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    cozy, warm, and maximalist

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

    Amber Heckler
    Dec 5, 2024 | 4:00 pm

    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 2025Archways 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 2025Houzz 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 2025Where 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.

    news/home-design

    Get a room

    Inside the former brothel that's now downtown Houston's hottest new bar

    Emily Cotton
    Oct 16, 2026 | 10:30 am
    No Vacancy
    Courtesy of No Vacancy
    Put on a No Vacancy robe and enjoy a welcome glass of champagne.

    With a name like No Vacancy, it comes as little surprise that this “hotel bar” on Main Street is the hottest new ticket in town. Draped in mystique, the 1970s-inspired bar offers guests pure nostalgia from every which way and is so authentic that it’s difficult to decide who would have enjoyed it more: Hunter S. Thompson or David Lynch.

    Ostensibly run by “Dottie,” the mysterious, fantastical patroness of No Vacancy — whose past entertainment history was illuminated by red lights more than limelight — who invites guests to pass through the No Vacancy Pool to check-in at reception before choosing to spend the evening in the Lobby Bar, upstairs in Dottie’s Penthouse, or rent a suite…by the hour, of course.

    Before anyone gets the wrong idea, No Vacancy is strictly a bar for flirtatious foreplay, a game night with friends, and certainly for people watching. Dottie won’t stand for any hanky-panky. So, if things get a little too hot to handle, get a room — someplace else.

    The building at 410 Main Street, once a notorious Houston brothel in its own right, sets the perfect scene for a bar that displays framed brassieres once belonging to former showgirls and boasts an impressive collection of vintage Playboys. Even the large steel door (c.1877) that used to connect the brothel to the bank next door is still visible while taking the stairs up to Dottie’s Penthouse. And the bathrooms? All converted from what was once a row of shower rooms.

    “It’s a downtown, rundown hotel, you know? It used to be nice, I think that’s the important part,” says No Vacancy partner Carson Hager, who also operates ‘80s themed bar Cherry. “Because in Dottie’s mind, it probably still is nice. It’s an actual bar. There are so few actual bars anymore. We just want people to like it. It’s not a dive bar — that’s an actual distinction. It’s a hotel bar. Go to an actual bar and enjoy the details and have a good time and go home.”

    As for Hager’s relationship to the elusive Dottie: “When people ask, I tell them that I’m Dottie’s nephew and I run things when she’s not here.”

    No Vacancy

    Courtesy of No Vacancy

    Put on a No Vacancy robe and enjoy a welcome glass of champagne.

    The commitment to the plot is evident in everything that is No Vacancy. Take, for instance, “Dottie’s Penthouse: The Menu Magazine.” This actual magazine — all 27 pages of it — offers guests a deep dive into Dottie’s personality while listing items of note such as Dottie’s house rules, Dottie’s Penthouse drink menu, fun facts, horoscopes, an advice column, crossword puzzle, raunchy cartoons, and even a fun “Which of Dottie’s Girls are You?” quiz.

    “The details of the building are one thing, but the details of the actual storyline behind everything are even more consistent and more thorough,” explains creative director and Dottie’s cosmic proxy Shilo de Armas. “The Penthouse Magazine enforces the actual story — it’s not just saying a story into the wind. Those types of structural things are what I’m most proud of. Truly, if I die today, that is something that I would really want on my grave. Talk about it in my eulogy. I’m the most proud of that than anything I’ve done. It just brings everything together because it has her house rules on page three, and you learn about who Dottie is when you read those house rules.”

    All of the hotel phones in No Vacancy are functional and routed through to reception and housekeeping. Guests in the suites may ring for service or choose to utilize the “Do Not Disturb” lights outside of the rooms. Housekeeping is outfitted in proper French maids’ outfits — feather dusters included — and cocktails arrive on carts, naturally.

    No Vacancy’s vintage televisions play a curated selection of era-appropriate programming, with custom commercials produced in-house. Think Marvin Zindler and Thunderbolt Transmissions-inspired content. Guests can switch channels, but the network is always No Vacancy Television: “NVTV…always turned on.”

    All of the furniture and decor are either vintage or antique, and the decision to go with carpeting throughout helps keep things intimate. Like many 70s-era spaces, patterns go wild at No Vacancy — think animal prints galore, plaids, stripes, and textured solids. Undergarments are tossed about, fabric canopies and draperies fill each room, and fringe adorns just about every other surface.


