White Hydrangea 15” Square Tray, $65 from RockFlowerPaper. Can be purchased through TwentyOne7, for details call: (919) 309-2566.

“It’s an excellent hostess gift if you are invited to an outdoor gathering. If you’re having people over to your place use it as a centerpiece or to serve drinks. RockFlowerPaper creates everything from gorgeous potholders, to pillows, to trays. Most of the time you can only buy through the trade but I have an account with them.”

The Tipple Trolley, $439 at Society Social.

“Isn’t it so cute? If you’re having an outdoor party you can use it as a bar or to cart food from the kitchen to your deck. It comes in 11 colors with a gold or silver frame. I like the orange. ”

F. Schumacher Indoor/Outdoor Fabrics(pictured: Trina Turk Collection) $110-$139 per yard. Can be purchased through TwentyOne7, for details call: (919) 309-2566.

Indoor/Outdoor Pillows, $55 from Etsy shop “Kyoozi.”

“The lady who runs this Etsy store makes these gorgeous pillows from high-end indoor/outdoor fabric such as Trina Turk. I love the colors and geometric shapes.”

Eclectic Galvanized Metal Planters, $29 -$149 at Pottery Barn.

“They’re rough and tough--great for a pool party. You can use them for their intended purpose--as a planter or use them as coolers for drinks or to store outdoor toys for your kids. I like all the different shapes and sizes.”

Colorful Outdoor Ottoman Cubes, $49.95 at Plow & Hearth.

“I thought these were cute. You can use them inside or outside--they’d be especially great to sprinkle around a pool this way you don’t need to have so many chairs. Love the design, pattern and colors.”

French Bull Rectangle Platter, $18 at Fivestripes.

“This platter is made from melamine which is practically indestructible. It’s fun, colorful and totally different. I find you can be much less conservative when decorating outdoor space since you don’t have to match your home furnishings.”

Rösle Thermometer (Set of 4),$34.99 at Bloomingdales.

“I thought these little meat thermometers are cute and functional. If you wanted your steak medium rare and your guest wanted theirs well done--you can remember whose is whose on the grill by using a different color for each.”

Franklin Classic Croquet Set, $69.98 at Croquet.com.

“Croquet is making a comeback! It’s a game everyone of all ages can play. Plus, it’s so cute and colorful you won’t mind if your guests or children leave it scattered around your yard.”

South Beach Adirondack Chair, $271.00 at TwentyOne7.com.

“They are made from recyclable polywood--so they’re super durable. They come in 11 colors.  You can buy all one color or a few different colors. I’ve noticed people can get possessive over their chairs--maybe you can have a different color for each member of the family.”

Colorful Ribbons Pitcher, $39.95 at Pier1 Imports.

“A fun way to add color to your table--whether you fill it with lemonade or margaritas.”

White Hydrangea 15” Square Tray, $65 from RockFlowerPaper. Can be purchased through TwentyOne7, for details call: (919) 309-2566.

“It’s an excellent hostess gift if you are invited to an outdoor gathering. If you’re having people over to your place use it as a centerpiece or to serve drinks. RockFlowerPaper creates everything from gorgeous potholders, to pillows, to trays. Most of the time you can only buy through the trade but I have an account with them.”

The Tipple Trolley, $439 at Society Social.

“Isn’t it so cute? If you’re having an outdoor party you can use it as a bar or to cart food from the kitchen to your deck. It comes in 11 colors with a gold or silver frame. I like the orange. ”

F. Schumacher Indoor/Outdoor Fabrics(pictured: Trina Turk Collection) $110-$139 per yard. Can be purchased through TwentyOne7, for details call: (919) 309-2566.

Indoor/Outdoor Pillows, $55 from Etsy shop “Kyoozi.”

“The lady who runs this Etsy store makes these gorgeous pillows from high-end indoor/outdoor fabric such as Trina Turk. I love the colors and geometric shapes.”

Eclectic Galvanized Metal Planters, $29 -$149 at Pottery Barn.

“They’re rough and tough--great for a pool party. You can use them for their intended purpose--as a planter or use them as coolers for drinks or to store outdoor toys for your kids. I like all the different shapes and sizes.”

Colorful Outdoor Ottoman Cubes, $49.95 at Plow & Hearth.

“I thought these were cute. You can use them inside or outside--they’d be especially great to sprinkle around a pool this way you don’t need to have so many chairs. Love the design, pattern and colors.”

French Bull Rectangle Platter, $18 at Fivestripes.

“This platter is made from melamine which is practically indestructible. It’s fun, colorful and totally different. I find you can be much less conservative when decorating outdoor space since you don’t have to match your home furnishings.”

