7 Design Trends That Scream 2025, For Better Or For Worse (& How We Think They’ll Fare A Decade From Now)
I've always been fascinated by design trends and how they come and go. As a historic-homes nerd who loves taking an extra look at the sets and filming locations for period shows and movies, I'm excited to share my thoughts on the latest trends that are making waves in 2025.
The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly: Trends That Will Stand the Test of Time
Some trends will always have their place in houses referencing the style they were originally designed for. For example, arches can be beautiful when used appropriately, while rattan and Zellige are great additions to a room's decor.
However, other trends might be more of a "trendy" moment, rather than something that will endure for generations to come. Farmhouse Modern, for instance, has overstayed its welcome in 2025, with oversized black/white/black window homes and castles taking over established neighborhoods.
Trends That Are More Trend Than Timeless
Cafe curtains are another trend that's more of a fleeting moment. While I can appreciate the practicality behind them, I find them to be twee and not my personal cup of tea.
And then there's fluting – a design element that's fresh now, but might prove challenging to maintain in the long run. Adding panel molding to your home quadruples the amount of dusting you'll need to do, making it more hassle than it's worth.
Trends That Are Here to Stay (or at Least for a While)
On the other hand, some trends will have their place in houses for years to come. Curved furniture, for instance, can be a beautiful addition to a room – as long as it fits the space and is used intentionally.
I also love how design elements like checkerboards are being reinterpreted in new ways. Whether on the floor or on walls, they add a touch of whimsy to a room.
Design Trends That Will Fade into the Past
About that time when blue and green kitchens hardcore peaked? Yeah, people are moving on from those bold colors now, opting for more muted tones like reds, yellows, and natural wood accents instead.
And let's be real – some trends just need to fade away. The super-veiny, high-contrast marble that everyone seems to love right now? It might strike us as "old lady" in a decade or two, and we'll all wonder what we were thinking when we installed it.
What Makes a Design Trend Timeless?
So, what sets apart design trends that stand the test of time from those that will be forgotten soon? For me, it's about functionality, simplicity, and a deep understanding of architectural elements and their context.
"Who gets to decide what's timeless?" is a fantastic question – one that sparks debate and discussion among designers, architects, and homeowners alike. And when we can explore trendy uses of timeless design elements in new ways, without sacrificing the essence of the original trend, that's when we know we're onto something special.
The Verdict: Trends That Will Fare Well or Awfully
As we look back on 2025's design trends, it's clear that some will stand the test of time while others might leave us scratching our heads in a decade or two. But one thing is for sure – only time (and our own personal tastes) will tell which trends will emerge victorious.