Top 12+ Home Features That Won’t Stand the Test of Time

Open Shelving in Kitchens

Open Shelving in Kitchens, Barn Doors Inside Homes, Shiplap Walls, Overly Large Soaking Tubs, Wall-to-Wall Carpeting, Formal Dining Rooms, Trendy Statement Lighting, All-White Kitchens, Built-In Tech That Ages Quickly, Sunken Living Rooms, Heavy Window Treatments, Accent Walls with Bold Colors or Wallpaper

Open shelving in kitchens had its moment, popping up on countless Instagram feeds and design shows. However, many homeowners are now realizing that while these shelves look sleek at first, they tend to gather dust, grease, and clutter quickly.

According to a 2024 Houzz survey, over 38% of respondents said open shelving made their kitchens feel messier and harder to maintain. Practicality wins out over style in the long run, and most people prefer the tidiness of closed cabinets.

This trend is fading, especially as families seek functional storage to hide mismatched mugs and everyday dishes. As more people cook at home, the appeal of open shelving loses out to the convenience of traditional cabinetry.

The shift is so marked that kitchen remodelers report a 22% drop in open shelving requests since 2022.

Barn Doors Inside Homes

Open Shelving in Kitchens, Barn Doors Inside Homes, Shiplap Walls, Overly Large Soaking Tubs, Wall-to-Wall Carpeting, Formal Dining Rooms, Trendy Statement Lighting, All-White Kitchens, Built-In Tech That Ages Quickly, Sunken Living Rooms, Heavy Window Treatments, Accent Walls with Bold Colors or Wallpaper

Barn doors burst onto the interior design scene as a rustic, space-saving alternative to traditional doors. But by 2025, the charm is wearing off.

Homeowners are finding that barn doors don’t provide adequate soundproofing or privacy, and their hardware can be noisy and prone to malfunction. Real estate agents note that buyers increasingly see barn doors as dated, according to a 2023 Zillow trends report.

The sliding mechanism also exposes wall space, making it harder to arrange furniture or hang art. As minimalism takes hold, bulky barn doors are being replaced by sleeker, standard doors that blend in rather than stand out.

The bottom line: barn doors are now more of a nuisance than a selling point.

Shiplap Walls

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The farmhouse look, once epitomized by shiplap walls, is quickly losing steam. Designers in 2024 say the trend feels overdone and is now associated with temporary, fad-driven design choices.

The National Association of Home Builders noted in their latest report that shiplap is rarely requested in new builds or renovations. Not only do these walls date a home, but they can also create maintenance headaches, as gaps between boards collect dust and require regular cleaning.

As homeowners seek timeless finishes, smooth drywall and subtle textures are coming back into favor. Shiplap, once a sign of modern rustic chic, now signals a passing craze.

Overly Large Soaking Tubs

Open Shelving in Kitchens, Barn Doors Inside Homes, Shiplap Walls, Overly Large Soaking Tubs, Wall-to-Wall Carpeting, Formal Dining Rooms, Trendy Statement Lighting, All-White Kitchens, Built-In Tech That Ages Quickly, Sunken Living Rooms, Heavy Window Treatments, Accent Walls with Bold Colors or Wallpaper

Oversized soaking tubs once symbolized luxury, but recent data shows a decline in their popularity. The National Kitchen and Bath Association’s 2025 outlook found that 58% of new homebuyers prefer larger showers over big tubs, citing water conservation and practicality.

These tubs take up valuable floor space, are difficult to clean, and often go unused. Energy efficiency concerns also play a role, as filling a huge tub requires significant water and heating.

Many realtors report that buyers see them as dated and impractical, especially as more people opt for eco-friendly living. The shift is clear: the era of the grand soaking tub is winding down.

Wall-to-Wall Carpeting

Open Shelving in Kitchens, Barn Doors Inside Homes, Shiplap Walls, Overly Large Soaking Tubs, Wall-to-Wall Carpeting, Formal Dining Rooms, Trendy Statement Lighting, All-White Kitchens, Built-In Tech That Ages Quickly, Sunken Living Rooms, Heavy Window Treatments, Accent Walls with Bold Colors or Wallpaper

Wall-to-wall carpeting was once the ultimate comfort upgrade, but modern trends are leaving it in the dust—literally. According to 2024 statistics from the Carpet and Rug Institute, there’s been a 31% decline in requests for full-home carpeting compared to 2020.

Homeowners are increasingly aware of allergens, maintenance, and the difficulty of cleaning spills. Hard floors—like engineered wood or luxury vinyl—are on the rise due to their durability and ease of cleaning.

In addition, buyers now see carpeting as outdated, especially in high-traffic areas. This shift is pushing carpet to the edges, often reserved only for bedrooms or playrooms, if at all.

Formal Dining Rooms

Open Shelving in Kitchens, Barn Doors Inside Homes, Shiplap Walls, Overly Large Soaking Tubs, Wall-to-Wall Carpeting, Formal Dining Rooms, Trendy Statement Lighting, All-White Kitchens, Built-In Tech That Ages Quickly, Sunken Living Rooms, Heavy Window Treatments, Accent Walls with Bold Colors or Wallpaper

Once a staple of traditional homes, formal dining rooms are becoming rare in today’s floor plans. The National Association of Realtors’ 2024 Home Buyer Preferences survey found that 64% of buyers prefer open-concept living and multi-use spaces over dedicated dining areas.