    View this post on Instagram
    A post shared by No Vacancy (@novacancyhtx)


    The downstairs level offers three different suites that can accommodate groups of four to six people, each with a different theme and speciality cocktail menu. While available by the hour, there is a 15 minute grace period to get settled in before the clock starts. Suites are $64.95-per-hour and include a round of complimentary welcome drinks upon arrival (up to four guests) — tailored to each suite.

    Prom After-Party Suite
    Up to six guests may join, receiving a welcome bucket of Jell-O shots upon check-in. Dottie’s handmade binder of drinking games is sure to entertain. Suite-specific cocktails include Dottie’s Wine Coolers (bottled, of course) in Passionfruit Pizzazz, Strawberry Fields, and Fuzzy Navel. In addition to the aforementioned Jell-O shots, patrons may order a classic Tiki Trashcan Punch, made in-room to serve four, with “Rum, more rum, Montenegro, tropical fruit punch, and 151 for fun.”

    Honeymoon Suite
    Up to four guests may join, receiving complimentary Moet champagne to begin the evening. This lover-inspired suite is encased in mirrors to three sides, plush privacy-draperies at the entrance, and includes fluffy red robes to enjoy during the evening. Imbibe suite-specific cocktails — “Save the Date,” “Honeymoon in Vegas,” and “Pillow Talk” — while cozied up in the round love seat.

    Side Piece Suite
    Up to six guests may join, receiving complimentary “Penicillin shots” to begin the evening. The decor takes guests for a walk on the wild side, with animal print upholstery and jungle-themed artwork. Suite-specific cocktails include the “Post Nut Clarity,” Campañera, and the suite’s signature drink “Strawberry Letter,” which serves four and is served in a high heel carafe.

    Lobby Bar
    Just past reception and the Side Piece Suite, the Lobby Bar offers guests a comfy barstool or a place in the No Vacancy semi-private rooms. With high-top tables for two, each semi-private room can be closed with curtains for privacy or left open for mingling — the semi-private rooms can also be combined to accommodate small groups. Classics include “Dottie Does Downtown” and the “Centerfold Sour.”

    No Vacancy Pool
    Rounding out the offerings on the first floor is the “pool.” Part of the exterior entrance area, the pool area offers those who wish to wait a menu of their own. The “Corn Star Margaritas,” “Desert Rose,” and “Poolside Sour,” are sure to help the time pass quickly. Dottie’s Wine Coolers are also available poolside.

    Dottie’s Penthouse
    Upstairs, guests are welcome to lounge in Dottie’s penthouse apartment, so long as they behave. The penthouse is comprised of a dining room, kitchen (i.e., bar), living room, bedroom, balcony, and office. The low lighting — mostly thanks to Dottie’s lava lamp collection, 18 total on the living room wall — throughout the spaces vibe perfectly with the jazz music. Distinct zones are perfect for couples and small groups who want to sit and chat.

    In the office, Dottie’s desk tells stories of its own, original building plans sit beneath a protective plexiglass, her counting machine, phone, Rolodex, and security camera screens all wrapped around the trappings of a seemingly ordinary business…take a closer look.

    Dottie’s Kitchen serves cocktails named after her “girls,” and all that that implies. The mezcal-forward menu does offer a vast variety of cocktails, but Dottie highly encourages guests to try something smoky. If that’s not in the cards, reach for a classic Peach Pimm’s Highball or Watermelon Ranch Water.

    As vintage fans continue to flock to No Vacancy, it’s worth noting that the bar only offers limited reservations for groups of eight or more in the Penthouse — but only until 7 pm on weekends. After that, it's first-come-first-served. Booking is available via text or through a quick DM to the No Vacancy Instagram account. It’s also a good idea to get on the waitlist if planning a last minute visit.

    “Dottie is nutty about having a home,” says Hager. “There is no such thing as just hanging around. If you don’t have a seat, you’re not getting in.”

    For those who choose to dress the part, or for those who just like to watch, No Vacancy has a strict no flash photography policy — and they mean it. No Meta glasses, ring lights, or cameras allowed either. No Vacancy is about as old-fashioned as they come.

    “The people who needed something like this, and have been wanting something like this in Houston in particular, that’s who it’s for,” says de Armas. “We want it to be for the people who get it. If people don’t get it, they don’t get it. That’s fine — bye!”

    No Vacancy is open 5 pm-2 am “every damn day.” Send Dottie a reservation or waitlist request at 713-597-7616 or DM her on Instagram.

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