From avocado-green appliances to fully carpeted bathrooms, home design has always reflected generational taste. While Baby Boomers tend to gravitate toward functionality, tradition, and comfort, Gen Z is rewriting the rulebook with minimalist aesthetics, sustainability, and TikTok-approved flair. Some home features that Boomers still swear by are met with total confusion—or even horror—by Gen Z. Whether it’s heavy window treatments or formal dining rooms, these 13 home trends highlight just how far apart the generations can be when it comes to what makes a house a home.
1. Open Concept Everything
Boomers often love a good open floor plan—it feels modern, spacious, and perfect for entertaining. But Gen Z? Not so much. According to Zillow, younger buyers increasingly want separate, private rooms that allow for more defined activities and better work-from-home setups.
Gen Z is also more likely to prioritize quiet zones and individualized space. They see open-concept living as a noise and distraction trap. Walls provide structure, and structure equals calm. So yes, they might be building those walls Boomers once tore down.
2. Granite Countertops
Granite used to be the gold standard in kitchen luxury, and Boomers still see it as durable and timeless. But as noted by Forbes, granite’s popularity is waning with younger homeowners. Gen Z prefers materials like quartz or recycled surfaces that offer a sleeker, more sustainable look.
Granite can feel overly busy and traditional to younger eyes. It often clashes with the minimalist aesthetic Gen Z favors. And because granite requires more maintenance, many see it as more hassle than it’s worth. In short, they’d rather skip the speckled slabs.
3. Wall-to-Wall Carpeting
For Boomers, carpeting throughout the home can feel cozy, warm, and inviting. But according to The Outline, Gen Z sees it as a magnet for allergens, stains, and outdated vibes. Hard floors with area rugs are far more their speed.
Carpet, especially in places like dining rooms or bathrooms, just doesn’t track for younger homeowners. They prioritize easy cleaning and aesthetics that lean modern. Hardwood, laminate, or polished concrete fit better with their lifestyles. Bonus: it’s easier to showcase cool rugs that change with the seasons.
4. Matching Furniture Sets
Boomers often love coordinated living room or bedroom sets—everything matches, and it creates visual order. But Gen Z finds that approach boring and impersonal. As noted by Forbes, they prefer an eclectic mix of thrifted, vintage, and DIY pieces that feel unique and collected over time.
Uniform furniture sets can make a room feel like a showroom, not a personal space. Gen Z gravitates toward individuality and self-expression. They want furniture that tells a story, not that came in a box with identical cousins. Mismatched is the new curated.
5. Formal Dining Rooms
Boomers tend to value dedicated dining rooms for hosting holidays and dinners. But Gen Z leans toward open eat-in kitchens or multifunctional spaces. They rarely host large sit-down meals, and the idea of a room used only a few times a year feels wasteful.
That space is often better used as a home office, gym, or creative nook. Gen Z wants versatility and efficiency. Walls can stay, but the purpose behind them needs to shift. Dining rooms are just too high-maintenance for their lifestyle.
6. Whirlpool Tubs
Big, jetted tubs used to scream luxury. Boomers see them as a relaxing retreat. But Gen Z tends to view them as outdated, bulky, and a water-wasting relic of another era.
They prefer modern walk-in showers with rainfall heads and sleek tile. Whirlpool tubs are also harder to clean and can require repairs. Younger buyers are more focused on practicality and aesthetics. A tub with jets? Not on the must-have list.
7. Beige Everything
Beige walls, beige carpets, beige furniture—it was the go-to neutral palette for decades. Boomers still find it warm, versatile, and timeless. But Gen Z sees it as bland and uninspired.
They’re drawn to bold colors, moody palettes, or soft pastels that feel more expressive. Neutral doesn’t mean boring anymore. They want a home that reflects their personality. And for many, that means saying goodbye to beige.
8. Heavy Drapes
Thick drapes and elaborate window treatments once symbolized elegance and privacy. Boomers often still love them for their coziness and insulation value. But Gen Z favors minimal, light-filtering options like sheers, shades, or even bare windows.
Natural light is a priority. Heavy curtains can feel stuffy and dated. They also collect dust, which is a no-go for allergy-conscious younger buyers. Let the sun shine in, please.
9. Garden Gnomes
Boomers might find them charming and whimsical. But to Gen Z, they often read as kitschy or cluttered. A minimalist or native-plant garden design just doesn’t have room for ceramic bearded men.
Gen Z is drawn to sleek planters, vertical gardens, and sustainable landscaping. Yard decor should complement, not distract. Gnomes can be cute, but they rarely make the cut in modern outdoor aesthetics. Sorry, little guys.
10. Popcorn Ceilings
Boomers often inherited these textured ceilings without question. But Gen Z sees them as an instant reno project. The look is considered outdated, and the texture can trap dust and even asbestos in older homes.
Smooth ceilings are the preferred look today. They reflect light better and create a cleaner visual line. Removing popcorn ceilings is a hassle, but many Gen Z buyers are willing to do it. It’s one of the first things to go.
11. Built-In Entertainment Centers
Those massive, multi-compartment TV centers were once a must-have. Boomers love the storage and symmetry. But Gen Z prefers a wall-mounted TV and floating shelves, if anything.
These bulky units take up space and feel visually heavy. Today’s media devices are sleeker and need less support. Younger homeowners are all about clean lines and multifunctional layouts. Entertainment centers? A hard pass.
12. Tuscan-Style Kitchens
Dark wood cabinets, ornate iron fixtures, and earthy tones ruled the 2000s. Boomers still see this style as luxurious. But Gen Z feels like they’ve walked into an Olive Garden.
They want light, bright, airy kitchens. Think white oak, matte black hardware, and slab-front cabinets. The old-world vibe just doesn’t click. Modern simplicity wins here.
13. Wall Decals with Quotes
“Live, Laugh, Love” had its moment. Boomers still enjoy these decorative affirmations. But Gen Z largely cringes at them, preferring art or typography that feels less mass-produced.
They see these decals as overly sentimental or dated. Home decor should feel personal, not plucked from a big-box store aisle. If there’s going to be text on the wall, it better mean something. Or at least match the vibe.