Rösle Thermometer (Set of 4),$34.99 at Bloomingdales.

“I thought these little meat thermometers are cute and functional. If you wanted your steak medium rare and your guest wanted theirs well done--you can remember whose is whose on the grill by using a different color for each.”

Franklin Classic Croquet Set, $69.98 at Croquet.com.

“Croquet is making a comeback! It’s a game everyone of all ages can play. Plus, it’s so cute and colorful you won’t mind if your guests or children leave it scattered around your yard.”

South Beach Adirondack Chair, $271.00 at TwentyOne7.com.

“They are made from recyclable polywood--so they’re super durable. They come in 11 colors.  You can buy all one color or a few different colors. I’ve noticed people can get possessive over their chairs--maybe you can have a different color for each member of the family.”

Colorful Ribbons Pitcher, $39.95 at Pier1 Imports.

“A fun way to add color to your table--whether you fill it with lemonade or margaritas.”

“Drapes hung at the tops of the windows age a home,” says FOF

interior design guru and blogger Helen Kenney Poore.

Quick Fix: According to Helen, drapes should be hung “halfway

between the top of the window frame and the ceiling.” This makes the window appear larger and adds height and drama to the space.

“Not only have bedroom or living room sets fallen out of fashion,” says Georgia-based designer, Kristin Drohan. “It is something that will forever be dead. Having the same thing over and over in a room lacks imagination, style, and interest. Different textures and materials adds dimension and sophistication to a space.”

Quick fix: “Mix it up,” says Kristin. “Use matching nightstands from your bedroom as end tables in the living room. Or, paint one piece in the set black, white, or an accent color.”

“When I started designing in the late 80s, the hallmark of a well-designed room was matching bedspreads and draperies,” says Annette Phillips, a Virginia-based interior designer. “But, today, people want to be able to switch up one item and not have to incur the expense of changing both at the same time. Once we stopped ‘matching’ the world of possibilities opened -- design became more exciting and fun!”

Quick fix: “Change the bedspread to a solid texture that coordinates with your drapery,” says Annette. “Incorporate toss pillows that adds color and a different pattern for variety.”

“Wood paneling was popular in the late 50s through the 60s as the #1 choice for do-it-yourself Dads who were finishing the basements of their post-war homes,” says FOF interior design guru Karen Smith. “ Modern design makes the walls an integral part of the space, whether that means venetian plaster in a Tuscan bedroom or an ink-black dining room shining with silver and crystal. Wood paneling looks dated today because it didn't join the style, it just stayed impervious to it.”

Quick fix: “If it's real wood and taking it down isn't practical, pickle it,” says Karen. “Bleach the old stain out and add a pale tint.” Read this how to guide about pickling wood.

“Wallpaper borders date a home especially if they include

country scenes, southwest colors or cutesy designs,” says

Beth Gwazdosky, an Austin, Texas-based decorator. “Current

decorating trends focus on wall coverings.”

Quick fix:“Amazon sells a simple 3-step border removal

system,” says Beth.

“In the early to mid-90s, polished brass was popular and inexpensive,” says Beth.

Quick fix: “Fixtures can be easily and inexpensively replaced with more modern hardware in brushed nickel, satin nickel or bronze,” says Beth. “Instead of replacing, you can distress or buff existing brass to make it more modern. Here is an example from Clear Cut Magazine and another example from the Decor to Adore blog.”

“Popcorn or "cottage cheese" spray-on ceiling treatments

were popular in the 50s through the early 80s as an easy and

inexpensive alternative to painting,” says Beth Gwazdosky. “These ceiling treatments often

contained asbestos and in 1977, when asbestos was outlawed, people stopped using it.”

Quick fix: “As long as your popcorn ceiling doesn’t have

asbestos it can be removed fairly easily,” says Beth. “Here is a

good, detailed video about how to do it.”

Quick fix: “If you don’t want to renovate your entire kitchen or

bathroom, replace counter tops to bring it up to date,” says

Cathy Hobbs, a New York-based certified home stager and HGTV’s Design Star finalist. “Replace formica or laminate with natural stone such as granite. More and more people are opting for quartz counter tops because you don’t have to seal it and requires less maintenance.” Butcher block counter-tops are a less expensive, but still modern alternative to natural stone.

“Thirty percent of home buyers prefer hardwood floor to wall-to-

wall carpeting,” says Cathy Hobbs. In addition to being outdated, homeowners may lose their footing when it comes time to sell a house with carpeted rooms.

