Welcome to the 5th Edition of INTrend!
Dear Valued Partners,
With so much information and industry chatter, it’s easy to miss what matters. That’s why we’ve curated a clear, comprehensive source for emerging trends in homebuilding, multifamily design, amenities, and sales centers.
For 2025, we’re unveiling a bold, fresh approach to INTrend, elevating how we share insights and inspiration. For the past 15 years, it has been an honor to serve as the industry’s trends authority, and we remain committed to shaping the future of design.
This year’s trends explore the intersection of home design and fashion—a fusion of influences that brings the drama and creativity of the runway into interior spaces. Expect to see bold statements, intricate detailing, and memory points that redefine the way we experience design.
Health and wellness remain central to how we curate model homes and commercial spaces, ensuring every project reflects the evolving lifestyles of today’s buyers and renters. We’ll also continue to analyze the desires of each generation, ensuring communities are designed to be both targeted and relatable for their audiences.
At Builders Design, great design is only part of the equation. We are also merchandisers, crafting spaces that sell a vision and an experience. This balance is what defines the BD Experience and what sets us apart from the competition.
In 2024, we celebrated another record-breaking year with 360 installations and nearly 10% growth in revenue. To build on this momentum, our Senior Management Team has recruited top talent across multiple disciplines—ensuring that BD continues to lead the industry with the best and brightest minds.
With these additions, my business partner Jon Nash and I have made an exciting decision: we are expanding into Luxury Multifamily! Our dedicated team in this new vertical brings a combined 50 years of experience, led by our Corporate VP of Design, Britney Gilley.
Speaking of milestones—2026 will mark BD’s 50th year in business! We are deeply humbled to reach this anniversary and recognize that our success is only possible because of the incredible partnerships we’ve built with builders, developers, and our dedicated team.
At BD, our corporate mission of Creativity - Culture - PassionExecution drives everything we do. Jon and I are beyond grateful for our team and our partners, and we look forward to another year of innovation, collaboration, and success!
Here’s to an exciting year ahead!
PINTEREST
Live the Future
INSPIRE OWNERSHIP AND HOME SALES BY TARGETING THE BIG TOPICS OF TODAY AND TOMORROW:
» The Affordable Premium Home
» The Experience Home
» The Wellness Home
» Home in the Age of AI
» Home in the Era of Nostalgia
PINTEREST
The Affordable Premium Home
Building for under $100k
Right now, demand outweighs affordability –new market solutions.
Construction shifts to higher density designs, 3D printing and material innovation are growing.
DENSITY
Concave Builders is one of the winners of the 2024 global competition to design affordable housing that can be built for $99,000 or less, sponsored by ICON, a leader in 3D printing technology.
Concave Hollow is a new neighborhood surrounded by an Austin suburb that brings connectivity within the units as well as with the surrounding environment. The builder challenges the notion that affordability means compromising quality or sacrificing functionality.
Color Drenching
SMALLER SPACES WITH LESS
Offering a powerful one-hue punch, color drenching reduces visual noise and can even make small spaces appear bigger.
BUILDERS DESIGN
POSSIBILITIES
SUSTAINABLILITY
Researchers from Nanyang Technological University (NTU) mixed barium sulphate with unsorted plastic waste to create a highly effective home cooling paint.
Creatively Curated Home
Today, the home is constantly adapting to new functionality as it becomes “our everything.” Homeowners have raised expectations for a living space that is experiential, personalized, sustainable, tech-enhanced, adaptable and more!
TECHNOLOGY
Access buildings without a key by scanning your fingerprint.
GIRA GIERSIEPEN GMBH & CO. – GERMAN DESIGN AWARD WINNER 2024
INNOVATION
Touch sensor allows users to control the flow of water.
GRIFO SLIDING FAUCET FROM DESIGNER SHUBH WADEL
EXPERIENCES
AIR SHOWER DRIES THE BODY – CES 2024
NANYANG TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY SPRINGWISE
MCCALEB HOMES – OKLAHOMA POH 2024
What is your 24-hour home strategy?
AURA ILLUMINATED SHADES
by Hunter Douglas
STRATEGY
Building healthy homes for wellbeing is critical as more people recognize the importance of living in spaces that promote physical and mental health. Today’s architects and builders are prioritizing features that enhance wellness.
