People Are Revealing The "Outdated" Home Design Trends They Want Brought Back, And It's Controversial

This article explores a collection of "outdated" home design trends that readers believe are superior to many contemporary designs and deserve a comeback. The discussion builds upon a previous post, with commenters sharing additional examples of past home features that offered practical benefits and aesthetic appeal. One frequently mentioned trend is the built-in or drop-down ironing board, often integrated into kitchen cabinets. Readers highlight its usefulness, noting how it frees up space and provides a convenient solution for ironing. Some variations even allowed for the repurposing of the space as a spice cabinet when the ironing board was removed. Wall-to-wall carpeting in bedrooms is another trend praised for its comfort, warmth, and soft feel, contrasting with the often harder surfaces found in modern bedrooms. The layout of garages also came under scrutiny, with a call to bring back detached garages. This preference stems from the desire to avoid large garage doors dominating the front facade of a house, which some find unappealing. Emphasis is placed on home designs that prioritize natural ventilation and airflow. While air conditioning is appreciated, many readers express a desire for homes that allow for effective cross-ventilation when windows are open, promoting fresh air circulation without solely relying on mechanical cooling. Fireplace clean-outs, specifically those with a metal door opening to the outside, are identified as a highly practical feature for wood-burning fireplaces. This design simplifies ash removal, preventing spills and dust within the living space. Living rooms positioned at the front of the house with large picture windows are also desired, primarily for the aesthetic benefit of displaying holiday decorations like Christmas trees to passersby. Intercom systems are recalled fondly by several contributors. These systems provided a convenient way for family members to communicate across different rooms, acting as a simple internal communication network for waking up children, answering the door, or calling for meals. A significant theme is the yearning for "starter homes" and smaller housing options. Many readers feel that new constructions are disproportionately large, making it difficult to find smaller, more affordable homes unless purchasing older properties. This trend highlights a desire for more modest and functional living spaces. Additionally, the presence of hallways is valued for the privacy and separation they offer between bedrooms and common living areas. Utility sinks are lauded for their versatility in handling messy projects and pet bathing. Built-in cutting boards are appreciated for increasing counter space and providing a convenient, stable surface for food preparation. The layout of master suites is also critiqued, with a preference for designs that do not have a direct, open doorway between the bedroom and bathroom, especially when the bed faces the bathroom sink. Small powder rooms near main living areas are also favored for their convenience, allowing guests to use a dedicated space without intruding into private bathrooms. Practical features like laundry porches, which provide a dedicated space for laundry away from the main house and often include utility sinks and direct access to clotheslines, are also highly desired. Mudrooms, designed to contain shoes, coats, and backpacks, are seen as essential for keeping entryways tidy. Finally, laundry chutes are remembered as an efficient way to transport dirty clothes directly to the laundry area, promoting tidiness. Even coal chute windows, used for deliveries in older homes, are mentioned for their historical utility. #homeDesignTrends #interiorDesign #outdatedTrends #homeFeatures #architecturalDesign #practicalLiving #homeImprovements #nostalgia

The article explores the resurgence of cabinet and sink skirts in interior design, a trend rooted in 18th and 19th-century European decorating that is now being reinterpreted for modern homes. Traditionally utilitarian, these skirts are now used not only to conceal plumbing under sinks and cabinets but also to adorn desks, consoles, nightstands, and bars, offering an opportunity to introduce diverse fabrics and textures into a space. Haley Weidenbaum, co-founder of Everhem, offers practical advice for those considering this trend. She emphasizes the importance of selecting washable fabrics, especially for kitchen areas, due to their high-traffic nature and potential for dirt accumulation. Weidenbaum also advises ensuring the skirt length is just above the floor to prevent dragging and collecting dirt or moisture. While she generally suggests avoiding overly complicated designs, the article notes a personal preference for incorporating patterns and colors, encouraging individuals to choose designs that bring them joy. The article presents various designers' perspectives on the trend, revealing a mixed reception. While many