18 Modern Home Trends That Older Generations Are Judging You For

Every generation leaves its mark on home design — in good ways and bad. Just think about the avocado-green appliances of the '70s or the wall-to-wall carpeting craze that swept through the world in the '80s. At the time, those choices felt fresh, stylish, and practical. But ask anyone born decades before, and they probably had some choice words to say about them. Today, the same thing is happening again. Millennial and Gen Z renters and homeowners are embracing design decisions that feel sleek, modern, and smart to them — think freestanding bathtubs, TVs above the fireplace, pedestal sinks, ultra-thick mattresses, and multicolored backsplashes. Their parents and grandparents, on the other hand, often look at them with raised eyebrows.

Take open shelving, for example. For younger homeowners, it's the perfect way to show off pretty dishes and add character to a kitchen. To older generations, it just looks like extra dusting and an open invitation for clutter. Or think about the open floor plan. For many, it's the ideal setup for entertaining and staying connected. Older homeowners can't help but wonder where the peace, privacy, and walls went. Even something as simple as a white kitchen cabinet can spark debate. While one generation thinks white kitchen designs will never go out of style, the other thinks they're cold, sterile, and impossible to keep clean. The mix of admiration and judgment is what makes home trends fun to follow. They're a reflection not just of personal style, but of generational identity, reminding us that every décor choice comes with a story — and maybe an eye-roll or two.

Turning books backwards on a shelf is a quirky décor trick created by home design TV shows to avoid showing copyrighted titles. But it quickly became a trend meant to create a minimalist, uniform look. Younger homeowners love the aesthetic. However, it's been met with mixed reviews by older generations, who find it totally baffling. While it's visually trendy on Instagram, this approach sacrifices practicality, leaving anyone who actually wants to grab a book scratching their head.

Open shelves in the kitchen are a trend found in design magazines and Instagram feeds, but not everyone, especially older generations, is a fan. While they look airy and modern, open shelves require constant upkeep. Dishes need to be perfectly stacked, dust-free, and styled like décor rather than just stored. For those used to traditional cabinets that hide the clutter, it feels impractical and even a little showy.

Freestanding bathtubs are a showstopper in modern bathrooms, instantly giving the space a spa-like vibe. They're sleek, sculptural, and undeniably Instagram-worthy. While younger homeowners love the look, older generations often see them as style over substance. They feel guilty about the amount of water used to fill them. Freestanding soaker tubs tend to be larger, but it's entirely possible to get smaller ones that don't take as much water — or precious real estate in your bathroom.

Mounting a TV over the fireplace has become a go-to modern setup that frees up space in a living area and adds to the drama of a fireplace. Younger homeowners love the clean, space-saving look, but baby boomers tend to frown at the idea. To them, it's too high for comfortable viewing, no matter where in the room you're sitting. And they're not wrong. It's just one of several reasons hanging your TV above your fireplace is a huge mistake.

Open floor plans have been a key feature in modern homes for decades. The flow creates bright, airy spaces where kitchens, dining rooms, and living areas meld together. None of that seems to matter to older homeowners who prefer the privacy, quiet, and clear separation between rooms. Open layouts can feel noisy, messy, and lacking in coziness, especially when cooking smells or dirty dishes are in plain view. 

The microwave-over-the-stove setup is a welcome feature that saves counter space for busy households. Older generations question the look. Reaching up to stir, lift, or remove hot dishes from the appliance can feel awkward or even unsafe, especially with heavy plates or boiling liquids. For those who are used to microwaves on the counter or built into cabinetry, the overhead version seems less like a clever space-saver and more like an accident waiting to happen.

Pedestal sinks have a timeless silhouette and the ability to make a small bathroom feel more open. They're a design-forward choice that strips away bulk in favor of simplicity. But members of older generations often find them impractical. Without cabinets or counter space, there's nowhere to stash toiletries, extra soap, or even a toothbrush, making the bathroom feel anything but functional. To someone used to vanities with built-in storage, pedestal sinks come across as style winning out over convenience.

