In the ever-evolving landscape of home design, Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate (BHGRE) has unveiled its 2025 Home Trends Insights, highlighting how homeowners are maximizing their spaces with innovative renovations. The report emphasizes the growing importance of hybrid rooms, mudrooms, laundry rooms, and kitchens, which have become essential in today’s multifaceted living environments. BHGRE CEO Ginger Wilcox notes that the pandemic has significantly influenced consumer preferences, pushing homeowners to rethink their spaces for both work and leisure.
“People are looking at their homes differently, and obviously, I think 2020 put a focus on how to make the most out of your home,” Wilcox explained. “We’re seeing things like hybrid spaces, a home office that doubles as a workout room, and mudrooms become important for people.” She highlighted that mudrooms are gaining traction with features such as built-in cubbies and hooks, which simplify daily routines. “We know it’s always important to have a place to drop the keys,” she added.
Kitchens remain a focal point of renovations, with updates like new cabinets, fresh fixtures, and enhanced lighting to improve functionality. Wilcox remarked, “Kitchens continue to be a major focus with updates like cabinets, fresh fixtures, and under-cabinet lighting to make it easier to see backsplashes and small nooks where people can either be doing work or they can do meal planning.”
Additionally, laundry rooms are evolving from an afterthought to a critical space, incorporating features like folding stations and shelves that enhance usability. “Things like that are all new and interesting parts of our trends report,” Wilcox noted.
The report also reveals generational preferences in design, with 48% of Gen-Zers favoring maximalist designs characterized by bold colors and rich textures. In contrast, 67% of millennials lean towards a minimalist aesthetic inspired by Scandinavian and Japanese influences. Cottage and farmhouse designs remain popular across all generations, with annual growth rates of 70% and 67%, respectively. Wilcox commented, “It’s interesting [that] we’re seeing farmhouse and cottage decor still are growing in popularity. I think it reflects people’s desire to still have sort of that cozy, charming aesthetic and comfort in their home.”
Homebuyers and sellers are adopting diverse strategies for renovations, with many opting for DIY projects like painting and vinyl floor upgrades. However, they are leaving more complex tasks, such as landscaping and staging, to professionals. Wilcox observed, “We’re seeing an openness to fixer-uppers, especially among younger buyers — social media has made it easier to find how to do almost anything. But we still recommend that people hire a professional, especially if they’re thinking about some of those bigger renovations.”
Alongside the report, BHGRE is promoting the BHGRE Trendmakers Accreditation course, designed to help agents understand and leverage consumer trends effectively. “The program is designed to ensure that our agents stay up to date. My vision is that it’s not a ‘take it, get it and forget it’ course because trends are changing constantly,” Wilcox explained, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning in the real estate market.
As spring approaches, interior design professionals are also recommending fresh updates to home decor. Designers like Laetitia Laurent, Lucy Small, and Melanie Bryant are emphasizing trends for 2025 that reflect a shift towards more vibrant and expressive interiors.
Laurent highlights the rise of sculptural lighting as statement pieces, noting that organic shapes and oversized proportions are making a significant impact. “A well-placed sculptural pendant or asymmetrical sconce can shift the entire mood of a space, creating depth and visual intrigue,” she said.
Small points out that wallpapered ceilings are gaining popularity, a trend that encourages homeowners to think beyond traditional statement walls. “If you’re ready to try out this trend, Small encourages you to stray a little outside your comfort zone in terms of the pattern. The louder the wallpaper, the nicer the wallpapered ceiling will be,” she advised.
Another trend Small mentions is skirted ceilings, which can enhance the aesthetic appeal of a room. “In a modern home, a skirted ceiling can give a room a color-blocked funky look,” she explained. “In an older home, it could be a classic way to make shorter ceilings look taller.”
Color trends are also shifting, with soft, buttery yellows emerging as a favorite for spring 2025. Bryant describes this hue as exuding warmth and softness, perfect for adding a joyful touch to interiors. “If you’re not ready to paint an entire room this hue, Bryant recommends adding it to your home accessories, whether that’s through textiles or artwork,” she suggested.
Florals are being reimagined this season, with designers finding new ways to incorporate blossom and vine prints into their designs. Laurent notes, “Think less structured patterns and more organic, hand-drawn interpretations,” encouraging homeowners to embrace a whimsical take on nature.
Moreover, the call for more color in home design is resonating strongly, with Bryant urging clients to move away from the muted tones of the past. “Bold pops of bright colors are on the horizon, making interiors fun and personal,” she stated, encouraging homeowners to consider colorful tiles and paints for a more lively atmosphere.
As the home design landscape continues to evolve, both BHGRE’s insights and the latest trends from interior designers reflect a growing desire for spaces that are not only functional but also expressive of personal style and comfort. With a focus on innovative renovations and fresh design ideas, homeowners are poised to create environments that truly resonate with their lifestyles.
