• We asked interior designers about the kitchen trends we can expect to see more and less of in 2025.
• Colorful backsplashes, unique lighting setups, and secondary kitchens could be big in the new year.
• Designers think we'll see fewer all-white kitchens and cool-toned cabinets.

Business Insider asked four interior designers which kitchen trends they think will be popular next year and which are going out of style.

Here are their 2025 design predictions.

Colorful backsplashes might add life to kitchens.

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.

One designer said mixtures of modern and antique decor will stay trendy.

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.

Secondary kitchens could soar in popularity.

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.

More nature-inspired looks could find their way into the kitchen.

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."

We may see more sophisticated lighting technology in kitchens.

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.

Some will carefully curate the metallic finishes in their kitchen, especially when it comes to appliances.

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.

On the other hand, cool-toned cabinets are fading out in favor of warmer colors.

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.

All-white kitchens are no longer a first choice for many homeowners.

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."

One designer said open shelving is quickly becoming unpopular.

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.

• "Squid Game" season three will premiere in 2025.
• It will wrap up the season two story and is intended to end the entire show.
• Here's what we know so far about the plot and cast.

It took Netflix three years to debut a second season of the surprise hit K-drama "Squid Game."

However, seasons two and three were filmed simultaneously, meaning there will be less of a wait after the second season, which released on December 26.

Netflix announced in July 2024 that season three, which will premiere in 2025, would be the last.

The third season will follow Seong Gi-hun's crusade against a secret organization that is manipulating people with huge debts to compete in deadly games for money.

Warning: Major spoilers ahead for season two.

"Squid Game" season 3 will likely be set directly after the end of season 2

Season two ended on a tragic cliffhanger, with the games' guards defeating Gi-hun's rebellion against the games.

After finding himself competing in the deadly games again, Gi-hun persuades his fellow players to stage a rebellion against the guards, steal their weapons, and storm toward the command center.

This plan is foiled by a saboteur in Gi-hun's ranks: Hwang In-ho, the game's leader, who entered the competition as Player 001 to spy on Gi-hun.

In-ho splits the rebels, making them easier to defeat, and fakes his own death. After his guards crush the uprising, In-ho, hiding his identity behind a mask, kills Gi-hun's best friend right in front of Gi-hun.

Outside the games, Gi-hun recruited a group of people to help find the game's island to shut down the competition. The season finale shows that they have a traitor among them, too — Captain Park, a fisherman who owns the boat the team is using to find the island.

"Squid Game" creator Hwang Dong-hyuk told Entertainment Weekly in December that seasons two and three were written as one story, but split into two seasons to accommodate all the episodes.

Since the games were not finished by the end of season two, season three will show the second half of the same competition. Gi-hun and his allies' will also likely have their last attempt to destroy the games.

One of the new games will be based around another creepy doll.

The most popular game in "Squid Game" season one was "Red Light, Green Light," in which the players race to the finish line without being spotted by a giant rotating creepy doll.

The doll was based on a statue in South Korea of Young-hee, a character from old school textbooks. In June 2022, Hwang said in a statement teasing the second season that the show will introduce Cheol-su, a character often paired with Young-hee.

Giant dolls of Cheol-su and Young-hee appear in a post-credit scene in the season two finale. The scene seems to be teasing one of the game settings in season three, but it is not clear yet what the game will actually be.

Season 3 is the final season of "Squid Game."

In December, Hwang told Entertainment Weekly that he decided to end the show after the third season because the story he is "capable of telling through Gi-hun" ends there.

He later told Variety that he was "sick" of making "Squid Game."

"I'm so sick of my life making something, promoting something," Hwang said. "I'm just thinking about going to some remote island and having my own free time without any phone calls from Netflix."

Since Netflix owns the rights to "Squid Game," it could create more spin-offs without Hwang's involvement. It already has a reality show, "Squid Game: The Challenge," and the video game "Squid Game: Unleashed." Variety reported that Hwang has been kept in the loop with these projects but has not been involved with them.

Deadline reported in October, citing unnamed sources, that an English-language version of "Squid Game" was in the works and that David Fincher may be hired to develop the show.

The surviving players from season 2 will return in season 3.

This includes: Player 388, Dae-ho (Kang Ha-neul), the ex-marine; Player 222, Kim Jun-hee (Jo Yu-ri), the pregnant woman; Player 007, Park Yon-sik (Yang Dong-geun) and his mother, Player 044, Jang Geum-ja (Kang Ae-sim); Player 044, Seon-nyeo (Chae Kook-hee), the mystical lady; and Player 120 Hyun-ju (Park Sung-hoon), an ex-special forces officer and transwoman.

Lee Jung-Jae and Lee Byung-hun will reprise their roles as the main protagonist, Seong Gi-hun, and the antagonist, Hwang In-ho. Other non-player characters who are still alive at the end of season two will also return, including former Detective Hwang Jun-ho (Wi Ha-joon) and Woo-seok (Jeon Seok-ho).

• Business Insider spoke to professional organizers about what to get rid of before the new year.
• The end of the year is a good time to go through your holiday decor and outdated clothing.
• Expired food and beauty products shouldn't make their way into the new year.

The end of the year is a great time to do some decluttering. However, it can be difficult to decide what should stay and what should go.

To make things easier, Business Insider asked professional organizers about the best things to get rid of before the new year. Here's what they said.

Get rid of expired items.

The end of the year is a great time to toss expired items, from food and beverages to old beauty products.

Ashley Coleman, founder of home organization company Done Neatly, told BI that starting with bathroom products is a great way to jump-start your decluttering journey.

She also said to go through your kitchen cupboards and pantry for expired canned goods and toss what can't be kept.

The end of the year is a good time to go through your holiday decor.

Styles and preferences naturally change throughout the year, so December can be a good time to get rid of old holiday decor, broken ornaments, and other items that have remained in your holiday-decoration bins and boxes.

Nikki Bell, founder of Just Us Organizing, suggests taking note of what items you didn't decorate with this holiday season and getting rid of them.

Kids' spaces should be decluttered during the holiday season.

Bell said December is a good time to go through kids' toys and clothes since they are likely to receive an influx of new items at the end of the year.

She said it's a good idea to get rid of these items while kids are enamored by their new gifts and will likely have an easier time parting with some of their old things.

Sort through your outdated and worn clothing.

As the year draws to a close, the experts suggest going through your closets and looking for outdated, worn clothing.

Bell said it can be freeing to get rid of the sizes that no longer fit or feel good to wear.

Jamie Hord, cofounder of Horderly, said getting rid of one item for every new item you bring into the home is a good way to maintain order when accumulating new clothes throughout the holiday season.

It's time to go through your kitchen gadgets.

Coleman told BI it's important to look in your kitchen drawers and get rid of items that you don't use or have multiples of.

She said it's easy to develop a small stockpile of niche kitchen gadgets, but you shouldn't hold onto items "just in case" you may need them later.

Bell also said to purge old kitchen tools that have been replaced by newer ones.

Empty boxes take up valuable space.

Having a stash of empty boxes in the house is an easy way to collect dust.

Bell said unless someone is actively using the box to store their item or moving within the next few months, unused boxes from small appliances take up too much space in a room.

Keep sentimental items to a minimum.

Nostalgic items are hard to part with, but all three organizers emphasized the importance of scaling down your collection to only the most beloved items.

After all, a collection of old concert t-shirts or sports trophies can take up a lot of space in the closet, basement, or garage.

In addition to these mementos, Bell said to look through your trinkets and gifts from friends and relatives. After taking a closer look, you might just find some of the items aren't as sentimental as you thought they would be when you first received them.

"I try to keep one thing a year. And that makes that thing even more special and important to me," she told BI.

