Interior designer Kelly Taylor, owner of Kelly Taylor Interior Design, told BI that kitchen floors aren't an ideal place to incorporate detailed patterns into your home.

"Just don't do it! If you want a pattern on the floor, change up the wood to a herringbone, or choose a stone with a tone-on-tone pattern, like a water-jet mosaic," Taylor said. 

Bold flooring patterns, like a checkered print, can be costly to replace when they go out of style.

Concrete kitchen countertops are on the rise among their marble, quartz, and granite counterparts.

However, Taylor said, concrete countertops are expensive and hard to maintain.

"Counters are expensive. Even if the concrete countertop trend continues to persist, concrete is going to be wrecked so fast that you'll want to replace it in two years," Taylor told BI. "It is incredibly porous and just not going to look like anything but a mess, trendy or not."

Lisa Odor, senior interior designer at MA Design, told BI that open shelves with highly-curated items could lead to regrets down the road.

"They look great for Instagram when they are nicely organized and picturesque with your three favorite cookbooks and some cute knickknacks, but they aren't functional and will only collect dust and more things," she said.

Instead, Odor recommends capitalizing on closed storage options in a kitchen. 

Interior designer Reya Duena of Reya Duena Designs cautioned against the popular built-in-booth trend. 

"While they look nice now, the fabrics will get dirty, wear, and start to look dated. They have to be well designed in order to pull this off," Duena told BI.

Consider fabric and material options when creating a breakfast nook or built-in booth, and choose stain-resistant, sturdy materials.

Mixed metals can add a contemporary look to your aesthetic, but it's possible to combine too many metal finishes.

Duenas suggests sticking to two metal finishes at most, as anything more can look "uncoordinated." Also, make sure your finishes work together harmoniously. 

"Be sure that brass and champagne finishes match one another. Nothing is worth than several brass tones that don't match," Duenas told BI.

Some large kitchens incorporate two islands instead of one — but this is an expensive and hard-to-undo design choice. 

"Double islands are nice if you have the space, but also expensive and permanent. You need to commit to the layout, and there isn't room for making changes," Duena said.

Instead, Duena recommends choosing a less-permanent piece of furniture, like a large table or cabinet, to add more counterspace and visual interest with less commitment. 

Rhea Vaflor, associate principal and director of trendcasting at Hickok Cole, said aspects of the industrial-farmhouse trend may be difficult to manage over time. 

In particular, the industrial-style matte-black finishes show "scratches more easily, and if the quality isn't high enough, the finish can flake off." 

Instead, Vaflor recommends choosing polished- or brass-nickel fixtures, which tend to be more timeless and durable. 

Social media portrays the beauty and cleanliness of an all-white kitchen aesthetic, but Vaflor told BI this trend could lead to regrets.

"White shows everything, and in the messiest room in the house, it's especially unforgiving, even more so if everything surrounding it is stark white in contrast," Vaflor said.

All-white kitchens can also be difficult to maintain over time. 

"It's incredibly challenging to match whites, so if you have to replace a cabinet door or paint a scratch, it's not likely you'll find the exact white," Valfor said. 

It may be more practical to only do white upper cabinets and colored lower cabinets or to stick with a white countertop and darker backsplashes. 

Jackie Lopey, founder of and interior designer at Wide Canvas, told BI that complementary colors — red and green, orange and blue, purple and yellow — intensify each other and are visually appealing on our Instagram feeds but feel different when you live with them.

When the excitement wears off, replacing kitchen cabinets, countertops, and backsplashes is expensive.

Instead, Lopey recommends selecting a neutral color palette and adding a signature shade to one fixed element.

Interior designer Randi Destefano said sliding doors can work in a pantry, but you might want to skip anything too rustic unless it fits your kitchen's aesthetic. 

"Rustic barn doors for pantries don't always fit the kitchen style. Some trend followers only see rustic and think they need to have it. They forget that the rest of the kitchen is not rustic," Destefano told BI.

Before committing to a pantry door, do some research to understand the available options rather than defaulting to the popular rustic style.

Erin Davis, owner and lead designer at Mosaik Design & Remodeling, said light-colored cabinetry has been a popular trend for years but it's not the most practical one. 

"Homeowners may regret having a light color on the lower cabinetry as it can quickly show wear and tear. A great alternative is combining wood cabinetry on the base with lighter-painted uppers," Davis told BI.

Green kitchens may be trendy, but Davis cautioned against overdoing it.

"Avoid too much green in the kitchens, especially with painted walls as they can cast a light on to your food that is unappealing," they told BI.

This story was originally published on January 31, 2023, and most recently updated on January 10, 2025.

