Keeping up with the latest home design trends isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about creating spaces that enhance comfort, functionality, and value. Whether it’s smarter layouts, sustainable materials, or bold statement pieces, knowing what’s trending can help builders attract more buyers and sell homes faster.
To see what’s in store for 2025, BUILDER analyzed several residential design predictions from sources including the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA), the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID), Taylor Morrison, Houzz, Zillow, and Fixr.
A few key themes stand out, including designing for comfort with soft edges and warm woods and hues; looking to the past for inspiration with vintage-inspired accessories and details; creating inclusive spaces for babies to grandparents and everyone in between; establishing some sort of outdoor connection through large windows or lavish patios; and considering how these designs impact the environment. Learn more about each of the trends and insights below.
1. Color Drenching: According to Fixr, color drenching, or when the same shade is used across walls, trim, cabinetry, and even ceilings, is a top trend this year with 55% of Fixr’s experts saying it is set to be popular. When it comes to color choices, Shirin Sarikhani, owner of Seattle Staged to Sell and Design, believes the pandemic had a lasting effect, saying “being stuck in our homes, we all wanted more energy and boldness and this is why jewel colors, warm earthy neutrals, and color drenching is in.”
2. Clutter Reduction: Open pantries and shelves are out, as homeowners increasingly desire clutter-free kitchens with concealed elements, such as hidden doors, panel-ready fronts for appliances, and walk-in pantries. Of those surveyed in NKBA’s 2025 Kitchen Trends report, 87% said homeowners want pantries that are concealed behind cabinet doors or panels to maintain a seamless kitchen design, while 66% said walk-in pantries and butler’s pantries will be popular in the next three years.
3. Easy-to-Maintain Materials: In order to make living easier, homeowners want to minimize upkeep of their spaces. In NKBA’s 2025 Bath Trends report, respondents say that being easy to clean is a top priority when it comes to showers (55%), flooring (81%), countertops (76%), and sinks (72%). Looking to technology for support, 84% of respondents agree that there will be increased demand for smart-cleaning toilets.
4. Wood-Infused Warmth: Warmth has been a consistent priority for homeowners in recent years. Paired with neutral palettes, earthy tones, and organic colors, Houzz is seeing wood elements used as ceiling beams, trim, millwork, wall paneling, posts, and cabinetry to add architectural warmth to spaces throughout the home.
5. Abundant Arches: Another extension of organic modern style, arches are showing up frequently in today’s homes, says Houzz. Arches add a touch of playfulness and help soften harsh angles to generate a welcoming, cozy feel. Design pros are incorporating arches throughout the home for doorways, windows, niches, cabinets, and millwork details.
6. Universal Design: Designers from Taylor Morrison are designing for everyone, including those with disabilities. They expect to see more designs, layouts, and concepts that create a more inclusive environment and can cater to a variety of needs for any family. Examples include a curbless shower, sensory-friendly materials, and fewer hallways throughout the home.
7. Multigenerational Harmony: Whether it's young adults living at home after college or grandparents living with their adult children, many families are looking for homes that can provide them the opportunity to live together. As multigenerational housing continues to grow in popularity, home builders will offer more floor plans and housing options to accommodate this, including en-suites, casitas, and dedicated secondary living spaces.
8. Cozy Vibes: According to Zillow, listings mentioning "cozy" have increased by 35% compared to last year. Home buyers are embracing smaller, cozier spaces and rejecting the pandemic-era need for more space. The great room might soon be replaced by smaller, color-saturated rooms that serve a specific purpose, such as dens and dining rooms.
9. Climate Resiliency: With climate-related disasters becoming more frequent, some sellers are highlighting features that offer some degree of protection. Zillow research finds that 86% of recent home buyers say it's very important that a home have at least one climate-resilient feature. The share of listings that mention flood barriers is up 22% compared to last year, seismic retrofitting is up 20%, and references to water catchment systems are up 19%.
10. Outdoor Integration: The focus on well-being continues to inspire connections between indoor and outdoor spaces, reports the ASID. Outdoor kitchens, dining areas, living areas, and biophilic design features are fostering deeper connections with nature. Innovations in materials, such as textiles that combine outdoor durability with indoor aesthetics, are enhancing the functionality and appeal of these hybrid spaces.
11. Old-World Comeback: Timeless craftsmanship and nostalgia are making a comeback, with designers incorporating historical elements, vintage furnishings, and handcrafted details into modern spaces. According to the ASID, this blending of styles reflects a growing consumer demand for sustainable, long-lasting designs that tell unique stories.
