Even the newest homes can feel stuck in the past if they’re filled with dated design choices. From mismatched finishes to tired color palettes, certain features instantly age a space—no matter how recently it was built. Whether you’re renovating, buying, or decorating, knowing what to avoid is key to keeping your home looking fresh and current. Here are 12 features that can make any house look outdated, no matter how new they might be.
1. Open Floor Plans
For decades, open floor plans have been praised for creating a sense of spaciousness and flow, but they are quickly becoming less desirable, says Martha Stewart. The pandemic forced many families to work and study from home, highlighting the drawbacks of large, open spaces with little privacy. Noise travels easily in these layouts, making it difficult to focus on work, take phone calls, or enjoy personal time. Additionally, open-concept homes often lack defined spaces, which can make decorating more challenging and lead to a cluttered look.
Designers are now seeing a resurgence of enclosed rooms that provide privacy and functionality. Homeowners are opting for semi-open layouts with pocket doors, partitions, or glass walls that offer flexibility without completely closing off spaces. Separate dining rooms, home offices, and cozy sitting areas are making a comeback as people prioritize comfort and quiet. While open floor plans won’t disappear entirely, the trend of completely open living spaces will continue to fade in favor of more structured layouts.
2. Barn Doors
Sliding barn doors became a staple of the farmhouse aesthetic, but their overuse has made them feel more like a passing fad than a lasting design choice. While they are functional in certain spaces, they don’t provide as much sound insulation or privacy as traditional doors, notes Apartment Therapy. Additionally, the rustic, reclaimed wood look of barn doors doesn’t blend well with many modern or transitional interiors. As home design moves toward more refined aesthetics, sleek pocket doors and custom-built interior doors are replacing barn-style options.
If you love the idea of a statement door, consider alternatives such as steel-framed glass doors, minimalist wood panel doors, or custom-built sliding doors that fit your home’s overall design. These options provide the same space-saving benefits as barn doors but with a more timeless and versatile appeal. As interior styles become more polished and sophisticated, the barn door trend will continue to fade from mainstream home design.
3. Wall-to-Wall Carpeting
While once a standard in homes, wall-to-wall carpeting is becoming increasingly outdated as homeowners prioritize easy-to-clean flooring options. Carpet can trap dust, allergens, and odors, making it less practical for modern lifestyles. Additionally, high-traffic areas show wear and tear quickly, leading to frequent replacements, says House Digest. With the rise of hardwood, luxury vinyl plank, and tile flooring, carpet is losing its appeal as the primary flooring choice.
Many homeowners now prefer area rugs over full-room carpeting, allowing for flexibility and easier maintenance. If carpet is still desired, designers recommend neutral, low-pile options that complement modern home aesthetics. Wall-to-wall carpeting will continue to decline in popularity, especially in main living areas. Hardwood and eco-friendly alternatives will dominate flooring choices, offering durability and timeless appeal.
4. All-White Kitchens
For years, all-white kitchens have been the epitome of modern minimalism, but this trend is quickly losing its appeal. White cabinets, countertops, and backsplashes create a sleek, clean look, but they also show every stain, scratch, and smudge, making them difficult to maintain. Homeowners are starting to crave more warmth and personality in their kitchen spaces, opting for natural wood tones, colorful cabinetry, and mixed-material countertops instead. Additionally, the starkness of an all-white kitchen can feel sterile and uninviting, prompting a shift toward more textured and layered designs, suggests The Kitchen.
The rise of bold colors and statement materials means that completely white kitchens will soon feel bland and uninspired. Darker hues like deep blues, forest greens, and warm terracottas are becoming more popular for cabinetry, adding character and contrast. Statement backsplashes, stone countertops with dramatic veining, and mixed metal finishes are replacing the once-popular monochrome aesthetic. In the coming years, kitchens will embrace individuality, texture, and color over uniformity.
5. Gray Walls and Flooring
Neutral gray tones have dominated interior design for years, but this once-popular color is now losing its charm. While gray is versatile and sophisticated, an overuse of it can make a home feel cold and impersonal. Homeowners are increasingly gravitating toward warmer tones, such as beige, taupe, and earthy neutrals, which create a more inviting and comfortable atmosphere. Additionally, gray flooring—especially light gray wood-look laminate—has become overly common, making it feel generic rather than stylish.
Design experts predict a return to warmer, richer color palettes that add depth and personality to living spaces. Soft creams, warm whites, and even muted pastels are replacing cool grays on walls, while natural wood tones are making a comeback in flooring choices. Statement colors like deep greens, burnt oranges, and moody blues are also gaining traction as homeowners move away from neutral-heavy interiors. If you want your home to stay on-trend, incorporating warmer hues will help keep it feeling fresh and modern.
6. Shiplap Walls
Shiplap exploded in popularity thanks to the farmhouse trend, but its days as a go-to wall treatment are numbered. While it adds texture and a rustic feel, it has been overused to the point of becoming cliché. Many homeowners are finding that shiplap can make a space feel too themed or outdated rather than timeless. Additionally, as interior design moves toward more modern and eclectic aesthetics, heavily rustic elements like shiplap no longer fit the evolving styles.