I've found that a bathroom with floor-to-ceiling tiles usually comes across as cold and sterile instead of luxurious.

Though I think the look works for a walk-in shower or feature wall, decorating all over with tile is an expensive choice that's difficult to update as trends change.

Consider upgrading plastic accessories, such as shower-curtain rings, soap dispensers, and trash cans, to nonplastic options for an elevated design.

Higher-quality metal or ceramic finishes can give your bathroom a luxurious appeal while adding color, texture, and charm to the space. 

Black toilets remind me of the uncomfortable feeling of using portable toilets — in which you really don't want to see the bottom.

A black toilet might seem like a chic, modern choice, but the color can make it harder to clean. Though a white toilet shows dust, watermarks, and smudges, a black one hides all the grime and buildup.

If you want to bring a moody-chic look into the bathroom, do it with black towel rods and fixtures rather than a toilet.

Using towels with the same color throughout the bathroom creates a stagnant design and doesn't bring much fun into the space. Even patterned towel sets typically lack visual variety and color contrast. 

I prefer mixing different towel colors and patterns that work well together and coordinating them with floor mats and shower curtains. The finished look appears more dynamic and personalized.

Wallpaper is an awesome choice for smaller spaces but not all options will work in the bathroom. I prefer to use a peel-and-stick variety as its vinyl material is more water-resistant than the paper-based alternatives.

If you love a traditional wallpaper design, you might get away with using it in a powder room or half-bath, where there isn't a shower. But I still recommend treating the paper with a protective coating to keep it from getting damaged after installation.

Though grid tiles are trending, I don't recommend using them for bathroom vanities or other high-traffic areas because the grout tends to quickly accumulate dirt.

I also find that the hard-to-clean grout will eventually stain from things like colored soap, makeup, and lotion.

If you're determined to incorporate this trend into your bathroom, consider using the tiles as a backsplash or on shower walls where they're less likely to see spills.

Instead of choosing themed artwork you think works in a bathroom or spa, treat your wall decor as you would in any other room.

Pick elevated artwork that inspires you and uses colors from your home decor to make your bathroom an extension of your space's aesthetic.

Just be sure to choose art that can withstand the steam to avoid mildew forming on paper-based products.

Though pedestal sinks are a classic silhouette, they just aren't practical for most homes. The lack of storage and counter space means they're only useful for washing hands.

Unless you have space for additional storage options, I wouldn't even use these sinks in the powder room, as they can't store extra supplies for guests.

Matte paints aren't ideal for bathrooms because they have a tendency to absorb moisture. I recommend a semigloss to high-gloss paint option to better protect the drywall from moisture damage.

If you love the matte look, you can try using limewash paint, instead. It has a similar look, but it's supposed to be naturally mold-resistant and antibacterial.

Though they're a neutral option, I find frameless mirrors, especially those with a beveled edge, look dated.

A framed mirror is an opportunity to add stylistic personality to your space, much like hanging art. I suggest tying your color palette and existing hardware finishes into your mirror to bring the space together.

This story was originally published on September 17, 2023, and most recently updated on January 9, 2025.

My carpenter convinced me to reverse how the door opens from the hallway, moving the hinges from the right side to the left.

It used to swing into the bathroom, and he needed it to swing out so it would not hit the new wall-hung sink directly behind the door.

Unfortunately, this means the toilet is now in full view to anyone in my living room — not exactly classy to see while enjoying a glass of wine or watching a movie. I close the door when leaving the bathroom, but guests often fling it wide.

If I had a do-over, I wouldn't have changed the direction in which the door opens, instead keeping the toilet hidden and putting the sink on the opposite wall.

I love the retro look of tiled bathrooms, especially in gleaming black-and-white designs. My tile floor was beautiful when installed, with bright-white grout and a polished black center in each square.

Within days, though, heavy foot traffic made the floor dingy — and the white still seems to show every speck of dirt.

I'm on my hands and knees weekly, scrubbing the floor.

I chose to add one ceramic insert to the tiled shower and another for the toilet paper roll. Unfortunately, both are too small.

The shower insert holds about one bottle of product. Had I gone with a taller and wider insert, I could fit two larger bottles, shampoo and conditioner.

The toilet-paper insert is also too small for the mega rolls we buy. I need to leave the roll on the floor until enough sheets have been torn off where it will fit into the smaller holder.

There's only one piece of drywall in the bathroom, and everything else is tiled. During installation, the tile was stacked too high up the wall, meaning the drywalled area is closer to the ceiling.

My 90-year-old mother lives with me and, after we hung a mirror on the drywall, we discover she can't see into it. She is 5 feet tall — on her tiptoes, she can see the top of her head. Although we chuckle, this is impractical.

