Top 12+ House Features That Won’t Age Well Over the Next 5 Years

1. Open Concept Living Spaces

Open concept living spaces have been the darling of home design shows for years, but recent trends hint at their decline. After the pandemic, people craved more privacy and noise control, especially for remote work.

According to a 2022 survey by the American Institute of Architects, requests for closed room layouts increased by 23%. Families now value quiet places to work or study, and open plans can make it difficult for everyone to do their own thing.

Sound travels easily, and there’s nowhere to hide clutter. As a result, open layouts may feel less practical, and homeowners are already adding walls or sliding doors to create separation.

This shift could make wide-open layouts seem outdated and hard to sell in a few years.

2. All-White Kitchens

All-white kitchens once symbolized modernity and cleanliness, but tastes are evolving quickly. Designers note that white surfaces show every smudge, fingerprint, and spill, making them hard to maintain.

According to Houzz’s 2023 Kitchen Trends Study, only 22% of kitchen remodels now use all-white color schemes, down from 41% just five years ago. People are turning toward warm woods, bold tiles, and colorful cabinets for more personality and easier cleaning.

Over time, white finishes can yellow, and stains can become permanent. As more homes swap stark white for richer hues, all-white kitchens could start to look sterile and dated.

3. Barn Doors

Barn doors exploded in popularity thanks to their rustic charm, but they’re quickly wearing out their welcome. Interior designers warn that these doors often lack soundproofing, which can be frustrating for bedrooms or bathrooms.

The National Association of Realtors reports that buyers under 40 increasingly see barn doors as “a fad.” The hardware can also loosen, and the exposed track collects dust. As homeowners demand more privacy and durability, barn doors are falling out of favor and may soon be seen as a quirky relic rather than a stylish statement.

4. Industrial-Style Lighting

Industrial lighting—think exposed bulbs and metal cages—was trendy for lofts and hip city apartments. But this harsh, utilitarian look is losing steam.

Many homeowners now prefer softer, warmer lighting that feels cozy and inviting. According to a 2023 Statista survey, only 17% of new builds included industrial fixtures, compared to 34% in 2019.

Exposed bulbs can be glaring and uncomfortable, and the metal finishes show dust and fingerprints. The shift toward comfort and wellness in home design means industrial lights may soon look cold and out of place.

5. Gray Everything

Gray walls, floors, and furniture became a go-to neutral, but the tide is turning. Recent design reports show a move toward earthy tones, like beiges, greens, and terracottas.

Zillow’s 2024 Paint Color Analysis found that homes with all-gray interiors sold for an average of $1,500 less than those with warmer palettes. Gray can make spaces feel cold or even depressing, especially in cloudy climates.

As people embrace more color and warmth, gray-heavy designs risk looking dated and uninspired.

6. Vessel Sinks

Vessel sinks—those bowl-like sinks that sit on top of the counter—were once seen as ultra-modern. But now, homeowners and designers are steering away from them.

According to a 2023 National Kitchen & Bath Association report, vessel sinks are among the least requested features in new bathrooms. They’re harder to clean, prone to splashing, and often take up valuable counter space.

The exposed edges can chip or crack, and plumbing is usually trickier. As practicality becomes more important, vessel sinks may quickly become a thing of the past.

7. Shiplap Walls

Shiplap walls surged in popularity thanks to farmhouse-style décor, but this look is already fading fast. Home improvement experts report that the trend peaked around 2020, and now homeowners are opting for smooth, painted drywall or statement wallpapers.

Shiplap can trap dust and is difficult to repair if it gets damaged. A survey from Home Innovation Research Labs showed a 30% drop in shiplap installations between 2021 and 2023.

What once felt cozy and rustic could soon read as “overdone” or “too trendy” in the eyes of future buyers.

8. Faux Wood Flooring

Faux wood flooring—like laminate or luxury vinyl planks—has often been praised for its affordability and look. But as real hardwood prices drop and eco-friendly options expand, homeowners are starting to favor authentic materials.

According to Floor Covering News, hardwood flooring sales rose by 12% in 2023, while laminate sales declined by 8%. Faux wood often wears out faster, and patterns can look repetitive or fake over time.

As buyers get more discerning, homes with imitation flooring may lose their appeal and value.

9. Whirlpool Bathtubs

Whirlpool tubs were once a luxury feature, but they’re falling out of style for several reasons. The National Association of Home Builders notes a 40% decrease in whirlpool installations over the last five years.

Homeowners report that whirlpool tubs are difficult to clean, use a lot of water, and often go unused. They also take up a lot of space that could be used for larger showers or storage.

As people prioritize practicality and water conservation, whirlpool tubs may soon be seen as outdated and inefficient.

10. Wall-to-Wall Carpeting

Carpeting used to be the default flooring, but it’s quickly losing ground to hardwood, tile, and luxury vinyl. Allergy concerns, difficulty cleaning, and a desire for longer-lasting materials have all contributed to this shift.

According to the Carpet and Rug Institute, carpet sales have dropped by 16% in the past three years. Spills, stains, and wear are hard to hide, and carpets can trap dust and allergens.

As a result, wall-to-wall carpeting is starting to feel like a relic from another era.

11. Smart Appliances with Short Software Lifespans

Smart appliances sound futuristic, but there’s a growing problem: software updates. Many smart fridges, ovens, or washing machines stop receiving updates after just a few years, leaving owners with glitchy devices.

Consumer Reports highlighted that 1 in 4 smart appliance owners had issues with outdated software in 2023. As technology moves fast, older smart features can become security risks or simply stop working.

Buyers are starting to avoid appliances that might “age out” before the appliance itself wears down.

12. Overly Customized Built-Ins

Built-in desks, bookcases, and entertainment centers can add charm, but when they’re too specific, they become a problem. Home stagers report that buyers increasingly want flexible spaces that can adapt to new uses.

The 2023 Remodeling Impact Report found that homes with highly personalized built-ins spent 15% longer on the market. What works for one family may not work for another, especially as lifestyles and technology needs change.

Overly customized features can limit a room’s potential and even turn off future buyers.