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• Head of household is a federal filing status for unmarried taxpayers with qualifying dependents.
• Single parents and caregivers may be eligible to file as head of household.
• They get a bigger standard deduction than single filers and often lower tax rates.

Your filing status is one of the most important decisions you make when you do your taxes each year. For unmarried individuals who have dependents, filing as head of household rather than single could lead to big tax savings.

What is the head of household filing status?

All taxpayers must choose a filing status on their federal tax return, Form 1040. The options are single, married filing jointly, married filing separately, head of household, and qualifying surviving spouse.

The head of household filing status is for unmarried taxpayers who are financially responsible for a dependent, says Rachael Burns, a certified financial planner whose California-based firm, True Worth Financial Planning, services divorcées and widows.

“Divorced or otherwise single parents are great examples of someone who may benefit from the head of household status,” she says.

In 2021, the latest year for which IRS data is available, only 13% of taxpayers — about 21.2 million people — filed as head of household, and most had low to moderate income. More than 9 in 10 head of household filers made less than $100,000 and 7 in 10 made less than $50,000.

Importance of choosing the correct filing status

Your filing status determines the size of your standard deduction and which tax brackets you use. Your status doesn’t have to be the same from year to year, so consider consulting with a tax professional if you’ve experienced a divorce, birth, or other household change that may impact who you claim as a dependent.

“Your filing status impacts how much tax you pay, so it’s important you choose the one that’s best for you,” Burns says. If you qualify for the head of household filing status, it can help you unlock lower tax rates and a bigger standard deduction than filing single, she adds.

Filing status also helps determine your eligibility for tax credits and deductions, since different income thresholds and phase-outs apply for each status.

Quick tip: The IRS offers an online tool to help taxpayers choose the correct filing status.

Eligibility requirements

Marital status

Taxpayers have to be single, legally separated, or divorced by December 31 to use the head of household filing status. If you were still legally married, you may be able to qualify if you and your spouse lived separately for the last six months of the year. Otherwise you’ll need to choose married filing jointly or married filing separately.

Maintaining a home

Head of household filers must prove that they paid more than 50% of the cost of maintaining a home for a dependent during the year, says Derrick Doerr, a CPA and vice president at financial-services firm Nepsis in Minneapolis. That can include expenses like groceries, rent or mortgage payments, and utilities.

Qualifying dependents

Lastly, the qualifying dependent needs to live with the taxpayer for more than half of the year.

“There is a wide range of dependents that can qualify,” Doerr says, including foster children, stepchildren, adopted children, minor or adult siblings, and grandchildren. A parent can also qualify as a dependent but does not need to live with the taxpayer.

Tax benefits of filing as head of household

Higher standard deduction

A standard deduction is available to every taxpayer who does not itemize their deductions.

Head-of-household filers receive a standard deduction that’s larger than single filers but smaller than married joint filers. The amounts are adjusted each year to reflect cost-of-living changes.

Lower tax rates

The same income tax rates apply to all filing statuses, but the bands of income for each one vary.

In general, head of household filers have more leeway than single filers — meaning they can earn more than single filers before jumping to the next highest tax rate.

For example, a single filer with taxable income of $60,000 would have a marginal tax rate of 22%, while a head of household filer at the same income level would have a top tax rate of just 12%. As a result, the head of household filer’s tax liability is about $1,380 lower than the single filer’s with the same income (before any credits are applied).

For incomes above about $100,500, the tax brackets for both tax statuses are virtually the same.

Credits and deductions

Head of household filers may be eligible for credits that help offset the cost of caregiving, such as the Child Tax Credit or the Child and Dependent Care Credit. The Earned Income Tax Credit is available to all filing statuses, but those with children can get a larger amount.

For 2024 taxes, the Child Tax Credit is worth up to $2,000 per qualifying child. The maximum income you can have to qualify for the credit ($200,000) is the same for all filing statuses, except married joint filers ($400,000). Up to $1,700 of the credit is refundable.

There’s no maximum income threshold for claiming the Child and Dependent Care Credit, which allows you to write off some expenses associated with the care of a child under 13 or a dependent of any age who is mentally or physically disabled. Once your adjusted gross income, or AGI, reaches $43,000, regardless of filing status, your maximum credit is either $300 for one qualifying dependent or $600 for two or more.

How to claim head of household status

Gathering necessary documentation

Filing taxes as head of household can be more involved than filing as single. You’ll need to provide supporting documents to confirm your marital status and the eligibility of your dependent.

To prove qualifying dependency status, you need to provide the following with your tax return:

• Birth certificates or other official documents of birth or letters that verify your relationship
• School, medical, daycare, or social service records that verify your address is the same as the dependent (unless they are your parent)

To prove that you paid 50% or more of the costs of keeping up a home for your dependent, attach:

• Rent receipts
• Utility bills
• Grocery receipts
• Property tax bills
• Mortgage statements
• Repair bills

Common scenarios and examples

Single parents

A person who has sole legal and physical custody of a child (also known as the custodial parent) will typically qualify for head of household status. The child can also be a stepchild, foster child, or adopted child.

Divorced or separated individuals

Divorces where children are involved can make filing taxes a bit tricky. Generally, only one parent can file as head of household in a given tax year and also claim deductions and credits for the dependent.

“If you have multiple children with your ex, there’s a possibility that both parents can file as head of household,” Burns says. Each parent must pass the residency and support tests for each dependent they claim.

Supporting relatives

Nieces, nephews, siblings, grandchildren, parents, step-parents, and in-laws may all be considered qualifying dependents for purposes of the head of household filing status.

The same residency and relationship tests apply as for children of the taxpayer, but there’s an exception for parents: They do not need to have lived with you, but you must still have covered at least 50% of the cost of keeping up a home for them, including nursing care or a retirement home.

Potential challenges and how to overcome them

Proving eligibility

Doerr says there may be an increased audit risk for those filing as head of household versus single. Be prepared for the IRS to ask for additional financial records or verification.

“Head of household definitely can draw IRS scrutiny and the IRS can definitely scrutinize claims, especially in the case of divorce or shared custody, requiring you to provide detailed documentation,” Doerr says.

Understanding the rules

If you’re unsure whether you qualify for head of household status, consult with a tax advisor. And if you’re dealing with an ex-spouse, be sure to communicate about your tax-filing plan before either party files.

Estimate your taxes

FAQs about filing as head of household

Can I file as head of household if my spouse and I are still married?

Yes, you can file as head of household if you are legally separated but still married and have a qualifying dependent. You can also file as head of household if you're still married but live separately for the last six months of the year. Ex-spouses cannot, however, claim the same child in the same tax year.

What counts as maintaining a household for head of household purposes?

Maintaining a household for head of household purposes means providing more than 50% of the cost of housing, food, and other essential expenses.

How do I know if my dependent qualifies me for head of household?

Your dependent can qualify you for head of household status if they lived in your home more than half the time, and you paid more than half the cost of keeping up the home.

What should I do if my filing status is challenged by the IRS?

If your filing status is challenged by the IRS, it is likely related to your dependent. Be prepared to provide additional records or receipts to prove that you financially supported and housed the dependent for more than half of the year.

Are there any exceptions to the general head of household rules?

Yes, there is an exception to the general head of household rules: A parent can be a qualifying dependent even if they didn't live with you. But you must have paid at least 50% of the cost of maintaining their primary home, whether that's a nursing home, retirement community, or another living situation.

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• Tax-exempt interest comes mainly from municipal bonds and U.S. Treasury bonds.
• Interest from Treasury bonds, bills, and notes is federally taxed.
• Muni bond interest is not federally taxed and may be exempt from state and local taxes.