Instead, homeowners are opting for more refined wall treatments such as plaster, Venetian finishes, or sleek wood paneling. Wallpaper, especially in bold patterns and textures, is also making a strong comeback as an alternative to shiplap. Minimalist, high-end finishes that add dimension without looking overly themed will define the next wave of interior design. If you still love the textured look, consider vertical paneling or subtle wainscoting for a more sophisticated update.
7. Industrial-Style Lighting
Exposed Edison bulbs and black metal fixtures became popular during the rise of industrial-inspired interiors, but this look is beginning to feel overdone. While these elements work in loft-style spaces, they can feel too harsh and utilitarian in many homes. Homeowners are now gravitating toward softer, more elegant lighting styles, such as sculptural chandeliers, globe pendants, and mixed-material fixtures. Warm, ambient lighting is replacing stark, exposed bulbs, making spaces feel cozier and more inviting.
Matte black and distressed metal finishes are also giving way to mixed metals, brass, and organic materials like rattan and glass. Layered lighting, which combines overhead fixtures, sconces, and table lamps, is becoming the new standard for a well-designed space. If you’re looking to update your home, swapping out industrial-style lighting for more sophisticated fixtures will instantly modernize your space.
8. Granite Countertops
For years, granite was the go-to material for kitchen and bathroom countertops, but its popularity is steadily declining. While it remains durable, its speckled appearance and high maintenance requirements are turning homeowners toward more modern alternatives. Materials like quartz, marble, and concrete offer a sleeker, more uniform look with less upkeep. Additionally, as design trends shift toward warmer, organic aesthetics, the cool tones of granite no longer complement the latest interior styles.
Quartz, in particular, has taken over as the preferred choice due to its non-porous nature and resistance to stains and bacteria. Butcher block and composite materials are also gaining traction for their warmth and sustainability. Homeowners are now prioritizing countertops that provide both style and function with minimal maintenance. In five years, granite countertops will feel outdated, replaced by more contemporary and practical materials.
9. Subway Tile Backsplashes
Classic white subway tile backsplashes have been a kitchen staple for decades, but their overwhelming popularity has led to design fatigue. While they offer a clean and simple look, they are now seen as a safe, uninspired choice that lacks uniqueness. As homeowners seek to add more personality to their kitchens, bold and textured backsplashes are becoming the new standard. Hand-painted tiles, zellige tiles, and natural stone slabs are being used to create more visually interesting focal points.
The rise of large-format backsplashes that extend seamlessly from countertops is also making traditional subway tiles look dated. Instead of simple white rectangles, homeowners are embracing colorful patterns, organic textures, and statement materials. While subway tiles won’t disappear completely, their widespread use means they will no longer be a cutting-edge design choice. Those looking to keep their kitchens modern should explore more dynamic and unique backsplash options.
10. Fast Furniture
Mass-produced, low-cost furniture from big-box stores has been a convenient option for many homeowners, but its appeal is quickly fading. As sustainability becomes a top priority, people are moving away from cheaply made furniture that wears out quickly and contributes to landfill waste. Instead, there is a growing preference for high-quality, timeless pieces that last longer and align with eco-conscious values. Second-hand, vintage, and artisan-made furniture are becoming more desirable as homeowners seek uniqueness and durability.
Additionally, fast furniture often lacks the craftsmanship and character of solid wood or custom-made pieces. Many consumers are now investing in furniture that is built to last rather than replacing low-quality items every few years. This shift means that cheaply made, mass-market furniture will feel outdated as people prioritize sustainability and longevity. In the next five years, quality over quantity will define home design choices.
11. Accent Walls in Bold Paint Colors
Once a go-to way to add drama to a room, bold accent walls in single paint colors are starting to feel outdated. Deep navy, dark green, or bright red feature walls were once trendy, but they now appear one-dimensional and overly trendy. Instead, homeowners are opting for more subtle ways to add depth, such as textured walls, wallpaper, and custom millwork. Painted accent walls often lack the sophisticated look of more integrated design elements, making them a less popular choice.
Designers are shifting toward full-room color applications rather than isolated feature walls. Instead of painting one wall in a bold shade, entire rooms are being enveloped in moody, warm, or neutral hues for a cohesive look. Wainscoting, limewash finishes, and large-scale murals are also replacing simple painted accents. While color isn’t going anywhere, the single bold accent wall trend is fading in favor of more immersive design techniques.
12. Heavy Window Treatments
Thick drapes and overly elaborate window treatments were once a sign of luxury, but they are quickly falling out of favor. Heavy curtains, valances, and layered window coverings can make a space feel dark, dated, and overly formal. Many homeowners are now embracing a more minimalist approach to window treatments, favoring sheer curtains, roller shades, or sleek blinds. These alternatives allow for better natural light flow and a more modern aesthetic.
The shift toward open, airy interiors means that bulky drapes are being replaced by lightweight fabrics and motorized smart shades. Natural materials such as linen and bamboo are also becoming popular for a softer, more organic feel. As home design trends continue to prioritize simplicity and functionality, heavy window treatments will feel increasingly outdated. Those looking to modernize their homes should opt for streamlined, low-maintenance window coverings that enhance natural light rather than obscure it.