Families are seeking more flexibility and want rooms that can double as offices, play areas, or entertainment hubs. As lifestyles shift toward casual eating and entertaining, the closed-off dining room feels unnecessary and obsolete.

Designers now focus on creating larger kitchens with eat-in islands or seamless living-dining spaces. The trend is so pronounced that many renovators are tearing down dining room walls to open up their homes.

Trendy Statement Lighting

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Statement lighting—think massive chandeliers or geometric pendant clusters—was all the rage a few years ago. However, lighting trends have moved on, with the American Lighting Association reporting a 27% increase in demand for minimalist and recessed lighting fixtures in 2025.

Flashy fixtures that dominate a room can quickly feel outdated as tastes change and new designs emerge. Homeowners are also turning away from fixtures that are hard to clean, expensive to repair, and energy inefficient.

As a result, classic and understated lighting is regaining popularity, offering timeless appeal and better resale value. This shift reflects a broader movement toward simplicity and longevity in home design.

All-White Kitchens

Open Shelving in Kitchens, Barn Doors Inside Homes, Shiplap Walls, Overly Large Soaking Tubs, Wall-to-Wall Carpeting, Formal Dining Rooms, Trendy Statement Lighting, All-White Kitchens, Built-In Tech That Ages Quickly, Sunken Living Rooms, Heavy Window Treatments, Accent Walls with Bold Colors or Wallpaper

The all-white kitchen was the go-to look for over a decade, but recent trends and data signal its decline. According to a 2025 Houzz Kitchen Trends Study, 42% of homeowners say they now prefer kitchens with color or natural wood tones, up from just 28% in 2021.

All-white surfaces are notorious for showing stains, scratches, and wear, making them impractical for busy families. Designers note that these kitchens often feel cold or sterile, lacking the personality that color and texture can bring.

Buyers are seeking more warmth, contrast, and individuality in their kitchens. The era of the clinical all-white kitchen is fading as people crave spaces that feel inviting and unique.

Built-In Tech That Ages Quickly

Open Shelving in Kitchens, Barn Doors Inside Homes, Shiplap Walls, Overly Large Soaking Tubs, Wall-to-Wall Carpeting, Formal Dining Rooms, Trendy Statement Lighting, All-White Kitchens, Built-In Tech That Ages Quickly, Sunken Living Rooms, Heavy Window Treatments, Accent Walls with Bold Colors or Wallpaper

Smart home technology is advancing at lightning speed, but built-in tech features can become obsolete almost overnight. The Consumer Technology Association’s 2025 update warns that integrated sound systems, wall-mounted tablets, and older smart thermostats are quickly overtaken by new innovations.

Homeowners are left with outdated systems that are costly to upgrade or replace. Many buyers actually prefer flexible, plug-and-play devices they can easily swap out.

As tech evolves, permanent installations are seen as risky investments, often requiring expensive rewiring or patching. The smart move now is to keep technology portable and upgradable rather than locking it into the structure of the home.

Sunken Living Rooms

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Sunken living rooms, or “conversation pits,” were a hallmark of mid-century design but are now seen as impractical and even dangerous. The National Safety Council in 2024 cited increased injury risks, especially for kids and older adults, due to unexpected steps and floor changes.

Accessibility is a growing concern as more homeowners plan for aging in place or multi-generational living. Renovators often find that sunken areas are expensive to fill in and can complicate furniture placement.

Real estate agents note that homes with split-level flooring can be harder to sell, as buyers view them as outdated and inconvenient. For most, level floors are simply safer and more versatile.

Heavy Window Treatments

Open Shelving in Kitchens, Barn Doors Inside Homes, Shiplap Walls, Overly Large Soaking Tubs, Wall-to-Wall Carpeting, Formal Dining Rooms, Trendy Statement Lighting, All-White Kitchens, Built-In Tech That Ages Quickly, Sunken Living Rooms, Heavy Window Treatments, Accent Walls with Bold Colors or Wallpaper

Heavy drapes and layered curtains were once a sign of elegance, but they’re quickly falling out of favor. A 2025 study by the Window Covering Manufacturers Association noted a 35% increase in requests for lighter, simpler shades and blinds over the past two years.

Bulky treatments can make rooms feel smaller and block natural light, which is highly prized in modern home design. They also trap dust and allergens, creating extra cleaning hassles.

With the trend toward brighter, airier spaces, homeowners are ditching heavy fabrics for streamlined, low-maintenance options. The move is so pronounced that designers now recommend sheer panels or smart blinds for a timeless look.

Accent Walls with Bold Colors or Wallpaper

Open Shelving in Kitchens, Barn Doors Inside Homes, Shiplap Walls, Overly Large Soaking Tubs, Wall-to-Wall Carpeting, Formal Dining Rooms, Trendy Statement Lighting, All-White Kitchens, Built-In Tech That Ages Quickly, Sunken Living Rooms, Heavy Window Treatments, Accent Walls with Bold Colors or Wallpaper

Accent walls—especially those painted in bold colors or covered with dramatic wallpaper—are quickly becoming design relics. The 2024 Sherwin-Williams Color Trends report shows a sharp move toward harmonious, whole-room color schemes instead of single, eye-catching walls.

Many homeowners regret bold choices as trends shift, leading to costly repaints or renovations. Realtors also note that buyers prefer neutral spaces that they can personalize, rather than rooms dominated by someone else’s statement wall.

The maintenance of wallpaper, especially in humid environments, turns many away from this feature. Subtlety and cohesion are now winning the style race in interior paint and wall finishes.

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