Quick fix: “Most homes constructed before 1966 were built with hardwood floors,” says Cathy. “If you should be so lucky, take out the carpet and find a professional or a local carpenter to refinish your wood. I would not recommend doing this yourself.”

“Fieldstone fireplace surrounds used to be very popular, but now

date your living room,” says Marcia Prentice, resident interior designer with LampsPlus.com.

Quick fix: Bring your fireplace out of the stone age. “If

refinishing the fireplace is not in the budget, consider simply

hanging a contemporary mirror or artwork above the mantle,” says Marcia.

“Drapes hung at the tops of the windows age a home,” says FOF

interior design guru and blogger Helen Kenney Poore.

Quick Fix: According to Helen, drapes should be hung “halfway

between the top of the window frame and the ceiling.” This makes the window appear larger and adds height and drama to the space.

“Not only have bedroom or living room sets fallen out of fashion,” says Georgia-based designer, Kristin Drohan. “It is something that will forever be dead. Having the same thing over and over in a room lacks imagination, style, and interest. Different textures and materials adds dimension and sophistication to a space.”

Quick fix: “Mix it up,” says Kristin. “Use matching nightstands from your bedroom as end tables in the living room. Or, paint one piece in the set black, white, or an accent color.”

“When I started designing in the late 80s, the hallmark of a well-designed room was matching bedspreads and draperies,” says Annette Phillips, a Virginia-based interior designer. “But, today, people want to be able to switch up one item and not have to incur the expense of changing both at the same time. Once we stopped ‘matching’ the world of possibilities opened -- design became more exciting and fun!”

Quick fix: “Change the bedspread to a solid texture that coordinates with your drapery,” says Annette. “Incorporate toss pillows that adds color and a different pattern for variety.”

“Wood paneling was popular in the late 50s through the 60s as the #1 choice for do-it-yourself Dads who were finishing the basements of their post-war homes,” says FOF interior design guru Karen Smith. “ Modern design makes the walls an integral part of the space, whether that means venetian plaster in a Tuscan bedroom or an ink-black dining room shining with silver and crystal. Wood paneling looks dated today because it didn't join the style, it just stayed impervious to it.”

Quick fix: “If it's real wood and taking it down isn't practical, pickle it,” says Karen. “Bleach the old stain out and add a pale tint.” Read this how to guide about pickling wood.

“Wallpaper borders date a home especially if they include

country scenes, southwest colors or cutesy designs,” says

Beth Gwazdosky, an Austin, Texas-based decorator. “Current

decorating trends focus on wall coverings.”

Quick fix:“Amazon sells a simple 3-step border removal

system,” says Beth.

“In the early to mid-90s, polished brass was popular and inexpensive,” says Beth.

Quick fix: “Fixtures can be easily and inexpensively replaced with more modern hardware in brushed nickel, satin nickel or bronze,” says Beth. “Instead of replacing, you can distress or buff existing brass to make it more modern. Here is an example from Clear Cut Magazine and another example from the Decor to Adore blog.”

“Popcorn or "cottage cheese" spray-on ceiling treatments

were popular in the 50s through the early 80s as an easy and

inexpensive alternative to painting,” says Beth Gwazdosky. “These ceiling treatments often

contained asbestos and in 1977, when asbestos was outlawed, people stopped using it.”

Quick fix: “As long as your popcorn ceiling doesn’t have

asbestos it can be removed fairly easily,” says Beth. “Here is a

good, detailed video about how to do it.”

Quick fix: “If you don’t want to renovate your entire kitchen or

bathroom, replace counter tops to bring it up to date,” says

Cathy Hobbs, a New York-based certified home stager and HGTV’s Design Star finalist. “Replace formica or laminate with natural stone such as granite. More and more people are opting for quartz counter tops because you don’t have to seal it and requires less maintenance.” Butcher block counter-tops are a less expensive, but still modern alternative to natural stone.

“Thirty percent of home buyers prefer hardwood floor to wall-to-

wall carpeting,” says Cathy Hobbs. In addition to being outdated, homeowners may lose their footing when it comes time to sell a house with carpeted rooms.

Quick fix: “Most homes constructed before 1966 were built with hardwood floors,” says Cathy. “If you should be so lucky, take out the carpet and find a professional or a local carpenter to refinish your wood. I would not recommend doing this yourself.”

“Fieldstone fireplace surrounds used to be very popular, but now

date your living room,” says Marcia Prentice, resident interior designer with LampsPlus.com.

Quick fix: Bring your fireplace out of the stone age. “If

refinishing the fireplace is not in the budget, consider simply

hanging a contemporary mirror or artwork above the mantle,” says Marcia.