.

My sister has lived in a house for a couple of years now that was paying homage to the 1970's with walls of wood grain paneling.  The paneling was a nicer variety but my sister couldn't get past the miles of medium brown.  It was difficult for her to feel that the home was a reflection of her and her family.  She felt it was dark, dreary and outdated.  She added some white paint and the room transformed into something she loves.  The former wood grain paneling now has the appearance of expensive moulding.

A friend of mine has a decor style that was quite popular in the 1980's.  (When powder blue and dusty rose reigned supreme.)  She has antiques mixed in with what I call her vintage 80's vibe.  Her house is one of the more interesting homes I've been in.  I love her style.  It suits and reflects her family perfectly.

So that brings us back to the question at hand.  How do you define "outdated?"  Your space, interior or home should reflect your personality and lifestyle.  Are your friends comfortable visiting?  Do you love walking into your home?  Is your little space the best it can be for YOU?  I'm going to go out on a limb here and say that "outdated" is a state of mind.  If you love something then it's current for you.  If you don't then maybe you've outgrown that style and it's time for a little redo or reno.

My parting words on the subject are to find your own personal style, what you truly love and then just totally rock it.

Jon Bon Jovi back in the day.  So what do you think?  Outdated or vintage cool?

(photo credits: (superseventies.tumblr.com); Bon Jovi  google.com)