There are plenty of reasons to buy bonds. Many investors are attracted to municipal bonds and U.S. Treasury bonds, in particular, for their tax-exempt status.

"Individuals are always looking for a return on principal, and so tax-exempt interest is a very appealing item to individuals, especially those who live in zero-income-tax states," says Danny Moore, a certified public accountant and managing partner of tax at Galway Family Office.

Tax-exempt interest refers to interest that's excluded from your gross income calculation at the federal level, the state/local level, or both. Here's how it works.

Tax-exempt interest from municipal bonds

What are municipal bonds?

Municipal bonds, or muni bonds, are typically issued by state and local governments and U.S. territories. They finance government operations and projects, such as building schools or restoring roads.

The two main types of muni bonds are revenue and general obligation. Revenue bonds can be slightly riskier because repayment relies on revenue from a specific project or source. Repayment of general obligation bonds comes from the issuing state or local government, which can raise taxes to pay off the bonds if needed.

Tax advantages

Usually, bondholders receive two interest, or coupon, payments a year, which are not subject to federal income tax. After a set period of time, bondholders receive their original investment back.

Investors can buy muni bonds from the state or locality in which they reside, or from another state or locality. Typically interest income from muni bonds — or muni bond funds — issued by your home state is not taxable there.

Risks and considerations

Your muni bond interest income may not be fully tax-exempt at home if you buy an out-of-state bond, says Derrick Doerr, a CPA and vice president at financial-services firm Nepsis in Minneapolis.

State rules vary, but generally, the interest you earn from an out-of-state bond can trigger taxes in your home state. Exceptions include Washington D.C. and some states with no income tax, such as Florida.

Also, Doerr notes, "Municipal bonds are generally low risk, but not risk-free." One risk is that muni bonds can be called early by the issuer. This often happens when interest rates fall, and can leave an investor choosing from lower-paying alternatives.

If you're a high earner, there's something else to consider: Interest from private activity bonds, a type of muni bond issued by a private business and not a government entity, may not be tax-exempt if you pay the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT). AMT may apply to individuals with incomes over $609,350 or married couples filing jointly with incomes above about $1.2 million.

Note: The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission recommends reading official statements and disclosures from bond issuers and reviewing trade prices of municipal bonds you are considering buying.

Tax-exempt interest from U.S. Treasury Securities

What Are U.S. Treasury Securities?

Tax-exempt interest income can also come from U.S. Treasury Securities. Interest is paid semiannually and subject to federal taxation, but exempt from state and local taxes.

Treasurys are backed by the federal government and are categorized by their maturities, or how long it takes to return your original investment (principal). Bills mature within a year, notes mature within 10 years, and bonds mature in 20 or 30 years.

Treasury Inflation Protected Securities (TIPS) are a type of Treasury bond that protects your investment from inflation. They're available in terms of five, 10, or 30 years. The interest rate is fixed, and semiannual payments are only federally taxable, but your principal can fluctuate.

Interest earned from Series EE and Series I Savings Bonds are also exempt from state and local taxes. Interest, which is collected at maturity or whenever you cash the bond, could be exempt from federal taxation if you use the proceeds for qualified higher education expenses, though several rules apply.

Tax advantages

Treasurys produce fixed interest that's not subject to state or local taxes, offering predictable income for bondholders.

For T-bonds, bills, and notes, you have to include the interest in your federal gross income each year that you collect it. For savings bonds, interest isn't paid until the bond is redeemed, so you have the choice to pay federal taxes on it in the year you collect or spread it out over the life of the bond.

Risks and considerations

Treasurys are the closest thing to a risk-free investment since they're backed by the full faith and credit of the federal government. But you still owe federal taxes on the interest income.

Much of the risk associated with Treasurys is in how long they take to mature. Interest rates are fixed for the life of the bond, which can be as high as 20 or 30 years for bonds or up to 10 years for bills. If interest rates rise on newly issued Treasurys, the value of existing bonds drops. This is referred to as interest rate risk.

If rates go up and you decide to sell a bond before its maturity date, you may experience a significant loss because there's less demand for lower-yield bonds. If you hold on to the bond, you may be losing out on a higher-return investment.

Tax-exempt interest from other investments

Other types of investments may produce a kind of tax-exempt interest or return. For example, investment gains in a 529 college savings plan are not taxable at the federal or state levels if the funds are used for education.

Similarly, some might consider Roth IRAs a tax-exempt investment, since the accounts are funded with posttax dollars, which grow tax-free and can be withdrawn penalty- and tax-free under certain circumstances, such as reaching age 59 and a half.

Taxable interest vs. tax-exempt interest

Many corporate bonds have higher advertised interest rates than tax-exempt bonds, but the interest is fully taxable. It can seem like a no-brainer, then, to opt for a bond that gives you a tax break over one that doesn't.

But, Moore says, "It's not just a federal tax-free amount" with municipal bonds. "You have to look at the states and you have to look at somebody's complete tax picture to see if it makes sense."

When comparing bonds, investors need to find the tax-equivalent yield of their bond options to see which produces a higher after-tax return, says Doerr. A specialized calculator, like this one from Fidelity, can help crunch the numbers.

And although the IRS (and many state governments) exempt certain interest income from the computation of income tax, those amounts may later be added back in other situations.

For federal income tax calculation purposes, tax-exempt interest is added back to figure your modified adjusted gross income, which is a crucial figure that determines deductible contributions to traditional IRAs, eligibility for a Roth IRA, and qualification for education credits, healthcare credits, and the Child Tax Credit. It's also used to figure out how much of your Social Security benefits are taxable.

Estimate your taxes

FAQs about tax-exempt interest income

Is interest from my savings account tax-exempt?

No, interest from savings accounts isn't tax-exempt. You'll get a 1099-INT from your bank with the amount of interest earned during the year, which should be included in your gross income.

Are dividends from stocks tax-exempt?

Dividends from stocks and generally not tax-exempt. Qualified dividends are taxed at capital gains rates (0%, 15%, 20%), while nonqualified dividends are taxed at ordinary rates (10%, 12%, 22%, 24%, 32%, 35%, 37%).

How do I report tax-exempt interest on my tax return?

Tax-exempt interest is reported on Line 2a of your Form 1040. You'll find the amount of tax-exempt interest you earned in Box 8 of your 1099-INT. Reporting the interest is required, but doesn't make it taxable.

AMD has its work cut out for it at CES 2025. Competitor Nvidia has been sucking the oxygen out of every room it graces, as the chipmaker remains at the forefront of the AI boom. So, how will AMD compete with Nvidia’s reported RTX 5000 announcement? The company should show off its own next-gen GPU. […]

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Sony knows how to put on a show at CES. The company’s pressers are high-octane, star-studded affairs, as these things go. In addition to standard Sony fare like TVs and audio systems, there’s always a curve ball or two, be it a car, a drone, or a “Gran Turismo” movie. That’s one of the perks […]

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Samsung’s CES presser is always an odd duck. The Korean electronics giant generally keeps its powder dry when it comes to consumer electronics. After all, it’s expected to announce its latest flagship handset — the Galaxy S25 — toward the end of January. CES 2025 is going to continue the company’s tradition of TVs and […]

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• US home sales remained low due to high mortgage rates and home prices in 2024.
• Southeast cities like Charlotte and Knoxville saw high demand despite affordability issues.
• Analysts predict a potential rise in home sales in 2025, driven by lower mortgage rates.

Another tough year in the US housing market was anything but boring for those in popular cities.

Home sales were soft for a third straight year, the National Association of Realtors recently noted. Mortgage rates and home prices are down from peak levels, but affordability remains a major issue and has sidelined millions of would-be buyers, who are instead renting.

