4 Outdated Boomer Home Features And 4 That Are Surprisingly Trending Again
Home design evolves constantly, with yesterday’s must-haves becoming today’s eyesores. Baby boomers embraced certain home features that defined an era, but many now look hopelessly dated.
Surprisingly, some old-school elements are making a comeback with modern twists, proving that good design often comes full circle.
1. Popcorn Ceilings Are History
Remember those bumpy, spray-on ceiling textures that collected dust and were impossible to clean? Once praised for hiding imperfections and improving acoustics, popcorn ceilings now scream “1970s renovation needed!”
Modern homeowners are scraping these textured nightmares away in favor of smooth, clean ceilings that make rooms feel more spacious and contemporary. Beyond the dated look, many popcorn ceilings installed before 1980 contain asbestos, adding health concerns to aesthetic ones.
2. Carpet in Bathrooms Has Finally Disappeared
Wall-to-wall carpet in bathrooms was somehow considered luxurious in the 1960s and 70s. Can you imagine the mold growth and perpetual dampness? This bizarre trend prioritized comfort over practicality in the worst possible way.
Today’s homeowners recognize the hygiene nightmare of bathroom carpeting. We’ve wisely replaced it with waterproof options like ceramic tile, luxury vinyl, and engineered wood that resist moisture damage while still offering comfort underfoot through bath mats that can actually be washed.
3. Avocado Appliances Have Been Retired
Those iconic green appliances that dominated 1970s kitchens have mercifully exited the design stage. Avocado refrigerators, stoves, and dishwashers were status symbols for boomers but now serve as instant time capsules of questionable taste.
Walking into a kitchen with avocado appliances today feels like visiting a museum of outdated design. Modern kitchens embrace stainless steel, matte black, or integrated appliances that blend seamlessly with cabinetry. The focus has shifted to sleek, minimalist designs that won’t look ridiculous in a decade.
4. Wallpaper Borders Have Been Banished
Those thin strips of wallpaper running along the tops of walls were once the crown jewel of boomer home decor. Featuring everything from country geese to Victorian florals, these borders attempted to add character but mostly added visual clutter.
The dated look of wallpaper borders instantly ages a room, making it feel stuck in a 1980s time warp. Today’s cleaner aesthetic favors full accent walls or simple, sophisticated paint colors. When wallpaper is used, it’s typically applied to entire walls as a bold statement rather than as a timid afterthought.
5. Wood Paneling Makes a Stylish Comeback
The dark, glossy wood paneling that covered basement walls in countless boomer homes has evolved into something surprisingly chic. I’m seeing a renaissance of wood wall treatments, but with crucial modern updates that avoid the cave-like feel of their predecessors.
Today’s wood paneling features lighter tones, matte finishes, and thoughtful installation as accent walls rather than complete room coverage. Natural wood adds warmth and texture to minimalist spaces, creating that perfect balance between cozy and contemporary. The key difference? Modern wood walls celebrate the material’s natural beauty rather than mimicking it with fake veneers.
6. Conversation Pits Are Gathering Again
Remember those sunken living room areas where people actually talked face-to-face? These architectural features defined 1970s social spaces before disappearing during the TV-centric 1980s. Now they’re making a surprising return in high-end homes and renovations.
The appeal is undeniable in our device-dominated world. Modern conversation pits feature comfortable modular seating, improved accessibility, and integration with open floor plans rather than the isolated feel of their predecessors. These reimagined gathering spaces create intentional zones for human connection, something we’re all craving after years of screen-based interactions.
7. Terrazzo Floors Sparkle Once More
Those speckled composite floors from schools and government buildings have graduated to high style. Terrazzo, a mixture of marble chips, quartz, glass, and other materials set in concrete, was ubiquitous in mid-century homes before falling out of favor.
Today’s designers are embracing terrazzo for its durability and endless customization options. Modern applications extend beyond flooring to countertops, furniture, and decorative objects. The key differences in this revival include bolder aggregate pieces, more vibrant color combinations, and application as statement features rather than institutional-looking expanses.
8. Houseplants Have Grown Back Into Favor
The jungle-like indoor gardens of the 1970s have returned with a vengeance! Boomer homes once overflowed with spider plants, ferns, and philodendrons before the trend withered in the minimalist 1990s. Now we’re collectively embracing indoor greenery again, but with a more curated approach.
Today’s plant parents select specimens for both aesthetics and air-purifying qualities. Statement plants like fiddle leaf figs and monstera deliciosas create living focal points in well-designed spaces. The revival connects to our increased environmental awareness and desire to bring nature indoors, especially as more people work from home in spaces that double as personal sanctuaries.
