10 home fads from our parents’ generation we regret copying

Looking back, some of the “upgrades” our parents loved feel more like mistakes. We carried some of them into our own homes, only to find out the hard way that they didn’t age well. These are the fads most people would rather leave in the past.

Popcorn Ceilings

Popcorn ceilings seemed smart because they hid imperfections.

But they’re impossible to clean and instantly make a house look dated. Add in the asbestos issue with older ones, and they’ve become a nightmare. Anyone who’s had to scrape them knows why this trend isn’t missed.

Carpet in Bathrooms

Yes, this was a thing—and it was gross.

Carpet plus moisture equals mold, mildew, and smells you can’t get rid of. Our parents thought it felt cozy, but most of us who lived with it couldn’t rip it out fast enough. This is one fad that should’ve never left the ’70s.

Heavy Drapes

Layered curtains were once the height of style.

Now, they look heavy and block natural light. They also trap dust and make a room feel smaller. Minimal window treatments have proven to be a better choice, and most people don’t miss the days of tassels and valances.

Built-In Entertainment Centers

Oversized entertainment walls seemed practical.

But TVs changed too quickly, and now those deep cubbies don’t fit flat screens. What was once a status symbol is now a reminder of how fast technology makes some designs obsolete.

Glass Block Walls

Glass blocks were supposed to look sleek and modern.

Instead, they’ve aged poorly. They’re hard to replace, awkward to decorate around, and they don’t blend with today’s styles. This is one fad that never really found a second life.

Pastel Bathrooms

Powder-blue and pink bathrooms might’ve looked fresh back then.

Now, they’re one of the biggest signs of a dated home. While some people find them charming, most homeowners prefer neutral spaces that don’t lock them into one look.

Track Lighting

Track lighting was once the modern answer to flexible light.

In reality, it looks harsh and industrial. Recessed or layered lighting has taken its place, and most people who still have track lighting see it as a quick update project.

Wallpaper Borders

Borders had their moment, but they didn’t age well.

They instantly date a room and are harder to remove than you’d think. While wallpaper itself has made a comeback, the border strip is one fad that’s best left in the past.

Shiny Brass Fixtures

Polished brass was everywhere in the ’80s and ’90s.

Unfortunately, it tarnished quickly and made rooms look cheaper, not better. While muted brass has returned in modern design, the shiny brass our parents loved is still something most of us regret copying.

Fake Plants

Our parents filled corners with plastic greenery.

We followed along, only to realize they looked dusty and lifeless. High-quality faux plants exist now, but the cheap ones that sat around for years are a fad most homeowners would rather forget.

*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.