Unfortunately, to fix this, we would need to rip out all the tiles in the wall.

Speaking of my mother — although she's still agile, she is 90 years old.

Although our shower has a grab bar, I wish I'd paid extra to have a built-in bench installed, too. I've since noticed benches in friends' homes, and I imagine my mother will one day need this option.

I can buy a teak bench to place in the shower, but a tiled one would've been a sleeker solution.

Nothing exudes class quite like copper cookware.

At my local Williams Sonoma, I found a large selection of copper pots and saucepans, as well as accessories like kettles, roasting pans, and serving plates — perfect for creating a matching set.

I like to hang copper cookware from a pot rack so guests can see the beautiful details on display.

As an avid follower of culinary content creators, I often find myself captivated by Stanley Tucci's delightful cooking videos on social media.

So, I was excited to stumble upon his collection with GreenPan, which seems designed to last.

The pots and pans have tight-fitting glass lids and stainless-steel handles designed for comfort and control while cooking. This cookware also comes in various colors to add a fun, vibrant pop to the kitchen counter.

Well-designed kitchen tools can enhance functionality and aesthetics, and, in my opinion, this collection is worth checking out.

Who doesn't want a dash of retro charm in their kitchen? SMEG appliances are known for their classic designs, making them functional and stylish additions to any space.

I love the SMEG four-slice toaster because it has a large enough opening to perfectly toast a large piece of sourdough. It also comes in pastel colors that can beautifully complement a kitchen design.

A high-quality cutting board is an essential cornerstone of any well-equipped kitchen.

The cutting boards available at my store looked like they were designed to endure the rigors of daily use while retaining their timeless appeal.

I recommend curating a collection of various sizes and styles to accommodate different entertaining needs. A diverse selection ensures you're ready for anything, from casual get-togethers to elegant dinner parties that call for beautifully arranged cheese boards.

There's something charming about having gorgeous scented soaps by the guest-bathroom sink or kitchen counter.

They're not just practical — their lovely packaging and heavenly fragrances add a little extra magic to a space. Plus, they make the sweetest gifts.

For anyone who loves baking, the KitchenAid stand mixer simply cannot be beat.

This mixer, which comes with a steel bowl and various attachments, can make dough, whipped cream, and other recipes.

Its aesthetic appeal is undeniable and it looks adorable nestled in the corner of a countertop. The mixer also comes in various colors to match any kitchen decor.

Perfecting your morning routine begins with crafting the ideal cup of coffee. For me, this is where the Breville Oracle jet espresso machine comes into play.

I love how its sleek design marries functionality with refinement. It's an efficient yet attractive countertop appliance that I look forward to using each morning.

As a designer, I think investing in high-quality linen tablecloths and napkins is nonnegotiable. My mom still uses linen napkins she bought from Williams Sonoma two decades ago.

These linens, which come in neutral tones and classic stripes, exude timeless elegance that can be dressed up for special occasions or kept casual for family dinners.

As a soda-water drinker, I've experimented with just about every fizzy-beverage option — cans, machines, you name it. However, when it comes to aesthetics and elegance, my favorite is the Aarke carbonator.

This appliance's sleek yet simple design truly stands out. It also comes with glass bottles that are perfect for adding a touch of sophistication to a space.

Decorating around a specific element, like a fireplace or a piece of wall art, can bring symmetry and unity to a room.

According to interior designer Tommy Kebbson of Kebbson & Co., this can instantly make a space feel more elegant.

"Even small adjustments like placing lamps on either side of a sofa or balancing artwork on both sides of a wall can make a significant difference," he said.

Kebbson also told BI that a symmetrical space doesn't mean all elements have to be identical. Lamps and art can be complimentary without matching perfectly to achieve a balanced, cohesive look.

Jennifer Jones, principal designer at Niche Interiors, suggests using curtains to trick the eye into thinking your ceilings are higher than they are.

"Mounting tall drapery panels above windows is an easy way to make your small space feel instantly larger," says Jones. "The trick is to pull your eye upwards, which emphasizes the height of the space and makes the volume seem larger. Drapes also add softness and sophistication to a space."

Mirrors are a great addition to any room — and not just for touching up makeup or putting an unruly strand of hair back in place.

"A well-placed mirror can reflect natural light and make the space feel much larger and brighter," interior designer Laetitia Laurent of Laure Nell Interiors said.

Laurent told BI she likes to position mirrors opposite windows and in dark corners to draw light to those areas and add a sense of depth to the room.

"In smaller rooms, even a large statement mirror can work wonders, acting as both a functional piece and a design element that enhances the room's overall flow," she said.

Aside from making cold floors feel more cozy, area rugs can also help add structure to an apartment with an open floor plan.

