PC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchThatPainter is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn More
“Outmoded” is a style judgment, not a defect list. A sunken room, brass handles or a colored bathroom fixture may be exactly what you want to keep—or a visual obstacle to the home you are trying to create. The practical approach is to identify the feature, decide whether a reversible finish change is enough, and reserve demolition or structural work for problems that cannot be solved cosmetically.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
The 12 updates below cover layouts, wall and floor finishes, doors, bathroom fixtures, metalwork and hardware. Some are weekend-scale painting or decorating jobs; others need a contractor, careful substrate preparation or a decision about hazardous older materials. No reliable cost or resale premium is established for these projects, so use scope, compatibility, reversibility and your own tolerance for disruption as the decision criteria.
How to decide what “modern” means in your house
Before changing anything, photograph the room in daylight and list what bothers you: color, shine, pattern, function, maintenance or the way one feature meets another. A finish refresh is usually easier to reverse than replacement. Replacement can solve a functional problem but creates disposal, patching and matching work. Structural changes have the largest disruption and should be justified by how the room works, not by a blanket rule that every 1980s detail is wrong.
#1 Best Overall
- An Alexa thermostat - Amazon Smart Thermostat is an easy way to switch from a traditional thermostats for homes and help reduce energy usage.
- Create comfort zones throughout your home by connecting to select Alexa devices to automatically adjust heating and cooling based on temperature readings or presence detection.
- Save money and energy - After purchase, Amazon will send you an email with details about home thermostat rebates that may be available from energy providers in your area.
- Save energy - According to EPA estimates, ENERGY STAR certified thermostats save an average of $90 on yearly energy bills.
- Programmable thermostat and automatic control - Create your own home, away and sleep schedules, or have Alexa automatically control the temperature with Alexa+ advanced features.
| Feature | Least-invasive option | More involved option | Main check before work |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sunken living room | Change furnishings and decor | Raise the floor to surrounding level | Structure, transitions and project disruption |
| Intercom | Conceal the unit with decor | Remove it and repair the wall | Whether any wiring or system is still used |
| Veined marble | Use a coating made to adhere to marble | Remove the material | Adhesion and substrate damage |
| Mirrored closet doors | Cover mirrors with vinyl | Install bifold doors | Opening size, track and panel condition |
| Wood paneling | Paint the panels | Fill grooves, sand and smooth | Panel stability and surface preparation |
| Bright bathroom fixtures | Use a suitable refinishing product | Replace fixtures | Surface compatibility and plumbing dimensions |
| Decorative brick | Paint the exposed brick | Alter or cover the finish | Whether the brick is a valued original detail |
| Colorful carpet | Replace with contemporary carpet | Install hard flooring | Subfloor, transitions and moisture |
| Wallpaper border | Remove and repaint | Use a new, limited wallpaper treatment | Adhesive and underlying wall condition |
| Louver doors | Paint or cover the slats | Replace the doors | Ventilation needs and door dimensions |
| Metallic finishes | Repaint with metal-compatible coating | Replace the item | Heat exposure and metal type |
| Brass hardware | Swap handles and pulls | Replace faucets or other fittings | Hole spacing, shutoffs and plumbing access |
That sequence is intentional: start with the change that solves the visual issue while preserving the most options. If a feature is sound, safe and useful, updating its surroundings may be better than removing it.
1. Sunken living rooms
A conversation pit or lower living area changes circulation, sight lines and furniture placement. It is not automatically a construction defect, but it can feel disconnected from the rest of an open plan or create a trip risk for visitors.
Refresh the room without construction
Reorient seating so the lower level reads as a deliberate zone. A large rug, coordinated upholstery, lighting at the seating level and a consistent wall color can make the step feel designed rather than accidental. Keep a clear, well-lit route to the lower floor and avoid furniture that narrows the stair edge.
Raise the floor only when the layout warrants it
Bringing the lower floor up to the surrounding level affects framing, finished-floor height, heating or cooling paths, electrical locations, stair geometry and transitions to adjacent rooms. The Bob Vila article describes this option as costly without giving a price. Obtain a site-specific assessment before assuming it is practical; a contractor must verify what is below the existing floor and how the new height will meet doors and neighboring finishes.
2. Built-in intercoms
Intercom stations were useful when household communication depended on a wired system. A dead panel now tends to read as visual clutter, especially when it sits beside a modern switch or thermostat.
