Top 10 Home Trends That Need To DIE Forever

Some trends look great on Pinterest but don’t always work well in real life. Here are 10 home features and design trends that many homeowners say need to die forever!

1. Gray Everything

The all-gray look was everywhere for a while: gray flooring, gray walls, gray couches, even gray kitchens. But now it’s starting to feel cold and lifeless. A little gray here and there is fine, but when the whole house is done in the same cool tone, it can start to feel dull and dated. Homeowners are now choosing warmer colors to bring more personality and comfort into their homes.

Millennial Gray Interior via Yanko Design

2. Above Counter Sinks

These are the bathroom sinks that sit on top of the counter instead of inside it. They still rest in a hole in the counter, but have a raised rim around the edge. The raised edge makes it harder to clean up water spills whereas an undermount sink makes it easy to wipe water straight back into the bowl. 

3. Bathtub in the Shower

This one still looks amazing in photos and some people really love it. But the reality? When you take a shower, all the soap, shampoo, and water splashes onto the tub even if you’re not using it. That means extra cleaning. If you don’t use your bathtub often, it can feel like wasted space and added maintenance.

Japanese-Inspired Wet Room via Sweeten

4. Barn Doors

Barn doors had a huge moment, especially during the farmhouse trend boom. But they’re not great for privacy especially when used between a bedroom and bathroom. They don’t seal tightly, and many people say they feel flimsy or loud when sliding them open and shut. 

Bathroom Barn Door Via Deco Magz

5. Microwave Over the Stove

This was a super common setup for years because it saved space and combined the microwave with a built-in vent. But now, more people are realizing it’s not the best solution. Those built-in vents usually just pull the cooking steam through a small filter and then push it right back into the room. Instead, consider hiding the microwave in the island or even inside a pantry, and use a real range hood that vents to the outside. 

6. TV Over the Fireplace

This one can be tricky. It’s not ideal to hang your TV over the fireplace because it ends up too high, causing neck strain and a not-so-great viewing angle. But sometimes, your layout leaves no other option. Mantel Mount lets you pull the TV forward and down in front of the fireplace for better viewing. If you’re still in the early design stages, think about using a linear fireplace instead. They’re lower on the wall, which makes it easier to keep your fireplace and TV separate.

TV Over Fireplace via Maison Lyle Interior Design

7. Shiplap

Shiplap had its big moment but many homeowners are now moving on. It’s been used so much that it’s starting to feel outdated, especially in newer builds. People are now looking for more timeless wall treatments like limewash, or even simple paint with subtle texture.

8. Vinyl Flooring and LVP

I have LVP in my house and we actually love it. It held up really well and was a great fit for our budget at the time. But I can see how, after a few years, it starts to feel a little cheap especially in high-traffic areas. Some homeowners are noticing scuffs, warping, or just a plasticky feel over time. While it’s still a solid option for many families, especially with pets or kids, hardwood flooring is still the long-term winner.

Wide Plank Hardwood Flooring via Sawyer Mason

9. Modern Farmhouse

We’ve seen it everywhere! While it was super popular, the style has been overdone, and many homeowners are ready for something different. Now, softer, cozier, and more timeless designs like organic modern, European-inspired, or warm minimalism are taking the lead.

10. Painted Brick

Especially white-painted brick. It looks clean and crisp at first, but once you paint brick there’s no going back. It chips, fades, and needs regular upkeep. Plus, painted brick covers up all the natural texture and character that real brick offers. Many homeowners are realizing they’d rather keep the original look, or use limewash for a softer, more breathable finish that still lets some of the brick show through.

Timeless and Classic Brick Exterior via Gramy Deco

Forget The Trends

Trends come and go, but your home should work for you and how you live. If you’re building or renovating, it’s worth thinking ahead and making decisions that will last. Don’t be afraid to skip the trend if it doesn’t feel right or rethink a popular idea if it doesn’t make sense for your space.

And if you’re deep in the planning stage, grab The Ultimate Home Building Checklist so you don’t miss a single detail along the way!

Share Article