Kebbson said he uses rugs to subdivide rooms, and finds this method especially helpful when designing a studio apartment.

Interior designer Vicky Floros also emphasized the importance of rugs and said they're good items to splurge on.

"Rugs act as the anchor of a room and can make or break a space," she told BI. "While there are many budget-friendly options available these days, this is one item worth investing in, as it can completely transform the look and feel of your room."

When creating a luxurious feel in an apartment, Elissa Hall, lead designer and founder at EDH Interiors, suggests using pieces of furniture that "serve both form and purpose," like a convertible couch or a storage ottoman.

"For a recent project, I included a custom-built shelving system that acted as a room divider, offering storage and space definition without sacrificing the open atmosphere," Hall said.

Brown is predicted to be huge in 2025 — after all, Pantone's Color of the Year is a rich shade of it, Mocha Mousse.

Carly Filbin, co-owner of and principal designer at Blue Jay Interiors, said the color will have staying power for years, and it'll be especially popular for upholstery in the coming months.

"Everyone is tired of white and ready to introduce more color," she told BI. "I expect this trend will last for several years at least as people appreciate the warm, earthy tones and the cozy feeling brown provides."

The designer also expects to see more color drenching as we head into the new year. This design technique involves painting just about every surface in a space (from the walls and trim to doorframes and accents) in a single shade or similar ones.

"People are becoming more daring with color, especially in contained or smaller spaces," Filbin told BI.

She predicts this trend will stay popular for years to come because it's so versatile — color-drenching can be done with all sorts of styles and shades.

BI has spoken to multiple designers who have said this year is all about people personalizing their homes and adding color and personality to their spaces.

With that in mind, Filbin said, wallcoverings in all styles, textures, and prints will likely make a comeback in 2025.

After all, the right textured wallpaper or fabric "can completely transform the look of a space" and add personality to it.

Philip Thomas Vanderford, founder and lead interior designer at Studio Thomas James, told BI that neutral palettes will evolve beyond traditional whites and beiges this year.

People are moving "away from stark minimalism, instead offering a rich, tactile experience that feels both modern and timeless," he said.

We can expect to see more complex tones, like warm taupe or stony gray, and people mixing and layering different neutral shades. Doing so can add depth to a space and elevate it while keeping it feeling calm.

Outdoor spaces are having a major moment, and Vanderford expects to see homeowners invest in them even more in 2025.

He said many of his clients are prioritizing wellness and entertaining right now — they want to create private escapes they can visit without ever leaving home.

Vanderford told BI that he predicts this shift will "drive demand for innovations in weather-resistant luxury materials and the rise of boutique outdoor furniture brands."

Michelle Shapiro, cofounder and interior designer at Dwellier Design, expects to see a rise in people curating spaces that entertain all five senses.

"Multisensory interior design goes beyond visual appeal with textured surfaces, soundscapes, and signature scents to create a multilayered sensory experience," she told BI.

Shapiro said the "fully immersive nature of these designs" can feel soothing, creating a "spa-like sense of escape" in an increasingly digital world.

"Finishes like plaster, microcement, and limed paint are becoming go-to choices for adding depth and character to homes," Shapiro said.

She added that textured materials provide a "perfectly imperfect, organic feel" that adds warmth to a room.

Dominique Bonet, lead designer at ld&d, predicts more people will focus on natural materials and thoughtful, durable designs that create serene and sophisticated spaces.

She said she's already starting to see natural materials "reimagined" and showcased in new ways in luxury homes.

"Textured stones like marble and granite are no longer confined to just countertops or floors — they're being used as impressive feature walls or architectural details, offering a sense of organic elegance," Bonet told BI.

Sherpa chairs might look inviting, but they're not built for real life.

This fluffy, curled fabric is usually white or cream and seems to attract dirt and stains. Plus, it's difficult to clean sherpa without ruining the fabric.

When looking for a chair or other soft item to add to my home, I'd rather go for a durable performance fabric that's just as cozy but way more practical.

Throw pillows are a simple way to refresh a space, but polyester-filled options tend to lose their shape and look lumpy after a short period of time.

Instead, I'm opting for down-alternative or memory-foam inserts that feel more luxurious and last longer.

Putting a blanket over a sofa might seem like a simple solution to hide wear and tear, but it rarely holds up in the long run.

Blankets slip around and can make the space look unfinished. A better option is to invest in a durable, stain-resistant sofa or slipcover.

Crown molding can look nice in traditional homes, but it often feels unnecessary in modern spaces.

Adding this molding to a room can cost a few hundred or thousand dollars, so I'd rather use that money to make a bigger statement with bold lighting or textured wall treatments.

