Some home features never go out of style—unless you’re asking a younger buyer. While Boomers often gravitate toward traditional layouts and finishes that feel familiar and functional, Millennials and Gen Z buyers are looking for something a bit sleeker, simpler, and more flexible. As homes continue to change with the times, the generational divide is showing up in everything from flooring to floorplans. These are the once-popular home features Boomers still love—but younger buyers are eager to replace or remove.
1. Formal Dining Rooms
According to Zillow’s 2024 housing trends report, formal dining rooms are falling out of favor with younger buyers who prioritize open layouts and multifunctional spaces. Boomers often see a dedicated dining room as a mark of a proper, well-designed home, perfect for holiday dinners and formal gatherings. But for many Millennials, it’s just wasted square footage that could be better used as an office, playroom, or open-concept kitchen extension. The space feels rigid in an era that prizes flexibility.
Younger buyers are especially drawn to great rooms that combine living, dining, and kitchen areas for seamless entertaining. A formal dining room, especially one walled off from the main flow of the home, can feel like a relic from the past. Even if it’s beautifully decorated, it often doesn’t fit the way today’s homeowners actually live. These days, casual is king.
2. Whirlpool Tubs
Whirlpool tubs once felt like the pinnacle of luxury—but now, they’re more likely to be ripped out than soaked in. As noted by Forbes, younger buyers tend to view these oversized tubs as impractical, energy-wasting, and difficult to maintain. They often prefer large walk-in showers with sleek tile and rainfall heads. For Boomers, though, the jetted tub is a relaxing indulgence worth keeping.
Younger generations also cite safety concerns, mold risks, and water usage when choosing to ditch the whirlpool. The space they take up could be used for a larger vanity, extra storage, or a double shower setup. Many buyers simply don’t have the time or desire to spend an hour soaking in a tub. The vibe has shifted from spa-at-home to “get in, get out.”
3. Wall-to-Wall Carpeting
Wall-to-wall carpeting still holds nostalgic value for many Boomers—warmth, comfort, and a quiet step. But younger buyers? Not so much. According to a recent piece in Architectural Digest, hard flooring is one of the top features Millennials and Gen Z actively look for when house hunting.
They prefer wood, engineered hardwood, or luxury vinyl plank for its durability and modern appearance. Carpet tends to trap allergens, pets smells, and stains—making it a turn-off for anyone prioritizing clean lines and low maintenance. Even carpet in bedrooms is becoming optional rather than expected. For many younger homeowners, it’s easier to toss down a trendy area rug and call it a day.
4. Heavy Window Treatments
Boomers often love layered window treatments—valances, sheers, and floor-length drapes in matching fabrics. But younger buyers tend to see them as outdated and high-maintenance. As Lord Decor noted in a recent trend roundup, minimalist shades and smart blinds are what’s currently in demand. These cleaner options are easier to operate, let in more natural light, and match modern design preferences.
Younger homeowners are leaning into light-filled, airy interiors, often with an emphasis on natural textures and simplicity. Elaborate drapery can feel fussy and block out too much light. Boomers may appreciate the coziness and privacy these treatments offer, but they’re no longer seen as essential. In fact, many buyers are taking them down on day one.
5. Cherry Cabinets
Boomers often associate rich, dark cherry wood cabinets with elegance and tradition. But to younger buyers, they often read as dated and too formal for today’s casual living. Many now gravitate toward white, light oak, or even painted cabinets in soft tones like sage or navy. These options feel more approachable and align with popular minimal or Scandinavian-inspired design aesthetics.
Cherry cabinets also clash with the lighter floors and open-concept kitchens that dominate newer builds. For younger buyers, they can make a kitchen feel darker, smaller, and more closed in. Updating cabinetry is costly, so many will pass on a home that requires a major kitchen overhaul. It’s not that cherry wood is bad—it’s just not what’s trending anymore.
6. Carpeted Bathrooms
Once a sign of cozy luxury, carpeted bathrooms now tend to make younger buyers cringe. The potential for moisture damage, mold, and unpleasant smells makes this one of the first features to go. Boomers may appreciate the softness underfoot, especially in colder climates, but practicality wins out for most younger buyers. Tile, stone, or waterproof vinyl are the preferred alternatives.
There’s also a hygiene factor—bathroom carpeting just doesn’t feel as clean or fresh as hard flooring. Many buyers today are hyper-aware of bacteria and want spaces that are easy to scrub and sanitize. Even in older homes, a carpeted bathroom can be a dealbreaker. It’s a detail that dates the entire space, fast.
7. Brass Fixtures
Polished brass fixtures were once all the rage, and many Boomers still see them as classic and warm. But to younger buyers, they can feel overly ornate and out of step with current design tastes. Brushed nickel, matte black, and aged bronze have taken over the fixture scene. These finishes are more versatile and less reflective, giving off a softer, more modern vibe.
Brass can also be tricky to style without making the space feel overly traditional or themed. While it’s making a comeback in more antique-inspired or curated designs, the glossy, high-shine look from the ’90s hasn’t aged as well. Many younger buyers consider it one of the first things to replace during a bathroom or kitchen update. It’s not personal—it’s just preference.