But sellers in hot markets still won big as buyers battled for scarce spots in coveted cities.

10 places movers flocked to in 2024

To determine this year's most popular US real-estate markets, Business Insider compiled and analyzed data from six sources about moving patterns, rents, rental market competitiveness, search interest from homebuyers, and home price growth history and projections.

Although there were some mixed signals, there were also some clear conclusions about which regions, states, and cities drew the most interest from buyers and renters.

A brief look at migration data from Atlas Van Lines may yield more questions than answers. The moving firm found that the places with the most inbound movers relative to those leaving were Arkansas; Rhode Island; North Carolina; Washington, DC; and Idaho. Also on the list of states with inbound rates of at least 55% are Maine, Connecticut, Washington, Alaska, Alabama, and New Mexico, which essentially covers all four corners of the US.

But while that moving data gives a solid big-picture overview, it doesn't provide insight into which individual markets were most popular. That was instead determined by other measures of demand, like how much prices for homes and apartments rose, or how tough they were to land.

This process was more of an art than a science, but the 10 cities that best fit those criteria within states with substantial positive inflows of movers were all east of the Mississippi River. Even more notable is that the Southeast region was home to eight of those 10 popular markets, which were spread across just three states: North Carolina, Kentucky, and Tennessee.

North Carolina was tied for second in the nation in mover inbound rate at 63%, due in part to four especially hot markets. Winston-Salem and nearby Greensboro saw their rents rise 6.7% and 5.3% this year, respectively, giving their rental market competitiveness scores a big boost. Meanwhile, two other major cities in the Tar Heel State — Charlotte and Durham — saw rents decline but were among the 20 most searched markets by homebuyers.

Those four North Carolina cities are set for high-single-digit or low-double-digit home price growth next year, per Realtor.com, and the NAR highlighted Charlotte as a top spot in 2025.

Neighboring Tennessee also had one of the nation's highest inbound rates at 62%. Knoxville was one of the more competitive smaller markets despite rent growth of just 1.5%, and it ranked 10th in the nation in homebuyers' searches. It's also on the NAR's list of standout markets next year. Meanwhile, Memphis saw 22.7% rent growth and is in line for 10.5% home price growth.

Kentucky's inbound rate of 56% was more modest. However, it had Lexington with 9.9% rent growth, a lofty rental market competitiveness score, and the eighth spot in buyers' searches, as well as Louisville, which Rent Cafe said was the top trending rental market of 2024.

Jonathan Miller, the cofounder of the real-estate firm Miller Samuel, told Business Insider that the Southeast market is popular because it's relatively warm and has ample housing inventory.

"It's a combination of the weather and housing affordability," Miller said in a recent interview.

The nation's capital represented the bordering Mid-Atlantic with a 63% mover inbound rate and a fifth-place ranking in homebuyers' searches, pushing prices up 10.2%. Washington, DC, was also one of the 30 most competitive rental markets, though supply kept price growth in check.

Rounding out the list was New Haven, Connecticut, which was arguably the hottest market. It was the fourth most competitive rental market this year, and its rent growth was easily the highest in the US in December at 35.7%. It also had 18.3% home price growth in November and is set for another 9.7% next year due to its Yale University ties and proximity to New York City.

What to expect in 2025

The US housing market has slowly thawed after it froze over as mortgage rates spiked. Some real-estate analysts expect sales to heat up in 2025, though others are more skeptical.

Optimists are calling for the biggest jump since the pandemic boom. The National Association of Realtors sees home sales rising 7% to 12% in 2025, including an 11% jump for new units, while eXp Realty's CEO is calling for 10% growth caused by sliding mortgage rates and rising supply.

But Realtor.com's sales forecast is more tempered at 1.5%, as is Miller's call for a 3% increase. The veteran real-estate analyst said mortgage rates will likely stay above 6%, weighing on demand, plus supply is also limited. Even still, he's expecting a 4% to 5% jump in home prices.

"If mortgage rates unexpectedly fall below 6%, we can have a housing boom," Miller said. "It just doesn't appear that that's in the cards, but there's a lot of upside potential in transaction volume, despite higher mortgage rates."

Miller said that against that backdrop, buyers will continue to seek out affordable markets, which are often correlated with abundant inventory. That's why the Sun Belt region was so hot in 2024.

This year's most popular markets will likely be among the winners next year, in Miller's view. He didn't predict the next boom town but said surges into Texas and Florida have run their course. Those states were red-hot in the early 2020s, though each had level moving flows this year.

"It's not that those markets are less attractive," Miller said. "There's less intensity from inbound migration as millions of new residents get situated. The rate of growth is no longer surging."

However, it appears as if the exodus from large states with highly populated cities isn't over, as three of the five states with the most outbound movers were California, Illinois, and New York. Each of those states has relatively high taxes, and Miller has a hunch that some movers might try to preemptively move before the potential expiration of state and local tax deductions slated for the end of 2025.

Digital bank Chime has reportedly filed its confidential IPO paperwork with the SEC, with an eye toward a 2025 debut.

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.

• The US housing market might be much more friendly to homebuyers in 2025.
• Home sales should rise significantly as inventory grows and prices inch higher.
• Here are 10 real-estate markets that could see a surge of activity next year.

Homebuyers should stock up on champagne — and not just for New Year's Eve.

Next year may present long-awaited opportunities for aspiring property owners to trade their apartments for homes, or for families to get the upgrades they've been pining for. There's a growing sense among real-estate analysts that an extended home sales contraction will snap in 2025 as housing inventory rises and mortgage rates fall.

"Homebuyers will have more success next year," said Lawrence Yun, the chief economist at the National Association of Realtors, in a statement about the firm's 2025 outlook. "The worst of the affordability challenges are over as more inventory, stable mortgage rates, and continued job and income growth pave the way for more Americans to achieve homeownership."

Housing market transactions will soar 7% to 12% in the year ahead to 4.5 million units before an even larger 10% to 15% jump in 2026, according to the NAR. New home sales are expected to climb 11% next year and 8% the year after.

Earlier this month, real-estate brokerage titan eXp Realty's CEO told Business Insider that sales could advance 10% in 2025, though Realtor.com called for a comparatively modest 1.5% gain.

But a home sales boom seems plausible, based on what should be healthy supply and demand.

That inventory uptick will keep property price growth in check at only 2% in each of the next two years, the NAR predicted, which would translate to a median existing-home price of $410,700. And buyers may also move off the sidelines as mortgage rates drift toward 6% from around 7%, the firm added.

"If rates stabilize around 6%, about 6.2 million households can once again be able to afford median-priced homes, compared to the current constraints with rates near 7%," the NAR noted.

Slower home-price growth and lower mortgage rates will go a long way toward easing the affordability crisis that has plagued the US since the pandemic. Just over a year ago, buyers suffered through the least affordable quarter since 1985. That may soon be a distant memory.

10 hot real-estate markets

Home sales should surge across the US next year, especially in a healthy economy with solid job gains. However, researchers at the NAR expect certain cities to be far busier than others.

Buyers will flock to 10 top housing markets in 2025 due to a combination of rising home supply, manageable mortgage rates, and healthy local economies, the firm said. Healthy demand should underpin further home-price appreciation for owners in those metropolitan areas.

These soon-to-be-hot markets share several similarities, including strong property price growth since the pandemic, a sizable supply of starter homes, positive net migration, and an outsized share of out-of-state movers who are buying homes. Other factors were a market's job growth, mortgage rates, how long most homeowners had been there, and the share of millennial renters who could buy. The NAR outlined its full methodology for this exercise in a press release.

Below are the 10 real-estate markets that the NAR is bullish on next year, along with select economic and demographic considerations.

