11 Design Choices Buyers Are Starting To Avoid In McDonough Homes And 2 They’ve Always Avoided Altogether

Homebuyers in McDonough are getting pickier than ever, and yesterday’s must-haves are quickly turning into today’s dealbreakers. Features that once screamed luxury or modern style are falling out of favor, leaving homeowners wondering if their prized upgrades might actually scare off potential buyers.

Knowing which design choices are losing appeal – and which ones were never wise to begin with – can make the difference between a quick sale and a home that lingers on the market.

1. Dark Granite Countertops

Remember when these sleek surfaces ruled every kitchen renovation show? Dark granite countertops are losing their appeal as buyers seek brighter, more open-feeling spaces.

These once-coveted surfaces show every water spot, fingerprint, and dust particle. Many McDonough homeowners now prefer lighter quartz or marble alternatives that brighten kitchens while offering easier maintenance.

2. Tuscan-Inspired Kitchens

The Mediterranean dream has faded into design history. Heavy wood cabinetry, ornate scrollwork, and that signature burnt orange and brown color palette no longer captivate buyers as they once did.

Tuscan kitchens feel increasingly dated in McDonough’s market. Today’s homebuyers gravitate toward clean lines, neutral palettes, and minimalist styling that creates a timeless appeal rather than following a specific theme.

3. Heavy Crown Molding

Gone are the days when elaborate crown molding signaled luxury. The ornate, multi-layered crown molding that once adorned McDonough homes is falling out of favor fast.

Heavy crown molding creates visual weight that makes rooms feel smaller and more formal. Modern buyers prefer simpler profiles that add architectural interest without overwhelming the space or collecting dust in hard-to-reach corners.

4. Carpet In Living Areas

Wall-to-wall softness underfoot is quickly losing its appeal among McDonough homebuyers. The maintenance headaches and allergen concerns have pushed this once-standard flooring option to the bottom of wish lists.

Carpeted living spaces can trap odors, stains, and allergens. Today’s buyers strongly prefer hardwood, luxury vinyl plank, or tile in main living areas, reserving carpet only for bedrooms if used at all.

5. Ornate Light Fixtures

Those grand, chandelier-style fixtures dripping with crystals or featuring intricate metalwork are quickly dimming in popularity. Statement lighting has taken a turn toward the sleek and simple.

Ornate fixtures often become dust collectors and visual distractions. McDonough buyers now favor clean-lined pendants, simple drum shades, or minimalist fixtures that complement rather than dominate a room’s design aesthetic.

6. Jetted Bathtubs

Spa-like dreams have given way to practical reality for many homeowners. Those massive jetted tubs that dominated master bathrooms are now seen as water-wasters and maintenance nightmares.

Jetted bathtubs require regular cleaning to prevent mold and bacteria buildup in the pipes. McDonough buyers increasingly prefer large walk-in showers with multiple showerheads or freestanding soaking tubs that offer elegance without the upkeep.

7. Textured Ceilings

Looking up should be pleasant, not puzzling. Those popcorn, knockdown, and swirled textured ceilings are rapidly falling from favor as buyers seek cleaner, more contemporary home finishes.

Textured ceilings collect dust and are difficult to repair or match when damaged. McDonough homebuyers now strongly prefer smooth ceilings that create a more modern aesthetic and reflect light better, making rooms feel larger and more open.

8. Overly Open Floor Plans

The pendulum has swung back from extremely open concepts. After years of knocking down every possible wall, buyers are rediscovering the value of some separation between living spaces.

Overly open floor plans can create noise issues and lack privacy. Today’s McDonough homebuyers prefer thoughtfully designed spaces with partial walls, sliding doors, or architectural elements that define areas while maintaining flow and connection between rooms.

9. Bold Accent Walls

That dramatic red dining room wall or navy blue bedroom feature is quickly becoming yesterday’s trend. The once-popular bold accent wall is losing ground to more subtle approaches to adding character.

Bold accent walls can make spaces feel smaller and dated. McDonough buyers now prefer homes with cohesive, neutral color schemes throughout, perhaps with interest added through textural elements, trim work, or carefully selected artwork rather than jarring color contrasts.

10. Formal Dining Rooms

Seldom-used space is falling out of fashion fast. Those dedicated formal dining rooms that sit empty most of the year are increasingly viewed as wasted square footage by practical buyers.

Formal dining rooms often become catch-all spaces or remain unused entirely. McDonough homebuyers now prefer flexible spaces that can serve multiple purposes, like combination dining/office areas or casual eating spaces that flow into the kitchen and living areas.

11. Built-In Entertainment Niches

Those pre-carved wall cavities designed specifically for yesterday’s TV technology are quickly becoming design dinosaurs. Built specifically for bulky tube televisions, these alcoves now present awkward design challenges.

Entertainment niches limit flexibility and often don’t accommodate modern flat-screen sizes. McDonough buyers see these built-ins as renovation projects rather than features, preferring clean walls where furniture and technology can be arranged according to their needs.

12. Mirrored Walls

The 1980s called and they want their design back! Full mirrored walls, once thought to make spaces appear larger, are now considered one of the most dated features a home can have.

Mirrored walls create a cold, commercial feeling in residential spaces. McDonough homebuyers typically view these reflective surfaces as immediate removal projects, preferring the warmth of painted walls with strategically placed decorative mirrors as accents instead.

13. Carpeted Bathrooms

Some design choices have always raised eyebrows, and this is certainly one of them. Carpet in bathrooms has consistently ranked as one of the most universally disliked home features among buyers everywhere, including McDonough.

Carpeted bathrooms are breeding grounds for mold and mildew. The combination of moisture and fabric creates hygiene concerns that make this feature an immediate renovation priority for virtually all homebuyers, who strongly prefer tile or vinyl flooring in these wet spaces.