Perhaps you recently purchased an older home, or you have lived in your home awhile and it is in need of some updating. Updating the outside of the home gives you the opportunity to modernize it, and there are plenty of solutions for every budget. These five outdated housing trends can be changed to bring a new lift to your home.

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Popular in historic homes, or colonials built in the 1980s, red brick as an exterior home material choice is not as widely used as it once was. Thankfully, there are updates you can make to help it appear more modern.

Changing the trim color of the house is one way to make the house more modern. Red brick is muted so any exterior paint colors that go well with red brick should also be muted in color. Cream or black as color choices for the trim, window frames, or shutters go well with the earthy tones of red brick. Creamy beige and matte black look timeless and will complement instead of competing against the red brick. A fresh coat of black paint on the front door will bring the home into this decade.

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For homes with a red brick façade and siding, choose a new siding that will freshen up the entire exterior. For example, dark blue for the siding and garage door can appear more modern. Pair it with cream trim and the house will look completely different. If the house currently has shutters, consider removing them and adding trim to the windows for a less traditional look. What colors not to use? Don’t go with a bright white for the door or trim, which can look unnatural against red brick. Other shades of red are also a no-no for doors, trim, or accents.

While you are sprucing up the accents, it is also a good idea to clean the brick. Algae, mildew mold, and climbing plants like ivy can age red brick. Without cleaning, bricks can become discolored and develop white spots. Improve the look of the bricks by addressing any issues with the mortar which can corrode with time and then clean the actual bricks.

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Once the bricks have been cleaned, they will be ready to be painted if you choose to go that route. Painting red brick white instead is an instant way to make the house look updated. Several coats of white paint can give the exterior of the home a fresh feeling. Tip: Once you have painted the brick, add a clear sealant that acts as a barrier against oil, dirt, and water. This will help the brick stay cleaner, and longer.

Another outdated design trend from years past, angled bay windows are no longer in style. Larger, non-standard windows are, however, a great way to add light to the interior of the home because they are bigger than the average-sized window. Instead of an angled version, a straight box bay window is more modern.

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A box bay window is a simple, rectangular form that has side walls that run perpendicular to the wall of the house. A box bay sometimes has a group of windows at its front but having windows on either side is not a requirement. Simple trim can make the window look contemporary. This type of window will bring an abundance of light to the room as well as maximize the floor space on the interior. Installing a new bay window is somewhat affordable, especially if you are able to do it yourself.

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You may also want to get rid of the idea of a bay window entirely and replace it with a large, flat window. Most modern homes have large windows with very little framework. This will also allow the maximum amount of light into the home.

While doors with character are currently trending, the decorative front doors from the 1980s and 1990s are not exactly in style. Some older homes with these front doors with a decorative glass inlay, sometimes of a floral or nature motif. Some of them also include a heavy, swinging screen door. These doors feel very bulky and mute the amount of natural light that actually gets into the home whereas decorative doors today tend to go more towards unusual geometry carved into texture wood or lined timber. These add interest but stay towards the simple, minimalist design that has become popular.

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Front doors with a decorative glass inlay have not been in style for years and make your home seem dated. Unfortunately, this is not a situation that a quick coat of paint will fix. If you are looking for a way to instantly modernize your house, replace the front door. This is a worthwhile investment in updating your home, as well as making it more energy efficient.

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If you aren’t sure where, to begin with so many door styles to choose from, a simple design will never go out of style. Barn doors are a classic that has had a resurgence in recent years. If you still like the idea of glass to let more light in (particularly useful in a dark foyer), there are plenty of etched or frosted glass door styles that are more contemporary than decorative one. Using carved molding or a flat trim to the door is an inexpensive way to draw attention to a simple front door. A new handle set is a must to modernize the front entryway.

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Aluminum siding as an exterior material choice provides many benefits because it does not rot, rust or swell so it does last a long time. After years of use, however, the siding will start to show its age. It can be updated with paint or can be replaced entirely if it is necessary.

Before painting aluminum siding, it should be cleaned and repaired particularly if it has not been done in a while. Clean the surface of the siding so it is free of dirt, grease, mildew, and mold. Any scratches should be sanded down with fine-grit sandpaper and primed. A primer will help the paint adhere to the siding’s surface.

Painting aluminum siding with a spray gun is the fastest way to get the most uniform results. While you could use a brush or roller, spray guns give the best look overall. When done correctly, a paint job on siding can last for decades. When deciding on a color, choose one that you will be happy with for a long time, and in a neutral color if you intend to sell the house in the near future.

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If the siding is in bad shape and beyond repair, it might be time to replace it. There are many different siding options today that wear well like fiber cement, vinyl, seamless steel, and engineered wood that are both durable and attractive.

Split-level homes were popular in the 1960s and 1970s, but not as much today. With a few updates, you can change your outdated box second level to a more current home exterior.

These types of houses usually have standard windows that are symmetrical on the second level. The addition of natural light can help to brighten a dark, split-level home. Often these homes were built without windows on the ends. Adding windows to both sides not only brightens up the interior but modernizes the exterior. You can also remove smaller windows to accommodate new, larger windows. Larger windows will allow for more natural light and can be further modernized with the use of trim.

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The lower façade of the house can also be updated by choosing a new material. If the lower half of the home has outdated tile, brick, or stucco, redo it in a different material such as stone or clapboard.

A fresh coat of paint can also transform a box to the second level. A soft white, beige, or light gray can make the house seem more like 2023 rather than 1975. If the siding is original to the house, it most likely needs to be replaced. Replacing it with new siding can also modernize the home.

The roof of a split-level home is often the same color as the rest of it. Replace the roof with a contrasting color to bring a more contemporary feel. For a more drastic change, break up a continuous roofline by adding dormers or gables to create visual interest.

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While older homes offer many benefits and charming details, there are some housing trends that have simply become outdated and should be modernized. There are several changes that can be made in general to enhance an older home’s curb appeal, ranging from small to larger projects. Updating any or all of these five outdated housing trends will transform your home into one that you are happy to come home to. If you would like to see these changes on your house, dzinly.com can guide you through a home update. Our designers will give you the knowledge on how to best modernize your home.