Dark walls may be trendy, but they can make rooms feel smaller and show every scuff and smudge.

If I want a dramatic look, I'd rather choose bold furniture or accents instead of committing to dark, high-maintenance walls.

Faux plants might seem like an easy way to decorate a space, but they lack the life and texture that real greenery brings.

Instead, I'm sticking to low-maintenance live plants, like snake plants, or dried floral arrangements for a natural touch.

Beige couches have been a design staple for years, but they're more trouble than they're worth.

I find the light color shows stains far too easily and doesn't add enough character to a room. A sofa in a rich tone or textured fabric feels more modern and livable.

I love a good throw pillow, but too many can quickly overwhelm a space.

This year, I'm sticking to accenting couches or beds with just two or three high-quality pillows with varied textures and patterns to create a curated, uncluttered look.

Prepackaged gallery walls might seem like a quick fix, but they often feel too generic.

Instead, I'm encouraging people to build their own collections over time with art that feels personal and unique to their story.

Open shelving might look great in photos, but in real life, it's a nightmare to maintain.

Unless you style everything to perfection and clean constantly, the shelves end up looking cluttered and dusty. Closed cabinetry is a more functional and stylish storage solution for a kitchen.

According to Vanessa Helmick, owner and interior designer at Fiore Home, more people will start replacing gray tones in 2025.

The designer said the color will likely be phased out because it was being used for elements — like flooring — that aren't naturally gray.

Additionally, since marble became trendy in kitchens and bathrooms in recent years, homeowners and builders felt they had to use gray everywhere.

However, these color choices often appear inorganic and cold, so Helmick predicts more people will avoid gray in 2025.

According to Paula Kennedy, a certified architectural color consultant and the CEO of Timeless Kitchen Design LLC, colors with gray in them, like taupe, slate, and cool blues, are fading away as well.

She said the move toward warmer colors is becoming stronger, especially in the Pacific Northwest, where the weather turns gray.

"Right now, there's just an overall theme of warming up," Kennedy told BI.

Shades of green have long been in vogue, but Kennedy predicts sage will fall out of favor as people shift toward richer, deeper hues.

She also believes watery turquoise shades will replace basic blues and greens, as these hues have greater design flexibility and harmonize well with other colors.

Color expert Amy Wax told BI that many people love white for its purity and cleanliness, but the hue can quickly look worn or tired when used on furniture — especially next to other white elements.

"If everything is as stark as the white, it's fine," said Wax. "Otherwise, fabrics become faded-looking."

Stark white can also be too harsh on the eyes, so more people are opting for hues that feel softer.

Though black appears sexy and elegant at first glance, Kennedy believes people will move away from it because it isn't sustainable as a long-term color choice.

She also said combining black and white in a design is becoming passé."Black and white has a clarity," said Kennedy. "It's simple and matter-of-fact, but we're not in that place psychologically anymore."

The designer believes uncertainty in the world is causing more people to opt for cozy home designs — and black and white shades don't fit the bill anymore. 

Nautical blue has long been a staple in Helmick's New England community, but the designer believes the color will start to become less popular in 2025.

According to Helmick, nautical blue-and-white themes can feel limiting, as updating or changing such a distinctive color scheme can be difficult. "People are moving less, the real-estate market isn't moving as fast, and they want to freshen up their homes," she told BI.

She predicts more people will bring in warm tones and pair them with colors that freshen things up and add a sense of coziness.

Though quirky colors like mustard yellow and olive green had a moment, 2025 may be a good time to rid your home of them.

"Mustard gold and olive green were attractive because they were unique," said Wax. "But people want something more easygoing."

She believes 2025 will see more people gravitating toward calmer hues.

Yellow and teal were popular in 2024, but Wax feels their time has passed.

"Intensely playful colors like bright yellows and teals have a harshness that has been overplayed," the expert told BI. "People want easier colors that you can decorate around."

Interior designer Trudi Smith of Trudi Smith Designs sees LED lighting as one of the biggest bathroom trends right now.

She predicts the lights will be especially popular in mirrors, cabinet interiors, and toe-kick lighting (a soft light installed underneath a cabinet or other low-to-the-ground furniture).

Colette Rodon Hornof, designer and founder of Vesta of Hearth and Home, is seeing a trend toward what she calls hyper-organization.

"It's not just about having drawers in your bathroom, but that the drawers are hyper-organized to accommodate whatever you need to store," she said.

This could include drawers with built-in outlets and inserts for essentials like makeup, medicine, towels, or grooming devices.

Similarly, she also expects to see custom-made storage spaces for bathroom appliances.

