A 2024 NAHB study shows buyers now prefer homes around 2,070 square feet—almost 200 square feet smaller than 20 years ago—yet demand open layouts, flex rooms, and energy efficiency, turning once-coveted formal dining rooms and fussy “showpiece” features into deal-breakers.
Home design trends are ever-evolving, and features that were once the height of style can quickly become outdated. While some features were once coveted for their luxury or utility, they no longer fit with the needs and preferences of today’s homebuyers.
As tastes change and priorities shift, certain once-popular features now seem impractical, expensive, or downright outdated. If you’re looking to sell or renovate, here are 12 features that buyers are increasingly turning away from.
Granite Countertops
Industry data from Grand View Research shows that granite still holds a significant share of the global countertop market. Still, engineered quartz is growing faster and increasingly preferred in new projects due to its durability, low maintenance, and stain resistance.
Quartz, on the other hand, is non-porous, requires less maintenance, and comes in a wider variety of colors and patterns, making it a more practical and modern choice for kitchens. Many buyers today are also seeking eco-friendly options, and recycled materials are gaining popularity over traditional stone.
Formal Dining Rooms
Only about a quarter of current U.S. listings include a dedicated formal dining room, and many of those spaces are being staged or described as home offices, playrooms, or flex areas, underscoring how rarely buyers now prioritize a separate, closed-off dining space.
People now prefer flexible spaces that can serve multiple purposes, such as a combined dining and living area that promotes social interaction. As a result, formal dining rooms are being repurposed or removed entirely, making way for more functional spaces.
Double Ovens
Nearly two-thirds of homeowners now choose ovens with specialty features like convection, air fry, or smart controls. At the same time, designers report that traditional double ovens are becoming less common as buyers favor a single main oven paired with a compact steam or speed oven.
Modern kitchens are shifting toward more compact, multifunctional appliances, and many people now prefer the convenience of single ovens that handle all their cooking needs. This trend is also driven by smaller kitchen sizes and a desire for more efficient layouts.
Bathtubs in the Master Bath
Bathtubs in master bathrooms were once synonymous with luxury and relaxation. However, many buyers today prefer spacious, walk-in showers that offer easier access and a more functional design.
While bathtubs are still popular in guest bathrooms, the large, indulgent tubs in master baths are becoming less desirable, especially when they take up valuable square footage. Showers with modern features, such as rain showerheads and built-in seating, are now much more attractive to today’s buyers.
Wallpaper
Paint is generally cheaper and easier to apply than wallpaper, and repainting a room or changing a color scheme requires far less time and labor than stripping and re-hanging wallpaper, especially when prepping walls or fixing damage underneath.
Removing wallpaper can be a time-consuming and challenging process, often requiring repairs to the walls afterward. With modern paint options offering a similar variety of colors and finishes, wallpaper has become less of a practical and aesthetic choice.
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Carpeted Floors
Carpeting has long been associated with comfort, but hardwood floors, vinyl planks, and tile are increasingly replacing it. Carpeting tends to trap dust, dirt, and allergens, making it less desirable for people with respiratory issues or allergies.
Hardwood floors and other hard-surface flooring options are seen as more durable, easier to clean, and more aesthetically modern. They also add value to homes, as buyers tend to prefer low-maintenance flooring options that can withstand the test of time.
Mirrored Walls
Mirrored walls were once dismissed as a dated 1970s look. Still, designers are reviving them in more strategic ways, using bronze, antiqued, or tinted panels on select walls, doors, wardrobes, and kitchen islands to visually expand light and space.
In addition, mirrors can easily become scratched or smudged, making them high-maintenance. Buyers today are opting for glass or neutral surfaces that reflect light without the extreme visual impact of mirrored walls.
Large, Formal Staircases
Recent buyer insights show function now beats size, with a well-planned 1,200-square-foot home often preferred over an inefficient 2,000-square-foot one. Buyers also heavily prioritize usable features, such as parking (40%) and gardens (39%), and show less tolerance for space-hungry grand staircases.
Grand staircases take up significant space and can create awkward traffic flow in a home. Modern home designs favor open floor plans and sleek, compact, functional staircases.
Excessive Crown Molding
In a survey of 1,400 future buyers, no single traditional style dominates, and features like heavy crown molding do not appear among top interior priorities. Instead, 27% want custom built-ins and 21% favor decorative ceilings, signaling a preference for more streamlined, integrated details.
Instead of ornate moldings, buyers are preferring simple, streamlined finishes that allow the architecture to stand out without unnecessary decoration. Too much trim and molding can make a space feel heavier and less open.
Built-In Entertainment Centers
Built-in entertainment centers were once a popular feature in living rooms, designed to house TVs, gaming systems, and sound equipment. However, today’s homes are often equipped with wall-mounted TVs and smart home systems, making bulky built-ins less relevant.
These built-ins take up valuable space and often limit home design flexibility. Buyers today prefer open spaces that can be easily adapted to new technology and entertainment needs.
Jacuzzi Tubs
Only 4% of people bathe regularly, while 76% mainly shower, even though 47% of buyers still prefer a combined bath-and-shower setup over a big standalone tub. A standard tub uses about 1.19m² of floor space versus roughly 0.64m² for a compact walk-in shower, so that the shower can cut space use by about 46%—a clear disadvantage for bulky Jacuzzi tubs in smaller bathrooms.
Instead, freestanding tubs and spa-like walk-in showers are more attractive options that offer similar luxury without the upkeep. Many buyers now prefer efficient, stylish bathroom features that require less time and effort.
Key Takeaway
Home features that were once deemed trendy have gradually fallen out of favor as buyer priorities shift toward practicality and modern design. Open layouts, low-maintenance materials, and flexible spaces are now in high demand, while once-popular features like formal dining rooms and mirrored walls are seen as outdated.
Understanding these trends and focusing on functional upgrades rather than outdated features can increase a home’s appeal to potential buyers.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information. It is not intended to be professional advice.
Disclosure: This article was developed with the assistance of AI and was subsequently reviewed, revised, and approved by our editorial team.
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10 Luxury Home Decor Touches To Elevate Your Living Space
10 Luxury Home Decor Touches To Elevate Your Living Space
I’ve tried and styled many of these ideas in my own home and for clients. The difference these small changes make is fantastic. Swap harsh lighting for warm lamps, or add a wine fridge to your kitchen, and your house quickly feels less like just a place to live and more like a home you’re proud to share.
Let me walk you through ten luxury upgrades I swear by, ones that can transform your home without needing a complete remodel.
