Why These Outdated Home Design Trends Should Come Back Now

This article explores why many homeowners are longing for “outdated” design features. It also looks at what this says about how we plan and build houses today.

Drawing on reader reactions to a recent BuzzFeed piece, we’ll look at how older homes often delivered better function and comfort. Many current design trends do not always offer the same day-to-day practicality.

The Case for Bringing Back Practical Home Design

In our industry, trends come and go. However, the way people actually live in their homes stays much the same.

Reader responses highlight a growing disconnect between fashionable layouts and real-world needs. From storage and zoning to ceiling heights and utilities, older homes were designed for living, not just for listing photos.

The Vanishing Art of Built‑In Storage

One theme came through loud and clear: we are underbuilding storage in contemporary homes. Readers lamented the disappearance of:

These simple elements once came standard in modest houses. Now, they are rare in many new builds.

Instead, there is a reliance on oversized wardrobes or off-site storage units. In-wall storage is one of the most space-efficient, cost-effective upgrades and it greatly improves daily living.

Zoned Floor Plans and Family Cohesion

Readers pushed back against sprawling layouts that scatter bedrooms across wings and floors. Many preferred zoned floor plans with bedrooms grouped together and logical, compact circulation.

This approach supports:

Open, meandering floor plans can compromise privacy, security, and energy use. Thoughtful zoning remains a key part of functional home design.

High Ceilings and the Quality of Space

High ceilings were widely praised as a hallmark of older homes. Even with the same floor area, greater ceiling height improves daylight, air movement, and spaciousness.

Many newer homes cut back on ceiling height to save on materials and energy, but the result can feel cramped. Designers can use raised ceilings in main rooms to balance efficiency and comfort.

Utility Features That Actually Make Life Easier

Readers singled out humble but useful features that were once common:

These are low-tech solutions with high functional value. They make chores easier and keep mess in service areas.

Great Rooms vs. Purpose‑Built Spaces

The oversized “great room” received criticism. Many readers prefer having distinct family rooms and formal living rooms instead of one large, undefined space.

Dedicated rooms allow for:

Large, undivided spaces can be hard to heat and cool evenly. Defined rooms are making a return in thoughtful home design.

The Lost Art of the Starter Home

Many readers commented on the disappearance of the affordable, well-crafted starter home. Instead of modest houses with solid materials and practical layouts, buyers now see large, expensive homes with decorative extras but lacking basics like storage and durability.

Old‑School Features with Modern Potential

Readers nostalgically endorsed several features that combine charm with function:

While not all of these fit today’s codes and lifestyles, the main ideas—passive systems, integrated storage, and service-oriented design—are still important.

Designing Homes That Put Function First

Stepping back, the message from readers is clear: older homes often got the fundamentals right.

They focused on durability, comfort, and everyday usability rather than novelty.

As architects and engineers, we can respond by re‑integrating these lessons into contemporary projects.

This means providing ample storage, sensible zoning, practical utilities, and human‑scaled spaces.

 
Here is the source article for this story: People Are Revealing The “Outdated” Home Design Trends That Need To Come Back, Like, Right Now