The Future Of 9 Home Designs Kansas Realtors Avoid And 11 Headed For Big Wins

Kansas home buyers are getting pickier about design features, and realtors are taking notice.

The housing market in the Sunflower State is shifting rapidly, with certain dated styles falling out of favor while modern, functional designs are skyrocketing in popularity.

Let’s explore which home features Kansas realtors are steering clients away from and which ones are becoming must-haves for savvy homeowners.

1. Open Concept Excessively (avoid)

Too much openness creates acoustic nightmares in Kansas homes. Sound travels freely without walls to block it, meaning your teenager’s video games might compete with your important work calls. Privacy becomes non-existent, and heating/cooling costs skyrocket when trying to maintain comfortable temperatures across vast open spaces.

Many families discover the hard way that completely open floor plans make it impossible to contain messes. When cooking aromas waft throughout the entire house, there’s no escape from the lingering smell of last night’s fish dinner. Kansas realtors report buyers increasingly requesting some separation between living spaces.

The pendulum has swung back toward partial walls, clever room dividers, and thoughtfully defined spaces that maintain flow while providing necessary boundaries.

2. Busy Wallpaper Patterns (avoid)

Walking into a Kansas home with overwhelming wallpaper patterns can instantly date the property. Bold florals, geometric shapes, and busy patterns that were popular decades ago now make spaces feel smaller and more cluttered than they actually are. These eye-straining designs often become the first thing potential buyers want to change.

Removal costs add up quickly, especially with older adhesives that damage drywall underneath. Many Kansas realtors advise sellers to remove dated wallpaper before listing, as buyers frequently underestimate the time and expense involved in removal.

If you’re selling, consider replacing busy wallpaper with neutral paint. Buyers want to envision their own style in the space, not be distracted by someone else’s bold pattern choices from years past.

3. Drop Ceilings (avoid)

Drop ceilings scream “outdated office building” rather than “welcoming Kansas home.” Those foam or fiber panels suspended from a metal grid were once popular for finished basements and kitchens, but now they’re major turnoffs for buyers. Yellowed panels, water stains, and sagging sections create an immediate impression of neglect.

Beyond aesthetics, these ceilings lower room height, making spaces feel cramped and claustrophobic. They collect dust and allergens that can affect indoor air quality, a growing concern for health-conscious Kansas homebuyers.

Removing drop ceilings often reveals hidden potential – sometimes even charming original ceilings with greater height. Modern alternatives like drywall or beadboard provide cleaner looks while maintaining access to utilities that might have been the original reason for installing drop ceilings.

4. Dark Wood Paneling (avoid)

Dark wood paneling sucks the light from Kansas rooms, creating cave-like spaces that feel stuck in the 1970s. This dated feature makes even spacious rooms feel confining and gloomy, a major deterrent for today’s buyers who crave bright, airy interiors.

If you’ve got these somber walls, you’re facing either complete removal or the labor-intensive process of prepping and painting over them. Kansas realtors report that homes with dark paneling typically sit on the market longer than updated properties.

While some vintage design elements are enjoying revivals, dark wood paneling isn’t among them. The maintenance headaches – including difficulty hanging art or shelves, susceptibility to moisture damage, and the challenge of matching sections if repairs are needed – further cement its place on the “avoid” list for forward-thinking Kansas homeowners.

5. Carpeted Kitchens (avoid)

Nothing makes Kansas realtors cringe faster than walking into a carpeted kitchen. This impractical flooring choice traps food particles, moisture, and inevitable spills, creating perfect conditions for mold, bacteria, and stubborn stains. Even with regular cleaning, kitchen carpets quickly become unsanitary.

Practical concerns aside, this dated feature immediately signals to potential buyers that the home hasn’t been updated in decades. The soft surface isn’t compatible with heavy kitchen furniture and appliances, which leave permanent indentations over time.

Kansas homeowners are increasingly prioritizing easy-to-clean surfaces like luxury vinyl plank, tile, or hardwood in kitchen spaces. These durable alternatives stand up to high traffic, resist staining, and create a seamless flow with adjacent rooms – all qualities that carpeting spectacularly fails to deliver in a busy kitchen environment.

