The real estate market is always changing, and what was once considered outdated might become tomorrow’s hot commodity. As we approach 2025, home design experts are noticing some surprising shifts in what buyers value.
Certain retro features are making unexpected comebacks while other trends are quickly losing their appeal.
Let’s explore which outdated elements might actually boost your property value and which ones could cost you money when it’s time to sell.
1. Wood Paneling Makes a Surprising Return
Remember those dark wood-paneled walls from the 70s? They’re experiencing a renaissance! Designers are embracing this classic look with modern twists.
When done right—think lighter woods or partial wall applications—this once-dated feature adds warmth and character that today’s buyers crave. The key is moderation and proper styling to avoid the basement rec room vibe of decades past.
2. Formal Dining Rooms Regain Importance
During the open-concept craze, formal dining rooms nearly disappeared. Now they’re back in demand as families rediscover the joy of dedicated eating spaces.
Post-pandemic living has reinforced the value of separate rooms for different activities. A well-appointed dining room with classic features signals sophistication and intentional living—qualities increasingly attractive to homebuyers seeking balance between togetherness and personal space.
3. Vintage Bathroom Fixtures Fetch Premium Prices
Claw-foot tubs and brass fixtures once seemed hopelessly dated. Fast forward to 2025, and these vintage bathroom elements command serious attention from buyers.
What’s driving this trend? Sustainability concerns and appreciation for craftsmanship have buyers seeking well-made originals over disposable modern alternatives. Restored vintage fixtures signal quality and uniqueness that mass-produced items simply can’t match, making them valuable selling points.
4. Wallpaper Continues Its Triumphant Comeback
Once relegated to grandma’s house, wallpaper has staged a magnificent return. Bold patterns and textured designs are now considered premium features rather than dated eyesores.
Wallpapered accent walls or ceiling treatments demonstrate design confidence and personality. Unlike the wallpaper of yesteryear, today’s options include removable versions that appeal to buyers who appreciate the look but want flexibility—making this formerly outdated feature a genuine value-adder.
5. Built-in Bookshelves Command Premium Interest
While minimalism had everyone removing built-ins, the tide has turned dramatically. Custom bookshelves and cabinetry are now highly coveted features that buyers will pay extra to obtain.
Hungry for character and storage, today’s homebuyers see these architectural elements as both practical and charming. The craftsmanship and permanence of well-designed built-ins create an emotional connection that translates directly to higher offers when selling your home.
6. Crown Molding and Ceiling Medallions Add Elegance
Intricate ceiling details once seemed fussy and old-fashioned. Now, these architectural elements are commanding attention from buyers willing to pay more for such distinctive touches.
The craftsmanship involved in these features speaks to quality construction that’s increasingly rare in newer homes. When paired with contemporary décor, these classic elements create a sophisticated juxtaposition that appeals to design-savvy buyers looking for homes with authentic character and structural integrity.
7. Separate Laundry Rooms Become Must-Have Features
Gone are the days when hiding washers in kitchens or bathrooms was acceptable. Dedicated laundry spaces, once considered old-school, now significantly boost property values.
The pandemic highlighted the importance of functional, separate spaces for different household activities. A well-designed laundry room with storage and folding areas represents thoughtful planning and practical living—qualities that resonate strongly with today’s home buyers seeking organization and efficiency.
8. Sunrooms and Enclosed Porches See Renewed Appreciation
What once seemed like wasted space is now prime real estate. Sunrooms and enclosed porches are experiencing a remarkable resurgence in buyer interest and property valuation.
As remote work continues to evolve, these transitional spaces offer flexible areas for home offices, yoga studios, or plant havens. The connection to nature while remaining protected from the elements satisfies the growing desire for indoor-outdoor living without requiring major construction or landscape maintenance.
9. Butler’s Pantries Become Luxury Selling Points
These small preparation and storage spaces between kitchens and dining rooms were nearly extinct. Now they’re back with a vengeance as premium features in upscale homes.
Perfect for entertaining and keeping main kitchens presentable, butler’s pantries appeal to serious home cooks and social hosts alike. The extra storage, prep space, and specialized areas for coffee stations or wine collections create functional luxury that justifies higher asking prices.
10. Terrazzo Flooring Signals Premium Design Sensibility
Once associated with mid-century institutional buildings, terrazzo has become a coveted flooring option that signals design sophistication and increases home values.
Durable and distinctive, modern terrazzo offers eco-friendly appeal through recycled materials while providing a unique aesthetic that stands out from ubiquitous hardwood and tile. Its longevity and low maintenance requirements further enhance its appeal to practical-minded buyers willing to pay for quality.
11. Open Shelving Signals the End of Kitchen Luxury
What was once Instagram’s darling has quickly become a red flag for serious buyers. Open kitchen shelving now screams impracticality and maintenance headaches rather than style.
Dust collection, visual clutter, and the constant pressure to maintain display-worthy arrangements have soured homeowners on this trend. Buyers increasingly view open shelving as a renovation waiting to happen, mentally deducting thousands from offer prices when they spot this dated design choice.
12. Barn Doors Slide Into Obsolescence
Once the darling of farmhouse chic, sliding barn doors have rapidly fallen from grace in the real estate market. Their lack of sound insulation and privacy has become a significant liability.
What seemed charming and space-saving now reads as a cheap shortcut that fails at a door’s primary functions. Buyers increasingly view these as immediate replacement projects, especially when used for bathrooms or bedrooms where privacy concerns are paramount.
13. All-White Kitchens Lose Their Sparkle
The pristine all-white kitchen that dominated the 2010s has officially lost its luster. Buyers now see these spaces as high-maintenance nightmares rather than clean and timeless designs.
Showing every speck of dirt and lacking personality, these clinical kitchens feel dated and uninspired to today’s homebuyers. Properties featuring all-white kitchens typically receive lower offers as buyers calculate the cost of warming up these spaces with new cabinet colors or countertops.
14. Gray-on-Gray Color Schemes Feel Instantly Dated
The ubiquitous gray trend that dominated the late 2010s has officially become a liability. Homes drenched in gray now feel corporate, cold, and remarkably dated to prospective buyers.
What once seemed neutral and safe now reads as unimaginative and depressing. Properties featuring wall-to-wall gray typically require significant repainting to attract top dollar, with buyers mentally deducting these costs from their offers when confronted with this tired trend.
15. Vessel Sinks Drain Property Value
Those statement bowl sinks that sit atop counters are now considered both impractical and passé. Their awkward height, splashing tendencies, and difficult cleaning make them immediate renovation targets.
Once viewed as luxury bathroom features, vessel sinks now signal to buyers that the bathroom hasn’t been updated in years. Their presence typically triggers mental calculations about replacement costs, directly impacting offer prices and perceived property value.