A growing number of homeowners are advocating for the return of classic home design features that have been abandoned in favor of modern trends. From bathroom windows to laundry chutes, many believe these "outdated" elements offered practical benefits and aesthetic appeal that today's homes lack.
The discussion gained momentum following a recent online conversation where readers shared their thoughts on past home design trends that deserve a comeback. Among the most popular suggestions were real wood staircases with beautiful banisters, which one 65-year-old Virginia resident noted are far superior to "carpet over lumber and a plain, utilitarian hand rail." The commenter emphasized that staircases are often the first thing visitors see, yet many modern homes feature designs that "look like something from an office building."
Storage solutions from bygone eras also topped the list of desired features. A 67-year-old Connecticut resident praised front hall coat closets for keeping "visual clutter to a minimum," noting that even vacuum cleaners could fit inside. Similarly, laundry chutes received enthusiastic support, with one homeowner recalling how their first home had a chute that "dropped clothes into a wide two-door cabinet on the wall beside the washer."
Architectural elements that create a sense of spaciousness were frequently mentioned. Taller ceilings, particularly 10-foot heights, were praised for providing "grace and spaciousness" that cannot be achieved with the standard 8-foot ceilings found in many modern homes, including McMansions that "appear squat and out of proportion." Phone nooks and built-in storage from the 1950s era also garnered attention for their practicality and space-saving benefits.
Bathroom design sparked passionate debate, with a 70-year-old California resident advocating for windows in bathrooms, which "give light and fresh air, both very essential things." They criticized modern bathrooms that "feel like a closed closet with suffocating air and a loud, irritating exhaust fan sound." Another concern raised was the trend toward doorless master bathroom designs, with a 66-year-old Arizona resident questioning, "Whoever thought this was a good idea? I don't want to hear someone shower and brush their teeth!"
The importance of dedicated family spaces emerged as another key theme. Multiple respondents called for the return of proper dining rooms, emphasizing their role in family connection and mental health. One commenter noted that dining rooms provide a place "where families sit, talk, and connect around meals," allowing family members to "look each other in the eyes" and "discern when something is wrong."
Practical kitchen features from earlier decades also received strong support. Built-in, slide-out cutting boards were particularly missed, with a 69-year-old Minnesota resident lamenting that "they just aren't put in new homes, but they were very handy." Large porcelain kitchen sinks with built-in drain boards were praised as both "charming focal points" and highly functional for tasks ranging from "rinsing a bushel of produce" to "washing a sticky toddler."
Lighting and window treatments rounded out the most requested features. Overhead ceiling lights were deemed essential by a 65-year-old Virginia resident who criticized modern builders for "skimping and cutting corners" by only providing receptacles for lamps. Stained glass windows, window awnings, and exterior shutters were all mentioned as features that not only enhance aesthetics but also provide practical benefits like energy savings and security.
The conversation reflects a broader desire for homes that prioritize both functionality and character over purely modern aesthetics. As one commenter noted about warm wood finishes, they "make a home feel cozy, not sterile or prison-like," contrasting sharply with the prevalent gray color schemes that many associate with "sad or dreary" days.