6. Overly Ornate Light Fixtures (avoid)

Massive crystal chandeliers and brass-heavy light fixtures are falling out of favor with Kansas homebuyers faster than you can say “outdated.” These fussy, ornamental pieces often clash with contemporary interiors and create cleaning nightmares with their dust-catching crevices and hard-to-reach bulbs.

Energy efficiency is another strike against these older fixtures. Many weren’t designed for modern LED bulbs, forcing homeowners to use inefficient incandescent options that drive up electricity bills. The visual weight of ornate lighting can also make ceilings feel lower and rooms smaller.

Kansas realtors report that oversized, gaudy fixtures are frequently mentioned in negative feedback during home showings. Buyers see them as immediate replacement projects, mentally adding costs to their offer price. Simple, streamlined lighting that provides good illumination without visual clutter is what today’s market demands.

7. Popcorn Ceilings (avoid)

Popcorn ceilings remain the most universally despised feature among Kansas homebuyers. This textured nightmare collects dust, cobwebs, and discolors unevenly, making rooms look perpetually dirty despite your best cleaning efforts. The bumpy surface creates harsh shadows and reflects light poorly, making spaces feel darker.

Removal isn’t simple either – older popcorn textures may contain asbestos, requiring professional testing and potentially expensive abatement. Even without asbestos concerns, the removal process creates a massive mess and often requires complete repainting afterward.

Kansas realtors consistently advise sellers to address this issue before listing, as popcorn ceilings signal “dated” to potential buyers who immediately calculate removal costs. Modern ceiling treatments like smooth finishes or subtle textures create cleaner lines and better light reflection, instantly updating a home’s appearance and increasing its perceived value.

8. Mirrored Closet Doors (avoid)

Mirrored closet doors are falling from grace in Kansas homes faster than autumn leaves. Once touted as space-enhancers, these reflective panels now read as distinctly 1980s. Fingerprints, smudges, and dust show prominently, requiring constant cleaning to maintain a decent appearance.

Safety concerns also plague these dated features. The thin mirror panels can crack easily, creating hazards particularly in homes with children or pets. Kansas realtors note that buyers with young families often cite this as a specific concern during viewings.

From a practical standpoint, these doors are heavy, track systems frequently malfunction, and replacing broken panels is costly. Modern alternatives like barn doors, frosted glass, or simple painted panels offer more personality while eliminating the maintenance headaches. If you’re selling, consider replacing mirrored doors for an instant update that buyers will appreciate.

9. Fake Granite Laminate (avoid)

Fake granite laminate countertops fool absolutely no one, especially savvy Kansas homebuyers. The printed patterns repeat too frequently, creating an obviously artificial look that cheapens kitchens and bathrooms. Heat damage, seam separation, and chipping edges quickly reveal the budget-friendly truth beneath the granite disguise.

These surfaces also present practical problems beyond their unconvincing appearance. Knife marks show easily, repairs are nearly impossible, and the material can’t be refinished like natural stone. When damaged, entire sections must be replaced.

Kansas realtors report that homes with fake granite laminate countertops often receive lower offers, as buyers immediately factor in replacement costs. If selling is in your future, consider investing in genuine stone or quality alternatives like quartz or solid surface materials. The return on investment is substantial when compared to the negative impression created by obviously fake stone patterns.

10. Neutral Earthy Tones (win)

Warm beiges, soft taupes, and gentle greens are capturing Kansas homebuyers’ hearts. These calming earth tones create versatile backdrops that complement both traditional and contemporary furnishings, making them ideal for our diverse housing market. Unlike stark whites or bold colors, these hues feel grounded and timeless.

Practical benefits abound too. Earthy neutrals hide dust and small imperfections better than brighter alternatives, a significant advantage in our prairie state where dust is a constant companion. They also transition beautifully between seasons, feeling cozy in winter and refreshing in summer.

Kansas realtors report homes featuring these colors sell faster and often at higher prices. The psychological impact shouldn’t be underestimated – these tones create immediate feelings of warmth and welcome. When selecting paint for selling or staying, consider shades like “Accessible Beige,” “Agreeable Gray,” or “Pale Oak” for maximum appeal.