Cindy Kelly, owner of Cindy Kelly Kitchen Design, is seeing increased interest in mixed metals in the bathroom.

Because metal finishes often require constant cleaning due to fingerprints or water spots, she recommends polished chrome or nickel for the fixtures that get the most use, like showerheads or faucets.

According to Rodon Hornof, 2025 will see more people transforming their bathrooms into calming spaces.

As people gravitate toward general self-care, she sees the bathroom as the ideal space for incorporating features to help reduce stress.

These elements can include decorating with natural materials, like wood or stone, and installing freestanding tubs equipped with aromatherapy, chromotherapy (which uses colors and lights to promote relaxation), and bubble-jet features.

Though the farmhouse style had a good run, Kelly said the harsh black-and-white tiles and flooring that define this look are no longer on trend.

"The black and white isn't personal enough — it feels more like what a builder would put in to sell the house," she said.

Instead, the designer predicts bath spaces that offer warmth and a personalized feel will trend.

According to Smith, all-white bathrooms won't be as popular in 2025, as they can feel a bit cold and sterile. As more people gravitate toward warmer spaces, cool-white shades will likely become a thing of the past.

Though floating vanities, which are mounted on the wall and don't extend to the floor, create a sense of added space, Kelly says they actually take away much-needed storage.

"Once you cut the vanity in half to float it, you lose storage," she said. "So while it's a beautiful look, it's just not practical."

For this reason, she says floating vanities will likely be less popular in the new year.

One of the most interesting trends in bathroom design is how people are becoming less focused on what others think of their decor.

Higher interest rates mean fewer people are moving, and as a result, Smith believes more homeowners are designing their spaces to be lived in, not to impress future buyers.

"People are not designing for their friends. They're not trying to keep up with the Joneses," the designer told BI. Instead, she said people want their bathroom to reflect their personal likes, wants, and needs.

As clean lines and sleek designs trend, clunky medicine cabinets are becoming less popular. However, Rodon Hornof sees this as a missed opportunity.

"People who design their bathrooms without medicine cabinets may regret it, as they're missing out on a great opportunity for storage that can actually be incorporated in a very beautiful and aesthetic way," the designer said.

Courtney Wollersheim, interior designer at FLOOR360, said she expects to see backsplashes in colors like deep green or terracotta as more homeowners look for new ways to complement neutral walls and cabinets.

A colorful backsplash may seem risky, but a skilled tile installer can change it if your tastes change over time.

Wollersheim said she's also seeing more homeowners eager to personalize their kitchens by combining different decor styles for a custom look.

One example is mixing modern finishes with antique finds, such as treasures from flea markets or inherited items.

"Mixing old and new adds character and warmth while providing an opportunity for creative self-expression," she said.

Sarah Pickard, founder of Pickard Design Studio, predicts more people will get rid of open kitchens and divide their space to create a secondary area, like a butler's pantry, that "can be used for prep or a place to store dirty dishes."

She told us this trend is returning as some millennials seek designs similar to the homes they grew up in and entertain guests in groups.

"It is more affordable to host and eat at home, and people want their spaces and kitchen to be received as luxurious and clean," Pickard said.

Deana Duffek, CEO and principal designer of Pure Design House, said a continued interest in sustainability and biophilic looks will help nature-inspired designs rise in popularity throughout 2025.

"Kitchens now incorporate natural materials, like wood and stone, earthy colors, like sage and terracotta, and greenery, like indoor herb gardens," Duffek told BI.

She said we can also "expect to see more eco-friendly designs using reclaimed materials."

Joyce Huston, lead interior designer at Decorilla, thinks we'll see kitchen lighting evolve in 2025.

"Lighting is everything in design, and people want flexibility. The ability to change your kitchen's entire feel with lighting creates a more dynamic, personalized space," Huston said.

She said that instead of basic under-cabinet strip lights, we might see more intricate options that allow people to control the color, temperature, intensity, and mood of a space through lighting.

Huston said she's also seeing more appliance manufacturers offer hardware in a variety of finishes, like brass or gold.

After all, the right pop of metal can be a small way to add depth, warmth, and sophistication to a design without overdoing it.

Sleek and modern designs introduced cool, neutral colors into kitchens over the last few years, but Wollersheim told BI that these shades have had their moment.

"Cool-color cabinets like white, gray, or black are moving aside for warm wood cabinets like oak or maple," she said.

Wollersheim expects this shift toward warmer colors to continue over the next few years.

Although previously a staple in modern kitchens, all-white cabinets, counters, and kitchen walls are no longer as hot as they used to be, Duffek told BI.

"The dominance of stark, all-white kitchens with clean lines and minimalistic finishes is waning," she said. "Expect a surge in colorful, layered kitchens that blend bold hues with natural materials, reflecting a more dynamic and inviting aesthetic."

