This year, home building and design trends are moving away from stark white and gray minimalism and toward color, texture, coziness, and integrated technology.

Homes are a place to highlight personality and nurture feelings of safety and relaxation, both indoors and out. Whether you're starting from scratch or looking to revamp a space, we have several ideas to spark inspiration—renter-friendly upgrades included!

Color Color Color

Drab neutrals are a thing of the past. Homeowners and renters alike are embracing color—and more color. Not only are walls getting a pigmented makeover, but ceilings are also being painted and decorated with stand-out designs and textures to help set the mood in each room.

For an extra immersive effect, some are opting for a single-color takeover, also known as color drenching. This bold approach is both eye-catching and calming—perfect for highly intentional, personalized spaces. Different tones, shades, and tints of one hue can be used for subtle variation, a technique known as monochromatic design. Incorporating different finishes, such as matte and glossy, adds just enough contrast to heighten visual interest while maintaining a cohesive color theme.

Warm Palette

Some of the more popular colors include warm, earthy hues. Terracotta and sage evoke feelings of peace and calm, aligning with a growing emphasis on wellness. Homeowners are uncovering beautiful original wood flooring and tile hidden beneath carpeting installed by previous residents, as well as exposed beams that bring a sense of history into renovated spaces. A dwelling's character is being welcomed with open arms, rather than concealed by gray and more gray.

Natural Materials

A warm palette is often complemented by the use of natural materials. Walnut and white oak are popular wood choices, while quartzite and granite remain quality stone options that add visual interest to kitchens and bathrooms. Texture is welcome—a contrast to the once-popular flat, minimalist surfaces. Wood and stone can be sustainably sourced from repurposed materials or leftover pieces from other projects.

Timeless Metals

Though small in scale, metal faucets and door knobs can add a substantial amount of personality to a room. Unlacquered brass, aged bronze, and hand-rubbed finishes are often favored over chrome and shinier counterparts. These materials age beautifully, adding more charm and interest to a space.

Cozy Spaces

As life grows busier and the desire for a slower, more intentional pace increases, many people are gravitating toward creating cozy spaces that feel both comfortable and inviting. With remote work still common, home needs to be a place people genuinely enjoy spending time in. Comfortable furniture, welcoming reading nooks, and dreamy bedrooms all contribute to that sense of home we all crave.

Emphasis on Wellness

Cozy spaces and wellness go hand in hand. Restorative environments with ample natural light, airflow, and spa-like bathroom experiences add to an overall sense of well-being. The idea of "treating yourself" no longer needs to happen outside the home. Designated areas for meditation and functional fitness remain popular—why trek to the gym and wait to use equipment when you can move your body at home?

Integrated Technology

Instead of flashy, in-your-face tech, homeowners are opting for seamless integration: televisions that looked like framed paintings when not in use, smart security systems, and AI-powered assistance for streamlined living. We're talking personalized skincare treatments dispensed in the shower via sensor-based skin analysis, meticulously selected scents released throughout the home based on mood and environmental context, smart wardrobe mirrors, self-sufficient pool-cleaning robots, and improved fire detectors that won't out you for accidentally toasting your morning waffles for a couple minutes too long.

Outdoor Living

Tending a garden or simply spending time outside is proven to boost mental health. More homeowners are embracing native landscapes rather than covering every inch of yard with grass or choosing "exotic" plants that require excessive resources to maintain. Live in the desert? Go with plants that require little water. Reside in the Pacific Northwest? Choose flora that flourish in damp, shaded conditions. Incorporating pollinator-friendly plants is always a plus! You'll save resources and money, your garden will thrive, and the environment will thank you. 

While you may not be able to tackle all of these upgrades at once, you can certainly start with a few that fit your budget, then continue to enhance your space over time. 

Sources:

Design Trend How-To: Color Drenching

Terracotta Interior Design: How to Master the Look

The Best Natural Materials for Biophilic Interior Design | 7 Ideas

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