Top 12+ Interior Features Experts Say Are Going Out of Style

Open Shelving in Kitchens

Open shelving in kitchens, once beloved for its airy look and Instagram-worthy displays, is losing favor among designers and homeowners alike. According to a 2023 Houzz Kitchen Trends Study, only 11% of homeowners chose open shelves during recent renovations, down from 19% in 2021.

Experts say the main issue is practicality—open shelves collect dust, require constant organization, and make kitchens feel cluttered unless you have perfectly curated dishware. Real estate agents also report that buyers now prefer traditional cabinets for their ability to hide everyday messes.

A cluttered look and the extra cleaning required are pushing people back toward closed storage solutions. This shift is a clear sign that aesthetics alone aren’t enough; function matters more than ever in kitchen design.

Gray Everywhere

For years, gray reigned supreme as the go-to neutral in homes. But according to interior designer Jean Liu, “Gray has become the new beige—overdone and uninspired.” A 2024 National Association of Home Builders report shows that requests for gray interiors have dropped by 18% since 2022, replaced by warmer tones like taupe and greige.

Experts say gray can feel cold and lifeless, especially in spaces without much natural light. Homeowners are craving warmth and personality, leading them to embrace earthy colors, soft creams, and even bold accent walls.

The trend is clear: overly gray interiors are now seen as dated and lack the welcoming vibe people want in their homes.

Accent Walls

Accent walls, especially those painted in bold, contrasting colors, are quickly falling out of favor. According to a 2023 survey by Sherwin-Williams, only 8% of homeowners planned to add an accent wall, compared to 23% in 2018.

Designers argue that accent walls often break up the visual flow of a room and can make spaces feel smaller or disjointed. Instead, there’s a move toward cohesive color schemes and subtle texture changes, like using wallpaper or paneling throughout a room.

The overall trend is toward harmony and unity rather than dramatic statements. People want their spaces to feel calm and connected rather than busy and fragmented.

Barn Doors

Sliding barn doors were once the darling of farmhouse-inspired design, but experts now say they’re on their way out. According to a 2023 study by the National Kitchen and Bath Association, barn door installations have dropped by almost 30% in two years.

Critics say barn doors offer little sound insulation and are often impractical for privacy. They’ve also become a cliché, with many homeowners and designers seeking more timeless solutions.

The preference is shifting to traditional hinged doors or sleek pocket doors that are both functional and stylish. Barn doors are now seen as more of a fad than a lasting design choice.

Heavy Industrial Elements

The industrial look—think exposed pipes, raw concrete, and metal fixtures—has been a staple in lofts and modern homes for a decade. But in 2024, designers like Nate Berkus note that “people want cozy, not cold.” A survey by Zillow found that listings featuring heavy industrial elements sold for 4% less than those with softer finishes.

Homeowners are moving toward warmer materials like wood, rattan, and textiles, mixing them with industrial touches for a balanced look. The stark, utilitarian style is being replaced by spaces that feel inviting and comfortable rather than stark and edgy.

Wall-to-Wall Carpeting

Wall-to-wall carpeting is rapidly disappearing from modern homes. According to the U.S.

Census Bureau, only 17% of new single-family homes built in 2023 featured carpeting in main living spaces, down from 34% a decade ago. Hard flooring options like hardwood, luxury vinyl, and tile are preferred for their durability and easy maintenance.

Allergists also warn that carpets can trap dust and allergens, making them less desirable for families. While some still appreciate the comfort of carpet in bedrooms, its presence throughout an entire home now signals an outdated look.

Most designers recommend area rugs for warmth and style instead.

Formal Dining Rooms

The dedicated formal dining room is becoming a relic of the past. According to a 2023 report by The American Institute of Architects, 61% of homeowners now prefer open-concept living and dining spaces instead of separate rooms.

People are looking for flexibility and multi-use areas that suit modern lifestyles. With more families eating together casually or entertaining in kitchen-adjacent spaces, the need for a room reserved only for special occasions has dwindled.

Many are converting these spaces into home offices or playrooms, making better use of square footage. The trend is toward functional, everyday living rather than formality.

All-White Kitchens

All-white kitchens have dominated design magazines for years, but the tide is turning. In a 2024 Kitchen & Bath Design News survey, only 22% of designers recommended an all-white palette, compared to 43% in 2020.

White kitchens are criticized for being hard to keep clean and for lacking personality. Stains, spills, and fingerprints are much more visible, making them impractical for busy families.

Designers now encourage adding color through cabinetry, backsplashes, or countertops to create interest and warmth. The move is toward kitchens that feel lived-in and welcoming, not sterile or clinical.

Fast Furniture and Flat-Pack Pieces

The popularity of fast furniture—cheap, mass-produced pieces meant for temporary use—is fading fast. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, over 12 million tons of furniture waste are generated annually in the U.S., with much of it coming from these disposable items.

Experts like Emily Henderson urge buyers to invest in quality, sustainable pieces that last. Consumers are becoming more eco-conscious, seeking out vintage or custom furniture instead of flat-pack options.

The new focus is on durability, craftsmanship, and environmental impact, signaling the end of the throwaway furniture era.

Popcorn Ceilings

Popcorn ceilings, once the standard for mid-century homes, are now almost universally disliked. The National Association of Realtors reports that removing popcorn ceilings can increase home value by up to 3%.

These textured ceilings collect dust, are hard to clean, and often contain asbestos in older homes. Homeowners are opting for smooth, painted ceilings or subtle textural treatments like beadboard.

The trend is toward cleaner lines and easier maintenance, with buyers viewing popcorn ceilings as an eyesore that must be removed.

Overuse of Recessed Lighting

While recessed lighting can be sleek and modern, experts say too much of it is a mistake. A 2023 study by the American Lighting Association found that rooms with only recessed lights are often described as "harsh" or "cold" by homeowners.

Designers recommend layering light sources—combining ceiling fixtures, table lamps, and sconces—to create a cozier atmosphere. Over-reliance on recessed lights flattens a room’s appearance and can actually make it feel less inviting.

The latest trend is all about creating mood and depth through varied lighting, rather than relying on a grid of ceiling cans.

Matching Furniture Sets

Gone are the days when a living room or bedroom set had to match perfectly. According to a 2024 report by Furniture Today, only 13% of shoppers now seek matching sets, down from 27% in 2019.

Designers say that too much matching looks staged and lacks character. Instead, people are mixing styles, colors, and textures for a collected, lived-in feel.

This approach allows for more personal expression and creates spaces that tell a story. The result is interiors that feel unique and authentic, not like a showroom display.