ShareFollowing our countdown of the worst home design trends of 2024, we decided to focus on the trends we’re loving as we head into 2025.
1. Color is Back!
The trend toward neutral gray and white, from the walls to the floors, is quickly fading. Color has gradually been returning, whether it’s deep, jewel-toned accents in burgundy or green or a room entirely drenched room in bold color.
Several leading paint firms have recently announced their “2025 Colors of the Year,” showcasing several bolder color schemes that aim to push us further beyond the grays, whites and blacks.
The paint firm Behr chose “Rumors,” a deep burgundy color.
Benjamin Moore selected “Cinnamon Slate,” a plum mixed with a velvety brown.
These more colorful choices are making for not only brighter spaces but also more memorable and customized interiors. The “purple room” or “blue room” may become the signature stamp of a home.
2. The Return Appreciation for Cabinets and Storage
The open shelving trend in kitchens is in the rearview mirror as more homeowners once again value cabinetry. The cabinets may feature glass, woven or mesh fronts to bring style—and storage—to a space.
During the pandemic, many homeowners accumulated more household items, shunning minimalist styles for maximalism. Yet open layouts have zapped away many storage options, pushing homeowners toward creative solutions.
For example, mudrooms are serving as practical spaces to hang coats and shoes within stylish storage benches and cubbies. They not only serve as a storage solution but also a focal point, as their flashy designs beckon to be put on display.
Also, kitchen pantries are getting supersized to solve challenges from open kitchen floorplans. These pantries are not just for food storage; they’re being remade with countertops and cabinets to hold appliances, like bulky mixers, coffee machines and even extra refrigerators. New pantries also come with food prep areas that allow for much of the cooking to be done behind closed doors. Yet, they’re still getting design treatment to make them an inviting space.
The prominence of the kitchen pantry may not just be motivated by homeowners but also home buyers. The National Association of Home Builders’ “What Home Buyers Really Want” consumer survey ranks the kitchen pantry as one of the top coveted household items among house shoppers.
3. The Backyard Spotlight
More homeowners are maximizing every square inch of their home inside and out—no matter what climate they live in or how big or small their yard. Homeowners are remaking their outdoor spaces, carving out multiple areas for entertainment and relaxation.
Here are a few upgrades to these spaces:
- Firepits: Patio extensions are getting outfitted with firepits. Adirondak chairs may surround a firepit, setting an entertainment spot for the backyard. The 2023 Remodeling Impact Report, conducted by the National Association of REALTORS®, has shown an estimated 56% return on investment at resale when homeowners add a firepit to their yard.
- Spruced-up outdoor kitchens: These are getting outfitted with some extra add-ons, like a pizza oven. An outdoor kitchen also could be a boon for resale—offering an estimated 100% ROI, according to NAR’s report.
- Lounging areas: Comfy seating and sofas that are as lush as indoor styles are outfitting more backyard spaces. The addition of swing chairs or roped swing sofas offer quaint places to relax and unwind.
- Movable walls: These all-glass wall systems can be pushed away to make the outdoor space feel like a seamless extension to the indoors. Once reserved for luxury homes, these movable walls of glass are starting to enter more homes at various price points.
- Covered areas: Beyond pergolas, other solutions offer homeowners an opportunity to create covered areas that still provide privacy and extra protection from the weather. For example, smart sun shades, at a push of a button, can help section off your patio from the sides or even from above. (Read more: The Reinvented Screened-In Porch Offers Flexibility for the Seasons)
