Top 12+ Home Features That Will Soon Be Outdated

Formal Dining Rooms Are Losing Their Appeal

Once considered a must-have in every suburban home, formal dining rooms are quietly fading into the past. According to the National Association of Home Builders, only about 23% of new homebuyers consider a separate dining room essential.

People now crave open, flexible spaces that allow for relaxed meals and gatherings, not rigid sit-down dinners. The rise of open floor plans means kitchens and living rooms are blending, making the once-grand dining room feel unnecessary and unused.

Many homeowners are turning these spaces into offices, playrooms, or even home gyms, chasing practicality over tradition. If you walk through most new model homes, you’ll notice the dining room is either gone or much smaller.

This trend shows no signs of reversing, as families prioritize connection and versatility over formality.

Carpeted Floors Are Being Replaced

Carpet was once the standard choice for comfort and insulation, but now it’s rapidly losing ground. Recent surveys show that only 17% of homeowners still consider carpet an upgrade worth paying for.

Hard flooring options like hardwood, luxury vinyl plank, and tile dominate new home construction, praised for their durability, easy cleaning, and modern look. Health experts also warn that carpet traps allergens, dust, and pet dander, which can impact indoor air quality.

Many families with kids or pets simply find it easier to keep hard floors looking clean. The real estate market reflects this shift—homes with updated hard flooring often sell faster and for higher prices than those with wall-to-wall carpeting.

Jetted Bathtubs Are No Longer a Hot Feature

Jetted tubs once symbolized luxury and relaxation, but now they’re often seen as bulky and difficult to maintain. A 2023 survey by Houzz found that only 12% of bathroom remodels included a jetted tub, while 60% chose large walk-in showers instead.

The upkeep of jets, risk of mold, and high water and energy consumption make these tubs less appealing. Many people also realize they rarely use them, especially as busy schedules leave less time for soaking.

In smaller bathrooms, jetted tubs take up valuable space that could be used for storage or a more spacious shower. Homebuyers are prioritizing practicality, cleanliness, and accessibility—features that jetted tubs just can’t offer anymore.

Traditional Fireplaces Are Losing Their Warmth

Wood-burning fireplaces, once at the heart of every living room, are gradually being phased out. According to the U.S.

Census Bureau, less than 10% of new homes built since 2020 include a traditional fireplace. Environmental concerns about air pollution and the hassle of hauling wood have pushed many homeowners toward alternative heating options.

Modern electric fireplaces and sleek wall-mounted units are now favored for their safety, efficiency, and style. In urban areas, strict regulations even limit the use of wood-burning fireplaces.

As energy costs rise, people want heating solutions that are effective, eco-friendly, and low-maintenance, making the old-fashioned hearth feel outdated.

Popcorn Ceilings Are a Thing of the Past

Popcorn ceilings—those bumpy, textured finishes from the 1970s and 80s—are now widely disliked. Real estate agents report that homes with popcorn ceilings often fetch lower offers, as buyers factor in the cost of removal.

The texture can trap dust and cobwebs, making cleaning a nightmare. Asbestos, once used in these materials, has also raised health concerns.

Today, smooth, flat ceilings are the standard in new construction and renovations, creating a clean, modern look that reflects natural light better. Homeowners are investing in updating ceilings to boost their home’s value and appeal, making popcorn ceilings a fading memory.

Closed-Off Kitchens Are Disappearing

The era of the enclosed kitchen, hidden away from the rest of the house, is over. In a 2022 survey by the American Institute of Architects, over 60% of respondents said they preferred open-concept kitchens that flow into living and dining spaces.

Open kitchens encourage socializing and make entertaining easier, suiting today’s casual lifestyles. Walls are coming down in remodels, and new builds almost always feature kitchen islands and sightlines into the family room.

This shift also reflects the popularity of cooking shows and food culture, as people want to show off their culinary skills. Enclosed kitchens now feel cramped and isolating, a sharp contrast to the light and connected spaces homeowners want.

Sunken Living Rooms Aren’t Practical Anymore

Sunken living rooms, popular in mid-century modern homes, once offered a dramatic conversation pit for entertaining. However, they now pose trip hazards and accessibility issues, especially for families with young children or elderly members.

According to a 2023 report from the National Association of Realtors, homes with sunken living areas often require costly renovations to level the floors before resale. People prefer seamless, single-level living spaces that are safer and easier to move through.

The unique look of a sunken room no longer outweighs the daily inconvenience, causing this trend to vanish from new home designs.

Built-In Media Cabinets Are Outdated

Remember those massive built-in cabinets designed to house big boxy TVs and stereo systems? As technology has evolved, these once-coveted features now look clunky and out of place.

Flat-screen TVs and wireless audio have made large media centers unnecessary. Many homeowners are choosing minimalist wall mounts or sleek, simple furniture instead.

Designers note that knocking out these built-ins opens up living rooms, making them feel bigger and more modern. According to Zillow, homes with streamlined entertainment setups tend to attract more buyers, underscoring just how much tastes have changed.

Laminate Countertops Are Losing Popularity

Laminate countertops, once a budget-friendly favorite, are quickly being replaced by materials like quartz, granite, and butcher block. The 2023 U.S.

Houzz Kitchen Trends Study found that only 8% of renovated kitchens chose laminate, down from 25% a decade ago. Laminate can scratch, scuff, and burn easily, while modern surfaces are more durable and visually appealing.

New homeowners crave the luxury and longevity of stone, even in starter homes. With prices for quartz and granite coming down, laminate no longer offers the cost advantage it once did, making it an increasingly rare choice in both renovations and new builds.

Single-Purpose Rooms Are Being Reimagined

The pandemic changed how we use our homes, forcing many to rethink spaces designed for a single use. Home offices, guest rooms, and formal sitting areas now need to flex as needs change.

According to a 2022 survey by Realtor.com, 58% of buyers look for rooms that can serve multiple functions, like a home office that doubles as a guest bedroom. Movable walls, Murphy beds, and flexible furniture are making single-purpose rooms obsolete.

Homeowners value adaptability, knowing that life—and work—can change quickly. Spaces that sit empty most of the year just don’t make sense anymore.

Brass and Gold Fixtures Are Out of Fashion

Brass and gold fixtures, once the pinnacle of 1980s glitz, have fallen out of favor with modern homeowners. Matte black, brushed nickel, and stainless steel are now the finishes of choice, offering a sleek, timeless look.

Design experts say that homes with dated brass hardware often linger on the market longer, as buyers factor in replacement costs. Many people perceive brass as old-fashioned, while more neutral fixtures blend with contemporary styles.

These changes are visible in everything from kitchen faucets to door handles, reflecting a broader shift toward subtle sophistication.

Overly Large Master Suites Are Being Downsized

The trend of sprawling master suites, complete with sitting rooms and oversized closets, is cooling off. Recent data from the National Association of Home Builders shows a 25% decrease in the average size of new master bedrooms since 2016.

Homebuyers are realizing that giant bedrooms can feel empty and wasteful, especially as housing costs rise. Instead, they’re looking for efficient layouts and quality finishes, not just square footage.

Smaller, smarter master suites leave more room for shared family spaces or additional bedrooms. As people prioritize meaningful gathering spaces, the era of the palatial master suite is ending.