Do Our Home Decorating Choices Reveal Our Age?
- Susan Heckman
- Aug 12
- 3 min read
Susan Heckman
August 11, 2025
I recently came across an article in House Beautiful titled "12 Outdated Things That People Over 50 Should NEVER Have in Their Homes" that talks about outdated home decor choices (or lack thereof) that are common for the 50+ crowd. Here's my take.
Apparently, once you pass 50, your home might be… how do I say this gently… rocking a few vintage vibes (and not in the cute antique way). I have a photo gallery in my upstairs hall that proudly displays some of our best kids moments. The idea of removing this to stay relevant (according to House Beautiful, anyway) made me pause, for sure. But that gallery isn’t going anywhere – for now anyway.
So if you’re over 50, don’t panic—it’s always a choice on what makes YOU happy in your home, and nothing a little updating can’t fix. If you’re under 50, there are good tips to give your home a more polished look. Here’s what the decor police (a.k.a. interior designers) say to tackle first:
1. Goodbye, mass-produced tchotchkes
That “Live, Laugh, Love” pillow? It had a good run. Retire it with dignity. Replace with something unique that doesn’t look like it came from a big-box store. And by the way, you can feel good about donating these items by finding a local charity that accepts them, such as the Monmouth County SPCA Thrift shop (see below for more info).
2. Kitchen decluttering
If your mug collection could caffeinate the entire neighborhood, it’s time to downsize. Keep the stuff you actually use—bonus points if it doesn’t have a cartoon cat on it. I actually replaced all our plates, glassware, and silverware a few years ago. It was definitely mismatched and cluttered, and the refresh cost way less than I expected.
3. Lighting with personality
Ceiling lights that feel like interrogation lamps? Out. Layer in lamps and dimmers so you can actually see your grandkids’ faces without feeling like you’re in a police lineup. On my to-do list is to replace the dated ceiling fans in 3 of our bedrooms–ceiling fans have come a long way, baby!
4. Photo overload intervention
Yes, you love your kids. Yes, they were all cute. But if every flat surface is a shrine to little Timmy’s kindergarten soccer season, edit it down. Pick the best shots and give them classy, coordinated frames. (OK, maybe my girls' high school graduation photos can come off the wall… it’s been 10 years already! How is that possible?)
5. Window treatment makeover
Mini blinds are basically flip phones for your windows. Upgrade to Roman shades or woven wood—same privacy, less “1997 apartment vibe.”
6. Mismatched furniture sets
That perfectly matching 7-piece furniture set? It’s making your living room look like a hotel lobby. Mix in some pieces that have personality—like that fabulous chair you’ve been eyeing but told yourself you “don’t need.” My matchy-matchy living room set came from JC Penney…so I picked up a couple of cool pieces from Facebook Marketplace and voila, muuuuch better.
7. Bring on the bold
Enough with the wall-to-wall beige. Add colors that make you smile—or at least keep you awake past 8:30 p.m. Well, let's face it, there’s very little that keeps me up past 8:30 these days! Plus, I do like the calm, neutrality of beige, especially paired with bright white trim.
Bottom line: Your house should still feel like you, just the slightly more polished, fabulous, and well-lit version. Keep the memories, ditch the dust.
Some home updates are better than others. If you've been contemplating a move, I can help you decide what can help you sell your home for more money, in less time. Let's talk soon! Email me at heckmanbroker@gmail.com to schedule a consultation – and explore your options with a qualified and experienced local Broker.
Susan Heckman, Broker-Associate
Cell 732-687-9980
For information about the MCSPCA Thrift Shop: https://monmouthcountyspca.org/services/thrift-store/