Along with each metro area is its home price growth in the last five years, starter homes as a share of total inventory, the share of homeowners who've been in place for more than 16 years and therefore may be ready to sell, net migration ratio, the share of out-of-state movers purchasing homes, job growth since late 2019, and commentary from the NAR.

1. Boston, Massachusetts

Price appreciation history: 51.5%

Starter homes as share of inventory: 41.1%

Share of long-term homeowners: 10.2%

Net migration to population ratio: 0.1

Share of out-of-state purchasers: 18.8%

Job growth history: -0.2%

Commentary: "Boston's housing market is expected to see significant benefits from stabilizing mortgage rates. With fewer locked-in homeowners, the impact of the 'lock-in effect' may lessen in the coming year as rates stabilize near 6%, encouraging more homeowners to sell and easing inventory constraints in this supply-tight market. Additionally, Boston's mortgage rates have been relatively lower than the national average, which provides a competitive edge in today's challenging financing environment. A lower rate could help mitigate some of the affordability pressures. Surprisingly, Boston has also a larger proportion of starter-homes, with about 41% of the owner-occupied units valued below $550,000."

2. Charlotte, North Carolina

Price appreciation history: 72.8%

Starter homes as share of inventory: 72.8%

Share of long-term homeowners: 46.9%

Net migration to population ratio: 1.4

Share of out-of-state purchasers: 23.5%

Job growth history: 10.1%

Commentary: "With an impressive 10% job growth over the last five years and strong migration gains, Charlotte's economy and housing market are poised for continued growth. More than 11% of the households are set to reach the age of 35 to 40 within the next five years, ensuring sustained demand for housing. Prospective buyers in Charlotte also benefit from a wider range of affordable options, as 43% of homes fall within the starter-home category (priced less than $324,000), making the market particularly appealing to first-time buyers and young families."

3. Grand Rapids, Michigan

Price appreciation history: 64.4%

Starter homes as share of inventory: 39.6%

Share of long-term homeowners: 50.7%

Net migration to population ratio: 0.2

Share of out-of-state purchasers: 38.7%

Job growth history: 3.1%

Commentary: "Grand Rapids offers a unique combination of affordability and promising long-term prospects. With 36% of Millennial renters able to afford homeownership and 12% of households entering prime homebuying age within the next five years, the demand for housing will remain strong. A smaller proportion of originations with rates below 6%, compared to the national level, suggests a reduced 'lock-in effect,' which could lead to more inventory in this area. Additionally, the availability of starter-homes allows newcomers to purchase a home and establish roots, making Grand Rapids a standout market for 2025."

4. Greenville, South Carolina

Price appreciation history: 68.8%

Starter homes as share of inventory: 42.2%

Share of long-term homeowners: 49.7%

Net migration to population ratio: 1.7

Share of out-of-state purchasers: 43%

Job growth history: 8%

Commentary: "Greenville stands out as the area that checks off the most criteria on NAR's top 10 list. This area particularly benefits from a strong net migration rate and affordability. The metro's average mortgage rate of 6.9% in 2023 is well below the national average, providing additional relief for buyers. With 42% of homes categorized as starter homes and 43% of movers purchasing homes, Greenville offers accessibility and stability for families and young professionals alike."

5. Hartford, Connecticut

Price appreciation history: 62.8%

Starter homes as share of inventory: 38.7%

Share of long-term homeowners: 58.1%

Net migration to population ratio: 0.3

Share of out-of-state purchasers: 45%

Job growth history: 0.2%

Commentary: "Hartford offers a favorable financing environment, with an average mortgage rate of 6.5% in 2023 — one of the lowest among the top markets — enhancing affordability for buyers. Additionally, Hartford holds the highest proportion of homeowners surpassing the area's average tenure of 17 years, indicating a potential increase in local inventory, which could help alleviate supply constraints."

6. Indianapolis, Indiana

Price appreciation history: 60%

Starter homes as share of inventory: 41.7%

Share of long-term homeowners: 48.5%

Net migration to population ratio: 0.5

Share of out-of-state purchasers: 21.7%

Job growth history: 9.3%

Commentary: "Indianapolis earned a spot on the list due its strong job growth and housing affordability, which continue to attract new residents and foster a stable demand for housing. Nearly 42% of the housing stock is priced below $236,000, making the market especially appealing to first-time buyers and young families. With fewer 'locked-in' homeowners than the national level, this area is likely to see more available inventory as mortgage rates stabilize around 6% next year."

7. Kansas City, Missouri/Kansas

Price appreciation history: 59.9%

Starter homes as share of inventory: 41%

Share of long-term homeowners: 50%

Net migration to population ratio: 0.3

Share of out-of-state purchasers: 25%

Job growth history: 4.8%

Commentary: "Kansas City is one of the few areas with both a lower average mortgage rate and smaller share of locked-in homeowners, creating favorable conditions for financing and increased inventory. This area is also one of the most affordable markets for Millennial renters, with one in three of them able to afford homeownership. This affordability, combined with its competitive financing environments, makes Kansas City a key player among top-performing housing markets in the coming year."

8. Knoxville, Tennessee

Price appreciation history: 90.9%

Starter homes as share of inventory: 42%

Share of long-term homeowners: 52.9%

Net migration to population ratio: 1.6

Share of out-of-state purchasers: 48.9%

Job growth history: 8.8%

Commentary: “Knoxville made up the top 10 list due to its strong migration gains and the appeal it holds for new residents seeking long-term stability as nearly 50% of movers in Knoxville chose to purchase a home. The impact of the ‘lock-in effect’ is expected to be less pronounced here, as fewer borrowers hold mortgages with rates below 6%. At the same time, homeowners in Knoxville have built substantial wealth, with home prices now nearly double their pre-pandemic levels. This combination of strong migration, high homeownership among movers, and significant wealth gains makes Knoxville a market with strong potential in 2025.”

9. Phoenix, Arizona

Price appreciation history: 72.3%

Starter homes as share of inventory: 39.3%

Share of long-term homeowners: 42.5%

Net migration to population ratio: 0.7

Share of out-of-state purchasers: 35.8%

Job growth history: 11.9%

Commentary: "Phoenix has become a key destination for residents migrating from California, driven by its comparatively lower cost of living and housing affordability. This migration is further supported by Phoenix's strong job growth, which has expanded by 12% in the last five years. This combination of demographic shifts and economic expansion has established Phoenix as a prosperous and dynamic market."

10. San Antonio, Texas

Price appreciation history: 44.8%

Starter homes as share of inventory: 40.5%

Share of long-term homeowners: 48.5%

Net migration to population ratio: 1.3

Share of out-of-state purchasers: 39%

Job growth history: 10.7%

Commentary: "The Texas Triangle couldn't be left off this list. Borrowers in San Antonio were able to secure mortgage rates well below the national average in 2023, at 6.4%. This suggests that buyers in the area benefit from a combination of local market dynamics that lead lenders to assess lower risk in this area. Additionally, San Antonio has experienced one of the strongest rates of job creation since pre-pandemic levels, which continues to draw new residents to the area."

• We asked interior designers to share which bedroom trends and designs missed the mark this year.
• Neon lights and industrial-chic design elements can make a bedroom feel less warm than it should.
• Low-to-the-ground beds aren't practical, especially if you want extra storage.

We asked three interior designers which bedroom trends and designs they didn't like seeing in 2024.

Here's what they said missed the mark this year.

Neon lights don't really belong in a bedroom.

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."

Wall-to-wall carpeting can be cozy, but it isn't always practical.

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."

Monochromatic bedrooms can look cold and bland.

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.

The industrial-chic style can feel cold in a bedroom.

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.

