Wood finishes offer warmth ... they can feel overly formal and heavy. If you love the look of a dark stain but want to avoid dating your home, it’s best to avoid overly red—or even purple ...

Sanding sealers, dewaxed shellac and wipe-on finishes will all do the ... better than others on blotch-prone wood. In general, gel or heavy-bodied stains work best. Since these types of stain ...