Outdated, to me, is anything over 15 years old. A design trend (in conservative areas) last upwards of 7-10 years. The 80's are out...the 90's are boarder line and turn of the millennium is still viable.

In trendy, fashion forward areas (think NY, LA, etc) outdated can be 10 years or less.

Look at the colour "gray" for example. This colour is "out" in Europe for more than 1 year. It is "on it's way out" on the East Coast of N. America (NY) and parts of California. Canada is just starting to get it's feet wet with gray; so too middle America. Some areas won't see this as "appropriate" for another year.

This means "gray" will have a global "reach" of 7-15 years (Europe + N. America). The newest colours out of Europe are "white". We've been seeing "white flooring" for 2-3 design seasons coming out of Europe...but only a hand full of areas of N. America have taken up this trend. N. America is seeing white in back splashes/counter tops and cabinetry...but the bright white floors are just starting to take off.

Everything has a cycle. Historically accurate is another dimension which adds to the confusion.

My cabinets are oak from the late 90s and believe it or not, I'm still happy with them!! I know that will come as a shock to a lot of people, but there's nothing wrong with them other than designers and cabinet makers telling me they're dated, and that I really need to replace them so they can make money off me. There comes a point where most of us can't afford to renovate our homes every 7 to 10 years unless we've had water damage and the like.

This idea that we can't continue to like something once it's past it's 'life' reminds me of people who get puppy because he's sooo cute, and then take him to the pound once he's grown up, and not so adorable.

Hayley,
Yes, I agree with you completely. Fashion in clothing is one thing-- you're going to need new clothes every so often anyway. But house fixtures and furniture should last for many decades if they were decent quality to begin with.