Top 12+ House Features That’ll Be Outdated Within 5 Years

All-White Kitchens

All-white kitchens once reigned supreme, promising an immaculate, airy look that felt fresh and clean. But after years of seeing the same snowy cabinets, gleaming counters, and pristine backsplashes, many homeowners are craving something different.

The sterile vibe can start to feel cold and lifeless, lacking the warmth and personality people now want in their homes. More designers are embracing deeper cabinet tones, earthy stone, and colorful tiles to add character and richness.

A splash of moody blue, forest green, or even burnt orange can instantly make a kitchen feel inviting and unique. Instead of chasing that magazine-perfect white, many are realizing that real life is messier—and a little color hides the evidence.

Open Floor Plans (No Defined Spaces)

Open floor plans have dominated real estate listings for over a decade, breaking down walls to create one giant, flowing space. But living, working, and schooling at home has shown the drawbacks of having no doors or divisions.

People long for privacy, a quiet spot to focus, or even just a cozy nook to escape the noise. The lack of defined spaces can make homes feel chaotic, with every activity blending into the next.

Homeowners are rediscovering the value of rooms with clear purposes—like a study, a den, or a dining room that isn’t just part of the kitchen. Walls, it turns out, aren’t the enemy; they offer structure and comfort.

Gray Everything (Floors, Walls, Cabinets)

Gray took over homes like a soft, cool fog—on walls, floors, cabinets, and even furniture. It promised a neutral backdrop, but too much gray can make a space feel lifeless and uninspired.

The trend became so ubiquitous that gray now risks looking generic and forgettable, rather than chic. Homeowners are reaching for warmer neutrals, such as taupe or beige, or experimenting with bolder hues to bring energy and personality back into their spaces.

Even accents like deep green, clay, or navy can break up the monotony and make a room feel fresh.

Subway Tile (Everywhere)

Subway tile was once the go-to for anyone seeking a classic, timeless look—until it started appearing in every kitchen and bathroom across the country. The repetition of the same rectangular, white tiles has made many homeowners crave something different.

As a result, designers are suggesting handcrafted tiles, bold patterns, and unexpected colors to add visual interest. Textured tiles or mosaics can create a sense of artistry and uniqueness, ensuring your home stands out from the sea of sameness.

Barn Doors (Especially in Bathrooms/Bedrooms)

Barn doors burst onto the scene with their rustic charm and sliding practicality. But their use, particularly in bathrooms and bedrooms, is starting to raise eyebrows.

These doors often leave gaps and don’t seal as tightly as traditional doors, creating awkward privacy issues. Plus, the farmhouse aesthetic isn’t for everyone, and barn doors can feel out of place in modern or traditional homes.

People are moving back to solid doors that offer better soundproofing and a more polished look.

Shiplap Overload

Shiplap became the darling of the farmhouse trend, blanketing walls in horizontal planks for a cozy, country vibe. But when every room starts to look like a barn renovation, the charm wears thin.

Too much shiplap can overwhelm a space, making it feel themey and dated. Designers are now mixing in other wall treatments—like wallpaper, panel molding, or textured paint—to add variety and sophistication.

A little shiplap goes a long way; more homeowners are saving it for an accent wall, if at all.

Gold Fixtures (Brass Everything)

Gold and brass fixtures staged a dazzling comeback, bringing a bit of retro glam to kitchens and bathrooms. But with their sudden popularity, these finishes risk becoming the next design cliché.

When everything from faucets to light switches gleams in gold, it loses its special touch and can feel gaudy. Many homeowners are gravitating toward more subtle hardware in matte black, brushed nickel, or oil-rubbed bronze, which offer a modern look without overwhelming the senses.

Giant Kitchen Islands (Oversized & Clunky)

The kitchen island grew and grew—until, in some homes, it became a clunky centerpiece that eats up floor space and disrupts traffic flow. While islands are practical, oversized ones can make kitchens feel cramped and difficult to navigate.

Homeowners are scaling back, choosing islands that are proportional to the room and serve multiple purposes, like hidden storage or a compact breakfast bar. The focus is shifting toward streamlined, flexible designs that fit the way people actually cook and live.

High-Gloss Cabinets

High-gloss cabinets were once the height of modern sophistication, reflecting light and lending a sleek, futuristic vibe. However, their shiny surfaces are magnets for fingerprints, smudges, and scratches, making constant cleaning a necessity.

As more people prioritize easy upkeep and a softer, more inviting look, matte and textured finishes are becoming the new favorites. These alternatives hide everyday wear and tear and add subtle depth to kitchen design.

Minimalist, All-Beige Living Rooms

The all-beige living room, inspired by minimalist design, promised tranquility and simplicity. But too much beige can feel bland, uninspired, and even a little dreary.

Homeowners are looking to infuse their living spaces with personality—layering in colorful rugs, patterned pillows, and eclectic art to create rooms that tell a story. Even a single bold accent or piece of furniture can transform a beige box into a vibrant, welcoming retreat.

Built-In Desks in Kitchens

A built-in desk in the kitchen once seemed like the ultimate multitasking solution, perfect for paying bills or supervising homework while cooking. With remote work now a mainstay, though, people crave a dedicated office space that offers peace and privacy—something a kitchen desk simply can’t provide.

These little nooks are quickly falling out of favor, replaced by real home offices or flexible workspaces tucked elsewhere in the house.

Smart Home Overkill (Voice-Activated Everything)

Smart home tech is undeniably convenient, but the rush to make every light, faucet, and appliance voice-activated is starting to feel like overkill. Some homeowners are finding that too much automation actually adds stress, with endless apps, updates, and troubleshooting.

The trend is shifting toward thoughtful, selective tech—products that genuinely simplify life without making everyday tasks more complicated. The next wave will be about balance, not bells and whistles.