10 Outdated Florida Home Trends That Might Disappear Soon

Florida homes have always had their own unique style, from Mediterranean influences to tropical touches. But as design preferences evolve and homeowners seek more practical, modern spaces, many once-popular features are falling out of favor.

I’ve noticed several dated elements that Florida homeowners are increasingly removing during renovations. Here’s my list of fading Florida home trends that might soon be memories of the Sunshine State’s design past.

1. Carpet in Bathrooms

Remember when plush carpet in bathrooms seemed like a luxury? Those days are thankfully behind us! The humid Florida climate turns bathroom carpet into a breeding ground for mold and mildew faster than you can say “shower time.”

Modern homeowners are ripping out these moisture-trapping floor coverings in favor of waterproof options like porcelain tile, luxury vinyl, and natural stone. Not only are these alternatives more practical, but they also create a cleaner, more spa-like atmosphere that better suits Florida’s resort-inspired lifestyle.

2. Heavy Mediterranean Drapery

Those ornate, multilayered window treatments that once dominated Florida homes are swiftly becoming relics of the past. Heavy drapes with tassels, valances, and thick fabric simply don’t make sense in our sunshine-filled state.

Light and breezy is the new direction. I’m seeing more homeowners opt for simple blinds, sheer curtains, or plantation shutters that control light without the unnecessary drama. The change brings in more natural illumination while creating an airier, more spacious feel that aligns perfectly with Florida’s casual coastal vibe.

3. Seashell Mosaic Countertops

Once upon a time, embedding seashells in bathroom counters or kitchen backsplashes seemed like the ultimate Florida design statement. The reality? These surfaces collect grime in all those tiny crevices and are nearly impossible to properly clean.

Florida homeowners are now gravitating toward sleek quartz, granite, or solid surface options that reference coastal colors without the maintenance nightmare. The new choices offer the beachy aesthetic without sacrificing practicality or hygiene. Plus, smooth surfaces better complement the clean lines of contemporary Florida interiors.

4. Alligator-Themed Everything

Gator motifs had their moment in Florida home decor, appearing on everything from bathroom tiles to cabinet hardware. The kitsch factor was high, but the style quotient? Not so much.

Florida’s design sensibility has matured beyond literal interpretations of local wildlife. Today’s homeowners prefer subtle nods to the environment through natural materials and color palettes inspired by water, sand, and vegetation. The shift creates more sophisticated spaces that honor Florida’s natural beauty without turning homes into tourist gift shops.

5. Tuscan Kitchens

Dark wood cabinets, ornate corbels, and faux-finished walls once transformed countless Florida kitchens into Tuscan-inspired spaces. While beautiful in their heyday, these heavy Mediterranean designs now feel dated and unnecessarily dark in our sunshine state.

White and light-colored kitchens are taking their place, with clean lines and minimal ornamentation. I’ve helped many clients swap those dark cherry cabinets for bright white or soft gray alternatives. The transformation instantly modernizes the space while making it feel larger and more inviting.

6. Popcorn Ceilings

Nothing screams “1970s Florida condo” quite like a popcorn ceiling. These textured eyesores were originally popular for their acoustic properties and ability to hide imperfections, but they’ve long overstayed their welcome in Florida homes.

The removal of these dated ceilings is one of the most requested projects I see. Homeowners are opting for smooth, painted ceilings or adding architectural interest with beadboard or shiplap. The change immediately updates any space and removes what might be the most universally disliked home feature across the Sunshine State.

7. Glass Block Windows

Those chunky glass block windows that once seemed so modern have lost their appeal in contemporary Florida architecture. Originally installed for privacy in bathrooms or as design features in entryways, they now look clunky and outdated.

Florida homeowners are replacing these relics with impact-resistant windows that offer hurricane protection without sacrificing style. New options include frosted glass, smart glass that changes opacity, or windows with minimalist blinds built between panes. The upgrade improves both aesthetics and functionality while maintaining the privacy glass blocks once provided.

8. Tiled Countertops

Small square tiles with grout lines covering kitchen counters were once standard in many Florida homes. While the colorful patterns sometimes reflected Florida’s vibrant aesthetic, the practicality was always questionable.

Food particles and moisture inevitably found their way into those grout lines, creating cleaning nightmares and potential health hazards. Today’s Florida homeowners are tearing out these problematic surfaces in favor of seamless options like quartz and solid surface materials. The change brings both improved functionality and updated style to kitchens across the state.

9. Mirrored Walls

The floor-to-ceiling mirrors that once dominated Florida condos and homes are rapidly disappearing from the design landscape. Popular in the 1980s for creating the illusion of space, these reflective walls now feel dated and overwhelming.

Modern Florida interiors favor actual space over the illusion of it. Homeowners are removing these mirrors and replacing them with textured wall treatments, artwork, or simply clean painted surfaces. The change creates more authentic, livable spaces that don’t feel like a dance studio or retro nightclub.

10. Tropical Print Overload

Matching tropical print sofas, drapes, and wallpaper once defined the quintessential Florida look. While a nod to local flora is lovely, the all-in approach created visually overwhelming spaces that quickly felt dated.

Florida’s design scene now embraces a more restrained approach to tropical elements. I recommend using these bold patterns as accents through throw pillows or a single statement piece rather than covering every surface. This evolution creates more timeless interiors that still honor Florida’s unique environment without turning homes into time capsules from 1987.