8. Popcorn Ceilings
Boomers may have accepted popcorn ceilings as a standard feature, but younger buyers tend to see them as an instant eyesore. Not only are they dated, but they’re also notoriously hard to clean and potentially asbestos-laced in older homes. Many buyers now prioritize smooth ceilings with clean paint or even subtle architectural detailing like beams or tray designs. Popcorn just feels lazy and low-effort in today’s market.
They also collect dust and shadow light in unflattering ways. Even if the rest of the house looks great, a popcorn ceiling can drag it down. Removing them is a messy and expensive job, so most younger buyers would rather skip the hassle altogether. It’s one of those upgrades that instantly modernizes a space.
9. Built-In Entertainment Centers
Before flat screens were wall-mounted, the massive built-in entertainment center was a living room staple. Boomers still love the storage and symmetry they provide—but younger buyers see them as bulky space-eaters. Today’s TVs are thinner, and many buyers prefer flexible furniture arrangements that allow for better flow. Fixed cabinetry can make a room feel cramped and dated.
Additionally, design trends now favor lighter, more open spaces with less visual clutter. These massive units also don’t fit the sleek tech aesthetic that younger homeowners embrace. While some can be repurposed for shelving or décor, most just end up on the renovation list. Flexibility is key, and built-ins are anything but.
10. Overly Themed Rooms
Whether it’s a nautical guest room or a Tuscan-inspired kitchen, themed décor was all the rage a couple decades ago. Boomers often enjoy these distinct styles, which add personality and a sense of storytelling to their homes. But for younger buyers, the look feels kitschy and limiting. Neutral, layered design with subtle character wins out over in-your-face motifs.
Themed rooms can also be expensive and time-consuming to redecorate. They limit the next homeowner’s ability to see the space as a blank canvas. While Boomers might cherish their Paris-themed powder room, most Millennials would prefer something more universally appealing. When in doubt, keep it simple.
11. Double Ovens
Boomers who love to cook and host big holiday dinners often consider double ovens a must-have. But younger buyers—many of whom cook less or live in smaller households—often don’t see the need. They’d rather have additional storage space or a sleeker single wall oven. The second oven can feel like wasted real estate in smaller kitchens.
Energy use and practicality also come into play. With so many opting for takeout or small-appliance cooking, the giant double-oven setup just isn’t as relevant. In newer builds, it’s often replaced by smart appliances that do more with less. It’s a classic example of how lifestyle shifts reshape design priorities.
12. Granite Countertops
Granite was once the gold standard of high-end kitchen finishes, and Boomers still value its durability and polish. But younger buyers are shifting toward quartz, butcher block, and even concrete for their looks and easier upkeep. Granite, especially in older, speckled styles, can feel heavy and dated. Plus, it requires periodic sealing, which turns off those seeking low-maintenance surfaces.
Quartz offers a wider variety of colors and patterns without the same upkeep headaches. It’s more consistent in appearance and fits with the light, bright kitchen trend that dominates Instagram and Pinterest. Granite still has its fans, but it’s no longer the only game in town. To younger buyers, it often signals a kitchen that hasn’t been updated in a while.
13. Curved Archways
Arched doorways and curved architectural details have long been viewed as elegant by Boomers. They soften spaces and evoke old-world charm. But to many younger buyers, they feel overly traditional and don’t always align with the straight, clean lines preferred in modern homes. It’s a look that feels more Mediterranean villa than minimalist retreat.
In renovations, these arches are often squared off to create consistency. Straight lines also make it easier to hang art, install shelves, or mount smart home equipment. While arches can still have their place in high-end builds, they’re less common in starter homes or renovations aimed at resale. The modern aesthetic tends to win out.
14. Ceiling Fans in Every Room
Boomers often insist on ceiling fans in almost every space—for airflow, energy savings, or habit. But younger buyers tend to rely more on central air or portable fans and prefer lighting fixtures with a cleaner look. Ceiling fans can be bulky and disrupt the minimal, modern lighting schemes many prefer. In some cases, they’re removed purely for visual reasons.
In bedrooms especially, younger buyers often choose quiet, low-profile fans or just use AC and blackout curtains to stay cool. Ceiling fans aren’t inherently bad—but they’re no longer seen as must-haves. In fact, in luxury listings, they’re often swapped out for designer pendants or recessed lighting. For Millennials and Gen Z, it’s less about utility and more about vibe.
15. Built-In Desks and Kitchen Phone Nooks
Boomers remember the days when every kitchen had a spot for the phone and family calendar. But in an age of smartphones and laptops, those tiny built-in desks are largely unused. Younger buyers would rather have more pantry space or additional counters for prep work. The nook, once seen as a central command station, has lost its relevance.
These features often date the kitchen and don’t serve any current function. Most people handle their scheduling, shopping lists, and communication on mobile devices now. While Boomers might see them as cozy or practical, younger buyers often just see them as wasted space. The “mom desk” has officially retired.