Keep the opening but hide it
If the unit is not protruding or damaged, a framed print, shallow shelf or other decor can conceal it while preserving the wall. Do not block a device that still controls an active system, alarm or building entry function.
Remove and patch
For a permanently unused unit, disconnecting and removing it leaves a wall repair, not just a paint touch-up. Confirm that the wiring is abandoned and safe, remove the box as appropriate, patch in layers, sand, prime and repaint the full wall or a natural break so the repair does not telegraph through the finish.
3. Veined marble surfaces
Strongly patterned marble on a hearth, counter, backsplash or trim can dominate a room. Whether it is outmoded is personal: natural stone may be a feature worth retaining if the rest of the palette is restrained.
Coat the existing surface
Use only a coating whose instructions specifically allow marble or the actual stone finish you have. Degreasing, dulling or other preparation may be required, and a small test area can reveal adhesion, color and edge behavior. Protect adjacent grout, caulk and walls. A coating is a finish change, not a repair for cracked, loose or water-damaged stone.
Remove the marble when the substrate can accept the risk
Demolition can damage drywall, cement board, cabinets or the floor beneath the stone. The Bob Vila guidance notes that removal may cost more and that adhesive can damage the substrate. Plan for replacement material, patching and a transition detail before taking the first piece off.
Rank #2
- Save up to 23% every year on heating and cooling costs, adjusts to your set schedule to save energy when you’re gone and optimize comfort when you’re home. Compared to a hold of 72
- Compatible with 85% of systems, check your system’s compatibility with our online ecobee Compatibility Checker on the ecobee support page
- Change your temperature by easily tapping the color touchscreen or using the ecobee app. Plus, free software upgrades ensure you get the best out of your Smart Thermostat Essential, for years to come
- Automatically adjusts to your set schedule to save energy when you’re gone and optimize comfort when you’re home. Keep track of your energy consumption when you're on the go on the ecobee app
- Easy DIY install. No C Wire, no problem. Get the ecobee Power Extender Kit (PEK) for homes without a C-Wire and keep your walls looking nice with our trim kit – both sold separately
4. Mirrored closet doors
Mirrors can make a small room feel larger, but wall-to-wall reflective panels and bright metal tracks may be the part that makes a bedroom feel dated.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Cover the mirror for a reversible change
A removable or properly specified vinyl film can reduce glare and change the color or texture without replacing the doors. Clean the glass, check that the film is compatible with the surface and leave room for edge movement so it does not lift at the track.
Replace with bifold doors
Bifold panels alter the opening pattern and require accurate measurements for height, width, floor clearance and hardware placement. Keep the old panels until the new doors operate correctly. If the opening is not square, correcting the frame may be more work than the door installation itself.
5. Wood paneling
Paneling may be solid wood, veneer or a thin decorative product. Its grooves and dark stain are often what readers want to change, not the wall’s underlying condition.
Paint the panels
Clean off wax and oils, repair dents, scuff glossy areas as directed by the coating system, prime for the existing finish and apply compatible topcoats. Painting the groove lines carefully prevents dark stripes from reappearing. Test in an inconspicuous section because veneer and laminate can react differently from solid wood.
Recommended Free Tools
Create a smooth wall
Filling grooves with drywall compound and sanding smooth can produce a contemporary plane, but it adds dust and several rounds of drying and sanding. Stabilize loose panels first; compound cannot compensate for movement. Prime the completed surface before painting and expect the wall to need new trim or outlet-extension details if its thickness changes.
6. Brightly colored toilets, tubs and sinks
Avocado, pink, blue and other saturated fixtures can be the focal point of a period bathroom or the feature that prevents a neutral update. Decide whether the fixture is sound before choosing a finish.
Refinish when the shape and plumbing work
A tub-and-tile refinishing kit is one possible, cost-conscious route named in the Bob Vila article. Suitability depends on the particular material and the product instructions. Follow the required cleaning, ventilation, masking, curing and use restrictions; a kit intended for one substrate is not automatically suitable for another. Refinishing changes the surface and does not correct a leaking fixture, unstable base or failed drain.
Replace when condition or function demands it
Replacement solves chips, persistent staining, cracks or an unsuitable layout, but it may require disconnecting plumbing, removing surrounding tile and matching the new fixture to existing rough-in dimensions. A contractor is appropriate when access is limited, supply lines are corroded or waterproofing could be disturbed.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →7. Decorative brickwork
Exposed brick at an interior wall, fireplace or column can supply texture and history. Painting is a style choice, not a universal improvement, and it is difficult to reverse without changing the brick’s surface.