11. Smart Home Automation (win)

Kansas homebuyers are increasingly willing to pay premium prices for properties with integrated smart technology. Systems that allow remote control of thermostats, lighting, security, and entertainment create modern convenience that’s particularly valued in our region’s extreme weather conditions. Adjusting your home’s temperature before returning from a winter commute is no longer a luxury but an expectation.

Energy efficiency drives much of this trend. Smart thermostats can reduce heating and cooling costs by 10-15% annually significant savings given Kansas’s hot summers and cold winters. Automated lighting systems further reduce wasteful electricity use.

The good news? Adding smart features doesn’t require complete home renovation. Wireless systems can be installed in existing properties, often as weekend DIY projects. Kansas realtors recommend focusing on security features (doorbell cameras, smart locks) and climate control as the highest-return investments when preparing a home for sale.

12. Matte Black Fixtures (win)

Matte black fixtures have become the jewelry of Kansas homes, adding sophisticated contrast that works in both modern farmhouse and contemporary interiors. Unlike polished chrome or brushed nickel, these dramatic accents don’t show water spots or fingerprints, making them practical choices for busy households.

Durability is another major selling point. Quality matte black finishes resist scratching and fading better than many alternatives, standing up to Kansas’s hard water conditions. They also create striking visual anchors in neutral spaces without overwhelming the design.

If you’re considering this trend, start small with cabinet hardware or a bathroom faucet. Kansas realtors note that updating these minor elements yields impressive returns relative to cost. The contrast between matte black fixtures and white sinks or light cabinetry creates an instantly updated look that photographs beautifully for listings – a significant advantage in today’s online-first shopping environment.

13. Mixed-Metal Finishes (win)

Gone are the days when all hardware in a Kansas home needed to match exactly. Today’s buyers are embracing thoughtfully mixed metal finishes that add depth and character to kitchens and bathrooms. Combining brushed brass light fixtures with stainless appliances and matte black hardware creates layered, collected-over-time looks that feel both personal and sophisticated.

The key to success lies in intentional combinations rather than random mixing. Kansas designers recommend choosing a dominant metal for major elements, then introducing 1-2 complementary finishes as accents. This approach prevents spaces from feeling chaotic while still allowing for personality.

Mixing metals also offers practical advantages for homeowners. When updating fixtures, you’re no longer forced to replace everything to maintain a cohesive look. Kansas realtors report that homes with thoughtfully combined metal finishes photograph exceptionally well for listings and create memorable impressions during showings.

14. Quartz Countertops (win)

Quartz countertops have dethroned granite as the undisputed champion in Kansas kitchens and bathrooms. These engineered surfaces combine the beauty of natural stone with practically maintenance-free durability that busy families appreciate. Unlike granite, quartz never needs sealing and resists staining from coffee, wine, and cooking oils.

Kansas homeowners particularly value quartz’s consistent patterning. Without the unpredictable veining of natural stone, what you see in the sample is what you get in your kitchen. This predictability reduces installation stress and eliminates disappointing surprises.

From an investment perspective, quartz delivers impressive returns. Kansas realtors consistently rank kitchen updates among the highest ROI projects, with quartz countertops specifically mentioned as features that help homes sell faster and at better prices. Modern manufacturing has also expanded color options beyond traditional looks, with convincing marble-look quartz becoming especially popular for creating timeless yet practical spaces.

15. Floating Shelves (win)

Floating shelves are revolutionizing Kansas kitchen storage with their clean lines and versatility. These wall-mounted platforms appear to “float” without visible brackets, creating airy displays for everyday items while maintaining an uncluttered aesthetic. Their minimal profile works particularly well in smaller Kansas homes where visual space matters.

Beyond style, these shelves offer practical advantages. They’re typically less expensive than upper cabinets, easier to install as DIY projects, and create opportunities to display beautiful everyday items like colorful dishes or cookbooks. Kansas homeowners appreciate how floating shelves encourage mindful curation of possessions.

When selling, homes with thoughtfully styled floating shelves photograph exceptionally well for listings. Kansas realtors note that these simple additions create focal points that draw buyers’ eyes to architectural features like windows or interesting wall treatments. For maximum appeal, keep styling simple with a mix of functional and decorative items in complementary colors.

