Why Homeowners Are Choosing To Keep Their Homes Outdated

Thinking about doing something with those old kitchen cabinets? Leaving them alone may actually be the newest renovation trend. Homeowners are beginning to favor the old-fashioned, whether it's from necessity, price, or simply a longing for a simpler time. The shift is due in part to inflation. Many people are putting off home improvement projects or reducing the scope of their projects, due to higher interest rates and higher construction costs.  Homeowners are also staying in their homes longer. Discover found that 79% of homeowners they surveyed prefer to renovate their current home rather than move. That's especially true for homeowners who locked in historically low interest rates during the pandemic. While they are still investing in their homes, homeowners are spending more of their dollars on maintenance or passion projects and less on stylish upgrades. And if you're thinking about moving and wondering if it's still a good investment to buy a fixer-upper home to renovate, the answer is probably not.

It's no secret that home renovation is not cheap. A mid-range kitchen remodel with new cabinets and appliances can cost between $35,000 and $65,000, while a high-end kitchen remodel can run $75,000 and up. A new bathroom can set you back more than $25,000. Many homeowners are deciding that what they have is just fine, while others are purchasing smaller homes in an effort to downsize and cut housing costs. If you're thinking of downsizing your home, be sure to consider the pros and cons of that decision. 

When renovating, it's incredibly easy to go over budget and many projects take longer than anticipated, leaving a lot of homeowners regretting their decision. DIY is an option for some projects, but you have to know your limitations. Smaller projects, like painting a room or creating more storage, are easy enough for a homeowner to tackle on their own, but you may want to reconsider DIY home improvement projects if you don't have much experience with plumbing or electrical, for example. Those are best left to professionals. The sheer cost and scope of renovation projects leave many homeowners taking an "if it's not broken, don't fix it," attitude. 

Also, there is a rising trend in nostalgia connected to older homes, so what may feel outdated to a long-time homeowner may actually be coming into vogue again. Older homes have characteristics unique to the era in which thy were built, and that can bring back warm memories of childhood. For instance, a sunken living room that was all the rage in the 1960s and 70s is making a comeback. Nostalgia is a driving force in home trends today, with styles like "granny chic" and 1970s-era earth tones, rising in popularity. Retro designs that are making a comeback in 2025 include warm wood tones, wood paneling and square ceramic tiles. You can easily update these existing features with paint and add a few new light fixtures, instead of removing characteristics that make your home unique.