September 5, 2024
Interior Design Trends for 2025
2025 is all about bold colors, sustainable materials, and multifunctional furniture. Discover how these interior design trends can transform your living space and create a stylish and functional home.
Here are some key take-aways:
• Minimalist With a Cozy Twist
Scandinavian design continues to be a popular choice, especially when paired with other influential aesthetics. Japandi, a trend that combines Scandinavian and Japanese design elements, remains relevant in 2025. This style emphasizes minimalism, natural materials, and a neutral palette, complemented by cozy elements like soft textiles and warm lighting. The result is a serene and inviting atmosphere that promotes well-being.
• Textured Walls & Ceilings
Say goodbye to plain walls! In 2025, textured walls are taking center stage. Wallpapered ceilings, wood paneling, and decorative plaster finishes will add depth and visual interest to your home. Get ready to transform flat surfaces into dynamic focal points.
• Home Wellness Spaces
As people prioritize health and well-being, dedicated wellness spaces are becoming increasingly popular in home design. From small yoga studios and meditation rooms to luxurious spa-like bathrooms, these areas offer a tranquil retreat for relaxation and rejuvenation. Incorporate natural light, indoor plants, and calming colors to create a truly restorative environment.
​
• Integrated Outdoor Living
The trend of blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor spaces continues to gain popularity. Outdoor living areas can be designed to be just as comfortable and stylish as indoor spaces. Incorporate outdoor kitchens, cozy seating areas, and weather-resistant decor to create a seamless transition.
​
• Discreet Tech
In 2025, technology will become even more seamlessly integrated into our homes. Smart home devices will be designed to blend effortlessly with your decor, creating a discreet and stylish living environment. Hidden speakers, wireless charging furniture, and voice-controlled lighting are just a few examples of how technology will be incorporated into your home.
August 31, 2024
Rising Trends
in Number of Bathrooms in Single-Family Homes
A majority of single-family homes started in 2023 continued to have two full bathrooms. According to the latest release of the Census Bureau’s Survey of Construction, 64.7% of new single-family homes had two full bathrooms, 23.8% had three full bathrooms, 6.9% had four or more full bathrooms, and only 4.6% had one full bathroom or less.
The share of single-family homes with two bathrooms increased from 62.3% to 64.7% — the largest increase since 2018. This reverses a two-year trend of consecutive decreases. The share of single-family starts with three full bathrooms fell for the second straight year, down to 23.8%, and the share of single-family homes started with 4 or more bathrooms share decreased to 6.9%, after increasing the prior two years. Meanwhile, the share of single-family starts with one full bathroom or less rose to 4.6% — the third straight increase.
Geographically, the New England census division had the highest share of new single-family starts with two full bathrooms at 75.6%. This share jumped by 22.2 percentage points from 2022, and this was the first time since 2017 that the New England share was the largest in the nation. The lowest share census division was the Middle Atlantic, with 50.0% of new single-family starts reporting two full bathrooms. The share of new single-family started with two full bathrooms fell 9.2 percentage points from 2022 in the Middle Atlantic.
August 22, 2024
Top 9 Smart Home Trends & Innovations in 2025
The smart home industry is transitioning towards automation and digitalization. Automated homes of today have an entire ecosystem of connected devices. Connected home startups and scaleups are developing solutions aimed at providing homeowners with the best home experience while maintaining safety.
Smart home connectivity, smart home security, personalized health management, and next-generation entertainment are some major smart home trends. Many smart home owners are also integrating robotics into their daily lives to automate mundane tasks. Many smart home trends are in the development process and are witnessing rapid innovation.
For this in-depth research on the Top 9 Trends & Startups, we analyzed a sample of 1 994 global startups and scaleups. The result of this research is data-driven innovation intelligence that improves strategic decision-making by giving you an overview of emerging technologies & startups in the smart home industry. These insights are derived by working with our Big Data & Artificial Intelligence-powered StartUs Insights Discovery Platform, covering 4.7M+ startups & scaleups globally. As the world’s largest resource for data on emerging companies, the SaaS platform enables you to identify relevant startups, emerging technologies & future industry trends quickly & exhaustively.
