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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.

    Woven mesh cabinet fronts, Houzz home design trends of 2025

    Photo courtesy of Teri Fotheringham Photography

    Step aside, fluted furniture, it's time for other textured cabinet fronts to shine.

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    making design approachable

    Houston designer shares 5 expert tips for mixing classic and contemporary

    Emily Cotton
    Jan 23, 2026 | 11:45 am
    Melissa Roberts interior design tips
    Courtesy of Melissa Roberts Interiors
    Mix design eras for an approachable space.

    Houstonians are, as a rule, enthusiastic about an elegant blend — in any form. From historically-lax zoning laws to fusion cuisine and everything in between, a “little of this” and “a little of that” is unequivocally Houston.

    It seems, however, that when it comes to choosing how one reconciles the desire to embrace the contemporary architectural design boom happening in and around the city, while avidly participating in the highly-fashionable quarterly antiques fairs taking place outside of town, things have run amok. Not to worry — a Houston pro is here to help.

    Successfully blending classic and contemporary design is a dance 10-year interior design veteran Melissa Roberts knows all too well. One challenge Roberts and her team encounter the most is how to take a new, contemporary, custom-build home and create an elegantly pared-down space that exudes warmth and classic Texas charm. They see the same from their robust list of remodel clients as well.

    “Refined, natural, layered, organic — that’s our style,” Roberts tells CultureMap. “If you just put a vintage piece in there, that doesn’t mean it’s going to be successful.” Melissa Roberts Interiors isn’t in the business of construction project management. While her firm is happy to make recommendations for contractors, Roberts’ design niche is solidly in consultations and procurement.

    “We’re solving problems. We are like a consultant for people and their lifestyles,” explains Roberts. “How can we assist. How can we take off the stress so that it’s more of an enjoyable project versus being a chore that needs to be tackled. It’s a thousand decisions for one room. We make those decisions for the clients and then they just see the overall picture and know they like what they see without having to stress over edge profiles of counter tops and little things like that that people don’t usually consider.”

    The firm’s new location above Yves Saint Laurent on The Woodlands’ luxe Market Street conveys that elusive blend of classic and contemporary well — elevated (both literally and figuratively) and approachable. That approachability is what led Roberts to keep up a design blog and home decor gift guide, a little something to invite potentially-skeptical readers into the conversations revolving around design.

    “There was an era when designers were stiff and just not approachable,” Roberts laments. “I want this to be refined and luxury, but approachable at the same time — there is flexibility. How to make [design] work for a busy lifestyle, versus, ‘I’ve got one way and this is the way we’re going to do it.’ We’re really problem solving.”

    Melissa Roberts’ Five Tips for Blending Classic and Contemporary Design

    Anchor the space with timeless pieces
    Start with classic foundations: tailored upholstery, natural stone, or traditional millwork. Next, layer in contemporary elements through lighting, art, or furniture silhouettes. This creates longevity while keeping the space feeling current.

    Mix eras, not styles
    Rather than combining multiple design styles, focus on blending eras. A traditional room can feel fresh with a modern light fixture, while a contemporary space gains depth from an antique or heirloom piece that is paired with a modern fixture and mirror.

    Let materials do the talking
    Classic materials like marble, wood, and brass feel elevated when paired with cleaner lines or unexpected applications. The contrast between material and form keeps the space from feeling predictable. Unexpected applications is key here.

    Use restraint with trends
    Contemporary design often shows up in trends, curves, bold finishes, or sculptural forms. Introduce these in ways that are easy to edit over time, such as accent furniture or decor, rather than permanent architectural elements.

    Edit for balance
    The most successful classic-meets-contemporary spaces feel intentional, not layered for the sake of it. Thoughtful editing ensures each piece has room to breathe and the overall design feels cohesive.

    Melissa Roberts interior design tips

    Courtesy of Melissa Roberts Interiors

    Mix design eras for an approachable space.

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