cozy, warm, and maximalist

English-style kitchens among top 10 home design predictions for 2025

After a year of embracing warm neutrals, custom design details, and a timeless aesthetic, it's time to look at Houzz's 10 home design predictions for 2025. It looks like many of the design shifts that may appear next year will be extensions and embellishments of this year's hottest trends.

The interior design platform relied on insight from its community of more than 70 million homeowners and design enthusiasts to discover the top 10 design trends that will emerge during the next year.

Classic, cozy English-style kitchens
Think of a kitchen straight out of Pride and Prejudice (the 2005 film), but with all of the modern amenities and updates to make it suitable for living in the 21st century. Homeowners are taking inspiration from the popular "cottagecore" trend and incorporating it into their kitchens, combining rich wood cabinetry with moody colors like deep blues and greens.

Houzz also predicted homeowners will notice a growing trend in natural elements like soapstone or butcher's block countertops, wood ceiling beams, and more.

Range alcoves
In an extension of the English-style kitchen trend, Houzz predicts large stove alcoves will be another top design trend for 2025. The report explains (in a much "easier said than done" manner) that the way to accomplish the look is to set the range in a recessed area typically flanked by countertops and side walls.

"This feature adds a substantial architectural element to a kitchen, creating a focal point and allowing for a natural stopping point for, and containment of, a striking backsplash design," the report says.

The top of the range alcove is often arched, which we will touch more on later.

Rounded design and furniture forms
Organic modern style was a defining trend of summer 2024. For 2025, it's adding new elements like rounded furniture forms that showcase natural materials, colors, and shapes in a modern design.

Homeowners have likely noticed the trend already materializing with the growing popularity in circular coffee tables, round dining tables with cylindrical legs, bulbous round sofas and accent chairs, and oblong mirrors.

The report also mentioned rounded and curved furniture pieces dominated national trade shows like High Point Market and the International Contemporary Furniture Fair.

Arches, arches everywhere
Arches are one way homeowners can embrace the new "rounded" trend while maintaining harmony with organic modern style. They can be created professionally (or through DIY tutorials), and have the added effect of creating the illusion of space in doorways, windows, and more.

Arches, Houzz home design trends of 2025 Archways are a timeless method to update the home and make it feel more luxurious.Photo courtesy of Simply Home/Tobin Davies Photography

But the trend doesn't have to stop at the home remodel-level – it can be embraced through furniture and decor, according to Houzz.

"Expect to see more elaborately arched mirrors in 2025, as well as headboards with ogee or trefoil profiles and chairs with similarly scalloped silhouettes," the report says.

Arches appear to be the most versatile way to blend multiple style trends from one year to the next, which makes it a timeless addition to any space.

Private shower rooms
Homebuilders have already embraced adding toilet rooms that provide a little extra privacy in a bathroom, and now showers may be the next bathroom area to get its own closed off room.

"This style of shower has a glass door leading into a fully enclosed space that creates an intimate, spa-like look and feel," Houzz says.

Enclosing the shower area into its own private room can provide ample opportunities for adding steam and sauna functions, a sealed off space for aromatherapy, and more. Note that a powerful ventilation fan is necessary to prevent moisture from escaping into the rest of the bathroom.

For those who are less keen about closing off the shower area – or who are claustrophobic – Houzz says there's no need to fret. Airy and light-filled showers with frameless glass enclosures are still a popular choice for many homeowners, the report says.

Narrow wet rooms
Another bathroom remodeling option for homeowners who don't want to close off their shower area is a wet room, which combines the shower and a tub in one space while still remaining separate from each other. This idea is best suited for homes with small or narrow bathrooms, as the combined area can provide the feel of a much larger space.

"Placing a tub at the back of a long room, with a separate shower in front, gives homeowners with tight spaces a wet room arrangement that looks and feels more luxurious than the standard shower-tub combo," the report says.