Low-to-the-ground beds are unsuitable for most.

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.

Matching bedroom furniture sets are still out.

"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.

• Business Insider asked interior designers to share items they won't be buying next year.
• Despite the recent bouclé trend, the textured material is overhyped and on its way out.
• Cheap linens and funky tiles may cost you more money down the road.

Business Insider spoke with interior designers about the home trends and decor pieces that aren't worth spending money on next year.

Here's what they said — and their recommendations for what to buy instead.

Oversized furniture can feel cluttered.

Joyce Huston, the lead interior designer at Decorilla, told BI she's done with chunky, oversized furniture. The designer hopes people will stop buying it next year because it almost always overwhelms spaces.

"For 2025, I'm all about choosing furniture with visual lightness, elegant silhouettes, and dainty details that make a space feel curated rather than weighed down," she said.

Bouclé fabric is being left behind.

Hudson thinks the bouclé fad has gotten a little out of hand.

The woven fabric made from looped yarn is used on everything from throw pillows to accent chairs.

"I know bouclé has been everywhere, but the sophistication level of mohair velvet over bouclé is incomparable," she said. "Plus, mohair ages like fine wine, while bouclé looks tired after just a few years."

Viscose rugs require more maintenance than they're worth.

Viscose rugs may seem like an affordable luxury, but Jennifer Jones, the principal designer at Niche Interiors, said the semi-synthetic fabric isn't worth the hassle.

"Unfortunately, viscose area rugs are impossible to clean, and one spill can be their downfall," she told BI. "Instead, look for wool area rugs, which are the most durable and long-lasting."

Fiddle-leaf figs are a tired houseplant trend.

Jones told BI that fiddle-leaf figs are out.

The popular houseplant is known for its height and lush leaves, but it's become a little too ubiquitous for the designer's liking.

"Fiddle-leaf fig trees had their moment, and that moment has passed," Jones said. "Instead, consider its equally beautiful cousin, the ficus Audrey, which also grows very tall and provides a lot of visual interest and texture to a space."

One designer is done with plastic kitchenware.

Luis Carmona, the owner and interior designer at Verde Interior Design, is ditching disposable, plastic kitchen items like storage containers, utensils, and drinkware.

"Investing in great, quality alternatives will not only save you money in the long run, but it will also help your kitchen be more green," he said.

Instead, he recommends glass storage containers, beeswax sheets to cover food and leftovers, and glass or stainless steel drinkware to upgrade your kitchen.

Fast linens are out for 2025.

When in a pinch, it's easy to opt for inexpensive and accessible bedsheets, towels, and other home linens. However, you may want to reconsider that strategy.

These cheap linens, especially those made with synthetic fabrics, tend to fall apart quicker and need to be replaced more often — costing you in the long run.

"Investing in quality and comfortable towels, bedding, and even napkins makes such a difference," Carmona told BI. "Not only are they comfortable to the touch and perfectly functional, which is imperative, but you can usually tell the difference in quality just by looking at the fabric."

Loud ceilings are losing their appeal.

In the last few years, people have been drawing attention upward toward their ceilings with bright paint and bold wallpapers. However, Havard Cooper, an interior designer and architect, said it doesn't always transform a room how we expect it to

"I love a bold design moment, but wallpapering a ceiling does not fix a boring room," he told BI. "A room should feel cohesive, and focusing too heavily on the ceiling often disrupts the balance."

Instead, invest your time and money in the design and decor elements in the main area of the room.

Muted, monochrome rooms aren't the vibe anymore.

Cooper said monochrome and beige rooms tend to "feel too safe and lack personality."

The fad was on the rise, partially because of the popular Japandi trend, which combines Scandinavian and Japanese influences.

However, the designer hopes people will stop reaching for the same bland couches, rugs, and decor accents and instead choose a more balanced mix of tones and textures. The latter adds character to a space, making it more unique.

It's time to move on from trendy tile designs.

It seems like there's always a new tile trend — whether it's an intricate pattern, bold color choice, or surprising texture — but remember that trends come and go.

"Before you splurge on the latest 'it' tile, consider its longevity," Jan Odesanya, the principal interior designer at Mondän & Co Interiors, told BI.

Instead, she'll be opting for classic choices, like subway tile, natural stone, and timeless geometric patterns, to prevent her clients from starting over again in a few years.

• We asked interior designers about rising and fading design trends for 2025.
• They predict natural materials, mixed metals, and indoor-outdoor blurring will be in style.
• According to the pros, millennial gray and excessive maximalism will be on their way out in 2025.

As we approach the end of the year, it's time to reflect on home decor and designs we'll want to leave behind — and pieces and styles we'll want to keep an eye out for.

Business Insider spoke to three interior designers about which home trends they think will be in and out in 2025. Here's what they said.

One designer said the line between indoor and outdoor spaces will continue to blur.

Alice Moszczynski, an interior designer at Planner 5D, told BI we'll likely start to see more seamless connections between interior and outdoor spaces.

"This goes beyond just large glass doors as designers are integrating retractable walls, natural ventilation systems, and materials that age beautifully in indoor and outdoor environments," she said.

Natural and handmade materials continue to be popular.

Moszczynski predicts materials like stone, reclaimed wood, linen, and other natural materials that bring warmth, textural richness, and authenticity to a space will become even more popular in 2025.

As people prioritize having unique, personalized spaces, we'll likely see more consumers rejecting mass-produced finishes, too.

"Expect a resurgence of materials that show imperfections, like handmade tiles and unpolished marble," she told BI.

Art-deco styles are coming back to make spaces feel both vintage and fresh.

Lucinda Loya, founder and principal designer at Lucinda Loya Interiors, expects to see a resurgence of the art-deco style next year.

The style, which has roots in Europe and boomed throughout the 1920s and 1930s, is characterized by opulence and modern, geometric patterns.

"The updated trend blends the movement's iconic chevron patterns, zigzags, and sunburst motifs with opulent materials like marble, glass, and polished metal," Loya said.

She predicts we'll see neutrals like black, white, gold, and silver paired with luxe textures like velvet to create "vintage and fresh spaces."

Mirrored surfaces are also becoming trendy.

In line with the art-deco revival, Loya told BI, mirrored, reflective surfaces will also make a comeback to give spaces a touch of glamour.

"Mirrored surfaces reflect natural and artificial light, adding depth and brightness, which is especially valuable in smaller or darker spaces," she said.

Loya also said we'll see mirrored accents paired with matte textures to create elegant designs that balance drama and restraint.

Bold, saturated colors are in.

"More people are leaning into saturated colors — deep greens, dramatic blues, and spicy oranges and golds," Matthew Coates, owner of Coates Design Architects + Interiors, told BI.

Coates expects to see more rooms telling bold, colorful stories as homeowners search for a refreshing break from all-beige interiors.

He anticipates this trend will stick around for a while as more find comfort in creating spaces that reflect themselves.

Mixed metals will be the "it" look this season.

In previous years, mixed-metal finishes might have been considered mismatched. Now, Coates said, they're becoming a popular option for a versatile look.

"Mixing metals gives a room personality and dimension, and it feels more collected over time rather than overly coordinated," he said. "It's perfect for people who want their spaces to feel relaxed but still elevated."

On the other hand, faux biophilia is on its way out.

Biophilic design, which emphasizes connection with nature, has been a popular trend in recent years, but Moszczynski believes the days of faux plants are behind us.

"The trend of artificial plants and green walls to emulate biophilia is losing appeal as people realize these elements fail to deliver the wellness benefits of genuine nature," she said.

Instead, she said, we'll likely see more living plants throughout interior spaces.

The "millennial gray" trend is losing steam.

