Nostalgic No More: 18 Vintage Home Features That Are History!

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The U.S. Census Bureau reported in 2024 that 65.6 percent of U.S. residents are homeowners. Today’s Homeowner’s Study found that 55 percent of homeowners renovated part of their home in 2021. Interior design moves along with time.

According to the majority of homeowners, updated amenities are more desirable than vintage ones. These include open floor plans, energy-efficient windows, and smart home technology. Read on to discover 18 vintage home features that have been fitfully graced by nostalgia, why they have become things of the past, and what has replaced them in the homes of today.

Shag Carpeting

shag carpeting
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The 1970s called, and they want their shag carpeting back! Shag carpet was an old standby in all homes until it became a dust magnet and a nightmare to keep clean. Today, consumers want hardwood or eco-friendly flooring made of sustainable materials.

A 2023 Houzz survey found that majority of homeowners replaced this old carpet with hardwood or laminate flooring.

Wood Paneling

Wood Paneling
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Older homes had dark wooden walls that made rooms resemble caves. Mid-century homes appreciated wood paneling. However, nowadays, design tends to move towards bright, open spaces.

Painting over wood paneling with light hues will provide light in the room and create a friendly atmosphere.

Popcorn Ceilings

Popcorn Ceilings
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These textured ceilings were everywhere in the ’80s and the ’90s, but today’s homebuyers see them as outdated. Popcorn ceilings aren’t just an eyesore; they can contain asbestos, which is a very good reason to scrape them away.

Removing popcorn ceilings is inexpensive and easy, and realtors suggest it’s a worthwhile investment. It can add 2-5% to the home value.

Peepholes

Peepholes
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In the past, home security included peepholes, or more commonly ‘door viewers.’ However, peepholes are obsolete now because of tech and smart home systems.

Video doorbells, CCTV cameras, and motion sensor lights are now used by homeowners for security.

Dumbwaiters

Dumbwaiters
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The dumbwaiter, once the pinnacle of ease in multi-story homes, sparks memories of delivery of delicacy up and down floors. They are outdated now, according to today’s savvy homeowners.

Now, with modern kitchen solutions or open-concept designs that make designer kitchens easy to use, dumbwaiters have pretty much disappeared. Extra storage or a more intimate wine nook with added contemporary charm can be added.

Sunken Living Rooms

Sunken Living Rooms
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Sunken living rooms were the staple of ’60s and ’70s homes because they lent interest and depth to a room. It turned out to be too high of a safety risk for an aesthetic choice.

Today, one of the most common flooring preferences among homeowners is creating leveled floors throughout the home for better flow and safer spaces.

Closed-off Kitchens

Closed-off Kitchens
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The isolated kitchen is history! The open floor plan changed how we lived in our spaces.

Knocking down walls to make your kitchen open-concept can be very helpful in creating an open flow and connectivity.

Push-Button Light Switches

Push-Button Light Switches
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Push button light switches aren’t so common these days, with homeowners preferring dimmer switches and smart lighting.

Our lights can be controlled remotely with smart home technology, and we can put schedules in place to save us energy.

Floral Wallpaper

Floral Wallpaper
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Perhaps when you think of floral wallpaper, you remember grandma’s house, but we’re in a time of minimalism now.

Many go for accent walls painted or textured wallpapers that bring depth without evoking confusion.

Laundry Chutes

Laundry Chutes
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Vertical shafts connecting the upper floors to the basement laundry area were called laundry chutes. Today’s homeowners prefer to simplify the laundry routine with laundry rooms on every floor.

Those days are gone of lifting dirty clothes off a swift chute drop.

Outdoor Clotheslines

Outdoor Clotheslines
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Every backyard had outdoor clotheslines. High-efficiency dryers have replaced the majority of them due to convenience and speed.

A few eco-conscious homeowners, though, have recently revived outdoor clotheslines to save energy and reduce their carbon footprint. Is the old-school approach making a subtle comeback?

Pink Bathrooms

Pink Bathrooms
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Pink bathrooms were a relic of an era of modern luxury after World War II. Homeowners now go for neutral tones and spa-like retreats.

Those tired of colorful tiles choose something more calming, like natural stone or blues.

Formica Countertops

Formica Countertops
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There was a time when Formica reigned, but today, kitchens want something more durable and pretty in their finishes, such as quartz or granite. Quartz countertops are the top choice for homeowners undergoing makeovers.

Quartz is durable and low-maintenance, and it is available in multiple colors and styles. Quartz countertops are sleek and modern and stain, scratch, and heat resistant, making them perfect for the kitchen.

Telephone Nooks

Telephone Nooks
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They’re nostalgic little spaces that remind us of rotary phones and corded conversations. These were installed to house stationary landline telephones, which were not easy to move around.

There were shelves even in the nooks to store phone books, pens, and paper. These corners make the most sense as storage or display shelves with smartphones in every pocket now.

Avocado Green Appliances

Avocado Green Appliances
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The avocado green craze of the 1960s and ’70s spread to kitchen appliances. For some, this color might bring fond memories, but these days, it’s common to have stainless steel or smart appliances.

According to a 2024 market data report, over 50 percent of consumers like stainless steel finishes for their refrigerators. It is a favorite for many people for its sleek appearance, durability, and ease of cleaning.

Carpeted Bathrooms

Carpeted Bathrooms
Image Credit: Pixabay

Carpeting in the bathroom? The 1960s and 1970s had this as a popular trend. In the bathroom, carpets were meant to give your feet warmth and comfort. However, it was phased out because of mold and mildew, it was difficult to clean and was quickly worn out due to exposure to moisture.

Tile is still a great choice today because of its water resistance and design versatility. Vinyl and waterproof laminate are other options.

Intercom Systems

Intercom Systems
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Intercom systems allowed people in other rooms to be called with the push of a button. Built-in intercoms are almost redundant now with smartphones and smart home devices like Alexa.

According to some smart home statistics, about 63 million homes in the United States boast some kind of smart home device usage. A CNN Money article reported that 70 percent of potential homebuyers are looking for smart homes.

Coal Doors

Coal Doors
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Older houses had coal doors as a common feature. These doors were used to pour coal directly into the basement for heating.

These small doors are rare and go unnoticed. Nowadays, people use energy-saving systems, such as electricity or gas, as a means of heating.

Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.

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