Narrow wet room, Houzz home design trends of 2025 Houzz recommends working with a professional when developing a unique-shaped space like a narrow wet room.Photo courtesy of Morey Remodeling Group

Textured cabinet fronts
Houzz anticipates the trend of textured cabinet fronts will continue evolving into 2025, especially since fluted cabinets and dressers peaked in popularity this year. Woven and mesh textures are expected to be the next hot design elements to adorn cabinet fronts next year, as well as bathroom vanities and window treatments, the report says.

"We’re seeing it frequently used to help break up expanses of cabinets, especially in kitchens," the report says. "Natural woven materials also soften hard edges and provide a warm counterpoint to cold surfaces, two effective strategies for creating a cozy and welcoming space."

Embracing warmth for another year
Warm, neutral tones were one of Houzz's top design predictions for 2024. They became such a dominant trend nationwide that it is now a top priority for homeowners who haven't yet rid themselves of the "agreeable gray" in their homes.

New for 2025, Houzz predicts warm color palettes like off-white, cream, beige, and brown will continue to flourish in addition to natural wood elements like ceiling beams, trims, millwork, wall paneling, cabinetry, and more.

Maximalist spaces with layers of color, pattern, and texture
It's time to say goodbye to minimalism and embrace "cluttercore," according to Houzz. The report reveals many homeowners are shying away from designing sterile, cold-feeling minimal spaces in favor of spaces that "celebrate abundance" and reflect the personality of those who live in it.

Maximalist rooms, Houzz home design trends of 2025 Where did we put that shadowbox full of 1950's miniatures? It might look good on the wall.Photo courtesy of Nicole Forina Home/Andrew Frasz

"Designers are getting requests from homeowners for a more-is-more approach that layers bold color, pattern, and texture," the report says. "Think grooved wall and ceiling paneling in a bold color, woven materials, and patterned everything — drapery, furniture, rugs, and pillows."

Multiple outdoor kitchen appliances
Adding multiple outdoor cooking appliances (and corresponding cooking areas) is Houzz's final design trend prediction of 2025. Many homes already have an outdoor grill, but next year will be the time for adding different options like a pizza oven, smoker, ceramic grill, or an Argentinian-style gaucho grill.

If you're lucky, maybe one of those appliances is already on Santa's sleigh ready to be delivered on Christmas Day.

English style kitchens, Houzz home design trends of 2025

Photo courtesy of Sun Design Remodeling Specialists/Nova Soul Imagery

If Elizabeth Bennet was living in 2025, this may be the kitchen she would have wanted.

they're durable, too

3D-printed Houston housing project cements a more affordable future

Courtesy of Cole Klein Builders

Homes in Zuri Gardens are a hybrid of 3D concrete and traditional wood construction.

Houston is putting itself front-and-center to help make sustainable, affordable housing a reality for 80 lucky homeowners in a scalable housing community that will hopefully catch on nationwide. Recently, developer Cole Klein Builders partnered with HiveASMBLD to pioneer what’s touted as the world’s first large-scale, one-of-a-kind, affordable housing development using 3-D printing technology, merging robotics, design, and sustainability.

Located across from Sterling Aviation High School, near Hobby Airport, Zuri Gardens will offer 80 two-bedroom, two-bathroom homes of approximately 1,360 square feet situated in a park-like setting, including walking trails and a community green space.

Homes in Zuri Gardens will hit the market in early summer of 2026. Final pricing has yet to be determined, but Cole Klein Builders expects it to be in the mid-to-high 200s.

Interestingly, none of the homes will offer garages or driveways, which the developer tells CultureMap will provide a savings of roughly $25,000 - $40,000 per home.

Instead of parking for individual units, 140 parking spaces will be provided. Ideally, this small-town-inspired design will provide opportunities for neighbors to meet, connect, and build community.

Each two-story home is comprised of a ground floor printed by HiveASMBLD, using a proprietary low-carbon cement alternative by Eco Material Technologies that promises to enhance strength and reduce CO2 emissions. The hybrid homes will have a second floor built using engineered wood building products by LP Building Solutions. Overall, the homes are designed to be flood, fire, and possibly even tornado-proof.

