Designers report the market is shifting away from the neutral minimalist color schemes and design trends as we wrap up 2025. Melissa Dittmann Tracey from the The National Association of Realtors shares her insight on where these trends are heading.
First she indicates that the market will gravitate towards layered textures like boucle, grasscloth, plaster, zellige tile, fluting and handcrafted details. “Texture can adds warmth, depth and subtle dimension to spaces,” said Tracey. “It also adds personality, welcoming homeowners to reach out and touch.”
The pendulum of style is greatly swinging in the maximalist direction for the upcoming year. Tracey noted that while the popularity of wallpaper has been incrementally increasing, it’s beginning to be used in unconventional places—ceilings. Complimenting wallpaper with bold paint and color choices will be popular in the future.
While there will be plenty of boldness across design trends, some features will still be understated. “Design isn’t all in your face; some features are more subdued,” said Tracey. “Hidden appliances, panel-ready cabinetry, hydraulic lift storage, pop-up TVs, concealed hoods and integrated lighting are moving into more homes, adding a tucked away layer to home design.”
