One Trending Design Idea You Need To Try In Your Home

The article details emerging home design trends for those considering renovations or upgrades, drawing insights from the Houzz 2025 Emerging Trends Report. This report highlights a growing consumer desire for luxurious and expressive design choices, moving beyond purely functional considerations. The discussed trends are aimed at informing homeowners to make decisions that not only align with contemporary aesthetics but also potentially increase property value. One significant trend identified is the resurgence of wood in interiors. Homeowners are increasingly integrating various forms of wood, such as beams, flooring, slat walls, and panels, into their designs. This trend is driven by wood's timeless appeal and its ability to introduce warmth, texture, and character to living spaces. Specific terms like 'oak kitchen' and 'wood kitchen' have seen increased search interest, reflecting a broader adoption of natural wood materials for both aesthetic enhancement and an elevated look, with 3D floor-plan tools aiding in the visualization of these applications. Another key trend is 'daylighting,' which emphasizes maximizing natural light within homes. Searches for features like skylights, orangeries, and glass wall partitions are on the rise, indicating a strong preference for airy, sun-filled environments. This pursuit of natural light is attributed to its positive effects on well-being and its ability to enhance architectural details. Experts suggest that many homeowners overlook creative solutions for brightening their spaces, such as strategically placed internal glass doors or skylights, which can transform darker areas. 'Wall-to-wall design' is also gaining momentum, characterized by the bold use of color and pattern throughout interiors. This trend involves making a statement with creative wall treatments, incorporating vibrant paints, dramatic textures, and layered patterns. 'Colour drenching,' a technique where a single color or closely related shades are applied across all surfaces—including walls, ceilings, and woodwork—is particularly popular. Visualization tools are playing a crucial role in empowering homeowners to embrace these daring choices, making it easier to conceptualize the final look and infuse personal style into their living environments. Luxurious bathrooms represent another major trend, reflecting a desire to incorporate high-end upgrades into daily life. There is a notable increase in interest for opulent materials such as onyx tile and marble, as well as features that combine luxury with practicality, like double vanities and double showers. Freestanding baths continue to be highly sought after, with homeowners aiming to transform their bathrooms into spa-like sanctuaries. This indicates a broader interest in creating dedicated spaces for relaxation and wellness within the home, with many willing to invest in premium fixtures and materials to achieve this. Finally, the color pink is making a significant comeback in home design, specifically soft, plaster-pink hues. This shade is gaining popularity across various rooms, including bathrooms, kitchens, and bedrooms, due to its versatility and subtle sophistication. The appeal of soft pink lies in its ability to pair well with a range of colors and styles, often being considered a neutral by designers. Its warm undertones contribute to a sense of calm and tranquility within the home, making it an increasingly favored choice for interior decor. The article concludes that these trends collectively point towards a future of home design focused on personalized luxury, natural elements, and bold self-expression. #HomeDesign #InteriorTrends #LuxuryBathrooms #WoodInteriors #Daylighting #ColourDrenching #PinkInteriors #HouzzReport #ArchitectureDesign

This article explores various home design trends often considered controversial, highlighting why individuals genuinely appreciate and implement them in their living spaces, often for practical and personal reasons that are overlooked in broader design discussions. The piece compiles insights from members of the BuzzFeed Community, offering diverse perspectives on these polarizing trends. Open shelving in kitchens, frequently criticized for collecting dust and animal hair, is defended by one respondent who argues that consistent use of dishes and glasses prevents such issues. This individual highlights the aesthetic appeal of open shelving, noting it often receives compliments from visitors. The practicality of open shelving is emphasized by its user-centric benefit rather than theoretical maintenance concerns. Open floor plans are another trend that receives mixed reactions. One person expresses dissatisfaction with their current home's enclosed layout, preferring an open plan to avoid feeling isolated while cooking and to foster family togetherness, especially during holidays. This perspective underscores the social and spatial advantages of open floor plans, suggesting their suitability depends on a household's specific needs. Barn doors are championed as effective space-savers, particularly for compact living areas. A contributor views the opposition to barn doors as a "privileged stance," implying that critics might not understand the spatial constraints faced by those living in smaller homes. This viewpoint stresses the functional benefits of barn doors over their aesthetic or perceived trendiness. Microwaves placed over the stove are defended for their convenience and efficient use of kitchen space, especially in smaller kitchens. A kitchen and bath designer argues against the trend of moving microwaves to lower cabinets, noting that bending over to access them is impractical and can pose safety issues for children. The designer emphasizes that while alternative placements may appear sleek, they are not always practical for everyone. The preference for multiple smaller bedrooms over fewer large ones is articulated by a 43-year-old from Utah. This individual appreciates the cozy feeling of smaller rooms and the ability to host more family members during holidays. This highlights a focus on functionality and family accommodation over spaciousness. Clear shower doors, often criticized