Homebuyers love to dream big—but sometimes those dreams are stuck in the past. Real estate agents see it all, and there are a few features and styles they secretly (or not-so-secretly) hope never come up again. Whether it’s because the trend is wildly impractical or just plain outdated, these once-popular requests are wearing out their welcome. Here are 13 design trends agents wish would quietly disappear.
1. Barn doors
Sure, they add a bit of rustic charm, but real estate agents are over the barn door obsession, says Apartment Therapy. These oversized sliders often don’t provide proper privacy, especially in bedrooms or bathrooms. They’re also noisy and can be clunky to open and close. Not to mention they’re a dead giveaway that the house was updated around 2016.
Buyers often see them as trendy, but agents know they’re already looking dated. They also don’t do much to help resale value. Instead of “modern farmhouse,” they can sometimes read more like “wannabe HGTV set.” Agents would rather you go with a real door that actually shuts tight.
2. All-gray everything
Gray walls, gray cabinets, gray flooring—it was the neutral of the 2010s, but agents are done with it. What once felt chic and calming now often comes across as cold and lifeless. Buyers are starting to crave warmth and personality, and endless gray doesn’t deliver. It can also make natural light feel less vibrant, notes Apartment Therapy.
Agents see so many gray interiors that they can’t help but groan a little when clients ask for them. It takes effort and cost to repaint or refinish everything, and it’s rarely worth it. Warm neutrals like taupe, cream, or soft greens are taking the lead now. If you’re still clinging to gray, it’s time to let go.
3. Shiplap
Blame a certain TV power couple, but shiplap took over walls across the country for nearly a decade. Real estate agents now view it as one of those overly trendy touches that rarely impress buyers anymore. It’s hard to style around, limits design flexibility, and often feels more forced than fresh. As House Beautiful notes, in the wrong space, it looks like a DIY gone wrong.
Agents are especially wary when entire rooms are covered in it. A little can go a long way, but many homes went overboard. What was once charming farmhouse is now veering into “Pinterest fail” territory. Save yourself the time and skip the slats.
4. Subway tile overload
Yes, subway tile is a classic—but there’s such a thing as too much of a good thing. Real estate agents are seeing it used on every backsplash, shower, and accent wall with no end in sight. It’s become so overdone that it now feels less timeless and more tired, says The Spruce. There are plenty of other beautiful tile options that add texture and style.
Agents wish homeowners would explore more unique choices, like handmade tiles or colorful ceramics. Subway tile isn’t bad, but it’s become the safe, boring choice. If your goal is to stand out, this won’t get you there. It’s time to break out of the boxy-white mold.
5. Open shelving in kitchens
It looks beautiful on Instagram, but in real life? Not so much. Open shelving collects dust, shows off mismatched mugs, and requires constant styling to look good. Real estate agents know that most buyers see it as more hassle than it’s worth.
Agents have heard plenty of complaints from buyers who walk into a kitchen full of floating shelves. Unless you’re a minimalist or a magazine stylist, it rarely works long-term. Closed cabinets are far more practical, and most people prefer hidden clutter. Ask for one accent shelf, not a whole wall.
6. Overly open floor plans
For years, everyone wanted to tear down walls and live in one giant room—but not anymore. Real estate agents are seeing buyers ask for more defined spaces, especially after the remote work boom. Too much openness can make a home feel chaotic and loud, with nowhere to escape. Cooking smells, TV noise, and lack of privacy become real problems.
Agents are tired of explaining that a little separation can actually add value. People want home offices, cozy reading nooks, and quiet bedrooms. That “open concept” dream doesn’t always translate to livability. It’s okay to have some walls again.
7. Vessel sinks
They’re sculptural and artsy, but agents quietly cringe when they see them in listings. Vessel sinks often splash water everywhere and take up precious counter space. They’re harder to clean and can feel awkward for daily use. In short, they’re form over function.
Buyers may think they look upscale, but most agents know they quickly become a nuisance. They’re also harder to replace without changing the entire vanity. A sleek undermount or integrated sink looks cleaner and works better. Stick with something beautiful and usable.
8. Sliding glass shower doors
Sure, they save space—but they’re also notoriously hard to clean. Agents get constant feedback from buyers who are put off by the grime that builds up in the tracks. Plus, cheaper versions can feel flimsy and awkward. There are better modern options that don’t scream 1998.
Real estate agents prefer frameless glass doors or even stylish curtains that can be swapped out. Sliding glass tends to look outdated unless it’s very high-end. And unless the homeowner is a cleaning wizard, it’s rarely in good condition. It’s a detail that can drag down an otherwise nice bathroom.
9. Faux wood beams in tiny rooms
Adding character is great, but scale matters. Real estate agents see too many small living rooms weighed down by oversized faux beams. They can make a space feel cramped or visually cluttered. What’s meant to be rustic charm ends up looking out of place.
Agents wish homeowners would consider proportions before installing trendy features. A beam or two in a vaulted ceiling? Go for it. In an 8-foot room with a ceiling fan? Maybe not. Less can definitely be more.
10. Granite everything
Granite was once the gold standard, but agents now see it as a bit dated. Newer materials like quartz offer more variety, better durability, and less maintenance. Granite often looks busy, and some color combinations are very early-2000s. The speckled pattern isn’t for everyone anymore.
Real estate agents aren’t saying granite is bad—just that it’s no longer the wow-factor it used to be. Buyers aren’t as impressed by it as they once were. If you’re renovating, quartz or marble-look counters are more likely to turn heads. Granite had a good run, but it’s okay to move on.
11. Overly themed décor
Agents have walked into homes that look like beach shacks… in the middle of Ohio. When every room is part of a theme—whether it’s nautical, French country, or “cabin vibes”—it limits buyer imagination. Most people want a neutral canvas they can make their own. Themed décor is fun to live in, but hard to sell.
Real estate agents prefer more subtle nods to style that don’t overwhelm the senses. A few coastal touches? Lovely. A full-on lighthouse bathroom? Maybe not. Agents secretly hope for fewer anchors and more balance.
12. Two-story foyers
They look dramatic, but agents know they’re also a pain to heat and clean. Those massive entryways suck up energy and echo like a cathedral. Buyers are starting to view them as wasted space, especially if the square footage could be used upstairs. What once felt grand now feels impractical.
Agents often hear buyers say they’d rather have another bedroom or a loft. Cleaning tall windows or replacing lightbulbs becomes a costly chore. Unless the home is a true luxury property, two-story foyers don’t wow like they used to. Smaller, cozier entryways are making a comeback.
13. Wall niches and built-in cutouts
Remember those awkward recessed spaces meant for TVs or vases? Real estate agents definitely do, and they’re ready to see them go. With flat screens and streaming devices, built-in cutouts feel bulky and outdated. They often don’t fit modern electronics and are hard to style.
Agents frequently see buyers wrinkle their noses at them. Removing or covering these cutouts adds to renovation costs. They were cool in 2003, but now? They’re just in the way. Clean, flat walls are a much easier sell.