All-white kitchen cabinets are beloved for their clean look and versatility. They brighten up a space, pair easily with almost any countertop material, and feel instantly timeless. But older generations have been known to roll their eyes at the trend. To them, white cabinets look cold, sterile, and are far too difficult to maintain. Some older folks even compare them to the cabinetry found in a doctor's office. While white cabinets dominate Pinterest boards, older homeowners wonder why anyone would trade coziness for the upkeep of pure white.

Handle-free or push-to-open cabinets might seem like a seamless, minimalist look, but in reality, this outdated kitchen cabinet trend is making your space look dirtier. It's also annoying older adults. For starters, handle-free cabinets show fingerprints and smudges. Gross! More importantly, for older adults with arthritis or limited hand strength, push-to-open cabinets can be a serious problem. Pressing to open a cabinet can be difficult and even painful compared to simply grabbing a knob or pull.

Clear glass shower doors make spaces feel bigger, brighter, and more luxe. They show off tile work and create a spa-like vibe many love. But older adults often see them as a headache. Without texture or frosting, every water spot, streak, and fingerprint is on full display. They need constant cleaning to look good. If you have clear glass shower doors, there are plenty of mistakes you have to stop making when cleaning to keep them looking pristine.

Kitchen islands with an integrated sink are found in many modern homes. It's a multifunctional element that can maximize space while offering a place for eating and food prep. But older generations particularly dislike the idea. To them, having dirty pots and pans on display where guests gather feels impractical and a bit unsanitary, especially when hosting a buffet-style feast.

Multicolored backsplashes bring personality and punch to a kitchen, turning a simple wall into a bold statement. They can be playful, eclectic, and a fun way to show off your kitchen. That's the opposite of how older gens think about them. They prefer simplicity, like a solid backsplash that extends from the countertop to the underside of the cabinets. That offers a sleek, modern appearance while also being easy to wipe down and maintain.

Front-facing garages are common in many newer neighborhoods, designed for convenience and maximizing lot space. But older generations aren't in love with the look. Most think having a garage that dominates the front of a house hides the home's curb appeal, making the façade feel more about cars than people. Baby boomers also prefer a three-car garage to store, say, a golf cart, whereas millennials prefer more living space and opt for ridesharing services.

Extra-thick mattresses measuring 16 inches or more are a trend fueled by the promise of luxury sleep. Layered with memory foam, cooling gels, and pillow tops, they're designed to feel like you're sleeping on a fluffy cloud. But older generations see them as over the top. Fitted sheets are harder to wrestle on, and for those with arthritis, limited mobility, or less upper body strength, lifting and rotating such a heavy mattress is no small feat.

White appliances are quietly making a comeback, with younger homeowners embracing them for their fresh, bright, and retro-inspired look. Paired with modern cabinets, they can feel crisp and stylish rather than dated. But older gens aren't convinced. In fact, they think white appliances are downright ugly. Perhaps they remember that white budget models are prone to yellowing over time. Regardless, most prefer the colors from their younger days, like greens, oranges, and yellows.

Brass or gold hardware has returned as a favored accent that adds a touch of luxe and warmth to kitchens and bathrooms. Despite the youthful obsession, older generations are sometimes hesitant to make the switch, having flashbacks to when shiny brass dominated in the '70s and '80s. It was a trend that hasn't stood the test of time. While younger homeowners see gold or brass as elegant and modern, older people worry it could age poorly, turning what feels chic today into tomorrow's design regret.

Wall-to-wall gray hues have dominated modern interiors for a while now. Greige, a color between gray and beige, is particularly popular. These shades create sleek, neutral backdrops that pair effortlessly with virtually any style of décor. But older generations often think greige is for those who can't make up their minds. While younger homeowners see greige as a minimalist canvas, it can sometimes come off as gloomy or impersonal to those accustomed to richer, more traditional palettes.

Doorless bathrooms are a bold modern trend that brings an open, airy, and luxe retreat-like feel to bedrooms. The seamless flow and hotel vibe they bring make the space feel more connected to the bedroom. But older generations often find it cringey. They view privacy as essential, and a doorless bathroom can feel impractical, uncomfortable, or even awkward for everyday use. Beyond privacy, a doorless bathroom is colder during the winter and hotter during the summer, which can make getting out of the shower the worst part of the day.