for showing water spots, are favored by a Georgian resident who believes they make bathrooms feel larger. This person also notes that they are typically used in private settings where modesty is not a concern, dismissing the idea that they compromise privacy. This perspective prioritizes an expansive feel in the bathroom. Mounting TVs above fireplaces is a debated trend. A respondent argues that neck pain from viewing such a setup is indicative of excessive TV watching, and expresses satisfaction with the aesthetic, particularly when using a frame television that resembles art when off. This highlights a personal preference for visual integration and minimizing the appearance of technology. Water closets, which separate the toilet from the rest of the bathroom, are praised by a germophobe for hygiene reasons and for providing privacy, particularly in shared living situations. This emphasizes the health and privacy benefits derived from such a layout. Open kitchens are viewed positively by a Californian resident, who sees them as conducive to a shared social experience during guest visits. This perspective values the communal aspect of cooking and entertaining, contrasting with the idea that kitchens should be hidden due to mess. Painted brick is defended by someone who found their original brick fireplace aesthetically unappealing, stating that limewashing it enhanced the space while preserving texture. This illustrates how personal aesthetic preferences can justify altering original features. Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring is praised for its durability, ease of cleaning, and comfort underfoot, especially for households with toddlers and pets. The individual notes its realistic wood appearance and resilience to spills and scratches. This highlights practical benefits over traditional flooring materials. Black-painted house exteriors are preferred by a Floridian resident due to their low maintenance compared to white exteriors, which required frequent cleaning. This demonstrates a practical advantage in terms of upkeep and long-term appearance. Open staircases are appreciated for allowing light to flow through a home. A 73-year-old from California mentioned incorporating safety rods to protect grandchildren, combining aesthetic preference with functional safety. This illustrates how design choices can be adapted for both beauty and safety. Laundry closets are preferred over dedicated laundry rooms by a respondent who finds them more practical, as laundry is typically folded in other areas of the house while engaging in other activities. This emphasizes efficiency and multi-tasking convenience. Quartz countertops are highly favored for their durability, low maintenance, and wide range of aesthetic options, especially when compared to granite or butcher block. This highlights practical and aesthetic superiority over other countertop materials. Carpeting in bedrooms is advocated for its sound-dampening qualities, comfort, and warmth, particularly during colder months. This challenges the common aversion to carpet by focusing on comfort and practicality in a bedroom setting. Stovetop pot fillers are defended for their convenience, arguing that their utility in filling pots directly at the stove outweighs the minor inconvenience of moving the pot later. This emphasizes the convenience during the cooking process. Modern farmhouses, despite criticism, are appreciated for their clean, modern, and timeless aesthetic. A Texan resident defends this style, suggesting that much of the negativity stems from envy or misapplication of the style. Bare light bulb fixtures are defended, with an electrician recommending frosted bulbs to achieve a soft lighting effect while maintaining the fixture's aesthetic. This highlights how proper bulb choice can enhance controversial lighting styles. The absence of medicine cabinets in bathrooms is supported by a contributor who notes that medicine should not be stored in humid bathroom environments anyway. This practical advice addresses health and storage concerns. Wallpaper is lauded for its historical durability and ease of maintenance, especially for families with children, contrasting with paint which scuffs easily and is difficult to patch seamlessly. This advocates for the long-term practicality and aesthetic benefits of wallpaper. Farmhouse sinks are desired for their large size, which makes washing oversized pots much easier. This highlights a functional benefit for home cooks. Kitchen island cooktops are valued for enabling social interaction, allowing individuals to cook while engaging with family or guests. This emphasizes the social aspect of cooking and entertaining. Wood trim, often deemed outdated, is cherished by a 67-year-old from Ohio for its enduring beauty and the personal effort invested in its upkeep. This perspective emphasizes sentimental value, craftsmanship, and the timeless appeal of natural wood. Each of these perspectives offers a counter-narrative to prevailing design criticisms, underscoring that design preferences are deeply personal and often rooted in practical considerations. #HomeDesign #InteriorDecor #ControversialTrends #PersonalPreferences #KitchenDesign #BathroomDesign #LivingSpaces #DIYHome #ArchitecturalFeatures

In home design, distinguishing between timeless elegance and fleeting trends is crucial. Interior designer Megan Khahil highlights several decor items that, despite their initial popularity, can detract from a home's overall aesthetic and make it appear dated or tacky. This perspective emphasizes the importance of thoughtful selection and long-term design versatility over temporary fads or budget shortcuts. One common culprit is industrial pipe shelving. While once considered a cutting-edge design element for its raw, urban appeal, its widespread adoption has led to overexposure, diminishing its novelty and impact. Khahil suggests that true industrial style should be intentional and polished, recommending cold-rolled steel floating shelves paired with authentic brick or stone accents instead of faux finishes. This approach introduces tactile materials purposefully, avoiding the generic appearance often associated with mass-produced pipe shelving. Another