There was a time — not that long ago — when certain home features quietly signaled serious money.
They weren’t flashy in the way a mansion or a gated driveway might be, but to anyone paying attention, they read as upgrades that went beyond the basics. They suggested choice, access, and a willingness to spend on comfort rather than necessity.
What’s striking in hindsight is how many of those once-exclusive features have since slipped into the mainstream.
Some became cheaper to produce. Others were normalized by new construction, changing lifestyles, or shifting expectations about what a “nice” home should include. In many cases, they stopped feeling special not because they lost value, but because they became expected.
Looking back at these former status symbols offers a snapshot of how domestic luxury evolves—and how quickly it can lose its signaling power.
Here are household features that were considered luxury just 15 years ago, and what their rise says about how homes (and taste) have changed.
#1 Walk-in closets
Once a clear marker of upscale living, walk-in closets were far from standard in the early 2000s. They suggested surplus space and customization.
Today, they’re common even in modest new builds.
#2 Granite countertops
Granite once dominated luxury kitchens, prized for its durability and natural variation. It was expensive, difficult to install, and unmistakably “upgraded.” Its ubiquity eventually dulled its prestige.
#3 Double vanities
A second sink used to be a splurge tied to larger bathrooms and higher-end homes. Now it’s almost assumed in primary bathrooms, regardless of price point.
#4 Central air conditioning
In many parts of the country, central air was once considered a premium amenity rather than a baseline expectation.
Today, its absence feels more notable than its presence.
#5 Stainless steel appliances
Once shorthand for a chef’s kitchen, stainless steel moved quickly from aspirational to default. What once read professional now reads neutral.
#6 Open-concept layouts
Knocking down walls was once an expensive, design-forward move. Open kitchens flowing into living spaces signaled modernization and investment.
Over time, the concept became widespread — and, in some cases, overused.
#7 Large kitchen islands
A generous island used to indicate extra square footage and custom planning.
Today, kitchen islands are standard features, even when they strain the proportions of the room.
#8 Dedicated home offices
Before remote work became normalized, a home office suggested excess space and professional privilege.
Now, it’s often considered a practical necessity.
#9 Heated bathroom floors
Radiant heat once felt indulgent and distinctly high-end.
As systems became more accessible, the feature shifted from luxury splurge to popular upgrade.
#10 Walk-in showers
Oversized showers with frameless glass once felt spa-like and exclusive.
They’re now more common than tubs in many new homes.
#11 Built-in sound systems
Whole-house audio used to be a sign of serious money and technical investment, and more like the type of thing Bill Gates has in his house.
Today, portable speakers and wireless systems have largely replaced built-ins, making surround sound throughout the home an easy addition.
#12 Pot fillers
A wall-mounted faucet over the stove was once a chef-level luxury detail. It’s now more of a stylistic choice than a status signal — and often debated for practicality.
#13 Smart thermostats
Early smart home tech felt futuristic and expensive, and looked like they belonged in Iron Man’s cliffside mansion. As prices dropped and energy efficiency became a priority, these devices became widely adopted.
#14 Walk-in pantries
Large, dedicated pantry rooms once suggested a house designed for serious cooking or entertaining. They’ve since become a common selling point across price ranges.
#15 Spa-style soaking tubs
Deep soaking tubs were once reserved for luxury bathrooms and hotel suites.
Their presence today is more about personal preference than prestige.
#16 Laundry rooms with cabinetry
A dedicated laundry room — especially one with built-ins — used to feel indulgent.
Now it’s a standard expectation in many suburban homes.
#17 Recessed lighting throughout
Once a costly electrical upgrade, recessed lighting became the default solution for overhead illumination, even in entry-level renovations.
#18 Wine refrigerators
Under-counter wine storage once read as a lifestyle flex. Today, it’s a common appliance option, even in smaller kitchens.
#19 Frameless glass shower enclosures
Heavy metal frames once dominated. Frameless glass signaled a custom, high-end bathroom — until it became the norm, and is now a common selection even in home store chains.
#20 Mudrooms
Purpose-built spaces for shoes, coats, and bags used to be associated with large homes. Today, they’re a near-universal design goal, whenever the space allows.
#21 Outdoor kitchens
What was once reserved for luxury estates and vacation homes has filtered into everyday backyard design, with many households now featuring an outdoor kitchen for entertaining al-fresco.
#22 High ceilings
Vaulted or extra-tall ceilings once signaled architectural ambition. While still impactful, they’re now far more common in new construction, and are no longer exclusive to million-dollar listings.
#23 Energy-efficient windows
Once a premium upgrade, performance glazing is now expected — and sometimes mandated.
#24 Custom closet systems
Tailored shelving and drawers used to be a luxury add-on. Today, they’re widely accessible and often included by default.
#25 Built-in bookcases
Once a marker of craftsmanship and customization, built-ins are now frequently added even in entry-level renovations.
More stories
13 luxury home features that look insanely expensive but aren’t
8 design choices that separate custom homes from very good renovations
The post 25 Home features that were considered luxury just 15 years ago appeared first on Fancy Pants Homes.
English