Enhanced Health
TRENDING:
» Clean air; non-toxic materials
» Lots of sunlight and nature
» Grow-your-own kitchen
» Bathroom spa; plunge pools
» Indoor/outdoor living
» Activity spaces
» Safety and security
» Community
MOGU PLUMA ACOUSTIC WALL PANELS
SANTIAGO ACUNA – CASA FOA 2023 FAIR
The Social Courtyard
As indoor/outdoor spaces continue to blur, the front –facing ‘social courtyard’ is a key new space.
The Sustainable Home
» Cost & Affordability: Technology advances will lower costs, making eco-friendly housing more accessible.
» Consumer Awareness: Education and campaigns will boost demand for sustainable housing.
» Policy & Regulation: Governments will provide incentives for eco-friendly developments.
» Infrastructure Planning: Urban planning will prioritize sustainable designs and essential services.
» Adaptability & Resilience: Housing will integrate features to address climate change and reduce vulnerability.
GEN Z: CONSCIOUS FORWARD
PAINT THAT SELF CLEANS AND PURIFIES THE AIR
Researchers optimized titanium nanoparticles with phosphorus, nitrogen, and carbon, enabling photocatalytic paint to work with sunlight alone, no UV needed.
Sustainable housing prioritizes environmental, social, and economic sustainability in design and construction
ASIGMA EARTH
Trending Material Innovation
HOME WELLNESS
At Baufritz, we shield electric cables to prevent harmful fields, promoting better sleep and well-being. Ask about mains decouplers and shielded sockets for a healthier home.
TRANSPARENT WOOD
3x stronger than Plexiglass, 10x tougher than glass, and a better insulator, could be used in light fixtures, windows, and energy-efficient buildings.
TRANSPARENT WOOD - NANJING FORESTRY UNIVERSITY IN CHINA
NEW COMMUNITIES
Over 2,250 energy communities in Europe engage 1.5 million citizens in electricity production, with projections that by 2050, 83% of EU citizens could participate.
BUILD-UP.EC.EUROPA.EU
SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS
Minco’s hybrid carpentry uses bamboo as a sustainable alternative to pine and oak, showcased at Fensterbau 2024
Re-invisioning Home
HOME IN THE AGE OF AI
AI technologies are revolutionizing the way homes are envisioned, from instantly producing 3D renderings to using AI prompts for interior design creativity.
» Automating visualizations
» Enhancing creativity
» Empowering personal design
» Optimizing floor plans
» Enriching aesthetics
93% of consumers globally are aware of Gen AI, and 52% feel positive towards the possibilities of it, with only 17% feeling particularly negative. KANTAR
The AI Aesthetic
EMBRACES THE PAST
We combine AI efficiency with premium craftsmanship and artistry to streamline yourkitchen design process.
ISLA PORTER
ART SHOWS, FOOD TRUCK FRIDAYS, BARK IN THE PARK
The place to be! Our resident programming makes it easy to meet your neighbors and find lifelong friends.
Community has become important again as lifestyle shifts – more singles, hybrid work, new household types – bring a greater need for connectivity.
Connecting new builds with
NOSTALGIA
“What is ‘Demodernization’? This Nostalgic Viral Trend Might Just be the Thing to Give Your Home Heart and Soul.”
LIVING, ETC.
NANETTE BROWN
Homeowner of 2025
Generations remember the past, create the present and inspire the future.
Home ownership is down from its peak in 2005, but you need to be prepared for strong future pent-up demand.
FELLIPE DITADI - UNSPLASH
The Everchanging Home
Reshaping the Norm
NEW LIFESTYLES = NEW WAYS OF LIVING
MULTITASKING CREATIVITY today’s home needs creative space solutions.
EXPERIENCE ROOMS hobbies, side hustle, personal passions; all rise in importance.
RISING TECH HOME where your smart appliances know more about you than your parents.
» Multigenerational Living (Continues To Increase)
» Unrelated Home Sharing (The New Affordability)
HOUSEHOLD MEMBER THAT DOESN’T PAY RENT a future of robots in the home.