The Zuri in Zuri Gardens is the Swahili word for “beautiful,” a choice that is fitting considering that the parks department will be introducing a five acre park to the project — with 3-D printed pavilions and benches — plus, a three acre farm is located right across the street. The Garver Heights area, where Zuri Gardens is located, is in what’s classified as a food desert, which means that access to fresh food is limited. Residents will have access to the farm’s fresh produce, plus opportunities to participate in gardening and nutrition workshops—that’s a win for everyone.

With the novelty of Zuri Gardens, it’s no surprise that the neighborhood already has an 800 person waitlist, but with stringent buyer requirements, it’s unclear how many of those 800 will qualify. Developer Cole Klein Builders created Zuri Gardens in partnership with the Houston Housing Community Development Department, who provided infrastructure reimbursements for the roads, sewer lines, and water lines. In return, CKB agreed to push the purchase prices for the homes as low as possible.

Zuri Gardens also received $1.8 million dollars from the Uptown Tourism Bond, 34 percent of which must be used with minority owned small businesses. Qualified buyers must fit a certain area of median income according to HUD guidelines, and must be owner occupied at all times — so no property investors or short term vacation rentals will be allowed.

“They’re trying to bridge that gap to make sure there is a community for the homebuyers who need it — educators, law enforcement, civil workers, etc.,” Cole Klein Builders’ co-principal Vanessa Cole tells CultureMap. “You have to go through a certification process with the housing department to make sure that your income is in alignment for this community. It has been great, and everyone has been really receptive.”

Cole has also brought insurance underwriters to visit the site and to help drive premiums below regular rates for Houston homeowners since homes in Zuri Gardens are not built to traditional standards — claim risks for one of the 3-D homes are extremely low. Tim Lankau, principal at HiveASMBLD, notes that the 3-D hybrid design allows for a more traditional appearance, while having the benefits of a concrete structure: “That’s where the floodwaters would go, that’s where you can hide when there’s a tornado, and that’s where termites would eat. So you get the advantages of it while having a traditionally-framed second floor.”

It’s important to note that Zuri Gardens is not located in a flood prone area, nor did it flood during Hurricane Harvey — being flood proof is merely a perk of a cement house. The concrete that Eco Material Technologies developed is impervious. The walls are printed into hollow forms, which house rebar, plumbing, and accessible conduits for things like electrical lines and smart house features. Those walls are then filled with a foamcrete product that expands to form a “monolithic concrete wall.”

David McNitt, of Eco Material Technologies, explains that his proprietary concrete is made of PCV, and contains zero Portland cement. Instead, McNitt’s cement is made from coal ash and is 99 percent green (there are a few chemicals added to the ash). Regardless, it’s made from 100 percent waste products.

“This is a product that has really been landfilled before,” says McNitt. “It’s coal ash, and it’ll set within 8-10 minutes. It’s all monolithic, and one continuous pour — it’s literally all one piece.”

Eco Material Technologies’ concrete product is impressively durable. A traditional cinderblock wall will crush at around 800 psi, while this material crushes at about 8,000 psi.

“It’s ten times stronger than a cinderblock wall that can withstand hurricanes,” claims McNitt. “I don’t think you’d even notice a hurricane. It’ll be really quiet inside, too — so you won’t get interrupted during your hurricane party. It’s way over-engineered, it really is.”

The second story is built using weatherproof and eco-friendly products by LP Building Solutions. Their treated, engineered wood products come with a 50 year warranty, and their radiant barrier roof decking product blocks 97% of UV rays, and keeps attic temperatures 30° cooler than traditional building materials. These materials, combined with the concrete first floor, will keep heating and cooling costs low — something the folks at HiveASMBLD refer to as “thermal mass performance.”

Courtesy of Cole Klein Builders

Homes in Zuri Gardens are a hybrid of 3D concrete and traditional wood construction.