designers embrace the return of sink skirts, appreciating their ability to add charm and softness, Sara Malek Barney of BANDD/DESIGN expresses strong disapproval, viewing them as impractical and a potential breeding ground for dirt and grime. For those who share this sentiment, opting for standard lower cabinets remains a straightforward alternative. The article then showcases ten examples of how cabinet and sink skirts can be effectively integrated into different home settings. Becky Shea highlights their ability to add old-world charm and introduce texture in country homes, providing softness against hard surfaces. Kate Pearce discusses their unexpected use in modern and eclectic designs, citing an instance where a velvet skirt concealed an awkward nook in a laundry room, offering a cost-effective and aesthetically pleasing solution. Mary Patton points out their utility in hiding unsightly plumbing, serving as a low-commitment way to update dated sinks, and providing hidden storage while adding a pop of color. Debbie Mathews illustrates how a skirted desk can function as a versatile drop zone, discreetly hiding items like trash cans and handbags. Courtney Brown details a tailored skirt in a scullery that conceals floral arrangements while contributing to the room's aesthetic. Salvesen Graham demonstrates the impact of matching wallpaper and skirt panels in a butler's pantry, proving small spaces can make grand statements. Mathews also explains how a blue sink skirt and Roman shade softened a utilitarian laundry room. Alexii Friedman emphasizes the evolution of sink skirts from purely functional to decorative elements, noting their potential for customization with various trims and pleats to suit any style. Haley Weidenbaum reiterates that sink skirts can elevate a kitchen by softening lines, adding unexpected texture or color, and providing practical storage. Finally, Hema Persad champions skirted sinks as a no-renovation solution for a quick vintage-inspired refresh, noting their ability to instantly add character to a bathroom with minimal effort. Overall, the article presents cabinet and sink skirts as a versatile design element that, despite some reservations among designers, offers practical benefits like concealing plumbing and storage, while also enhancing a space with texture, color, and a touch of vintage charm. The trend encourages personalization and creative expression in home decoration. #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #CabinetSkirts #SinkSkirts #DesignTrends #VintageCharm #HomeImprovement #TextileDecor #FunctionalDesign

The article advocates for the revival of several home design trends to reintroduce personality and uniqueness into modern living spaces. It critiques the current prevalence of sterile, minimalist, and neutral aesthetics, suggesting a return to more distinctive and character-filled designs. The author, drawing inspiration from personal interests and observations, outlines 11 specific trends that deserve a strong comeback. First, conversation pits and sunken living rooms are highlighted for their ability to create intimate gathering spaces and break up open floor plans. The versatility of these designs, extending beyond traditional living rooms to family rooms, kitchens, and even bedrooms, is emphasized. The author dismisses the notion that these features are dated, arguing that they offer a unique and eye-catching way to create a dynamic living environment. Next, the article champions closed floor plans, reminiscing about a time when each room had a distinct purpose, such as a formal living room for guests and a family room for daily use. It suggests that while open concepts have dominated new constructions, there is a growing appreciation for the functional separation and privacy that closed floor plans offer. The absence of color in modern design, often attributed to the rise of 'millennial gray' and minimalism, is addressed. The author calls for the reintroduction of bold, bright, and saturated colors, suggesting that color can be incorporated through furniture, appliances, cabinets, and decor, rather than solely through wall paint. This shift aims to make homes feel more vibrant and less monotonous. Wallpaper and accent walls are defended against their negative modern reputation. The piece argues that they provide an easy and effective way to introduce patterns and alter a room's ambiance without extensive redecorating. It also highlights their utility in rental properties where painting may not be an option, suggesting that accent walls are far from obsolete. Foyers are presented as essential greeting spaces that add grandeur and privacy. The author contrasts the traditional foyer with the modern preference for mudrooms, suggesting that both can coexist to serve different practical and aesthetic needs. Foyers are described as transformative spaces that offer a sense of tradition and a buffer between the entrance and the home's main living areas. The article then delves into Tuscan kitchens, advocating for their