Top 7+ Home Design Trends That Are Rapidly Disappearing

Open Floor Plans Fading in Family Living

Step into a once-coveted open floor plan today, and you might notice the echo more than the energy. The seamless sprawl that once symbolized modern freedom now feels exposed and chaotic.

Parents crave corners for quiet work calls, while kids miss cozy nooks to unwind. Designers like Emily Henderson report a surge in requests for partial walls and “room zones” that offer privacy without sacrificing light.

It’s not about closing off the home, but about giving each activity its own heartbeat. Imagine a kitchen that doesn’t broadcast every clang to the living room, or a reading den that invites you to linger.

Boundaries, it turns out, can make a home feel more connected. The rush to break down every wall has hit a pause—homes are craving a sense of place again.

All-White Spaces Losing Their Comfort Factor

White walls, white counters, white everything—it once felt fresh and Instagram-ready, but now it’s starting to feel a little cold. Real estate pros at Zillow have noticed that listings with warmer hues are selling faster than those stuck in a monochrome loop.

Why? Because color tells a story and sparks emotion.

Earthy neutrals, soft greens, and warm terracottas are making rooms feel alive and lived-in. Homeowners are swapping sterile for soulful, adding textured throws, patterned pillows, and art that pops.

Even a simple off-white with a hint of clay can cozy up a room. The takeaway: people want homes that hug them back, not ones that feel like a blank waiting room.

Heavy Furniture Crowding Out Modern Living

Those big, baroque sofas and massive armoires that once anchored rooms are now getting shown the door. Today’s homes are about movement and flexibility.

A recent Houzz survey found that 68% of homeowners prefer lightweight, modular furniture that can be rearranged with ease. Think Scandinavian-inspired lines, nesting tables, and ottomans that double as storage.

The shift is practical—smaller homes, more frequent moves, and a desire for spaces that can morph from work to play in a snap. One stager shared, “A heavy couch can make a room feel like it’s sinking—lighter legs lift both the furniture and the mood.” The result?

Airier rooms, easier cleaning, and spaces that change with your life.

Faux Finishes Being Replaced by Real Materials

Remember the days of faux-marble countertops and painted-on brick? Today’s buyers and homeowners are wise to the act.

There’s a hunger for the genuine—real wood, natural stone, hand-forged metals. Designers point out that authentic materials age beautifully, developing a patina and character that fake finishes can’t fake.

A solid oak table tells its own story with every scratch and stain. And with sustainability top of mind, reclaimed materials are adding both soul and eco-cred to modern homes.

As one builder puts it, “People want what’s real, even if it’s imperfect—maybe especially because it’s imperfect.” The fake stuff just isn’t fooling anyone anymore.

Wall-to-Wall Carpeting Losing Its Ground

The soft swath of wall-to-wall carpeting is no longer the gold standard. Instead, hardwoods, luxury vinyl, and big-format tile are sweeping through new renovations.

These surfaces are easier to maintain, more allergy-friendly, and instantly make rooms feel more expansive. According to real estate data, homes with hardwood or quality hard floors see a premium at resale—sometimes up to 10% more than carpeted equivalents.

Homeowners love the flexibility: swap out an area rug to change the vibe, or leave floors bare for a sleek look. Plus, those old worries about cold feet are easily solved with radiant heat or plush, movable rugs.

The verdict: clean and classic wins out over wall-to-wall fuzz.

Overly Themed Rooms Making Way for Personality

Once upon a time, every room had a “theme”—beachy blues, Parisian chic, jungle prints. Now, that kind of matchy-matchy approach feels more like a hotel than a home.

Today’s trend is curated eclecticism. Designers encourage mixing heirlooms with modern pieces, layering global textiles, and letting artwork guide the mood.

A client’s living room that started “Tuscan” ended up stunning when they mixed in a mid-century lamp and abstract art from a local fair. The new rule: let your personality—not a catalog—lead the way.

The result is a space that’s unique, honest, and always evolving.

Excessive Smart Home Tech Dialing Back

It’s tempting to make everything in your home “smart”—from blinds to toasters to toilets. But many are realizing that too many gadgets can feel sterile, even stressful.

According to a recent National Association of Realtors survey, buyers want smart features that fade into the background, like subtle lighting systems or invisible speakers. “Smart for smart’s sake” is out; comfort and simplicity are in.

A designer shared the story of a client who ditched their complicated, app-controlled everything for a few, easy-to-use devices—and their home instantly felt more inviting. Tech should make life easier, not feel like you’re living in a lab.

Farmhouse Style Fizzling in Urban Spaces

Shiplap walls and barn doors had their moment, but the farmhouse look is losing ground—especially in cities and suburbs. What once felt rustic and charming now risks feeling contrived and out of place.

Designers are seeing more clients ask for sleek, timeless touches like clean-lined cabinetry and understated hardware. Urban buyers want homes that feel current, not like a set from a reality show.

Even in rural areas, farmhouse elements are being blended with modern features for a more balanced vibe. The shift is clear: authenticity trumps nostalgia every time.

Accent Walls No Longer Stealing the Show

Painting just one wall a bold hue was once the shortcut to drama. Now, this trick is starting to feel a little dated.

Instead, entire rooms are cloaked in rich, saturated tones, or designers are using texture—think Venetian plaster or wood slats—to add depth. The effect is immersive and sophisticated, not just “trendy.” One recent home makeover swapped a single teal wall for an all-over warm gray, instantly making the space feel larger and more enveloping.

It’s not about one wall screaming for attention, but about the whole space whispering style.

Heavy Window Treatments Out, Light and Airy In

Thick drapes and fussy valances used to signal luxury, but now they often just block the light and collect dust. The current move is toward breezy linen panels, simple roller shades, and even bare windows where privacy isn’t an issue.

Light pours in, rooms feel bigger, and the mood is instantly lifted. Stagers say homes with natural light streaming in sell faster and for more, as buyers can see themselves basking in the glow.

A simple swap—sheer curtains for heavy brocade—can transform a dark room into a daily retreat.

Dark Cabinets and Surfaces Losing Their Edge

Deep espresso cabinets and black granite once felt bold, but now they can suck the light—and joy—out of a kitchen. Homeowners are craving airiness and ease.

Lighter woods, painted finishes, and even glass-front cabinetry are making spaces feel fresh. Designers note that lighter cabinets bounce natural light, making even small kitchens feel expansive.

A quick cabinet repaint or hardware swap can update a dated space in a single weekend, and the impact is immediate. The kitchen, after all, should be the heart of the home—not a black hole.