item to avoid is peel-and-stick decor, including tiles, wallpapers, and decals. While these products promise quick and affordable transformations, they frequently bubble, lift, and peel over time, revealing their temporary and inexpensive nature. Such shortcuts undermine quality and craftsmanship, ultimately cheapening the room's design. Khahil advocates for investing in authentic and durable materials like patterned tiles, natural stone, or high-quality wallpaper, asserting that a bit more effort results in a lasting and refined space. Plastic picture frames also fall into the category of tacky decor. Khahil points out that glossy plastic frames, especially those attempting to mimic more luxurious materials, often warp, scratch easily, and devalue the artwork or photos they contain. She advises using more substantial frames made from metal, wood, or high-quality resin. Mixing different frame styles and finishes thoughtfully can create visual depth and interest, enhancing the room’s aesthetic rather than detracting from it. Fake plants, despite their low-maintenance appeal, rarely replicate the life and vibrancy of real foliage. They gather dust, fade, and can signal neglect rather than style. Khahil recommends incorporating low-maintenance real plants such as snake plants, pothos, or monstera to bring authentic life, improve air quality, and add warmth to a space naturally. Animal print, when used excessively, can also make a room feel cluttered and loud. While a subtle touch of animal print can add personality, an overload crosses the line into tackiness. Khahil suggests using one or two statement pieces, like an accent chair or a throw pillow, combined with neutral colors or textures to balance the visual impact. Barn doors, once a symbol of farmhouse chic, are another decor item that has become overexposed. Their strong rustic character limits design flexibility and can quickly date a home. For privacy and space-saving solutions, Khahil recommends sleek pocket doors, which offer greater long-term versatility. Alternatively, open-framed entryways can create a classic architectural statement without committing to a restrictive trend. Finally, cheap souvenirs, often mass-produced and lacking authenticity, contribute to clutter without offering functional or aesthetic value. Khahil advises curating meaningful, handcrafted items from travels that serve a purpose or transforming travel photos into gallery walls or coffee table books to incorporate memories stylishly and purposefully. The overarching message is to prioritize thoughtful selection, quality materials, and timeless design over fleeting trends and inexpensive fixes to create a sophisticated and enduring home environment. #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #DecoratingTips #DesignTrends #TackyDecor #HomeStyling #DesignAdvice #TimelessDesign

An interior designer shares insights into home decor trends she plans to avoid in 2025, focusing on practicality, durability, and timelessness over fleeting fads. The article emphasizes making informed choices to prevent wasteful spending on items that offer little lasting value or prove difficult to maintain. The designer highlights specific items and design choices that, despite their popularity, often fall short in real-world application. One of the primary trends to avoid is sherpa accent chairs. While visually appealing and cozy, their light colors and fluffy texture make them highly susceptible to dirt and stains, which are challenging to clean without damaging the fabric. Instead, the recommendation is to opt for durable performance fabrics that offer similar comfort but are much easier to maintain. Similarly, polyester-filled throw pillows are identified as a poor investment due to their tendency to quickly lose shape and become lumpy. Down-alternative or memory-foam inserts are suggested as more luxurious and long-lasting alternatives. Covering sofas with blankets is another practice deemed impractical, as blankets tend to slip and create an untidy appearance. A more effective solution is to invest in a high-quality, stain-resistant sofa or a well-fitted slipcover. Crown molding, while traditional, is considered unnecessary and expensive for modern spaces. The designer suggests reallocating funds meant for crown molding towards more impactful design elements such as bold lighting fixtures or textured wall treatments. Dark paint colors, despite their dramatic appeal, are advised against due to their tendency to make rooms feel smaller and highlight every scuff and smudge. Instead of painting walls dark, the designer recommends using bold furniture or accent pieces to achieve a dramatic look without the high maintenance. Faux plants are also on the list of items to avoid, as they often appear cheap and lack the natural vitality of real plants. Low-maintenance live plants or dried floral arrangements are preferred for adding a touch of nature. Beige couches, another common trend, are criticized for being too plain and impractical, as their light color easily shows stains and contributes little character to a room. The designer suggests choosing sofas in richer tones or textured fabrics for a more modern and livable aesthetic. Over-accessorizing with too many throw pillows is also discouraged, as it can overwhelm a space and reduce seating comfort. A curated selection of two or three high-quality pillows with varied textures and patterns is recommended. Premade gallery walls often lack individuality and are seen as generic. The designer encourages individuals to build their own art collections over time, featuring pieces that are personal and unique to their stories. Finally, open shelving in kitchens, while aesthetically pleasing in photos, is considered highly impractical for daily use. Items on open shelves are prone to collecting dust and grease, requiring constant cleaning and meticulous styling to avoid a cluttered look. Closed cabinetry is presented as a more functional and stylish storage solution for kitchens, offering both practicality and a cleaner appearance. #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #DesignTrends #InteriorDesignerTips #PracticalDesign #DecoratingIdeas #HomeStyling #SmartSpending #TimelessDesign