"Gray-dominated palettes have overstayed their welcome and feel cold, monotonous, and impersonal — particularly in high-end spaces," Moszczynski said.

She predicts that earthy tones like terracotta, clay, ochre, and sage will continue to replace "millennial" gray.

Maximalism with excessive clutter will likely fall out of favor as people prioritize minimalism.

The battle between maximalism and minimalism in the home continues, but Moszczynski predicts the pendulum will swing back toward a refined level of minimalism next year.

Maximalism was pretty big throughout 2024, but people may not be looking to buy a ton of items and decor in the year ahead.

"People are craving more visual calm and functional flow in their homes," she told BI. "Excessive decor often means unnecessary consumerism, which conflicts with the growing interest in sustainability."

We may start to see fewer open-concept spaces over the next couple of years.

Over the last few years, open floor plans have become less popular, and Coates predicts we homeowners will usher in a new chapter of balancing openness and privacy in 2025.

After all, closing off part of an open space can be really impactful.

"Adding a half-wall and a vintage room divider changed the whole vibe of a friend's open-concept living room, making it cozier and more intentional," Coates said.

• Housing market activity should rebound in the year ahead as mortgage rates fall.
• Buyers have been waiting for more affordable rates, as have sellers.
• Here are 16 cities set for double-digit property price growth, as forecasted by Realtor.com.

Homeowners and buyers may finally start making more deals in 2025, which could lift prices in some markets to unprecedented heights.

A years-long slump in home sales could end soon as mortgage rates fall below 6% and home inventory grows, Leo Pareja, the CEO of real-estate brokerage giant eXp Realty, said in a recent interview.

Pareja, who described his year-ahead housing market outlook as "cautiously optimistic," thinks home sales will rise 10% in 2025. That's far above Realtor.com's recent call for 1.5% sales growth due to a slight slide in mortgage rates.

If more homes come on the market and housing demand also rises, sales would certainly follow suit, though it's less clear what would happen to home prices. Realtor.com is predicting nationwide home prices climb to 3.7% — in line with the rate they've risen since 2012.

Realtor.com forecasted price and sales growth for the 100 largest US real-estate markets. Florida is home to nine of the 25 places expected to see the most price appreciation in 2025.

Below are the 16 metropolitan areas that are set for double-digit home price growth next year, based on Realtor.com's projections. The Sunshine State dominates the list with five names and a near miss with Jacksonville, which is seen rising 9.8%. Sales growth estimates are also listed.

1. Phoenix, Arizona

2025 price growth estimate: 13.2%

2025 sales growth estimate: 12.2%

Source: Realtor.com

2. Colorado Springs, Colorado

2025 price growth estimate: 12.7%

2025 sales growth estimate: 27.1%

Source: Realtor.com

3. Tucson, Arizona

2025 price growth estimate: 12.4%

2025 sales growth estimate: 12.5%

Source: Realtor.com

4. Boise City, Idaho

2025 price growth estimate: 12.3%

2025 sales growth estimate: 2%

Source: Realtor.com

5. Las Vegas, Nevada

2025 price growth estimate: 12.3%

2025 sales growth estimate: 5.5%

Source: Realtor.com

6. Orlando, Florida

2025 price growth estimate: 12.1%

2025 sales growth estimate: 15.2%

Source: Realtor.com

7. Ogden, Utah

2025 price growth estimate: 11.8%

2025 sales growth estimate: 2.2%

Source: Realtor.com

8. Tampa, Florida

2025 price growth estimate: 11.8%

2025 sales growth estimate: 9.1%

Source: Realtor.com

9. Deltona/Daytona Beach, Florida

2025 price growth estimate: 11.5%

2025 sales growth estimate: 7.2%

Source: Realtor.com

10. Memphis, Tennessee

2025 price growth estimate: 10.5%

2025 sales growth estimate: 8.3%

Source: Realtor.com

11. Sarasota, Florida

2025 price growth estimate: 10.4%

2025 sales growth estimate: 3.2%

Source: Realtor.com

12. Lakeland, Florida

2025 price growth estimate: 10.3%

2025 sales growth estimate: 10.6%

Source: Realtor.com

13. Atlanta, Georgia

2025 price growth estimate: 10.2%

2025 sales growth estimate: 15.1%

Source: Realtor.com

14. Austin, Texas

2025 price growth estimate: 10.2%

2025 sales growth estimate: 14.5%

Source: Realtor.com

15. Durham, North Carolina

2025 price growth estimate: 10.1%

2025 sales growth estimate: 14.1%

Source: Realtor.com

16. San Antonio, Texas

2025 price growth estimate: 10%

2025 sales growth estimate: 6.7%

Source: Realtor.com

• Business Insider asked stylists about the pant trends that will be in and out for the coming year.
• Cuffed jeans and wide-leg trousers are set to be popular in the New Year.
• The fashion experts said to ditch skinny jeans and corduroy pants in 2025.

Pants themselves may never go out of style, but that doesn't mean every pant trend can stand the test of time.

To avoid any fashion mishaps in the New Year, Business Insider spoke with stylists to find out what pant trends they think will be in and out in 2025.

Pleated trousers are here to stay.

Lindsey Bernay, a stylist and the author of "You Can't Leave the House Naked," told BI that pleated trousers are still going to be big next year.

"Pleated trousers add volume and movement while accentuating the waist, making them a perfect choice for those looking to create a refined yet flattering silhouette," she said. "They are perfect if you are going for the quiet-luxury look that is still trending this winter."

Cuffed jeans will remain popular in the New Year.

Desiree Miranda, a personal stylist, said cuffed jeans are going to stay in style in 2025.

"Cuffed denim is trending right now thanks to its ability to show off footwear," she told BI.

The stylist said cuffed jeans are great for in-between occasions where you want to look put together but still a tad casual.

High-waisted cargo pants are a fun, nostalgic trend.

Leena Alsulaiman, a San Francisco-based stylist and fashion coach, predicts that high-waisted cargo pants will dominate the fashion scene next year.

"Their rise in popularity is due to the perfect mix of nostalgia and functionality they offer, appealing to both millennials reliving their youth and Gen Z discovering the trend for the first time," she told BI.

Plus, the pockets are practical and the waistline is flattering.

Pinstripe pants are back and better than ever.

There's been a divide about "in" patterns for a while now, but Bernay said pinstripe pants will be trendy in the New Year.

"Pinstripes are back in a big way, offering a sleek, polished look that elongates the legs," she told BI. "Perfect for both professional and casual settings, this classic pattern brings a sophisticated edge to any outfit."

Wide-leg trousers will still be a wardrobe staple in 2025.

Alsulaiman said wide-leg trousers are here to stay.

"Offering a perfect blend of comfort and sophistication, wide-leg trousers are versatile enough for both office wear and casual outings," she said. "Their popularity stems from the ongoing shift toward more comfortable, forgiving silhouettes."

On the flip side, skinny jeans aren't going to be back next year.

Alsulaiman told BI that skinny jeans haven't clawed their way back quite yet — and it doesn't look like they will next year, either.

People are still turning toward more comfortable pants and looser cuts of jeans.

"The decline of skinny jeans also signals a change in beauty standards, with fashion embracing a wider range of body types and shapes," she said.

Corduroy is taking a backseat in 2025.

Although we saw a lot of corduroy fabric in the early 2020s, Miranda said its popularity is continuing to decline.

"Fashion right now is gearing more toward minimalism and simplicity while corduroy has a distinct texture and bulkiness to it that conflicts with the sleek lines we are seeing more of," she told BI.

Jeggings had their moment.

Alsulaiman told BI that the famous, stretchy jean-legging hybrid doesn't fit in with the 2025 trends.

Although they may be a comfort item, there are more structured, quality fabrics that are still easy to move around in.

