Design trends come and go, but fixtures—your lighting, plumbing, hardware, and built-ins—are meant to last. Choose the wrong ones, and you risk dating your home (and hurting resale) before you know it.
At Stephanie Younger Group, we tour hundreds of Los Angeles homes a month. We’ve seen which upgrades wow buyers—and which ones turn them off. Here are the top home fixture trends that may not age well, and what to consider instead:

1. Matte Black Overload

   Matte black was everywhere for years—on faucets, door handles, and light fixtures. But it’s now feeling overdone and one-dimensional.

   Tip: Mix in brass, chrome, or brushed nickel for depth and flexibility.

2. Rose Gold and Copper Finishes

   Rose gold and copper finishes had a moment, but they’re tricky to maintain and even harder to match down the line.

   Tip: Go timeless with warm metallics like champagne bronze or unlacquered brass.

3. Oversized Industrial Light Fixtures

   Overly large iron cage lights or bare Edison bulbs can overpower spaces and feel cold or dated—especially outside of loft-style homes.

   Tip: Opt for natural textures, globe lighting, or diffused glass for a more timeless feel.

4. Waterfall Faucets

   Though visually appealing, waterfall faucets are losing favor due to splash-back issues and high-maintenance parts.

   Tip: Choose a high-quality single-handle or bridge-style faucet that’s both stylish and functional.

5. Backlit LED Vanity Mirrors

   They looked sleek when first introduced, but LED mirror styles change quickly—and dated tech can signal a dated home.

   Tip: Consider framed mirrors with elegant sconces for a spa-like but classic look.

6. Rain Shower Heads Only

   Buyers like the luxury of a rain shower—but without a handheld wand or adjustable height, it’s less practical than it seems.

   Tip: Always pair with a handheld sprayer for versatility and resale value.

7. Flat-Panel Interior Doors

   Flush slab doors in black or dark wood looked chic for a moment—but often clash with evolving home styles.

   Tip: Stick with shaker or craftsman styles for broader appeal.

8. Smart Touch Faucets & Sensors

   Touch-activated or motion-sensing faucets and soap dispensers may seem futuristic, but malfunctions and inconsistent sensitivity frustrate users—and buyers.

   Tip: Invest in simple, high-end fixtures with proven track records instead of niche smart tech.

9. Overly Complicated Smart Home Systems

   Homes packed with proprietary or outdated smart tech—think obscure security systems, tablet-controlled lights, or custom AV setups—can confuse buyers and add unwanted maintenance.

   Tip: Stick with widely adopted, easy-to-use systems like Nest, Ring, or Lutron that offer app-based controls and simple onboarding.

Voice-Controlled Lighting & Shades

Voice assistants controlling every aspect of a home may appeal to tech enthusiasts, but they often come across as gimmicky or too complicated for average users—especially in resale situations.

Tip: Smart switches and dimmers are a simpler, more intuitive solution that offer flexibility without overwhelming tech.

Bonus: “Smart” Toilets and Bidets

Heated seats, motion sensors, or voice-activated flushing may sound luxurious, but when they stop working (or weird buyers out), they can become liabilities rather than luxuries.

Tip: Choose comfort and simplicity. A well-made, elongated, soft-close toilet with water-saving features will always have broad appeal.