Current Home Design Trends for 2025

The shift away from popular open-concept home designs that began in 2021 has continued to evolve through 2025. Many experts attribute this to the long-term impact of lifestyle changes spurred by the Covid-19 pandemic and the subsequent rise in remote work and hybrid work models. The concept of creating designated spaces for work, relaxation, and hobbies has become a staple in home design.

Remote work remains a significant part of many people’s lives, and dedicated home offices or multifunctional spaces have become a top priority. Built-in desks, soundproofing, and ergonomic furniture are highly sought-after features in 2025.

Additionally, educational spaces for children are being incorporated into more homes, as flexible schooling options, such as hybrid or online learning, remain popular. While restaurants, gyms, and theaters have largely returned to full operation, the focus on creating personal spaces for fitness and entertainment at home persists. Homeowners are investing in gym setups, media rooms, and outdoor living areas to make their homes more versatile and self-sufficient.

If you own a historic home, these changes in design trends may not directly impact your property. However, retrofitting historic properties with modern features like smart home technology or energy-efficient updates is becoming increasingly common to blend timeless charm with contemporary functionality. Home design trends are just one of the many aspects of evolving real estate in 2025.

Closed Floor Plans

Open floor plan concepts have been a popular trend for many years, offering homeowners seamless flow between kitchens, dining areas, and great rooms. This design is especially appealing to families who enjoy being together while engaging in various activities, such as cooking, studying, or watching television. It also remains a favorite for those who love to entertain, providing spacious and airy layouts.

However, as the demand for multifunctional spaces has grown, closed floor plans are seeing a resurgence in popularity in 2025. With many people continuing to work remotely and an increasing number of children participating in hybrid or online schooling, the need for private, quiet spaces has become a priority.

Homeowners are now opting for flexible solutions, such as installing sliding partitions, pocket doors, or temporary dividers, to create more defined spaces. In some cases, renovations involve closing off open areas entirely to transform them into dedicated offices, study areas, or guest rooms. This trend reflects a broader shift toward balancing open spaces with functionality and privacy, tailored to modern lifestyles.

Flex Spaces

Flex spaces remain a cornerstone of home renovation and design trends in 2025, offering homeowners the versatility to adapt spaces for multiple purposes. These areas are designed to meet the diverse needs of modern lifestyles, making homes more functional and efficient.

For instance, family rooms are often reimagined to include workspaces for children to complete homework or attend virtual classes during the day, while still serving as cozy spaces for family movie nights in the evening. Living rooms, too, are being repurposed in creative ways. Instead of using these spaces traditionally, many homeowners are transforming them into home offices, workout areas, craft rooms, or even study zones.

Another popular trend is designing first-floor dens or offices as true multipurpose spaces. These rooms may include a desk and workspace for productivity during the day, along with a small area for yoga, exercise, or other hobbies. The flexibility to seamlessly shift between uses is essential for today’s homeowners, and many are investing in modular furniture and smart storage solutions to maximize these spaces.

Flex spaces reflect the evolving needs of households, combining practicality and comfort to adapt to modern demands.

Finished Basements

Finishing basements continues to be a popular trend in 2025, with an ROI still around 70%, according to homelight.com. These spaces offer endless possibilities, such as home offices, media rooms, gyms, or even rental units, maximizing both functionality and value.

Home Workout Rooms

Home workout rooms remain a popular trend in 2025 as people continue to prioritize convenience and flexibility. While gym memberships have largely rebounded, many homeowners have retained or expanded their home fitness setups.

Sales of workout equipment, from treadmills to resistance bands, remain strong. People are using flex spaces or finished basements to create dedicated areas for yoga, Pilates, boxing, or dance. Features like punching bags, dance barres, and studio-style flooring continue to be popular additions. The options for personalizing home workout spaces are virtually limitless.

Home Theaters

Home theaters have become more common in 2025 as homeowners continue to invest in creating entertainment spaces. Once a luxury feature, home theaters are now accessible for a wider range of budgets, with options ranging from basic setups to full-scale cinematic experiences.

Many are installing large screens, surround sound systems, and theater-style reclining chairs in basements or lofts. To complete the experience, features like old-fashioned popcorn machines and ambient lighting create a nostalgic “night at the movies” feel, perfect for spending quality time with loved ones.

Updated Kitchens

The demand for updated kitchens remains strong in 2025 as people continue to prioritize cooking and entertaining at home. Homeowners are seeking more food storage with features like walk-in pantries, islands with built-in cabinets, and additional cabinetry. Larger food preparation areas, such as expanded countertops or multi-purpose islands, are also in high demand.

Replacing outdated appliances with energy-efficient models has become a priority for many, driven by both increased usage and a focus on sustainability. According to the latest Cost vs. Value Report, a minor kitchen renovation still offers an impressive ROI of around 77.6%.

Outside Recreation

Spending time outdoors remains a priority in 2025, with homeowners continuing to invest in their exterior spaces. Popular trends include adding basketball hoops, installing fire pits or outdoor fireplaces, and designing brick or stone patios for gatherings.

Backyard features like playsets, obstacle courses, and sports equipment such as soccer or hockey nets have seen a resurgence. For fitness and leisure, some are building golf putting greens or installing pools and hot tubs. Whether for relaxation or recreation, outdoor spaces are being transformed to enhance daily life.

Evolving Décor Trends

While cottagecore and grandmillennial styles gained popularity in previous years, 2025 is seeing a shift in interior design trends. Home décor is moving toward simplicity, bold colors, and unique craftsmanship, reflecting a more contemporary aesthetic.

Instead of intricate patterns and vintage-inspired touches, modern homes are embracing earthy tones, layered textures, and standout pieces that make a statement. Family heirlooms and sentimental items are still being displayed, but in more creative and updated ways that blend seamlessly with modern furnishings.

As trends evolve, homeowners are focusing on spaces that balance comfort with bold, artistic elements, making their homes feel both welcoming and unique.

The Cause of Changes in Home Design Trends

While the pandemic initially spurred many of the changes in home design, broader factors like shifting lifestyles, technology, and mental wellness continue to shape trends in 2025. The focus on creating spaces that offer comfort, happiness, and functionality remains central, but now it’s less about adapting to temporary circumstances and more about building long-term solutions for evolving needs.

Families are rethinking how to maximize their homes for work, learning, and recreation. The past few years have shown the importance of having a home that feels safe and supportive, leading to an emphasis on designs that prioritize well-being, such as biophilic elements (natural light, plants, and earthy materials) and spaces for mindfulness or relaxation.

The desire for personalized, adaptable spaces reflects not just a reaction to external changes but also a growing awareness of the importance of home as a sanctuary.

Don’t Want to Renovate with the New Home Design Trends?

Renovating isn’t for everyone, and that’s okay. For those who prefer to move into a home that already meets their needs and design preferences, buying a new home remains an excellent option. Whether you’re seeking a more modern layout, extra square footage, or a better location, there are plenty of opportunities in the current housing market.

If that sounds like the right choice for you, reach out to your local Savannah Realtor to explore options and find the perfect home that suits your lifestyle.