The stylist also said this follows a broader trend away from overly clingy silhouettes.

Distressed denim won't be seen much, either.

If you can help it, Miranda said, steer clear of distressed denim in 2025.

"As trends come and go, this is a style you will not see around in the New Year," she said. "You will see a much stronger push toward classic cuts and styles and nostalgia for clean lines and sleek silhouettes."

• Realtor.com just unveiled its 2025 housing market outlook.
• Home values should rise slightly next year as property sales pick up due to lower mortgage rates.
• However, rent should stay in check due to a massive influx of apartment inventory.

Property owners, prospective buyers, renters, and landlords should expect more of the same in the new year — for the most part.

Home sales and the cost of buying or renting won't be much different in 2025, Realtor.com said in its housing forecast published on December 4. The firm's researchers see sales inching 1.5% higher while home prices climb 3.7% — in line with the rate they've risen since 2012 — and rent stays roughly flat at -0.1%. Mortgage rates should also slide slightly, though they'll stay north of 6%.

Those modestly positive projections are based on what Realtor.com expects to be a healthy economic backdrop typified by lower interest rates and steady growth. The Federal Reserve will likely cut rates in December and then a few more times in the first half of the year, the firm said.

Even more vital is that no one, other than a few contrarians, is calling for an economic downturn. Barring a serious shock, home prices should stay elevated and continue to climb modestly, though they're well off their post-pandemic peak.

"Prices are going to keep rising because we're not going to have a recession," said Ralph McLaughlin, a senior economist at Realtor.com, in an interview with Business Insider ahead of the report's release. "If you look at the times that home prices fall, it's typically only when there's a recession, and only when people are forced to sell."

In addition, it's unclear how President-elect Donald Trump's policies will affect the US housing market, though stock market strategists generally agree that tax cuts and deregulation will boost business confidence. McLaughlin thinks that may have a trickle-down effect for homebuyers.

"If you're talking about the resale market, the existing homes market, it's hard not to become optimistic about just the broader economy, because of things like tax cuts and other benefits to households that might put more money in their pocket at the end of the day," McLaughlin said. He added: "That might encourage them to go out and either buy a home, if they don't currently own one — or grade up to a house maybe they've been waiting to over the last few years."

High on supply

While that backdrop mostly represents business-as-usual, next year's housing market may be marked by a significant development: sizable increases in home and apartment supply.

A long-running home shortage is finally easing, as Realtor.com predicts that 2025 will be the first "balanced" housing market in nine years, meaning neither buyers nor sellers will have disproportionate leverage. That's thanks to an 11.7% jump in existing home inventory and a 13.8% surge in single-family home starts.

Home listings have been on the rise recently in most of the 50 largest US real-estate markets, which defies what Realtor.com had thought would be a big drop in inventory this year. However, there's still a shortfall of 3.7 million homes in the US, Freddie Mac estimates.

Continued supply improvements mean there should be 4.1 months of homes available in 2025, up from 3.7 months now, Realtor.com said. The National Association of Realtors, a competing firm, reported last month that there's already 4.2 months' supply of existing homes available.

Rental inventory is also on the rise, as real-estate site Zumper found that the supply of new apartments in the US hit its highest level in five decades this summer.

That dynamic should cause rent growth to stall, McLaughlin said. Home prices likely won't suffer a similar fate, in his view, because single-family supply will come online slower.

"What we've seen over the past couple years is a large uptick in new multi-family construction, and they tend to be released all at once," McLaughlin said. "And so it can have very sharp and especially isolated impacts on rents — in particular — in urban areas where they are built."

With more options, renters won't be forced to endure the abnormally large rent hikes that became more common during and after the pandemic.

Landlords might also struggle to raise rent substantially in a strong economy with lower mortgage rates since renters could walk away from bidding wars and look at houses instead.

"When incomes grow enough in the rental segment, those renters tend to convert over to owners," McLaughlin said. "They typically won't use their incomes to bid up rents more — they'll just go and, if they can afford it, they'll go buy a house."

McLaughlin continued: "So those that continue to stay renting, landlords don't have the ability necessarily to raise rents at the rates that price growth plays out in most markets."

Still, inventory increases likely won't translate to meaningful discounts on homes or rental units. Prices almost always rise over time along with the population size and money supply, so while apartments may be easier to find, those pining for pre-pandemic prices could be disappointed — even in an otherwise solid year.

• There's a lot of temptation to spend money at Disney World, but some things aren't worth it.
• I will never buy hot coffee from a park or resort in the morning.
• I'm also no longer buying ponchos at the parks since they are cheaper elsewhere.

I've been going to Disney World for over 30 years and visit the Orlando theme parks multiple times a month.

Over the years, I've bought my share of souvenirs and merchandise. However, I've also narrowed down what's not worth the money at the parks and resorts.

Preparing for a new year is a prime time to reassess my travel budget.

Here are some of the things I don't plan on buying at Disney World in 2025.

It doesn't make sense to buy plain coffee when I can make it at my hotel.

I inevitably need a morning boost at Disney World, especially after spending a few days in the parks. But I try not to buy cups of hot black coffee.

I'm always at a hotel when I visit the parks — usually a resort on the Disney property — so I have access to at least a single-serve coffee machine that makes a decent cup at no added expense to me.

Even better, when I stay at a Disney Vacation Club villa, there are usually larger machines that brew full pots instead of single cups. I can bring my own ground coffee and filters for my perfect cup.

I skip buying ponchos in the parks since they're cheaper elsewhere.

Rain and Disney World seem to go hand-in-hand. When it rains at one of the theme parks, you'll likely see people donning thick, branded ponchos from the gift shops that cost about $12.

I've been guilty of buying these when I've been ill-prepared in the past, but I can get much cheaper disposable ones on Amazon or at Target before the trip.

The thinner, disposable ones are smaller anyway, so it's easy to pack multiple in any bag I have with me. Then, when it's done raining, I can simply throw the poncho away instead of carrying around a wet bundle of plastic.

Simple room upgrades usually aren't worth the extra cost.

I like to stay at the Disney World resorts, but I usually skip upgrading my booking from a standard to a preferred room closer to the hotel's front or its transportation options.

I imagine this is a nice feature for families with kids, but the rooms themselves seem to be exactly the same. Plus, it only saves me a couple of minutes of walking.

Prices vary depending on which kind of resort you're at — value, moderate, or deluxe. Sometimes, it's only about a $20-a-night difference between standard and preferred, but I could use that money on plenty of other things.

Dining packages for fireworks shows are overpriced.

Disney World sometimes offers dining packages for its bigger shows, but I often find them to be of poor value. I'd rather grab something quick and easy and save my money.

For instance, you can book a dining package to watch "Fantasmic!" at Hollywood Studios. The price includes your meal, a drink, and guaranteed seats to the show, starting at $57 for adults.

That's much more than I'd normally spend on a meal at Disney World, and as long as I get to the theater early, open seats are usually plentiful.

I don't think Lightning Lane Single Passes are worth it.

If you're not as familiar with Disney World, all the different ticket add-ons can be confusing — plus, they always seem to be changing.

For now, there are still times when I think it makes sense to pay $15 a person per day for a Lightning Lane Multi Pass that I can use to expedite three lines at certain attractions. However, the individually priced Lightning Lane Single Passes for the most popular rides cost $10 to $25 each.

I understand that some people only have one opportunity to visit the parks and get on these rides, but I'm there often enough that the added expense isn't worth it.

Instead, I just get to the park early or stay late since lines are usually shorter during those times. I also keep my eye out for virtual queues on rides like Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind. When they're open, you can reserve one a day for free on the My Disney Experience app.