10 Home Features that will probably be outdated in five years

10 Home Features that will probably be outdated in five years 

Home design is constantly evolving, reflecting changes in technology, lifestyle and environmental consciousness but nowadays, this is happening at a faster rate and what was considered modern and cutting-edge just five years ago may now seem dated or inefficient.

As we look ahead, some of the features commonly found in homes today are likely to fall out of favour in the not-too-distant future and this is important to bear in mind, whether you're building, buying, or renovating. Being aware of trends on their way out can help you future-proof your space and your investment.

Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty
shares 10 home features that will probably be outdated in the next five years:

1. Granite Countertops

Granite was once the gold standard for kitchen countertops, prized for its durability and natural beauty, however, trends have shifted toward more sustainable and versatile materials like wood, quartz and porcelain.

Granite’s busy patterns and darker tones are giving way to the cleaner, more contemporary aesthetics of engineered surfaces and homeowners also want options that are easier to clean and less prone to staining or chipping.

2. Double Ovens

Double ovens were once seen as the ultimate kitchen convenience, but changing lifestyles are making them less relevant. Recent kitchen studies by Houzz show a big drop in double oven installations, with homeowners opting for smart, multifunctional appliances instead.

Busy families and young professionals are more likely to use compact countertop devices like air fryers for quick meals and energy efficiency concerns and the push for smaller, smarter kitchens mean bulky double ovens are being replaced by combination convection/microwave ovens or high-tech ranges.

With less emphasis on elaborate home-cooked meals, the double oven is becoming an unnecessary luxury and manufacturers are focusing on smarter integration rather than bigger appliances.

3. Overly Complicated Smart Home Systems

Smart homes are here to stay, but early systems were often clunky and hard to integrate, and proprietary platforms and complex hubs are quickly becoming outdated in favour of unified ecosystems like Matter or devices that work seamlessly with voice assistants like Alexa or Google Assistant. In five years, smart homes will likely rely on simpler, interoperable tech rather than a tangled web of apps and systems.

4. Wall-to-Wall Carpeting

Once a cosy mainstay, wall-to-wall carpeting is falling out of favour due to its maintenance challenges and lack of sustainability. Carpeting is harder to keep clean, traps allergens and wears out more quickly, making it less appealing to modern homeowners.

The trend toward pet-friendly and allergy-free environments has accelerated this shift and today’s homeowners are opting for hard flooring materials like hardwood, vinyl planks and polished concrete, which are easier to clean and better for indoor air quality.

Area rugs are increasingly used for warmth and design, giving more flexibility and style without the hassle.

5. Jetted Bathtubs

Jetted bathtubs were once considered a luxury feature, but they're becoming less desirable due to their bulky size, high water usage and cleaning difficulties. Market research in 2024 shows that buyers are concerned about hygiene issues and the high maintenance required to keep jets clean and functioning.

In their place, people are choosing larger, sleek spa-like showers with features like rain showerheads, steam functions, and built-in seating. Wellness-focused bathrooms that promote efficiency and relaxation are replacing these water-hogging relics.

6. Traditional Fireplaces

While fireplaces will always have a certain nostalgic charm, traditional wood-burning models are quickly being replaced by cleaner and more efficient alternatives.

Gas and electric fireplaces, along with bioethanol models, offer the ambiance without the mess or environmental impact. In areas where energy efficiency and emissions are key concerns, traditional fireplaces may soon be phased out altogether.

7. Massive Walk-In Closets

The idea of having a closet as big as a bedroom once signified status and luxury but, as minimalism and sustainable fashion gain traction, homeowners are beginning to question the need for such excess storage.

In urban areas where square footage comes at a premium, massive walk-ins are being swapped for compact, well-designed wardrobes and smart organizational systems that make better use of limited space.

8. Formal Dining Rooms

Formal dining rooms are fading fast as open-concept living continues to dominate home layouts. In a 2024 survey by Realtor.com, more than 65% of respondents said they rarely use their formal dining space, preferring flexible, multi-use areas that adapt to daily life.

Modern families want spaces that flow, with kitchens merging into living and dining zones for easier entertaining and connection. Builders are responding by replacing separate dining rooms with larger great rooms or kitchen nooks and, as people crave comfort and togetherness, the once-standard formal dining room is becoming a thing of the past 

9. Kitchen Overload (Too Many Cabinets and Upper Storage)

While storage is always a necessity, the trend of surrounding the kitchen with upper cabinetry may soon become passé. Open shelving, minimalist designs, and hidden pantries are now preferred for their airy, uncluttered look.

People are rethinking the visual weight and function of kitchen cabinetry, especially as modern appliances and smart layouts reduce the need for so much visible storage.

10. Dedicated Media Rooms

At one point, having a room solely for watching TV or movies was a must-have for high-end homes, however, as technology has made streaming more mobile and screens more versatile, the need for a separate media room is dwindling.

Homeowners now prefer multipurpose rooms that serve more than one function, such as a hybrid office-lounge or family room with flexible furniture. With immersive tech like VR and AR on the rise, the way we consume media is changing and the idea of a static “theatre” space is becoming obsolete.

Home feature trends don’t last forever and it’s inevitable that as lifestyles shift and technology evolves, certain design elements will fall by the wayside so staying informed about what’s trending - and what’s fading - can help ensure your investment stands the test of time.

The key to future-proofing your home isn't just chasing the latest design fads, but focusing on timeless utility, sustainable choices, and flexible spaces that can adapt as life changes.