Outdated Home Design Trends That Are Better Than Modern Trends

People are rediscovering the charm and functionality of older home design trends that have been replaced by modern aesthetics. Here are 17 "outdated" trends that many believe deserve a comeback.

1. Livable Outdoor Spaces

"Livable outdoor spaces with big porches that wrap around the house. In the Caribbean, these terraces allow you to open up the house to catch the breeze and host parties. New houses without this outdoor space make no sense for our climate."

2. Sunken Family Rooms

"A sunken family room creates a contained play area for kids and helps contain mess. It's a functional space that adds character."

3. Separate Clothing Closets

"Clothing closets that are separate from the bathroom. No one wants damp clothes or to walk past an occupied toilet."

4. Butler's Pantry

"A butler's pantry provides essential storage for bulk purchases, small appliances, and hosting supplies that modern kitchens often lack."

5. Transoms and Pocket Doors

"Transoms that open for air circulation and pocket doors for privacy. These features reduce energy use and create flexible living spaces."

6. Grand Staircases

"Grand staircases add architectural interest and a sense of arrival that modern minimalist designs often miss."

7. Built-in Bookcases

"Massive built-in bookcases provide practical storage and character, even if it means less wall space for decoration."

8. Kitchens with Their Own Rooms

"A kitchen that has its own room creates a private, cozy cooking space. The open kitchen concept means the whole house smells like dinner and dirty dishes are on display."

9. 1950s Design Aesthetics

"The late 1950s had clean lines, interesting color palettes, and iconic furniture designers like Eames. It was a treat for the eyes compared to today's sterile designs."

10. Formal Entries and Back Staircases

"Formal entries create a proper transition into the home, and second back staircases add convenience that modern open floor plans eliminate."

11. Collected-Over-Time Decor

"Meaningful accessories and furniture collected over time, including heirlooms. The sterile look of buying everything at once lacks personality."

12. Tasteful Wallpaper

"Wallpaper (not the busy kind) on accent walls adds artistic personality and makes rooms feel different from boring blank walls."

13. Colored Walls

"Painting walls colors other than white gives homes character. I miss houses having the owner's personality, not just what's popular right now."

14. Genuine Family Photos

"Genuine pictures of families instead of staged, edited photos. Real memories like a child covered in spaghetti sauce should be celebrated."

15. Wood-Burning Fireplaces

"Wood-burning fireplaces provide authentic warmth and ambiance that gas or electric alternatives can't match."

16. Exposed Brick and Tile Floors

"Exposed brick walls and stone or tile floors outside bathrooms add character and are easy to clean."

Note: Some responses have been edited for length and/or clarity.

What other "outdated" home design trends do you think are better than modern-day trends (and deserve a comeback)?