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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.

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    7 outstanding Houston homes showcase architects' creativity on AIA tour

    Emily Cotton
    Nov 5, 2026 | 10:30 am
    2026 AIA Home Tour Timbergrove Ranch House
    Photo by Benjamin Hill
    Timbergrove Ranch House, McIntyre + Robinowitz, Architects (Bob Robinowitz, AIA).

    The 2026 AIA Houston Home Tour makes its annual return this Saturday and Sunday, November 7 and 8, from 12 pm-6 pm, daily. As always, the tour raises money for various AIA initiatives throughout the year, while inviting Houstonians to step inside several brilliantly-designed homes around the city.

    This year, the self-guided public tour opens the doors to seven custom-designed residences completed within the last five years across Greater Houston — spanning the Old Sixth Ward, Norhill/The Heights, Montrose, Bellaire, Museum District, and Timbergrove neighborhoods.

    Each home demonstrates how licensed local architects solve complex real-world challenges, balancing site density, historic preservation, budget constraints, and the evolving lifestyle demands of Houston families.

    Homes have been selected based on design excellence, quality craftsmanship, innovative solutions, use of materials, and sustainability. A juried panel comprised of fellow architects, deans of architecture schools, and other experts choose from the hundreds of project submissions every year. To keep things honest, jury members are from out of town, but not too far out of town.

    Following tradition, each participating architect provided CultureMap with their favorite design aspects, fun details, and what to keep an eye out for during each home tour. As always, the architects will be on-site each day to visit and answer questions.

    “CultureMap readers have a unique opportunity to get an inside look at some of the best residential architecture being created in Houston,” says Shawn Gottschalk, AIA, principal at studioMET Architects and 2026 Home Tour Event Chair. “What stands out about this year’s tour is how each home responds thoughtfully to its site, its owners, and the way they live. While the projects share a commitment to strong design, each approaches architecture in its own way through form, material, scale, light, landscape, and connection to place. Together, they demonstrate the level of creativity and care that continues to define residential architecture in our city.

    Highlights of the 2026 Featured Residences:

    Frontline Heroes & Neighborhood Stewardship

    Pecore Addition (1,820 sf) – Norhill / The Heights
    Architect: Inflection Architecture (Kristin Schuster, AIA)
    The Story: Owned by Dr. Catie Zupancic and academic-turned-firefighter Tony Zupancic, this 1926 bungalow celebrates its 100th birthday with a modest 500-square-foot addition. Guided by the brief: "less big everything...more shade, more green, more comfortable," the project preserves bungalow scale while incorporating a kids' "treehouse" play loft framed into original roof rafters, an acoustic "Listening Lounge" with triple-paned glass, and a built-in mudroom diner for Allan, the family’s Australian Shepherd.
    Architect’s Insight: “I am so happy with the way the home reflects our clients,” says Schuster. “It is an expression of their energy. And while we did a remodel of the entire home plus the contemporary addition, it still feels like a bungalow.”

    Downsizing, Civic Leadership & Aging in Place

    Cherryhurst Residence (3,057 sf) – Montrose
    Architect: HR Design Dept (Heather Rowell, AIA & Eric Hughes, AIA)
    The Story: Designed for Doug Meikle (CEO of Star of Hope, Houston’s largest homelessness mission) and his wife Karen (Scottish immigrants and high school sweethearts), this Prairie School-inspired courtyard home downsized the couple into walkable Montrose. Built on a disciplined budget ($375/sf) using Norman brick with deep horizontal raked joints and Thermory wood siding, the home features a book-lined hallway study, a Dutch-inspired strawberry garden, and stacked storage closets pre-engineered for a future elevator shaft.
    Architect’s Insight: “The owners often describe their home as feeling like a well-tailored suit, and we love that description. Every space and material has been carefully considered, but nothing feels overdone. At the heart of the house, a garden courtyard draws light and landscape into the living spaces, creating a home that feels generous and welcoming despite its compact footprint,” explains Rowell.

    “Ultimately, we wanted to create a place that feels equally suited to quiet daily life and a house full of family and friends. The Cherryhurst Residence was designed to feel at home in Montrose, respecting the scale and character of the neighborhood’s modest bungalows while creating something decidedly fresh and distinct. We organized the house around a central courtyard, weaving gardens, living spaces, and gathering areas into a continuous indoor-outdoor experience. Every inch of the home and garden has a purpose and we love that the result feels both rooted in its neighborhood and surprisingly expansive.”

