22 Ugly Home Design Fads That Somehow Keep Coming Back in Florida Homes

It’s not unusual to see a few design choices in homes that make Floridians do a double-take.

Somehow, the trends that once made everyone cringe keep sneaking back into modern spaces.

Let’s take a look at the repeat offenders.

Vertical Blinds That Clatter and Jam

Vertical blinds were once considered sleek and functional, especially for sliding doors and large windows.

But they’re noisy, they tangle easily, and they’re quick to break.

They also do little to block light completely, and the look is far from cozy.

Still, they’re often used in new builds and rentals because they’re cheap and easy to install.

Tuscan Kitchens with Heavy Stone and Dark Cabinets

At one point, Tuscan kitchens were everywhere—filled with faux finishes, wrought iron, and earth-tone tile.

The dark cabinets and bulky details make kitchens feel smaller and heavier than they need to.

Even so, this old-world look keeps popping up in real estate listings and design blogs.

It’s a style that’s hard to modernize and even harder to ignore once it’s installed.

Overly Themed Rooms

Some homes still lean into one-note themes, like beach bathrooms with seashell everything or Western dens full of faux cowhide.

These spaces can feel overwhelming, especially when decor is too literal.

Instead of cozy or stylish, the result is often cheesy or outdated.

Designers suggest moderation, but themed rooms somehow keep making a full comeback.

Popcorn Ceilings That Refuse to Go Away

Popcorn ceilings were once seen as a stylish way to hide imperfections and absorb sound. Now, they mostly collect dust and complaints.

They’re hard to clean, difficult to remove, and make a room feel instantly dated.

Still, some builders and renovators bring them back for cost savings or nostalgia.

Even though most homeowners want smooth ceilings, this bumpy trend keeps resurfacing.

Mirrored Walls That Make Rooms Feel Like Dance Studios

Floor-to-ceiling mirrors were big in the 1980s, especially in living rooms and dining spaces. They were meant to open up a room and add a glamorous touch.

Instead, they often reflect clutter and overwhelm the space.

Despite their dated vibe, mirrored walls are still used in some modern homes and condos.

For every person who cringes, someone else thinks they make a bold statement.

Tile Countertops That Are Hard to Clean and Easy to Chip

Tile countertops were a budget-friendly alternative before solid surfaces became more common.

They stain easily, the grout collects grime, and replacing a chipped tile is a hassle.

Yet they still make appearances in kitchen and bathroom remodels, especially in rentals and DIY upgrades.

No matter how much they fall out of favor, someone always brings them back.

Faux Brick Paneling That Looks More Plastic Than Rustic

Faux brick panels were meant to give homes a warm, industrial feel without the cost of real masonry.

But the plastic versions look flat and artificial, especially when overused.

They were popular in basements and dens decades ago, but now they’re coming back in accent walls and DIY kits.

Unfortunately, they rarely fool anyone and often make a space feel like a movie set.

Carpet in the Bathroom

Wall-to-wall carpet in a bathroom was once marketed as luxurious, warm, and soft underfoot.

In reality, it holds moisture, collects mold, and never smells quite right after a few months.

Despite all that, some homeowners still install it during renovations, thinking it adds comfort or coziness.

Most real estate agents agree—it’s a major turnoff that somehow keeps getting revived.

Shiny Gold Fixtures That Scream 1990s Builder Grade

Bright gold faucets, towel bars, and light fixtures were everywhere in the 1990s and quickly became outdated.

They show fingerprints, tarnish easily, and often clash with modern color schemes.

Yet they’ve made a comeback in recent years, rebranded as “brushed brass” or “warm gold.”

The finish may have improved, but the reaction is still mixed.

Wallpaper Borders That Chop Up a Room

Once considered a stylish way to add detail, wallpaper borders ran along ceilings, mid-walls, or around door frames.

They often featured florals, fruit, or geometric patterns that dated a space instantly.

Removing them is tedious, especially when they’ve been layered over old wallpaper.

Still, some homeowners bring them back for a “charming” touch, even if it shrinks the room visually.