modernization. While acknowledging the potential for tackiness, it proposes that elements of the Tuscan aesthetic, such as rich textures and warm tones, can be reinterpreted in a contemporary manner. The emphasis is on retaining the unique atmosphere associated with this style while adapting it to current tastes. Arches are celebrated for their ability to introduce curvature and softness into interiors, moving away from harsh straight lines. The article notes the increasing popularity of arches beyond architectural features, including in mirrors, windows, and cabinetry, highlighting their capacity to add luxury and elegance to any space. Vintage and repurposed furniture are lauded for their environmental benefits and their ability to bring individuality, color, and unique stories into a home. The trend of seeking out second-hand pieces is encouraged as a sustainable and character-rich alternative to mass-produced 'fast furniture.' Glass bricks, despite their association with 1980s office aesthetics, are presented as a versatile material for adding visual interest and natural light, particularly in bathrooms. The author suggests that thoughtful application can transform them into a cool, vintage, and functional element in various parts of a home. Textured ceilings are proposed as a method to add character and conceal imperfections, moving beyond the stigma of popcorn ceilings. The article encourages exploring diverse textures and patterns to create an eclectic look, emphasizing that modernization can transform even seemingly outdated elements. Finally, marble is discussed not as a trend needing revival but as a material whose application should be reconsidered. While acknowledging its timeless luxury, the author suggests moving beyond its conventional use in kitchen counters and bathrooms to embrace more expansive applications, such as marble floors, tables, and walls, to make a grander statement and prevent it from feeling commonplace. #HomeDesignTrends #InteriorDesign #ArchitecturalRevival #DecoratingIdeas #PersonalityInHomes #VintageFurniture #ColorInDesign #SustainableDecor #SunkenLivingRooms

This article explores various home design trends often considered controversial, highlighting why individuals genuinely appreciate and implement them in their living spaces, often for practical and personal reasons that are overlooked in broader design discussions. The piece compiles insights from members of the BuzzFeed Community, offering diverse perspectives on these polarizing trends. Open shelving in kitchens, frequently criticized for collecting dust and animal hair, is defended by one respondent who argues that consistent use of dishes and glasses prevents such issues. This individual highlights the aesthetic appeal of open shelving, noting it often receives compliments from visitors. The practicality of open shelving is emphasized by its user-centric benefit rather than theoretical maintenance concerns. Open floor plans are another trend that receives mixed reactions. One person expresses dissatisfaction with their current home's enclosed layout, preferring an open plan to avoid feeling isolated while cooking and to foster family togetherness, especially during holidays. This perspective underscores the social and spatial advantages of open floor plans, suggesting their suitability depends on a household's specific needs. Barn doors are championed as effective space-savers, particularly for compact living areas. A contributor views the opposition to barn doors as a "privileged stance," implying that critics might not understand the spatial constraints faced by those living in smaller homes. This viewpoint stresses the functional benefits of barn doors over their aesthetic or perceived trendiness. Microwaves placed over the stove are defended for their convenience and efficient use of kitchen space, especially in smaller kitchens. A kitchen and bath designer argues against the trend of moving microwaves to lower cabinets, noting that bending over to access them is impractical and can pose safety issues for children. The designer emphasizes that while alternative placements may appear sleek, they are not always practical for everyone. The preference for multiple smaller bedrooms over fewer large ones is articulated by a 43-year-old from Utah. This individual appreciates the cozy feeling of smaller rooms and the ability to host more family members during holidays. This highlights a focus on functionality and family accommodation over spaciousness. Clear shower doors, often criticized for showing water spots, are favored by a Georgian resident who believes they make bathrooms feel larger. This person also notes that they are typically used in private settings where modesty is not a concern, dismissing the idea that they compromise privacy. This perspective prioritizes an expansive feel in the bathroom. Mounting TVs above fireplaces is a debated trend. A respondent argues that neck pain from viewing such a setup is indicative of excessive TV watching, and expresses satisfaction with the