Get ready to swipe left on those tired design decisions! Below are 12 home features that scream “grandma’s house” and are quietly nipping at your property’s resale price. Let’s dive in—with receipts.
Millennial homebuyers aren’t just looking for “cute”—they want practical, bright, and timeless spaces. If your home still sports these throwbacks, potential buyers might offer you less (or swipe left altogether). Here are the 12 culprits dragging your value down in 2025.
1. Popcorn Ceilings
Nothing says “I haven’t updated since Reagan” like a bumpy, popcorn-style ceiling. While once prized for hiding imperfections, today it’s a health and aesthetic red flag. Modern buyers prefer smooth ceilings that reflect light and feel fresh. According to Angie’s List, removing popcorn ceilings can recoup over 80% of its cost, often adding about $2,500 back in value—making the messy skim-coat worth it for resale appeal.
After removal, rooms look brighter and larger, and you dodge asbestos concerns in pre-1990s homes. Skipping this upgrade can signal to buyers that the rest of the home is as dated as the ceiling, potentially costing you offers. Even worse, many home inspectors now flag popcorn ceilings as potential hazards, especially if they’re deteriorating. That could delay closing—or tank the sale altogether. Smooth ceilings may not feel like a sexy upgrade, but they quietly tell buyers your home is clean, updated, and well cared for.
2. Wall-to-Wall Carpeting
Sure, carpet feels cozy underfoot, but buyers see it as a hidden “ick” factor—dust, stains, allergens—you name it. A 2019 Forbes deep dive labels wall-to-wall carpeting a deal-breaker for many prospective homeowners, noting it often deters health-conscious buyers and rarely returns its cost at sale.
Hardwood or modern luxury vinyl plank not only photograph better online but also promise easier maintenance—and higher offers. Even if your carpet is in mint condition, the perception alone can shave thousands off your final price. Plus, carpet often traps odors from pets, food, or smoke, which can be a major turn-off during open houses. Buyers today want sleek, allergy-friendly surfaces they don’t have to deep clean on day one. Swapping out carpet can make your home feel instantly newer, cleaner, and more valuable.
3. Mirrored Closet Doors
Once a symbol of seventies glamour, mirrored sliders now look like thrift-store finds. Buyers worry about scratched, warped glass and the claustrophobic feel of reflective tunnel vision. HGTV interior experts flag mirrored closet doors as a dated detail that chips away at curb appeal, recommending simple barn doors or sleek frosted panels instead.
Plus, contemporary wardrobes favor built-in organizers over mirror-front distractions. Replacing doors with clean-lined alternatives often costs under $500 and yields a surprisingly high perceived value bump. Mirrored doors also reflect clutter, which can make even a tidy room feel chaotic in listing photos. They tend to shatter easily, which raises safety concerns—especially for buyers with kids or pets. A sleek update here is low-effort, high-reward, and can instantly modernize a bedroom’s entire look.
4. Outdated Appliances
That avocado green fridge or harvest gold oven might have been stylish in 1975, but today they scream “time capsule.” Buyers crave stainless steel or matte black finishes that hint at modern tech and hygiene. According to Yahoo Lifestyle, older appliances consistently rank among top “features to replace,” as they visibly date the entire kitchen.
Even if they work flawlessly, the color and finish can make cabinetry look clashing and space feel less cohesive—issues that buyers mentally tally when they decide how much to offer. Outdated appliances also raise concerns about energy inefficiency, which can be a dealbreaker for eco-conscious buyers. Many shoppers now expect smart features or at least Energy Star ratings—so those retro units don’t just look old, they feel high-maintenance. Swapping them out can transform your kitchen from “meh” to market-ready in a single weekend.
5. Honey-Oak or Orange Oak Cabinetry
Thick oak cabinets with orange-hued stains were once a sign of craftsmanship—now they read as overpowering and heavy. Designers warn that the wood grain and color clash with today’s preference for light, airy kitchens. Real Simple interior pros specifically call out antique-looking cabinetry as visually jarring and misaligned with minimalist tastes.
Refacing or painting these cabinets can cost a fraction of full replacement yet instantly modernize the kitchen’s vibe—and boost buyer interest. That honeyed finish also tends to make countertops and backsplashes look busier than they are, overwhelming the space. White, greige, or soft sage tones are far more in step with 2025’s calm, clean kitchen aesthetic. Updating the hardware to matte black or brushed gold can take the transformation even further without blowing your reno budget.