In the Innovation Map below, you get an overview of the Top 9 Smart Home Trends & Innovations that impact smart home companies worldwide.
Moreover, the Smart Home Innovation Map reveals 18 hand-picked startups, all working on emerging technologies that advance their field.
Top 9 Smart Home Industry Trends
Startups are developing technological solutions to improve the experience of homeowners. Smart home connectivity is a major trend within smart homes, which enables devices to become intelligent and act within an entire ecosystem. Another trend is in-house security to prevent burglars. The next spot is taken by personalized health management for better care of residents’ health. Smart home heating ensures efficient energy usage for heating, whereas next-generation entertainment technologies keep them entertained. Other smart home trends include advanced lighting, intelligent energy management, robotics, and sustainable home solutions.
August 15, 2024
Top 10 Interior Design
Trends for 2025
Over the next two weeks we will share the Top 10 Interior Design Trends for 2025. Here are the first five:
Modern eclecticism
Those who love to collect items and mesh different styles in their own unique space will love the modern eclecticism trend. While you may have looked at your grandparent’s home and thought, “There’s way too much going on here”, modern eclecticism shows us the possibility of combining contemporary hints with period furniture, minimalism and crafts to bring in that personalized aesthetic.
​
Quiet luxury
Some of the most captivating spaces are created by building the aesthetic of the room around a timeless piece, and that’s exactly what quiet luxury is. Think large furniture with classic shapes and silhouettes, luxuriously soft textured fabrics and rich woods that scream sophistication, and you’ve got it.
Soft Minimalism
While the concept of minimalism has still gripped people’s hearts, finding the balance of bringing in some soul and lighting up your interior spaces with things you love gives it some soul and doesn’t make the environment feel so sterile.
Soft minimalism includes using warm colors, light wood, and textiles. A bright armchair original coffee table will work wonders to bring soft minimalism to life.
​
Comfort
2024 has been labelled the year of prioritizing comfort and creating spaces where people want to spend as much time as possible. This trend incorporates modular, functional, and flexible furniture as well as tactile fabrics to promote a feeling of coziness and closeness. Think modular sofas that can easily be adjusted to fit your guests for a hang-out.
​
Texture
From the walls to the furniture, texture is in! The use of textures creates a welcoming and harmonious sensory experience that emphasizes comfort, balance, and serenity. To implement this trend, consider using contrasting fabrics, layering various fabrics, or adding textured furniture. Wood is a firm favorite among interior designers thanks to its authenticity, versatility, and beauty. Marble pieces also add a touch of texture and sophistication to interiors.
August 8, 2024
What Buyers Expect to Pay vs.
Actual Home Prices
There is a major gap between buyers’ expectations and home prices, according to recent surveys from NAHB and the U.S. Census Bureau.
​
While 38% of buyers expect to pay less than $250,000 for their next home, only 5% of homes that started construction in 2023 are actually priced under $250,000.
The chart illustrates the contrast.
​
For new homes priced below $250,000, the red bars are longer than the blue bars, indicating that the share of prospective and recent buyers exceeds the share of new homes being built in those price ranges. Above $250,000, the opposite is true. The blue bars are longer than the red bars, indicating that the share of homes being built exceeds the share of buyers in the market at those prices.
​
While existing homes in the starter market have traditionally consisted of the bulk of sales for buyers with modest incomes, the supply of homes in the resale market have been running at historically low levels for several years and prices of existing homes have been setting record highs. Indeed, the median price of an existing home in May was well over $400,000. A major part of the reason for this limited existing inventory is due to the interest rate “lock-in effect,” where home owners are reluctant to sell their home because their current mortgage rate is well below market rates.
Another large part of the explanation for the actual versus expected price mismatch is the cost of new home construction. Residential construction wages continue to rise. Although prices of many residential building materials have been stable recently, the stability comes after massive increases in the two years following the onset of the COVID pandemic. A shortage of lots has been a chronic issue since the home building industry started to recover from the Great Recession.