aesthetic, particularly when using a frame television that resembles art when off. This highlights a personal preference for visual integration and minimizing the appearance of technology. Water closets, which separate the toilet from the rest of the bathroom, are praised by a germophobe for hygiene reasons and for providing privacy, particularly in shared living situations. This emphasizes the health and privacy benefits derived from such a layout. Open kitchens are viewed positively by a Californian resident, who sees them as conducive to a shared social experience during guest visits. This perspective values the communal aspect of cooking and entertaining, contrasting with the idea that kitchens should be hidden due to mess. Painted brick is defended by someone who found their original brick fireplace aesthetically unappealing, stating that limewashing it enhanced the space while preserving texture. This illustrates how personal aesthetic preferences can justify altering original features. Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring is praised for its durability, ease of cleaning, and comfort underfoot, especially for households with toddlers and pets. The individual notes its realistic wood appearance and resilience to spills and scratches. This highlights practical benefits over traditional flooring materials. Black-painted house exteriors are preferred by a Floridian resident due to their low maintenance compared to white exteriors, which required frequent cleaning. This demonstrates a practical advantage in terms of upkeep and long-term appearance. Open staircases are appreciated for allowing light to flow through a home. A 73-year-old from California mentioned incorporating safety rods to protect grandchildren, combining aesthetic preference with functional safety. This illustrates how design choices can be adapted for both beauty and safety. Laundry closets are preferred over dedicated laundry rooms by a respondent who finds them more practical, as laundry is typically folded in other areas of the house while engaging in other activities. This emphasizes efficiency and multi-tasking convenience. Quartz countertops are highly favored for their durability, low maintenance, and wide range of aesthetic options, especially when compared to granite or butcher block. This highlights practical and aesthetic superiority over other countertop materials. Carpeting in bedrooms is advocated for its sound-dampening qualities, comfort, and warmth, particularly during colder months. This challenges the common aversion to carpet by focusing on comfort and practicality in a bedroom setting. Stovetop pot fillers are defended for their convenience, arguing that their utility in filling pots directly at the stove outweighs the minor inconvenience of moving the pot later. This emphasizes the convenience during the cooking process. Modern farmhouses, despite criticism, are appreciated for their clean, modern, and timeless aesthetic. A Texan resident defends this style, suggesting that much of the negativity stems from envy or misapplication of the style. Bare light bulb fixtures are defended, with an electrician recommending frosted bulbs to achieve a soft lighting effect while maintaining the fixture's aesthetic. This highlights how proper bulb choice can enhance controversial lighting styles. The absence of medicine cabinets in bathrooms is supported by a contributor who notes that medicine should not be stored in humid bathroom environments anyway. This practical advice addresses health and storage concerns. Wallpaper is lauded for its historical durability and ease of maintenance, especially for families with children, contrasting with paint which scuffs easily and is difficult to patch seamlessly. This advocates for the long-term practicality and aesthetic benefits of wallpaper. Farmhouse sinks are desired for their large size, which makes washing oversized pots much easier. This highlights a functional benefit for home cooks. Kitchen island cooktops are valued for enabling social interaction, allowing individuals to cook while engaging with family or guests. This emphasizes the social aspect of cooking and entertaining. Wood trim, often deemed outdated, is cherished by a 67-year-old from Ohio for its enduring beauty and the personal effort invested in its upkeep. This perspective emphasizes sentimental value, craftsmanship, and the timeless appeal of natural wood. Each of these perspectives offers a counter-narrative to prevailing design criticisms, underscoring that design preferences are deeply personal and often rooted in practical considerations. #HomeDesign #InteriorDecor #ControversialTrends #PersonalPreferences #KitchenDesign #BathroomDesign #LivingSpaces #DIYHome #ArchitecturalFeatures

