Wood Tones That Were Once Everywhere Are Now Making Your Space Look Dated

When it comes to home décor trends, some past looks are still going strong (looking at you, marble countertops). Others, not so much, yet they linger in our homes, making our rooms feel dated. One finish that really took off in the 1980s is warm orange-stained pine. Orange-hued woodwork was a big hit, featuring in kitchens across the country — especially American country-style homes. But this isn't one of those retro design trends that's being revived for its fun or nostalgic vibe. Instead, it's widely rejected and quickly replaced by any homeowner encountering it in an interior space. In short, warm orange wood finishes are dated.

It isn't just wood stained with that slightly unnatural orange glow that makes your home look stuck in the past. Red-toned cherry wood is also firmly on its way out of fashion in homes. Furniture, living room sets, and kitchen cabinets in this timber hue instantly make a room feel musty. It's another design hangover from the '80s and '90s that, unlike crop tops and baggy pants, isn't going to make it into the 21st century. Simply put, red-toned cherry wood furniture, fixtures, or finishes feel too heavy in a space. "These pieces often lack the visual contrast and layered textures that feel current today," said Lindsey Zborowski, a manager on Wayfair Professional's Design Team, to Better Homes & Gardens.

If you have orange- or red-toned wood anywhere in your home, you don't need to rip it all out for a complete redo. Instead, there are ways to update the look of wood finishes that are dating your home. If you have orange-stained pine furniture, flooring, or kitchen cabinets, you can apply a new stain to the wood after removing the original red or orange finish. After sanding the wood right back to the grain, paint on a gray or white water-based stain for a more contemporary neutral hue. Cherry-colored wood may be too dark for re-staining. Instead, cover it up by painting the wood in an opaque trending color to bring your home into the 21st century.

Applying new stain or painting your furniture and fixtures might not be an option for everyone. In this case, you'll need to try to balance out the outdated vibe of orange- or red-toned wood with other features. Update the flooring and the wall treatments, or the wall tiles and backsplash if the wood is on bathroom or kitchen cabinetry. This can modernize the space and disguise ugly finishes. Beige, greige, cream, or taupe act as a counter to dramatic orange and red wood, while a pairing with muted greens or blues engenders a traditional or cottage vibe. You could also change the focal point of the room with fun patterns or statement furniture, drawing the eye away from the red-orange menace. Embracing the vintage and outdated vibe of the wood is a fun approach, too. For example, bring the '80s retro aesthetic into your living room with curved furniture, bold colors, neon signage, and glass blocks.

Sometimes, disguising outdated wood isn't enough to modernize a space. Are you desperate to just rip out all that old-fashioned orange or cherry wood? Before you do, take some time to consider what you plan to replace it with. Some recently popular wood trends are already on the out — looking at you, gray-washed farmhouse finish. You don't want to make the same mistake twice and choose timber in yet another problematic hue. In the kitchen, for example, you want to look closely at all the common cabinet finishes and the pros and cons to consider for each before calling in the demo crew. It will ensure your home still feels stylish as the years go by and save you money on future renovations.

Simple, light, neutral wood finishes allow you to create a background you can work your home design around — letting you play with changing trends and styles into the future. Go for light oak or maple, and avoid stains that make the wood look too warm or too cold. Medium-brown timber finishes, such as rich walnut, are also ageless. Opt for a matte finish to keep the wood looking natural or choose raw weathered wood, which arguably never dates. By sticking to neutral finishes and avoiding anything that feels like a fad, you can keep the wood in your home looking fresh for decades.