    Architectural Archaeology & Historic Restoration

    Kane Casita (1,086 sf) – Old Sixth Ward
    Architect: Luis Ayala Studio (Luis Ayala, AIA & Mariella De Barros)
    The Story: Architect Luis Ayala and his wife Mariella rescued a severely neglected 1879 cottage plagued by termite and foundation damage. Vaulting ceilings up to nine feet by exposing original roof framing, the restoration preserves interior shiplap and uninsulated wall cavities — per Preservation Houston guidance — while adding R-30 roof insulation. Discovered 1879 floral wallpaper fragments inspired the interior color palette anchored by a green storage spine. The home includes a hidden espresso bar over the laundry, a backyard ADU for their adult son, and custom wooden entry ramps built specifically to protect their dachshund's spine.
    Architect’s Insight: “My favorite aspect of the project is the quality of the main living space,” says Ayala. “By simply removing the attic and exposing the roof structure, we transformed a series of small, compressed rooms into a generous, light-filled space with an entirely new sense of height and openness. What I’m most proud of is how this modest 1,000-square-foot house proves that we don’t need big houses to live well, and that design can be both affordable and accessible to more people.”

    Mid-Century Reinterpretation & Sustainable Right-Sizing

    Timbergrove Ranch House (2,545 sf) – Timbergrove
    Architect: McIntyre + Robinowitz, Architects (Bob Robinowitz, AIA)
    The Story: Proving how to modernize on a modest budget rather than tearing down 1950s ranches, this home features an ingenious "subtractive" roofline strategy. North-facing clerestory windows vault interior ceilings while keeping the original street-facing roofline intact. The design leaves original exterior brick unpainted, installs seamless microcement flooring to eliminate tripping hazards for aging in place, and converts half of a salvaged garage into a poolside lounge.
    Architect’s Insight: “My favorite thing is how understated the project is from the street, yet transformative upon entering,” says Robinowitz. “I’m most proud of how we elevated something ordinary. Check out the calming quality of the diffused north facing natural light coming into the main living area.”

    Urban Courtyard Sanctuaries & Tree Preservation

    House 2511 (4,276 sf) – Montrose
    Architect: Collaborative Designworks (James M. Evans, AIA)
    The Story: Designed for local restaurateur Shawn Bermudez, this courtyard home carefully curves its driveway to preserve two old-growth oak trees. It wraps living areas around a central infinity-edge pool, using collapsible glass doors, a hand-troweled Venetian plaster winding staircase, terrazzo concrete floors, and elevated privacy bridges to create a secluded urban oasis.
    Architect’s Insight: “House 2511 presents a very unique and highly-successful building section which modulates airflow, sun/shade, and privacy from neighbors for the central courtyard and pool,” explains Evans. “In Plan the house would be a standard two-story courtyard scheme, but the sides facing the neighbors are modified to be one story only; the north side is one-story tall with a second floor terrace, and the south side is a second floor bridge with covered exterior space below. This has the combined effect of blocking the neighbor’s views into the pool area, extending the usable exterior space on the first floor, creating a dynamic social space between the terrace and pool area, and enhancing natural breezes via a Bernoulli effect.”

    Museum District Residence (1,700 sf) – Museum District
    Architect: Dillon Kyle Architects (Dillon Kyle, AIA & Rami Namani)
    The Story: Built for George and Margaret Basu on an adjoining lot, this single-story midcentury guest pavilion counters neighborhood high-rises with an "invisible" street facade along Banks Street. Entered through a laser-cut green steel gate set into a decorative brick wall, it features tactile finished concrete floors and sliding glass walls opening to a pool lawn.
    Architect’s Insight: “Thing(s) for people to keep an eye out for — that impractical things are sometimes amazing and everything doesn’t have to make sense,” shares Namani. His favorite thing about the project and what he’s most proud of is the small scale: “The outdoor space is larger than the indoor space.”

    Holly Residence (5,740 sf) – Bellaire
    Architect: studioMET architects (Scott Magnuson, Shawn Gottschalk, AIA)
    The Story: Executed via an integrated design-build process for Chris and Mona Wu, this Bellaire estate preserves mature shade trees while combining warm gray brick, rift-sawn white oak millwork, and Resin Mineral Composite cladding. Tailored spaces include a workout studio with wall-mounted ballet barres, a crafting room, and a media screening room.
    Architect’s Insight: “My favorite aspect of the design is the rich materiality, especially how the elongated brick with raked joints pairs against the wood siding’s unique batten pattern,” explains Magnuson. “Visitors should keep an eye out for the wide-plank oak flooring, which runs throughout the home complementing the warm brick tones and the rift-cut white oak cabinetry. Ultimately, I am most proud of how the palette creates a warm and unified modern aesthetic and opens up to the spacious backyard full of oak trees.”

    This year, tour participants are invited to partake in a pre-tour paella luncheon (unfortunately, this perk is already full) at Porcelanosa, as well as half-priced bottles of select wines at Bar Bohème — just flash a tour wristband any time Saturday and Sunday. Let’s face it, with seven houses stretched over two days, some respite will be quite welcome. Purchase tickets here ($35 in advance for adults, $40 on weekend of tour).

    2026 AIA Home Tour Timbergrove Ranch House

    Photo by Benjamin Hill

    Timbergrove Ranch House, McIntyre + Robinowitz, Architects (Bob Robinowitz, AIA).

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