Designers Say These 10 Home Layouts Are On Their Way Out in 2025

The Open Concept Living Room Is Losing Favor

For nearly two decades, open concept living spaces ruled home design, offering seamless transitions between the kitchen, dining, and living rooms. However, designers and architects are now observing a sharp decline in their popularity.

According to a 2024 survey from the American Institute of Architects, over 37% of homeowners now say they would prefer more defined rooms over wide-open spaces. Many people cite the need for privacy, especially with remote work and virtual schooling becoming the norm.

Noise travels easily in open layouts, making it difficult to focus or relax. Experts point out that as families spend more time at home, demand for cozy, separated zones is surging.

Homeowners are now favoring partial walls, glass partitions, and even sliding doors to create flexible boundaries. The trend signals a return to traditional floor plans that offer both functionality and comfort.

Oversized Kitchen Islands Are Becoming Impractical

Giant kitchen islands, once a symbol of luxury and entertaining, are quickly being reconsidered. Designers note that these massive islands often disrupt the flow of the kitchen and can eat up valuable floor space.

A 2024 report by the National Kitchen & Bath Association highlights that 42% of designers are now recommending smaller, more efficient islands or even forgoing them entirely. The shift comes as people realize that overly large islands can make cooking and cleaning more cumbersome, especially in smaller homes.

There is also a growing focus on sustainability and reducing unnecessary material use. Homeowners are looking for islands that are more proportional to their space, offer better storage, and double as flexible workstations.

This new approach creates a kitchen that feels less cluttered and more functional for everyday living.

Formal Dining Rooms Are Fading Away

The once-coveted formal dining room is rapidly becoming obsolete. Data from a 2023 Houzz home trends study reveals that 60% of renovations involving dining spaces are converting them into multifunctional areas or home offices.

Many families find that they rarely use a room dedicated solely to formal meals, opting instead for casual eating areas integrated into the kitchen or living room. Designers say that as lifestyles become more relaxed, there’s little justification for maintaining a space that sits empty most of the year.

Instead, homeowners are choosing flexible layouts that support daily life, such as extended kitchen tables, breakfast nooks, or convertible desks. This practical approach ensures every square foot of the home is used to its fullest potential.

Sunken Living Rooms Are No Longer in Demand

Sunken living rooms, also known as conversation pits, were a mid-century modern staple, but they are now being phased out. The National Association of Home Builders reports that safety concerns and accessibility issues are major reasons for their decline, with 73% of surveyed professionals saying they rarely include sunken areas in new builds.

These spaces pose hazards for children, seniors, and anyone with mobility challenges. Additionally, sunken rooms can make furniture placement tricky and limit how the space is used.

Modern homeowners are favoring level floors that allow for greater flexibility in layout and decor. The focus is shifting toward inclusive design that accommodates everyone’s needs without sacrificing style.

Overly Large Master Suites Are Shrinking

The trend of sprawling master suites with separate sitting areas, massive bathrooms, and walk-in closets is tapering off. According to a recent Zillow survey, only 29% of buyers listed a huge master suite as a top priority in 2024, down from 48% in 2019.

Rising construction costs and a desire for more energy-efficient homes are driving this change. Designers are now recommending right-sized primary bedrooms that prioritize comfort and privacy without unnecessary extravagance.

Homeowners want to reclaim that square footage for other uses, such as a larger family room, home gym, or extra storage. This approach reflects a growing preference for practical luxury—a space that feels special, but not excessive.

Long, Narrow Hallways Are Being Eliminated

Long, dark hallways are falling out of favor as people seek brighter, more open spaces throughout their homes. A 2024 NAHB design trends report notes a 35% decrease in requests for traditional hallways among new home builds.

Designers argue that hallways waste space and can make a home feel closed off or uninviting. Instead, modern layouts favor wider passageways, open foyers, or even "room-to-room" transitions that eliminate the need for a corridor altogether.

This shift allows for more natural light and improves circulation throughout the house. Open layouts also help showcase architectural features and make homes feel larger and more welcoming.

Jack-and-Jill Bathrooms Are Losing Popularity

Once considered a clever solution for shared bedrooms, the Jack-and-Jill bathroom (a bathroom accessible from two separate bedrooms) is becoming less common. Home builders report a 28% drop in requests for this configuration in 2024, according to a Home Innovation Research Labs study.

The main drawbacks are privacy concerns and potential conflicts over cleanliness and scheduling. Families are finding that individual ensuite bathrooms or single hallway baths better suit their needs, especially as children grow older.

Designers emphasize the importance of flexibility and personal space in modern layouts, making the Jack-and-Jill design less desirable.

Dedicated Home Theaters Are Being Downsized

The era of the extravagant, dedicated home theater room seems to be ending. According to a 2024 survey by the Consumer Technology Association, only 14% of new luxury home projects included a full-scale theater room, compared to 31% in 2018.

As streaming and smart TVs have become more advanced, families are choosing to watch movies and shows in multipurpose living spaces. Designers say that homeowners prefer flexible media rooms that can also function as playrooms, guest bedrooms, or home offices.

This trend reflects a broader move toward versatility and maximizing the value of every room in the house.

Two-Story Foyers Are Less Attractive

Two-story entryways, once a hallmark of grand homes, are now being reconsidered by both designers and homeowners. The main criticism is that they waste valuable vertical and heating space, making homes harder to keep comfortable and energy efficient.

The 2023 American Home Survey found a 40% drop in requests for double-height foyers in new builds. Many people also find them difficult to decorate and maintain, especially when it comes to cleaning windows and light fixtures.

The latest trend is toward more intimate, welcoming entryways that make a strong first impression without excess volume. Designers are focusing on thoughtful lighting, statement doors, and built-in storage to create a warm, inviting atmosphere right from the entrance.

Garage-Facing Front Entrances Are Being Reconsidered

The classic suburban layout with a front entrance dominated by a massive garage is falling out of favor. Urban planners and architects highlight that this design limits curb appeal and can make neighborhoods feel less inviting.

A 2024 report from the Urban Land Institute notes a 22% shift toward side or rear garages in new developments. Homeowners and designers want facades that highlight porches, landscaping, and architectural details rather than garage doors.

By moving garages to less prominent locations, the focus returns to the home’s entry, creating a more welcoming and pedestrian-friendly feel. This evolution in layout is helping to redefine the look and functionality of American neighborhoods.