Caroline Smalley

Home renovation trends are ever-evolving, with certain styles rising in popularity while others wane. As we enter 2025, several design elements that once dominated the industry are being reconsidered. Here are ten trends designers suggest are on their way out:

1. Open Floor Plans: Once celebrated for creating expansive, communal spaces, open floor plans are now being reevaluated. The recent shift towards remote work and increased time at home has highlighted the need for distinct areas that offer privacy and functionality. As a result, there’s a growing preference for defined rooms that cater to specific activities.
2. All-White Kitchens: The sleek, monochromatic white kitchen is losing its appeal. Homeowners and designers are gravitating towards incorporating color, natural wood tones, and contrasting materials to introduce warmth and personality into the heart of the home. The soft green hue chosen by ATX Interior Design for a kitchen renovation adds a warmth that’s often missing in traditional all-white kitchens.
3. Granite Countertops: Granite, once the pinnacle of luxury in kitchen design, is being overshadowed by alternatives like quartz, marble, and recycled materials. These options offer a broader range of aesthetics and, in some cases, enhanced durability and sustainability.
4. Shiplap Walls: Popularized by farmhouse-inspired interiors, shiplap walls are seeing a decline. Designers are moving towards plaster, wallpaper, or painted millwork to add texture and depth without relying on this once-trendy feature.
5. Industrial Style: The raw, unfinished look characterized by exposed brick, ductwork, and metal accents is being replaced by designs that emphasize comfort and coziness. There’s a shift towards incorporating softer materials, warmer color palettes, and more refined finishes.
6. Barn Doors: While functional and space-saving, barn doors are becoming less desirable due to their overuse and the noise they can produce. Homeowners are opting for traditional hinged doors or pocket doors that offer better sound insulation and a more timeless appeal.
7. Fast Furniture: The trend of purchasing inexpensive, mass-produced furniture is declining as consumers become more environmentally conscious. There’s a growing emphasis on investing in quality, sustainable pieces that stand the test of time, both in durability and design.
8. Wall-to-Wall Carpeting: Carpeting throughout the home is being replaced by hard flooring options like hardwood, tile, or polished concrete. These materials are preferred for their cleanliness, durability, and versatility in design.
9. Over-the-Range Microwaves: Positioning microwaves above the stove is falling out of favor due to concerns about safety and accessibility. Designers are incorporating microwave drawers or placing them in lower cabinets to improve kitchen ergonomics and aesthetics.
10. Matching Furniture Sets: The uniform look of matching furniture sets is being set aside in favor of curated spaces that mix and match different styles, textures, and periods. This approach creates a more personalized and dynamic interior that reflects individual taste.

As design preferences shift, it’s essential to consider functionality, sustainability, and personal expression in home renovations. By moving away from these outdated trends, homeowners can create spaces that are both contemporary and uniquely their own.