Open shelving has been popular in kitchens for years, and many use it to showcase everyday dishes or collectibles.

But, Duffek said, this trend is fading out for a few reasons.

"While stylish, open shelving requires constant upkeep to remain presentable — and many homeowners prefer practical storage solutions that hide clutter," Duffek said.

Anna Tatsioni, lead interior designer at Decorilla, has seen enough bouclé (a thick, curled fabric) in living rooms this year.

"Bouclé has exploded in popularity, particularly as upholstery for couches, and it's just so overdone," she told BI. "I also think it can be a really restrictive textile as it only works with a limited number of colors and can look very synthetic."

Instead, consider adding other textures to your space to create more variety.

Tatsioni told us that minimalism was taken to extremes to create tidy and clean-looking spaces this year — and isn't working in its current form.

"So many interiors are starting to look like those I'd find in a show home," she said. "Minimalism can be done beautifully, but when brought to the extreme, it can dampen any sign of unique personality or character in an interior, making a place feel sterile and uninviting."

"I suspect that social media might be to blame for this, but the trend of having massive cloud couches is problematic for smaller living rooms," Tatsioni said.

She cautions against thinking oversized furniture is necessary to create a cozy living room space, as other options often work better.

"There are so many gorgeous styles of comfortable couches and easy chairs that are perfect for smaller living rooms, which can work much better for maximizing limited space," she told BI.

Brad Smith, the CEO and lead designer at Omni Home Ideas, said it's time for living rooms to stop feeling "too sterile and uninviting" with their all-white color schemes.

Smith said homeowners can create a balanced look and add warmth and personality to predominantly white spaces by "incorporating colorful accents like throw pillows, artwork, or even a textured rug."

Industrial elements include metal accents, exposed bricks, and raw materials. They can make a space look edgy and modern.

However, when a living room leans too far into this design style, Smith said, it instead "comes off as cold and impersonal."

"A balanced approach using softer textures and natural materials can help soften the industrial feel and make the space more welcoming," he told BI.

Keri Petersen, owner and lead designer at KP Spaces, said maximalism missed the mark this year because it can quickly go from "collected and cool" to "cluttered chaos" in a living room.

"Too many patterns, colors, and styles thrown together without a plan? The result is a space that feels overwhelming and anything but relaxing," she told BI.

To add life to a space without creating chaos, she suggested sticking with a cohesive color palette and limiting yourself to only using two or three complementary patterns in a room.

"Wood-paneled accent walls were a fun way to bring a natural, rustic touch into a home. But, like all trends, it got overdone, fast," Petersen said.

She added that when too many walls are paneled — especially with cheap, faux materials — a space can start to feel inauthentic and dated.

"If you want a focal wall with timeless appeal, try limewash or textured plaster for that subtle, earthy vibe," she said.

It is possible to have too much of a good thing, especially when it comes to light-colored wood, said Allison Burke, principal at Allison Burke Interior Design.

"Light wood tones, especially white oak, have been absolutely everywhere, and while they have a fresh, airy look, it's starting to feel a little overdone," she told BI.

When spaces have too much light wood, they can "feel too uniform and lack dimension," she said. Plus, darker wood tones add a layer of sophistication to a room that light ones can't.

"Open shelving had its moment in the spotlight, but let's be honest: It's much harder to pull off than it looks," Burke told BI.

These shelves can make rooms look unpolished and busy.

"It's a tough trend to sustain day-to-day," she added. Most homeowners aren't styling their living room spaces to perfection or constantly dusting.

Instead, she recommended blending closed storage solutions with glass-front or framed cabinet doors that look far more polished.

San Francisco Bay Area designer Jasmine Wang predicts people will start to embrace hand-painted murals in their bedrooms because they add artistry, warmth, and a deeply personal touch.

She said this trend will take shape with nature-inspired scenes, statement accent walls, personalized artistry, and vintage motifs.

Ali Burgoon Nolan, the owner and principal designer of Studio Burgoon, said restorative hues like sage, clay, and soft taupe will help ground bedrooms with calming energy in 2025.

"Drawn from nature, these colors create harmony, offering a tranquil retreat within the home," she said.

Jordan Miranda, the founder and principal designer of JM Living Concepts, also thinks we'll see more muted-terracotta and warm-taupe tones. She also thinks natural materials like wood and linen will be popular.

The bedroom is a place to unwind, which is why Nolan predicts more people will "transform the bedroom into a space for reflection, rest, and rejuvenation from daily life."

She said clients might do this by incorporating relaxing design features like reading nooks or meditation corners into their bedrooms.