6. Bold or Busy Wallpaper
Floral, damask, or geometric wallpaper might have once added personality, but bulky patterns now overwhelm interiors. Buyers favor neutral backdrops that let them envision their own style. Stripping dated wallpaper and opting for soft, neutral paint broadens appeal to more potential buyers. Wallpaper removal is tedious, but the payoff is a blank canvas that photographs beautifully online—a key driver in faster, higher-priced offers.
Plus, no one wants to walk into a bedroom and feel like they’re trapped in a Victorian parlor or a psychedelic time warp. The glue residue alone can turn a quick refresh into a renovation nightmare, which buyers mentally file under “future headaches.” A fresh coat of warm white or soft gray paint can make even an older space feel like a trendy new listing—and that’s gold in today’s market.
7. Tarnished Brass Fixtures
Brass faucets, doorknobs, and light fixtures can tarnish quickly, leaving bathrooms and kitchens looking grubby. Updating to brushed nickel or matte black delivers a fresh, sophisticated look—and helps avoid the dreaded “dated” tag that brass now carries. Small-scale swaps (like shower hardware and cabinet pulls) are wallet-friendly yet provide a modern polish that resonates with style-savvy buyers.
No one’s saying you need to gut your kitchen, but those shiny gold fixtures scream 1980s Miami Vice. Buyers want something that says “Pinterest inspo”—not “Golden Girls rerun.” Swapping outdated brass for matte finishes gives the whole home a quiet confidence boost, like putting on a tailored blazer instead of an old varsity hoodie.
8. Mismatched or Cheap Laminate/Tiled Flooring
Multiple flooring types or low-grade laminate scream “budget job.” Outdated carpets, cheap laminate, and dated tile can disrupt the home’s flow and reduce offers by thousands. Streamlining to a single, high-quality floor—whether engineered wood or luxury vinyl—creates visual continuity and shaves years off a home’s look.
Disjointed floors give “DIY gone wrong” energy, and buyers notice. A seamless look adds square footage visually, even if the floorplan stays the same. Even better, uniform flooring makes rooms feel brighter, bigger, and more cohesive—aka ready for Instagram-worthy furniture drops.
9. Single-Pane Windows
Energy efficiency is non-negotiable for modern buyers. Single-pane windows lack insulation, leading to higher utility costs and drafts. Replacing windows is an investment, but a 65–80% ROI means you recoup most costs—and win over buyers focused on sustainability and lower bills.
Beyond energy loss, single-pane glass can mean more outside noise—hello, garbage trucks at 6 a.m. Double-pane upgrades also give your home a more polished, newer appearance from the curb. Buyers don’t want to inherit a weathered, rattly window situation when they could be sipping lattes in a quiet, cozy living room.
10. Laminate Countertops
Laminate might be easy on the wallet, but homes with laminate counters tend to sell for less than similar listings with upgraded surfaces. Buyers perceive laminate as “cutting corners,” especially in kitchens, which are the crown jewel of any tour. Upgrading to quartz or granite may cost more upfront, but the sparkle in buyer eyes often translates into stronger offers.
Let’s be real: no one’s bragging about their faux marble laminate on TikTok. People want those solid, stone-counter #kitchenrenovation vibes. Swapping in a durable, luxe-looking surface makes everything else—your cabinets, backsplash, lighting—look that much better.
11. Outdated Light Fixtures
Chunky chandeliers, builder-grade flush mounts, and fluorescent strip lights feel institutional. Modern fixtures—think slim LEDs or sculptural pendants—add style and warmth, making spaces feel current rather than “leftover from the nineties.” Fixture swaps are low-cost but can elevate every room’s ambiance and photo appeal, crucial for attracting quick, top-dollar offers.
Lighting sets the mood for everything—from dinner parties to Zoom calls—and buyers notice. Harsh fluorescents or dingy yellow lighting can instantly kill the vibe of an otherwise lovely space. A few modern swaps can bring in warmth, texture, and that cozy-cool atmosphere buyers can’t resist.
12. Over-Personalized Garage Conversions
Turning your garage into a bespoke man-cave, car showroom, or themed playroom might thrill you—but buyers want flexible space. Overly specific garage builds can alienate potential buyers who struggle to envision their own use of the space. Instead, focus on basic maintenance: fresh paint, proper lighting, and clutter-free floors. That versatility is what truly boosts value—and broadens your buyer pool.
That Harley Davidson mural or in-floor poker table might make your friends cheer, but buyers will just see “money to undo it.” A clean, well-lit garage with room for a car and storage sells far better than one customized to niche hobbies. Keep it simple, and let buyers dream up their own transformation—not stress about reversing yours.
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial advice. Consult a financial professional before making investment or other financial decisions. The author and publisher make no warranties of any kind.
