Design Trends that Defined 2025
December 15, 2025
If you follow design trends, one thing is clear: 2025 marked a move away from cookie-cutter design and toward spaces with warmth, depth, and personality. Homeowners and buyers alike gravitated toward interiors that feel layered and thoughtful, incorporating color, character, and quality in ways that are timeless rather than trendy.
Here’s a look at some of the design trends that truly stood out this year.
Warm color palettes took center stage
In 2025, we said “goodbye” to stark whites and cool grays and “hello” to deep greens, merlot reds, navy blues, stormy charcoals, and rich browns. Sherwin-Williams’ 2025 Color Capsule of the Year reflected this shift with moody tones like Grounded, which is a versatile brown; Rain Cloud, a deep gray-blue; and Clove, a “nearly black” brown. These colors showed up in libraries, home offices, bedrooms, and more, adding drama and sophistication without feeling too dark or overwhelming.
Mixed metals became the new “gold”
One of the biggest design standouts of 2025 was the rise of mixed metals. Rather than choosing the same finish for every faucet, handle, and fixture, designers and homeowners mixed tones like brass and matte black, polished nickel and bronze, and copper with chrome.
This approach created a custom look that instantly elevated interiors and moved them away from feeling “builder grade," but the key to this trend is balance. Design experts suggest using one dominant metal with just one or two accent finishes to add contrast without being distracting.
Traditional design made a comeback
If you’ve spent any time scrolling through home influencers on Instagram lately, you’ve probably noticed a shift. The once-dominant modern minimalist look is quietly fading, making room for more traditional, character-rich design.
In 2025, homeowners embraced historic details like crown molding, arched doorways, paneled walls, and classic built-ins. And rather than perfectly matched finishes, designers chose layered looks, mixing fabrics, patterns, and even time periods. Imagine a classic wood dining table surrounded by modern, upholstered chairs, or an antique console topped with contemporary lighting. The result? A warm, inviting space that feels collected over time.
Quality and craftsmanship became a priority
Alongside the return to traditional design, 2025 also brought a renewed appreciation for quality furniture and solid craftsmanship. Homeowners became more intentional about what they brought into their rooms, opting for well-made pieces instead of fast, inexpensive furniture.
Facebook Marketplace, estate sales, and resale shops surged in popularity as buyers searched for solid wood dining tables, vintage dressers, and classic chairs. With roughly one billion shoppers visiting Facebook Marketplace each month, and furniture and home décor among its top-performing categories, it’s clear that quality over quantity was the mindset this year.
Wellness-inspired design gained momentum
This year, we saw that homes weren’t just designed to look good; they were designed to help homeowners feel better. Designers and homeowners alike began prioritizing spaces focused on self-care and balance, turning everyday living areas into personal sanctuaries.
This was especially true in bathrooms, where homeowners focused on creating spa-like environments through design features like steam showers, soaking tubs, natural stone, and heated floors. They combined those elements with soothing paint colors, plush towels, dimmable lighting, and comfortable seating, such as shower benches and vanity chairs, to create spaces that truly promote relaxation and well-being.
Outdoor living stepped into the spotlight
For the past few years, there has definitely been a renewed focus on outdoor living, and 2025 was no exception. Homeowners continued to treat their yards, patios, and balconies as true extensions of their living spaces, designing areas meant not only for both personal enjoyment and for entertaining.
Outdoor kitchens, string lights, fire pits, comfortable lounge seating, and weather-resistant rugs were common upgrades, while some homeowners took on full yard renovations, adding pergolas, privacy fencing, water features, and even play zones for children to enjoy.
Technology was incorporated into design
In 2025, home technology continued to increase in popularity, becoming an integral part of the overall design. More and more homeowners embraced smart systems that control lighting, temperature, security, and entertainment with ease, often from a single app or voice command.
From automated thermostats and voice-activated lighting to smart locks and app-controlled irrigation systems, these upgrades made homes more efficient, comfortable, and secure.
As you can see, home design is ever-evolving, with styles once considered outdated often finding their way back into the spotlight. While trends like warm colors, collected interiors, and wellness-focused spaces may have led the way this year, remember that home design is truly about creating spaces that feel comfortable and reflective of the people who live there.
So, take some inspiration from 2025, and mix in some personal touches to create a home that’s both stylish and uniquely yours!