15 Old House Trends We Want to Bring Back

They don't build homes like they used to — but they should.

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December 29, 2017

By: Maria Conti

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Clawfoot Tubs

Showers are great and all, but can we all agree that there is something overwhelmingly luxurious about bathing in a clawfoot tub? They are statement-making, stylish and, without doubt, the perfect place for a little scrub-a-dub-dub.

From: Hugh Jefferson Randolph Architects

Built-In Details

A word that comes to mind? Character. Built-ins give plain walls a boost by creating a distinctly unique design that makes a space feel special. Plus, they're the perfect place to display all your favorite finds.

Laundry Chute

How this trend ever ended, we will never understand. Moving forward, all two-level homes should feature either A) an upstairs laundry room or B) a laundry chute. Lugging the dirty-clothes hamper down the stairs all day should simply be a non-option for future generations.

Ceiling Medallions

This swoon-worthy ceiling medallion leaves us questioning how society transitioned from such ornate designs to the dreaded popcorn ceiling. Talk about a fall from grace. Let's bring back the elegance of yesteryear and give medallions a major comeback story.

From: John Daugherty, Realtors

Transom Windows

Although transom windows were originally used for extra ventilation in buildings with no central air conditioning, we love this over-the-door feature for homes today because they easily flood central spaces with natural light. Bonus? These tiny windows accentuate the height of your ceilings and create an airy feeling in otherwise blocked-off rooms.

From: G Design LLC

Separate Kitchens

Open floor plans are the new normal. And while we still love the open look, we're secretly hoping the closed-off kitchen and dining spaces typical of older homes will make a comeback. Why? Traditional sit-down dining allows families to foster physical tech-free, family-focused boundaries within the home. When was the last time you broke bread sans phone or without a TV blaring in the background?

From: Kristi Nelson

Interior French Doors

There's an added air of elegance that comes with a set of classic French doors in an interior room. We are smitten with this architectural element because it creates a (gorgeous) sound barrier between spaces, without sacrificing natural light. Use them for the home office, a formal dining room or as a handsome entry for your walk-in pantry.

From: 2id Interiors

Spiral Staircases

Oh, pretty, pretty please can we make opulence the norm again? Spiral staircases are as stately and sophisticated as they come, and the world needs more of them. We'd lug laundry up and down this stunner all day, every day without a single complaint.

See More Photos: 20 Stare-Worthy Staircases We're Obsessing Over

From: Lila Delman Real Estate

Fireplaces in Every Room

Before the days of interior heating systems, fireplaces were dispersed through the home out of pure necessity during the winter months. Despite our advances in HVAC, we would love to see homes feature fireplaces beyond the living room. Add one in the kitchen, the bedroom or go ultra-luxe with a stunning surround in the master bath. Just imagine how delightfully toasty your towel would feel post-shower!

From: Kathleen Perkins

Wraparound Porch

You'd be hard-pressed to find a better (or more charming) spot to read the morning paper or enjoy an afternoon tea than on a wraparound porch. And yes, that's a fact.

Ornate Molding

Thick, hand-crafted molding and trim, like the crown molding and shadowbox trim shown here, are some of the many characteristics that make older homes so charming. We're growing tired of the same old, same old and hope to see a revival of these one-of-a-kind details in modern homes.

From: Windermere Real Estate

Dutch Doors

Whether you have fur babies or human babies, the Dutch door is for you. Originally designed to keep livestock out and small children in while moving air through a home, this divided door is the perfect modern solution for homeowners with pets or kiddos.

From: Melanie Millner

Pocket Doors

Before the sliding barn door, we had sliding pocket doors. Sophisticated and clever, this space-saving feature is on our list because it allows a floor plan to easily open for entertaining or section off a room for privacy.

Sleeping Porch

Once upon a time, it was commonplace for homes to have an open-air sleeping porch. Do we really need to explain why this is the best idea ever or does this photo of a plush bed piled high with pillows do the trick?

Designated Nooks

Ah, the nook — yet another trend lost to open floor plans. We want to see more homes with designated breakfast nooks, relaxing reading nooks and unexpected areas carved out from the bones of the house. These are the aspects that make a house feel like a home.

Nooks and Niches: Here's How to Optimize Those Quirky Spaces