Home Trends That Were Everywhere 5 Years Ago — That We're Actually Removing Now

Every generation of homeowners inherits the design decisions of the previous one. Right now, we're in the middle of a reckoning with the farmhouse aesthetic that dominated the 2015–2022 era. Here's what buyers are asking to remove — and what they're putting in its place.

Shiplap Everywhere

Shiplap had a moment. A long moment. But after years of seeing it on every accent wall, in every entryway, and across every HGTV renovation, it's started to feel dated. Buyers today are more likely to see shiplap as a renovation project than a selling point. The replacement? Smooth walls, limewash, or textured plaster finishes that feel more artisanal and less mass-produced.

Open Shelving in Kitchens

The appeal of open shelving was always more aesthetic than practical. In reality, it requires constant maintenance, collects grease and dust, and puts your organizational habits on permanent display. Buyers are increasingly preferring full upper cabinets — especially with the popularity of clean, handleless cabinetry in contemporary kitchens.

Barn Doors

The sliding barn door was everywhere for a while, and it made sense — it's a space-saving solution that also looks interesting. But the hardware has become so associated with a specific era of design that it now reads as dated rather than clever. Traditional hinged doors or pocket doors are the preferred alternatives.

All-White Kitchens

The all-white kitchen was the pinnacle of the minimalist farmhouse look. But it's being replaced by two-tone cabinetry, warmer wood tones, and more personality. Buyers today want kitchens that feel curated, not clinical.

Subway Tile (Standard 3x6)

Standard white subway tile isn't going away entirely, but the classic 3x6 brick pattern has been so overused that it no longer reads as a design choice — it reads as a builder-grade default. Buyers are responding to larger format tiles, zellige, handmade ceramics, and more interesting layouts.

The Bottom Line

Trends exist on a cycle, and the farmhouse aesthetic is cycling out. If you're preparing to sell, it's worth evaluating which of these elements are in your home and whether a targeted update would improve your appeal to today's buyers. Not everything needs to change — but knowing what's dated versus what's timeless is valuable.