​
Moreover, regulatory costs can be substantial. NAHB’s latest study on the topic shows regulation accounting for $93,870 of the cost of an average new single-family home. The largest regulatory cost impact, $24,414, comes from changes to building codes over the past 10 years. This is followed by $12,184 in fees paid by the builder after purchasing the lot, $11,791 in regulatory costs incurred by the developer during site work, $10,854 in the value of land that must be purchased and dedicated to the government or otherwise left unbuilt, and $10,794 in required architectural details that exceed what the builder would ordinarily do.
​
NAHB Senior Economist Paul Emrath provides more analysis in this Eye on Housing blog post.
August 1, 2024
Five MORE Home Design Trends Taking Off Right Now
A lot of factors contribute to what homes look like at any given moment. Some are easy to pin down, such as an ongoing desire for classic materials like wood and natural stone. Others are a bit more abstract or unexpected, such as a pandemic and subsequent supply chain issues causing dramatic shifts in homeowner choices. Either way, home design trends can help us understand general moods in society and give us ideas for how we want to shape our own homes.
Here are 4 more home design trends that came up again and again.
6. Natural Materials
Natural materials rarely go out of style, but they’re certainly at a high point lately. They include the previously mentioned natural wood cabinets, as well as stone countertops and stone tile.
7. Nested Interior Design
Designer Erika Morris of Nested Interior Design attributes the shift to changing attitudes toward synthetic materials. “I think that the saturation of ‘newness’ has run its course and clients are starting to look for materials that feel more established, handmade or authentic,” she says. “After seeing so many homes put in the same engineered white quartz, brand-new shiny tile and mosaics, etc., clients are wanting to see materials that have some life in them or feel like they would be authentic to the space. Quartzite — and even granite — with tons of character is becoming more popular.”
8. Layers of Textures
One phrase that came up again and again in conversations with design professionals was “layered texture” in decor, wallpaper, materials and accessories. “Combining items like wood, pottery, rattan, metal and textural fabrics creates a visual feast for the eyes and invites people to reach out and touch as well,” says Garvin of 1st Impressions Design.
9. Curves
Curved and rounded furniture is capturing a lot of attention. “A design trend that I think is morphing into a less stylized version of itself is the use of curvy organic forms in all types of furniture and all types of design styles, not just modern,” designer Murphy Moon says.
10. Minimalism
On the other hand, some design pros are seeing a more maximalist style take hold, specifically a perked-up traditional look that combines vintage pieces with lots of upbeat pattern and wallpaper. “There is a resurgence of traditional, but it’s coming back in a very fun way,” says designer Alexandra Denburg of M&P Design Group. “Lots of softer warm tones, exposed woods and pattern mixing.”
July 25, 2024
5 Home Design Trends
Taking Off Right Now
A lot of factors contribute to what homes look like at any given moment. Some are easy to pin down, such as an ongoing desire for classic materials like wood and natural stone. Others are a bit more abstract or unexpected, such as a pandemic and subsequent supply chain issues causing dramatic shifts in homeowner choices. Either way, home design trends can help us understand general moods in society and give us ideas for how we want to shape our own homes.
Here are 5 home design trends that came up again and again.
​Andrea Schumacher Interiors
​
1. Color, Color, Color
By far the trend reported most by home design and remodeling professionals was a renewed interest in adding bright and bold color to interiors. “Clients want color, color and more color, which is definitely a departure from the past,” says designer Lexi Brandfon of Lex & Hudson.
​
2. Wallpaper
In addition to color, designers are excited about an outpouring of interest in bold wallpaper. “My clients are more likely to consider this now in spaces,” says designer Jamie Olivarez of Pink Door Designs. As with the trend toward color, the pandemic might be contributing to the rise in the popularity of wallpaper. “I think the pandemic played a big part in the need for bright and happy spaces,” says designer Catherine Carabello of CMC Designs Charleston.