The way a home is designed, decorated, or personalized varies greatly from person to person, yet certain trends elicit strong opinions. This article compiles numerous perspectives from readers on widely seen home design trends, highlighting their practicality, aesthetics, and overall appeal or lack thereof. The responses cover a broad spectrum of design elements, from kitchen layouts and bathroom fixtures to broader architectural choices and outdoor landscaping. One common criticism revolves around open shelving in kitchens. While visually appealing in photographs, many find it impractical for daily use due to the need for perfectly matching dishes, potential dust accumulation, and the irresistible temptation it presents to household pets, particularly cats. Another frequent complaint targets the lack of storage in large, expensive homes, specifically the absence of entryway closets, which poses challenges for organizing everyday items like shoes, jackets, and cleaning equipment. Oversized light fixtures with overly bright Edison-style bulbs are also mentioned as a source of annoyance, often causing discomfort and flickering issues even with dimmers. Kitchen appliance placement is another area of contention, with microwaves built into lower cabinets being deemed inconvenient for individuals with mobility issues or children, raising concerns about accessibility and safety. Bathroom design trends are also scrutinized, particularly 'shower rooms' where a tub is enclosed within the shower glass. Critics argue this design makes cleaning significantly more laborious, as the entire tub must be cleaned with the shower walls, and raises concerns about mold growth behind freestanding tubs. The trend of installing outlets inside drawers is questioned for its impracticality, especially when using appliances that require an open drawer, leading to potential spills and obstruction. Structural and aesthetic elements also receive strong opinions. Fake fireplace 'chimneys' covered with artificial siding are considered tacky and unnecessary if a real fireplace cannot be installed. The open floor plan, despite its popularity, is criticized by those who enjoy cooking, as it allows food odors to permeate the entire house. The placement of laundry facilities in the kitchen is also seen as unsanitary and inconvenient. Farmhouse sinks are deemed problematic due to their flat bottoms, which hinder proper drainage and require excessive water for cleaning. The use of multiple pot lights instead of a single, well-chosen light fixture is viewed as an uninspired and excessive lighting choice. Two-toned kitchens, where cabinets or islands are different colors, are often described as mismatched and poorly coordinated. Shower niches without adequate shelving are seen as a wasted opportunity for practical storage. A significant point of frustration for many homeowners is the pressure to decorate their homes with resale in mind, leading to bland, neutral interiors rather than personalized, vibrant spaces. The lack of trees in new housing developments is lamented, with many preferring older homes with established greenery. Two-handle faucets are considered less functional than single-handle alternatives for tasks like dishwashing. The maintenance challenges of freestanding tubs are reiterated, specifically the difficulty of cleaning behind them. Exterior design choices like all-black modern farmhouses in warm climates are questioned for their impracticality. Roughly textured kitchen backsplash tiles are criticized for being difficult to clean, unlike smoother, glossed options like subway tiles. Ventless hood vents in kitchens are dismissed as largely ineffective for their intended purpose of removing steam, odors, and smoke, essentially serving only as stovetop lighting. The installation of pot fillers over stoves is seen as an unnecessary plumbing investment, given that heavy pots still need to be moved from the stove. Kitchen renovations in senior communities that lack base cabinets with drawers are highlighted as a significant accessibility issue for older adults. Architectural trends like 'monster houses' on tiny lots, new builds with windowless sides, and the use of mini-split air conditioning units (especially in historic homes) are critiqued for their aesthetic impact and functional shortcomings. Safety concerns are raised regarding deck railings with horizontal balusters, which can be easily climbed by children. Gray flooring is widely considered dated, tacky, and cheap-looking. Painting brick on mid-century homes white is seen as an irreversible mistake. The use of cheap, plastic-looking fake stone on new builds is also frowned upon. Finally, interior layouts that require walking through a bathroom to access a closet are deemed inconvenient for multi-person households, as are clear shower doors that compromise privacy. Quartz countertops are likened to outdated laminate, and small garages that cannot accommodate modern vehicles or additional storage are a recurring issue. The barn door trend is emphatically rejected unless one truly lives in a barn, being seen as embarrassing and out of place in residential settings. #HomeDesignTrends #InteriorDecor #KitchenDesign #BathroomDesign #ArchitecturalChoices #HomeRenovation #DesignCritiques #PracticalityInDesign #HomeownerOpinions