10 Things Millennials Ripped Out of Their First Homes

When millennials started buying homes, many inherited styles from earlier decades. They wasted no time ripping out what felt outdated or impractical. From flooring to fixtures, these were the first things to go when millennials got the keys.

Carpet in Bathrooms

Nothing made millennials cringe more than bathroom carpet.

It trapped moisture, held onto smells, and felt unsanitary. Replacing it with tile or waterproof vinyl was always a top priority.

Builder-Grade Light Fixtures

Millennials weren’t interested in basic dome lights.

They swapped them for pendant lights, chandeliers, or recessed lighting that gave their homes more character. Lighting became a way to instantly modernize.

Beige-on-Beige Color Schemes

Beige walls with beige carpet felt lifeless.

Millennials preferred crisp whites, moody darks, or bold accent walls. Paint was an easy fix, and it made their spaces feel fresh immediately.

Whirlpool Tubs

Oversized jetted tubs looked impressive but were rarely practical.

Millennials saw them as space-wasters, often replacing them with large walk-in showers that felt more functional and modern.

Honey Oak Kitchens

The orange-toned oak cabinets from the ’80s and ’90s had to go.

Millennials were quick to paint them white, gray, or black—or rip them out entirely in favor of more modern cabinetry.

Heavy Drapes

Dusty valances and ornate drapes were common in older homes.

Millennials leaned toward clean-lined curtains or simple blinds, bringing in more light and less fabric.

Linoleum Floors

Cheap sheet vinyl was a staple in bathrooms and kitchens.

Millennials ripped it out in favor of tile, luxury vinyl planks, or hardwood. They wanted durability without sacrificing style.

Brass Fixtures

That shiny brass hardware felt like a relic of the past.

Millennials replaced it with brushed nickel, matte black, or aged brass for a more current feel.

Closed-Off Floor Plans

Millennials preferred open layouts over separate rooms.

Knocking down walls to create larger kitchens and living spaces was often their biggest project.

Popcorn Ceilings

Scraping ceilings became a rite of passage.

Millennials weren’t going to settle for outdated textures—they wanted smooth, modern ceilings that made homes feel updated immediately.

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