16. Integrated Lighting Solutions (win)

Strategic lighting is transforming Kansas homes from basic to brilliant through carefully planned layers that enhance architecture and improve functionality. Under-cabinet lights eliminate countertop shadows, making food preparation safer and more pleasant. Recessed ceiling fixtures provide even illumination without visual clutter, while statement pendants add personality over islands and dining areas.

Smart controls represent the next evolution, allowing homeowners to program lighting scenes for different activities or times of day. Motion-activated lights in pantries, closets, and bathrooms add convenience while conserving energy.

Kansas realtors report that thoughtful lighting significantly impacts buyers’ emotional responses during showings. Well-lit homes feel larger, cleaner, and more welcoming. For maximum impact when selling, ensure all fixtures have working bulbs of consistent color temperature (soft white 2700K-3000K creates the most flattering light) and remove heavy window treatments that block natural daylight.

17. Biophilic Design Elements (win)

Kansas homeowners are embracing biophilic design – incorporating natural elements that satisfy our innate connection to nature. Large windows framing garden views, living walls of plants, and natural materials like stone and wood create spaces that feel inherently calming and restorative. This trend responds perfectly to our state’s appreciation for natural beauty.

Health benefits drive much of this movement. Studies show spaces with natural elements improve air quality, reduce stress, and enhance cognitive function. After spending pandemic years indoors, buyers now prioritize homes that blur indoor-outdoor boundaries through features like sliding glass walls and covered patios.

Even small biophilic touches make meaningful differences. Kansas realtors suggest adding potted plants, natural fiber textiles, or water features when staging homes for sale. These elements create multisensory experiences that help properties stand out in buyers’ memories and often translate to faster sales at better prices.

18. Open Concept with Defined Zones (win)

Modern Kansas homes are striking the perfect balance between openness and definition. Rather than completely wall-free spaces, today’s winning designs create visual flow while maintaining functional separation through strategic furniture placement, area rugs, ceiling treatments, and partial walls. This evolution addresses the privacy and noise concerns of traditional open concepts while preserving their social advantages.

Families particularly appreciate these thoughtful divisions. Parents can supervise children while cooking without having toys scattered throughout visible living areas. Work-from-home spaces can be carved out with acoustical considerations without requiring dedicated rooms.

Kansas realtors report that homes with this balanced approach appeal to the widest range of buyers. The key is creating distinct zones while maintaining sightlines and conversation flow. Architectural elements like columns, glass partitions, or different ceiling heights help define areas without blocking light or requiring full walls, offering the best of both traditional and open layouts.

19. Textured Wall Finishes (win)

Dimensional wall treatments are adding character to Kansas homes that flat paint alone can’t deliver. Techniques like limewash, plaster, board and batten, and subtle knockdown textures create visual interest and depth that photographs beautifully and feels distinctly custom. Unlike bold wallpaper patterns, these subtle textures remain neutral enough to appeal to most tastes.

Practical benefits extend beyond aesthetics. Textured walls hide imperfections better than smooth surfaces, requiring less intensive prep work when refreshing. Many options also improve acoustics by reducing echo – particularly valuable in open concept spaces.

Kansas realtors note that homes featuring thoughtful textural elements stand out in buyers’ memories after viewing multiple properties. The key is moderation – one feature wall or a consistent subtle texture throughout common areas creates maximum impact without overwhelming spaces. These treatments also provide excellent returns relative to their cost, often requiring more labor than expensive materials.

20. Energy-Efficient Windows (win)

Energy-efficient windows have moved from optional upgrade to essential feature in the Kansas housing market. Our state’s temperature extremes make quality windows crucial for comfort and affordability. Modern double or triple-pane windows with low-E coatings and proper gas fills can reduce energy bills by 15-30% annually – savings that quickly offset their installation cost.

Comfort improvements extend beyond financial benefits. These windows eliminate cold drafts in winter and reduce solar heat gain in summer, creating consistent temperatures throughout homes. They also significantly reduce outside noise pollution and harmful UV rays that fade furnishings and flooring.

Kansas realtors consistently rank energy-efficient windows among the top features buyers will pay premium prices to obtain. When selling, highlighting ENERGY STAR certification and providing documentation of resulting utility savings creates compelling value propositions. For maximum appeal, choose window styles that complement your home’s architectural character while delivering modern performance.