​
3. Warm and Soft Kitchens
While pros say a desire for bold color is extending into kitchens, many report that some homeowners are asking for a warm and soft style.
​
“Creating a home that feels like a haven from the stresses of daily life is still very important,” says designer Debra Garvin of 1st Impressions Design. “In the past couple of years, our homes served as our office, classroom and a place for a staycation. Even though life seems to be returning to normal, that new appreciation for home hasn’t disappeared, and I don’t think it will anytime soon. More than ever, we want a place to rest, relax and recharge our batteries. Considering those goals, my design clients have been asking for finishes that add softness, warmth and texture to a room.”
​
4. Green Kitchen Cabinets
Green has been coming up repeatedly in trend coverage over the past couple of years. But lately, designers say there’s an increased interest specifically in green kitchen cabinets,
especially sage green. Midtone greens such as Evergreen Fog by Sherwin-Williams, shown here, are also popular. “Green seems to be the color of the moment, whether it’s in the cabinets or paint, either super dark or a very pale version,” says designer Sarah Farouk of FineLine Kitchens.
​
5. Wood Kitchen Cabinets
Natural wood cabinets are also having a moment. This trend is of a piece with the desire for adding warmth to kitchens, as well as a return to natural materials, as we’ll see next. “In addition to the use of color, we are seeing more natural elements take shape in the kitchen,” says designer Kirby Foster Hurd of Kirby Home Designs. “Various types of wood species are being added to the initial kitchen cabinet design as a way to add warmth with light- to medium-stain tones.”
​
We continue our list in next week’s newsletter
July 18, 2024
Bathroom Trends Making A Splash
Bathroom design is going well beyond strictly utility and function. From simple and contemporary designs to chic and luxurious fixtures, these trends are all about creating a relaxing, personal retreat.
Merging the Indoors with the Outdoors:
Blurring the lines between inside and out can create the ultimate sanctuary. Whether bringing the outside in via windows, greenery or a breeze; placing one or more components fully outdoors, such as a tub, shower or sitting area; or something in between, embracing nature within the bathroom is high on many lists.
​
Harmonious Patterns and Textures:
Tiles, timber and natural materials are back. The focus is on bringing in texture and merging different patterns and materials to bring the space to life. Creative use of oversized tiles and mixing patterns — which has been made easier with today’s advanced technology — can result in stunning spaces that can be both exhilarating and serene.
​
Blending Colors:
The past several years has focused on cooler gray colors, but warm shades are making a comeback. Mixing cool colors like blue with the warm tones of complementary materials such as wood or bamboo is another trick to create harmony. Contrasting dark with light and going from shades of white to the contrast of black is also expected to catch on this year.Free-Standing Tubs: Free-standing tubs have been in the spotlight for the past few years, and their use continues to gain popularity. Not only are they comfortable, but they are also eye-catching and can serve as a great focal point for any bathroom space, giving it a lavish and sleek look.
Free-Standing Tubs:
Free-standing tubs have been in the spotlight for the past few years, and their use continues to gain popularity. Not only are they comfortable, but they are also eye-catching and can serve as a great focal point for any bathroom space, giving it a lavish and sleek look.
​
All-in-One Shower and Bath:
Reinventing the bathing space to include a tub and a shower separated by a glass partition can give the room a stylish, modern vibe and cater to different tastes. Likewise, separating the toilet and sink(s) away from the moisture can reduce cleaning time and allow multiple users to occupy the space if needed.
​
Dual Showerheads:
Creating a shower with two or more showerheads can further enhance the bathroom-to-spa transformation. Multiple showerheads can also be a low-cost upgrade to increased relaxation.
​
Futuristic Technology:
From touchless and self-cleaning toilets to leak detectors, floor heating systems to interactive LED mirrors, and faucets to showers that can control the water flow and temperature, the whole bathroom is turning smart. These features provide users the comfort they seek along with a top-notch luxury experience
July 11, 2024
What Home Design Trends Will Have Staying Power
For remodelers looking to elevate their businesses in the new year, staying on top of the latest housing trends is a must. In this installment of NAHB’s Remodeling Forecasts, Myths & Trends video series, sponsored by Lowe’s Pro, Pro Remodeler’s managing editor Caroline Broderick digs into which home design trends will have staying power beyond 2024.
