As design trends evolve, so do the layouts of our homes. In 2025, many once-popular home layouts are being swapped out for more functional, open, and efficient designs. Whether it’s the rise of multifunctional spaces or the decline of overly compartmentalized rooms, designers are predicting big changes. In this article, we’ll explore 10 home layouts that are falling out of style this year and why homeowners are moving on to better, more versatile options.

1. Overly Compartmentalized Rooms That Feel Closed Off

In many homes, rooms are divided into too many small, isolated spaces, creating a feeling of confinement rather than openness. These overly compartmentalized layouts limit natural light and hinder the flow of air, making the home feel smaller and less connected. Instead of having distinct rooms for every function, a more open, interconnected design can encourage easier communication and create a more spacious, inviting atmosphere for everyone.

2. Formal Dining Rooms That Aren’t Used Enough

Formal dining rooms were once a staple of home design, but in modern living, these spaces often go underutilized. They are typically reserved for special occasions, which is a shame, as they take up valuable real estate in the home. Reimagining the formal dining room into a multi-purpose space, such as a study area or a cozy reading nook, can make it more functional and used on a daily basis, offering better space utilization and avoiding wasted square footage.

3. Large, Underused Entryways

Many homes feature expansive entryways that serve little purpose other than to provide a transitional space into the home. These large, underused hallways often don’t add value to the overall flow of the home, especially when they don’t lead into any functional space. Designers are now shifting towards more functional entryways with integrated storage solutions like coat racks, benches, or even mudrooms, to ensure these areas serve a practical purpose while keeping the flow of the home open and welcoming.

4. Traditional Closed Kitchens

Traditional closed kitchens, once considered the ideal setup for privacy and separation from other living spaces, are falling out of favor. They often make the home feel segmented and cut off from the rest of the living areas, especially in open-concept designs. Today, homeowners prefer kitchens that flow seamlessly into the dining and living rooms, encouraging interaction and creating a more social atmosphere. Open-concept kitchen designs with islands and breakfast bars are taking over, making spaces feel more inclusive.

5. Separate Living and Family Rooms

The distinction between living and family rooms is becoming less common as modern homes embrace multifunctional spaces. Traditional layouts often had these rooms serving separate purposes, but today’s design trends emphasize combining these areas for more flexible, usable space. An open living area that incorporates both family and casual gathering spaces offers more room for activities, helps with traffic flow, and eliminates the feeling of being boxed in by underused, isolated rooms.

6. Too Many Hallways That Waste Space

Homes with numerous hallways can feel cramped and waste valuable square footage. Instead of endless corridors, modern designs prioritize open spaces and multifunctional areas, creating a more efficient flow and maximizing usable living space. Eliminating excessive hallways allows for larger rooms or more storage, making the home feel less cluttered and more connected. Homes that embrace open layouts are more popular, as they promote better circulation and use of every square inch.

7. Overly Large Bedrooms with Minimal Function

Overly large bedrooms, while appealing at first, can end up feeling empty or underused. Many people struggle to fill these spaces effectively, leading to wasted room and less functionality. In today’s design world, there’s a shift toward more appropriately sized bedrooms with smart layouts that make the most of the space. Incorporating multipurpose furniture, such as storage beds or reading nooks, allows homeowners to maximize space and maintain both comfort and function.

8. Excessive Number of Bathrooms for Small Families

Having an excessive number of bathrooms in a home can be a waste of space and resources, especially for small families. While having an ensuite or guest bathroom is often convenient, homes with more bathrooms than needed can feel inefficient. Modern homes are focusing on shared, functional spaces instead of catering to every bedroom with its own private bathroom. By streamlining bathroom layouts, designers help reduce unnecessary space while focusing on optimizing storage and the overall flow of the home.

9. Oversized Kitchens with Limited Storage

Oversized kitchens without enough functional storage are a growing issue. While large kitchen spaces can be beautiful, if they lack sufficient cabinetry and pantry areas, they become impractical. Kitchens that are too spacious without smart storage solutions often lead to clutter, making the space less efficient. The focus now is on balanced kitchen layouts, with functional storage solutions like pull-out drawers, built-in shelving, and islands that combine size with utility for a more organized, practical design.

10. Living Rooms Without Clear Purpose or Function

Living rooms that lack a clear purpose often feel disjointed or awkward. Without defined zones for lounging, socializing, or entertainment, these spaces can feel underused or empty. To create a more functional living room, modern designs focus on designing spaces with specific activities in mind. Whether it’s a cozy media area, a play space, or a welcoming gathering spot, creating a clear function for the living room makes the space more inviting and ensures it serves the needs of the family effectively.

This article was created with the assistance of AI but thoroughly edited by a human being.