10 Home Design Trends From The Last Decade That Didn’t Age Well — And What Today’s Buyers Actually Want
Open shelving: Beautiful initially and in theory but lacking in livability
Over the last decade, we saw some big home design swings — and not all of them landed. As the 2025 housing market leans toward warmer, more functional design, certain trends from the 2010s and early 2020s have officially fallen out of buyer favor. If you’re planning to sell your home on the South Shore, knowing what not to highlight can be just as important as knowing what upgrades will boost value.
1. Barn Doors in Every Room
Once a Pinterest darling, barn doors are known for poor privacy and clunky operation. Buyers are leaning back toward real doors and clean-lined transitions. This doesn’t mean all barn door applications are bad! I love a good barn door…it just means use them intentionally (not on a bathroom)
2. The “all gray everything” Phase
Cool gray floors, walls and cabinets dominated for years, especially in new construction and flips but buyers now prefer warmer tones that feel more inviting and less industrial. Your home should be warm, cozy and comfortable.
3. Shiplap Overdose
A tasteful accent wall can still work, but entire rooms of shiplap read more themed than timeless. It’s one thing if the era and style of the house warrant shiplap, but today’s buyers want texture — not reenactments of farmhouse TV.
4. Open Shelving Kitchens
Beautiful for photos. Stressful in real life. Most buyers want closed storage for everyday kitchens with real families, real mess and real appliances. No one needs to see it!
5. Bulky Vessel Sinks
These look stylish (especially in magazines or on home improvement shows) but often cause splashing and maintenance headaches. Modern buyers gravitate toward under-mount sinks for a cleaner, more functional feel.
6. Black Stainless Steel Appliances
No! They have been marketed as high-end, but they are easily scratched and hard to keep looking new. This is your kitchen. You KNOW what goes on in there. Standard stainless or panel-ready appliances have held up far better.
7. Ultra-Open Floor Plans
After 2020, everyone learned that walls matter. We like defined spaces and privacy at times. Buyers want flexible layouts, defined spaces and the option to actually close a door.
8. The All-White Era
A completely white home photographs bright but feels sterile in person. Dinner or appendectomy? Bring on the family/friend gathering spot that is inviting and not perfect! Color, style, comfort and personality. Today’s demand leans toward warm neutrals, texture and layered finishes.
9. Edison Bulb Lighting
Moody but dim, these quickly fell out of favor as homeowners realized they weren’t great for actual lighting. Brighter, warmer LED fixtures now dominate. (Not going to lie…I still use Edison bulbs strategically in my home, just not EVERYWHERE!)
10. Budget “Modern Farmhouse” Knockoffs
In this area we have been seeing entire homes go through these renovations. Again, I’m going to blame some of the popular tv programs that showcase these easy, cheaper “updates” that give you the same look and feel as that farmhouse you love. The problem: most often the quality and materials are lacking…and time is brutally honest! Thin MDF beams, faux shiplap and hasty rustic touches didn’t hold up over time — and buyers can spot the shortcuts.
What Buyers Actually Want in 2025–2026
If you’re prepping your home for sale, here’s what the market leans toward: warm woods, quartz counters, ample storage, natural light, modern hardware and functional layouts. These trends photograph beautifully, boost buyer engagement and help homes sell faster on the South Shore.
Want a personalized walkthrough of what updates will actually move the needle in Plymouth and surrounding towns? I offer strategic, value-driven listing prep that aligns with what today’s buyers are searching for — and what tomorrow’s algorithms will want to recommend.