Having a better understanding of home design and consumer demand, and how they might impact a remodeler’s bottom line is crucial to the long-term success of their business in the current market. For example, Broderick discusses a key factor impacting today’s home design trends: the economic environment. More homeowners are opting not to sell their properties because of increasing mortgage rates. As a result, they’re looking to customize their living spaces to better suit their needs.
​
Bold personalization: With resale value no longer a major concern, many homeowners want to make their homes uniquely personal. Long gone are the days of the stark white and gray color palette throughout the home. Colors are now shifting to warmer tones and textures, such as shades of blue and green and wood grain.
​
Nostalgic notes: Mixing and matching design styles to better integrate homeowners’ treasured keepsakes into a redesign is becoming more popular. There’s also a shift away from modern design elements (think: clean lines) to incorporating more traditional features such as curved archways.
​
Organic design: Bringing the outdoors inside is another way homeowners are using remodeling to personalize their living spaces. This can be done by using woven materials such as cane and rattan throughout the home or by installing skylights allowing for more natural sunlight to flow through common areas.
​
July 5, 2024
Better, Not Bigger, Homes Among Top Design Trends for 2024
Following a brief uptick in new home sizes in 2021, the average size of a new home continues to inch smaller — dropping from 2,479 square feet in 2022 to 2,411 square feet in 2023, the smallest average size in 13 years — to match home buyer preferences for less square footage. According to NAHB’s latest What Home Buyers Really Want study, home buyers are looking for homes around 2,070 square feet, compared to 2,260 20 years ago.
“It’s related to two factors that are linked,” said Rose Quint, NAHB assistant vice president of survey research. “First, we’ve seen changes in home buyer preferences. Second, housing affordability has worsened in recent years.”
​
Builders are acting on this trend, with 38% indicating they built smaller homes in 2023 to help support home sales and 26% indicating they plan to build even smaller in 2024. They are also working to bridge the gap on housing affordability by cutting home prices, providing sales incentives and offering more affordable finishes. Median new homes prices dropped to $427,400 in 2023 — down 7 percentage points from 2022, a drop not seen since 2009 — while existing home prices continued to rise to $394,600, marking a 1 percentage point increase over the prior year.
​
Home buyers are not only shifting their preferences on size; they’re shifting their overall design preferences as well, placing higher value on personalization and authenticity.
​
“Our home owners are looking to personalize their homes,” said Donald Ruthroff, AIA, founding principal at Design Story Spaces LLC. “They want to it feel like it was made just for them and be significantly different than their neighbors’ homes.”
​
This is reflected in the style of the home and the upgrades that buyers choose to incorporate into their homes, whether it’s creating an island that looks like a piece of furniture, higher quality cabinets or more expensive flooring.
Home features that remain at the top of buyers’ wish list include four outdoor features, two kitchen features and two related to energy efficiency:
-
Laundry room
-
Patio
-
Energy Star window
-
Exterior lighting
-
Ceiling fan
-
Garage storage
-
Front porch
-
Hardwood flooring
-
Full bath on the main level
-
Energy Star appliances
-
Walk-in pantry
-
Landscaping
-
Table space in the kitchen
Technology features are becoming increasingly popular, most notably security cameras, wired home security systems, programmable thermostats, video doorbells, multizone HVAC systems and energy management systems.
​
Other home features that have seen strong growth in popularity over the past 10 years include:
-
Quartz or engineered stone for kitchen countertops
-
Lighting control systems
-
Outdoor fireplaces
-
Outdoor kitchens
-
Built-in kitchen seating
-
Exposed beams
Additional information on home buyer trends can be found in NAHB’s What Home Buyers Really Want (2024 edition),
available at builderbooks.com. Courtesy of NAHB.