Rank #3
- ENERGY STAR certified smart thermostat for home that helps you save energy and stay comfortable.Connectivity : Wi-Fi - 802.11b/g/n 2.4 GHz, 802.11a/n 5 GHz Wi-Fi., Wireless interconnect : Bluetooth Low Energy Please refer to the product description section below for all applicable legal disclaimers.Product note: You can also check your system’s compatibility before purchasing a Nest thermostat with our online Nest Compatibility Checker on the Google Nest support page
- The Nest Thermostat is designed to work without a C wire in most homes, but for some systems, including heating only, cooling only, zone controlled, and heat pump systems, you’ll need a C wire or other compatible power accessory
- Nest Thermostat turns itself down when you leave, so you don’t waste energy heating or cooling an empty home. Lock feature: No
- Programmable thermostat that lets you create an energy efficient schedule in the Google Home app on your Android or iPhone
- Remote control lets family members change the thermostat temperature from anywhere on a phone, laptop, or tablet[1]
When paint makes sense
Paint can quiet irregular color and tie brick to a new palette. Clean gently, repair loose mortar, let the surface dry and choose a system suitable for masonry and the room’s moisture conditions. Preserve ventilation and clearances around a fireplace; ordinary wall paint is not automatically suitable for heated surfaces.
When to leave it exposed
If the brick is sound and contributes useful texture, update adjacent walls, lighting, rugs and furniture instead. A restrained surrounding palette can make the original material feel intentional without coating it.
8. Colorful carpets
Deep teal, rust, mauve or patterned carpet can set the entire visual temperature of a room. Replacement is also an opportunity to address odor, wear, stains or an unsuitable underlay.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Choose new carpet or hard flooring
Contemporary carpet can retain warmth and acoustic absorption with a quieter color or pattern. Hard flooring changes acoustics, maintenance and transitions at every doorway. Check the subfloor for moisture, level and damage before ordering material, and plan how the new surface meets stairs, tile and thresholds.
Interpret replacement guidance correctly
The Bob Vila article repeats a general manufacturer recommendation to replace carpet approximately every 10 years, but it does not identify the manufacturer and that figure is not a universal performance rule. Actual replacement depends on traffic, fiber, padding, cleaning, moisture and condition.
9. Decorative wallpaper borders
A border at chair-rail height or near the ceiling can divide a wall into dated-looking bands, especially when its colors compete with the room.
Remove and repaint
Score or soften the adhesive only as the wall covering allows, peel carefully and remove residue without gouging drywall. Seal exposed or damaged paper, skim where needed, prime and repaint the entire wall plane rather than trying to blend a narrow strip.
Use wallpaper selectively
A newer pattern can work on one wall, in a niche or below a molding when the scale suits the room. Treat it as a deliberate composition instead of replacing one continuous border with another.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.10. Louver doors
Louvered closet, utility and pantry doors provide ventilation but their repeated slats collect dust and can dominate a clean-lined interior.
Paint or cover the slats
Remove the door if possible, label hardware, clean every slat and use a sprayer or thin, compatible coats to avoid filling the ventilation gaps. Covering the slats changes airflow, so do not block a door that ventilates equipment or a closet that requires air movement.
Rank #4
- PRIVACY PROTECTION*: Sensi won’t sell your personal information to third parties
- EASY DIY INSTALLATION: Use the built-in level and step-by-step app instructions for a quick installation. Works with HVAC equipment found in most homes. Common wire (c-wire) is not required in most applications
- SAVE ABOUT 23% ON HVAC ENERGY*: The ENERGY STAR-certified Sensi smart thermostat can help you save energy with features like flexible scheduling, remote access and usage reports
- SIMPLE CONFIGURATION: Looks and feels like a thermostat. Has buttons and fits the same space as a traditional thermostat so you don’t have to patch and paint your walls
- SMART MAINTENANCE: Sensi can help monitor the performance and efficiency of your HVAC system by delivering valuable usage reports, alerts about your equipment, and maintenance reminders like filter replacement
Replace the doors
Replacement may be simpler than painting each slat. Measure the opening and hinge or track locations, and confirm that a solid door will not eliminate required ventilation. Keep a removable solution if you may need airflow later.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches11. Metallic finishes
Metallic paint on trim, fixtures or a fireplace can look theatrical when the rest of the room has changed. The correct update depends on the metal, its temperature and whether it is touched often.