Celeste Robbins, the founder of Robbins Architecture, also sees built-in nooks being popular next year.

"There is something intimate and grounding about a built-in nook in a bedroom," she said. "It's a place to curl up, read, or recharge that is not your bed."

In the age of at-home work and smaller spaces, Miranda acknowledges that the bedroom often becomes a multi-use environment.

By visually and physically defining the bed as its own cozy sanctuary, a canopy bed reinforces the boundary between work or activity zones and restful sleep areas.

"A canopy bed is a way to keep the sleeping space sacred, creating thoughtful separation between the rest of the room where a desk or exercise equipment might also live," she said.

"One of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to enhance a bedroom without major construction is using wallpaper to create a feature wall," Kristin Christensen, the owner and principal designer of Mod Earth Studio, said.

She said wallpaper is "in" again because it's an easy way to add personality and flair to a bedroom for much cheaper than construction or custom pieces.

Wang and Nolan both told BI they think all-white, minimalist spaces are on their way out.

Nolan said, they can have a "sterile" look and more people are leaning toward "richer, layered designs that invite relaxation."

"The all-white, ultra-minimalist look is making way for spaces with more warmth, color, and texture," Wang said. "In its place, expect to see more accent-wall colors, layered neutrals, and earthy tones that create a cozy, inviting atmosphere."

Wang and Christensen predict the "bedroom in a box" look will be replaced with a more curated and eclectic approach.

"Designers are mixing and matching materials, finishes, and styles to create a unique, collected-over-time vibe," Wang said.

Christensen recognizes that matching furniture sets provide a convenient solution for creating a polished look, but individuality and self-expression are becoming highly valued by everyday consumers.

"People are increasingly seeking to create spaces that feel more authentic and lived-in," she told BI.

According to Wang, the ultra-industrial aesthetic will exit bedroom spaces next year.

"While industrial touches may still be popular in certain spaces, the overly rugged look with exposed brick, metal, and harsh edges is being traded for softer, nature-inspired designs," she said. "Organic textures, natural woods, and calming colors are now the go-to for a warmer feel."

Christensen predicts that recessed lighting, a round lighting fixture installed into the ceiling or wall, will be replaced for its lack of ambiance.

"For years, recessed lighting was the go-to choice for many bedrooms, promising a sleek, minimalist look and ample light without taking up visible space," she told BI. "However, in recent years, recessed lighting has started to feel outdated, especially in bedrooms."

Instead, she said, people may opt for alternative lighting solutions with things like smart ceiling lights and dimmable fixtures, table lamps, bedside lighting, wall sconces, or pendant lights.

Brad Smith, CEO and lead designer at Omni Home Ideas, told BI that neon lights, especially in excess, have no place in a bedroom.

"Although striking, neon lights can disrupt sleep patterns and create a jarring visual environment, which is less than ideal for a bedroom," he said. "Instead, opt for softer, layered lighting that enhances mood and function."

Smith told BI that fully carpeted rooms made a comeback in 2024, but that's not exactly a good thing.

Homeowners should be aware of the challenges that come with wall-to-wall carpeted floors before choosing to install them.

"They're not always practical because of maintenance challenges and allergen accumulation," he told BI. "A preferable alternative is using area rugs on hardwood floors, which can enhance the room's aesthetics while being easier to clean and swap out."

Shiva Samiei, interior designer and CEO of Shiva Samiei & Co., told BI that bedrooms aren't the best place in a home for single-tone or all-white color schemes.

"Overly minimalist bedrooms are more like hospital rooms than sanctuaries," Samiei said, adding they can often lack warmth and coziness.

Instead, she said, layer textures and utilize accent pieces to work more personality and color into a space.

Samiei also told BI that although edgy industrial designs with exposed brick and metal finishes look cool, they can make a bedroom feel uninviting.

If you're going to lean into an industrial style, she said, balance out the "toughness" of it by adding warm wood tones, bedding with soft textures, and thoughtful mood lighting.

A bed with a low frame (or none at all) can look really minimal, but Lucy Harrison, senior interior designer at SouthPark Interiors, said this look is rarely ideal and often inconvenient.

"If you place this bed in a large room, it also makes the bedroom very disproportional, which can mess with the overall look and feel of the space," she told BI.

Plus, a low-to-the-ground mattress means missing out on the opportunity to have under-bed storage space.

"Your bedroom does not have to be perfectly curated, and every piece of furniture does not need to match," Harrison said.

She isn't the first designer to tell BI they dislike a matching bedroom set and that a space looks better when the nightstands, dressers, and headboard aren't the same material and finish.

After all, Harrison said, mixing various pieces can make a bedroom feel more interesting and relaxing.