Arched Niches That Serve No Real Purpose

Arched wall niches were once seen as elegant architectural features meant to hold art or vases.

In many homes, though, they’re shallow, oddly placed, and hard to decorate.

They’re difficult to remove without major drywall work, so some people keep them and even add more.

Unfortunately, they tend to look more like wall clutter than design statements.

Glass Block Walls That Block Style Instead

Glass block walls were a 1980s and 90s favorite, used to divide spaces or add “light” to bathrooms.

But they’re bulky, hard to clean, and instantly date a room.

They don’t offer true privacy and rarely blend well with modern designs.

Even so, they continue to pop up in new builds and remodels, especially in entryways and showers.

Sponge-Painted Walls That Never Look Right

Sponge painting was a DIY favorite in the 1990s, meant to add texture and depth with minimal effort.

In reality, it often looked blotchy and uneven, with colors that clashed or felt muddy.

Many people spent hours trying to “blend” the effect, only to end up repainting entirely.

Even today, some people bring it back for accent walls, despite how rarely it turns out well.

Faux Finishes Meant to Look Like Stone or Marble

Painted finishes meant to mimic granite, marble, or concrete continue to reappear in kitchen and bathroom makeovers.

The goal is to get a luxury look without the price tag, but the results usually fall short.

Inconsistent texture and poor blending make the surface look messy, not elegant.

Despite that, these paint kits and faux surfaces keep popping up on countertops and backsplashes.

Raised Platform Tubs That Create Trip Hazards

In the 1980s and 90s, many luxury bathrooms featured soaking tubs on raised platforms with steps.

These tubs look grand in theory but are awkward to clean and easy to trip on.

They also take up a lot of space and often go unused in favor of modern showers.

Still, they show up in high-end homes and remodels, especially when trying to recreate a spa look.

Track Lighting That Feels Like a Gallery Setup Gone Wrong

Track lighting was once seen as modern and flexible, especially for open spaces and kitchens.

But the bulky rails and exposed fixtures often make a room feel cluttered or overly industrial.

Poorly positioned lights create shadows or glare rather than warmth.

It continues to appear in some new homes, even though recessed or layered lighting usually works better.

Overdone Granite with Busy Swirls and Flecks

Granite was once the gold standard for countertops, but not all granite is created equal.

Some versions feature loud patterns with heavy veining and multicolor speckles that overwhelm the rest of the room.

These styles were trendy in the early 2000s but can now make kitchens feel dark or dated.

Even so, busy granite keeps making appearances in remodels, especially as leftover slabs are reused.

Faux Columns That Serve No Purpose

Decorative columns were once used to separate rooms or add drama to entryways and living rooms.

In many homes, they’re purely aesthetic and often look oversized or out of place.

They disrupt flow and make spaces feel more cramped than grand.

Despite that, some builders still install them in newer homes to create a “luxury” feel.

Glossy Laminate Cabinets in Bold Colors

High-gloss laminate cabinets in red, black, or bright white were trendy in the late 1990s and early 2000s, especially in modern kitchens.

But they scratch easily, show every fingerprint, and reflect light harshly.

The bold colors don’t age well, and they’re hard to match with other finishes.

Still, glossy laminate styles continue to pop up in some kitchen and bathroom updates.

Step-Up Living Rooms That Break the Flow

Sunken or step-up living rooms were once considered stylish ways to define space in an open floor plan.

In practice, they create awkward transitions and are a tripping hazard for guests and kids.

They also limit furniture layout and accessibility.

Despite their drawbacks, these designs still appear in some custom homes and mid-century renovations.

Beaded Curtains Used as Room Dividers

Beaded curtains were once a staple in bohemian-inspired homes, often used to separate rooms or closet spaces.

While they add movement and sound, they rarely offer privacy or practicality.

They tangle easily, gather dust, and make spaces feel more chaotic than cozy.

Despite that, they continue to pop up in vintage-style décor and DIY room dividers.

Overly Decorative Switch Plates and Outlet Covers

From faux bronze to floral ceramic, ornate switch plates have been used to add “personality” to walls.

But they often clash with modern décor and draw attention for all the wrong reasons.