Repaint with a compatible coating
Identify the metal and remove grease, rust or flaking finish according to the coating instructions. Use a primer when specified and protect nearby surfaces from overspray. Test adhesion and cure time before reinstalling hardware.
Use heat-safe paint where heat is present
Fireplaces and other heated metal require a product rated for the temperatures involved. Do not substitute ordinary wall or trim paint, and follow the label’s preparation, ventilation and curing directions. If the metal is damaged or part of a safety-critical appliance, replacement or professional service is safer than a cosmetic coating.
12. Brass hardware
Polished brass handles, pulls, hinges and faucets can make an otherwise updated room feel anchored to another era. Hardware is often the easiest place to test a new direction because it is relatively reversible.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Swap handles and pulls
Measure hole spacing, backset, screw length and the thickness of the door or drawer before ordering replacements. Keep the original pieces labeled so the change can be reversed. Matching every visible finish is not mandatory, but a limited palette prevents a collection of unrelated metals.
Replace faucets only with a plumbing plan
Faucet replacement is more involved than changing cabinet hardware. Confirm the sink’s hole configuration, supply connections, shutoff condition and access below the basin. A plumber is appropriate when valves do not close, connections are seized or the new faucet does not match the existing mounting arrangement.
Safety checks before disturbing older finishes
Age alone does not prove that a material is hazardous, and a 1980s home is not automatically covered by every pre-1978 rule. The risk comes from what the material is, its condition and whether your work will release dust or fibers.
Asbestos
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency explains that asbestos may or may not pose a hazard depending on condition. Damaged material or material that can release fibers may create a health risk, while stable, sealed and undamaged material is described as safe until it is damaged. Do not sand, scrape, drill or demolish a suspect surface simply to modernize it.
Australian Asbestos and Silica Safety and Eradication Agency guidance notes that homes built or renovated before 1990 might contain asbestos in places such as textured paint, patching compounds and vinyl flooring. That is Australian guidance, not a universal legal cutoff. Before repairs, identify the rules and testing options in your jurisdiction; use qualified professionals when work may disturb suspect material.
Lead
EPA lead-safe renovation guidance is focused on pre-1978 housing and covered renovation work. It recommends certified contractors and describes containment, dust minimization and cleanup for applicable projects. Because a typical 1980s home is newer than that stated threshold, do not assume the guidance applies automatically—but do not assume an older painted component is harmless either. Check local requirements and consider professional assessment when sanding or demolition could create dust.
General preparation
- Confirm whether a wall, fixture or panel is structural, waterproofing-related, heated or part of a ventilation system.
- Test coatings and adhesives in a hidden area before committing to the whole surface.
- Ventilate, isolate work areas and use the protective equipment specified by the product and local guidance.
- Plan disposal, patching, trim changes and transitions before removing the original feature.
A practical order of operations
- Document the existing condition. Photograph surfaces, measure openings and note leaks, movement, heat, ventilation and electrical or plumbing connections.
- Choose the least destructive trial. Rearrange furnishings, change lighting or test a paint color before ordering replacement materials.
- Verify compatibility. Read the coating, adhesive, refinishing or flooring instructions for the exact substrate and exposure.
- Set a stopping point. If a test area peels, stains, remains tacky or exposes damaged material, stop and reassess rather than layering products.
- Bring in the right trade. Use a contractor for structural floor changes, difficult plumbing, heated metal, uncertain wiring, waterproofing or suspect hazardous material.
- Finish the surrounding details. Update caulk, trim, switch plates, thresholds and lighting so the retained or refreshed feature belongs to the room.
Bottom line: modernize selectively
The strongest update is the one that solves your actual complaint with the least unnecessary loss of original material. Paint can change paneling, brick, metallic surfaces or a room’s color story; film or new doors can calm mirrored closets; hardware swaps can shift a kitchen or bath quickly. Sunken floors, plumbing fixtures and concealed systems require a broader plan. Treat each feature as a choice, verify the material before disturbing it, and let safety, function and reversibility—not an assumption that every 1980s detail is defective—set the scope.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
Recommended Free Tools
