Design Trends That Don't Age Well
Interior designers warn that certain popular home trends may not stand the test of time, including excessive gray, open shelving that sacrifices storage, barn doors, and statement lighting. Zillow's new report identifies three major shifts in American home design over 20 years: open-plan living, smart technology integration, and energy efficiency prioritization. USA Cabinet Store highlights bigger kitchen islands and spa-inspired bathrooms as 2026 trends.
- The "modern farmhouse" aesthetic is being replaced by styles like "transitional cottage," which incorporates richer, moodier colors such as mushroom, burgundy, and sage green, along with darker woods. Another emerging style is "cottagecore," which emphasizes a nostalgic, family-home feeling. - Open-plan living, a concept that gained traction in the 1950s, can trace its architectural roots to modernists like Frank Lloyd Wright and Le Corbusier, who aimed to create more fluid and flexible living spaces. Post-World War II, this layout became a symbol of casual, family-centric life in suburban American homes. - In bathroom design, trends like tiled shower borders and heavy, furniture-like vanities are now considered outdated. Homeowners are now opting for the cleaner look of large-scale tiles and simpler, more functional vanities that offer ample storage. - Kitchen islands are evolving from simple rectangular prep stations to multifunctional hubs with integrated seating and smart technology. Designers are increasingly incorporating curved and L-shaped islands to better suit open-plan living and improve traffic flow. - The global smart home market was valued at approximately $147.52 billion in 2025 and is projected to grow to over $500 billion by 2032. In the U.S., over half of all households already have at least one smart home device. - While all-white kitchens were a dominant trend for nearly a decade, they are now being replaced by kitchens with more warmth and personality, featuring earth tones, deep greens, and muted blues. Designers are also moving away from wall-to-wall shiplap in favor of more subtle textures like limewash or soft paneling. - Outdated bathroom features that can make a home look dated include jacuzzi or whirlpool tubs, tile countertops, and bold, contrasting grout lines. The current preference is for minimalist soaking tubs or accessible walk-in showers and more cohesive, tonal designs. - The rise of the home office, or "Zoom room," is declining, with these spaces appearing in 34% fewer real estate listings as more people return to traditional offices. There is a growing interest in specialty craft and music rooms instead.