» Fewer Children (Rising Baby Dearth)
RESHAPING
» Aging-In-Place (Living Longer Lifespans)
BUILDERS DESIGN; JSB CO. – UNSPLASH+
SAMSUNG’S SMART FORWARD REFRIGERATOR
GETTY IMAGES – UNSPLASH+
Five Adult Homeowner Generations
GEN Z
AGES 17-28
‘SIDE-HUSTLE HOME’
MILLENNIALS
AGES 29-49 ‘EXPERIENCE HOME’
Millennials are the parents of our newest generation
GLOBAL-FROM-BIRTH
AGES 0-16
STEPHANIE BERLEC – UNSPLASH+
GETTY IMAGES – UNSPLASH+
Home is the starting place of love, hope, and dreams, where the stories of one generation become the foundation for the next.
GEN X
AGES 50-59
‘MULTIGENERATIONAL HOME’
BABY BOOMERS
AGES 60-80
‘EMPTY NESTER HOME’
PRIME TIMERS
AGES 81+
‘HEALTHCARE HOME’
GETTY IMAGES – UNSPLASH+
GETTY IMAGES – UNSPLASH+
GETTY IMAGES – UNSPLASH+
With median home prices in affordable U.S. Metros projected at $191,381 by 2031, Gen Z faces significant challenges.
3%
CURRENTLY, ONLY 3% OF HOMEBUYERS ARE GEN Z.
Introducing Gen Z
Gen Z, shaped by diversity, technology, and climate change, seeks durable, adaptable, and resilient homes reflecting their values.
WHAT GEN Z IS LOOKING FOR IN A HOME
» Affordability
» Adaptable spaces that can flex as needed
» Community activities
» Tech enhancements
GEN Z reimagines home design, prioritizing productivity, affordability, and creativity.
CO-HOUSING DENVER – ADU HOME EXTENSION VIA JSH
The urban home build extension category is growing.
Delayed Adulthood
GEN Z: Small Lives Larger
Adulthood transitions are slower as young people delay education, careers, marriage, and starting families
Studio Minosa designed wood-paneled laundry basket storage with extra space in minimalist white cabinets.
STUDIO MINOSA (AU) – HOME RENOVATION IN SYDNEY – VIA CONTEMPORIST
Meet the
Millennials Inspiration Required
Millennials, influenced by tech and social media, value visual staging, with 40% finding it crucial, per NAR data.
81% of buyers’ agents say home staging helps buyers visualize it as their future home.
IMPORTANCE OF ROOMS STAGED FOR BUYERS
38% IN 2024, MILLENNIALS WERE THE LARGEST GROUP OF HOMEBUYERS AT 38%. NAR 2024
Forming Families
MILLENNIALS: BUSY HOUSEHOLD
TRENDING:
» Playrooms
» Outdoor spaces
» Multiple study/work areas
» Functional hallways or under-stair spaces
Over 50% of millennial households are married couples, while 20% are unmarried—double the rate of all buyers.
In 2023, 63.7% of new single-family homes had patios, marking the eighth consecutive record high, up from 63.3% in 2022.
55%
OF MILLENNIAL HOMEBUYERS CHOOSE HOMES BETWEEN 1,000 SQ. FT. AND 2,000 SQ. FT.
Multigenerational homeownership rose to 74.2% in 2022, up from 69.3% a decade ago, surpassing other family households at 73.9%
41% OF BUYERS ARE CONSIDERING HOME FEATURES FOR AGING PARENTS OR ADULT CHILDREN. John Burns Real Estate survey.
Engage
Gen X
WHO’S BUYING MULTIGENERATIONAL HOMES?
Both groups value spending more time with aging relatives
First-time buyers (median age 36, 15%): Motivated by cost savings, larger homes on shared incomes, and adult children staying home. Repeat buyers (median age 59, 14%): Driven by adult children returning, caring for aging parents, and shared income benefits.
Stillark via Remodelista designed a multigenerational home with two kitchens: one for the young family and one for the grandparent’s upstairs
Family structures are evolving with more singles, multigenerational living, and unrelated people sharing homes.
GEN X: PEAK EARNING YEARS
Gen Xers, financially secure, prioritize quality amenities and homes accommodating aging parents and children. Over 50% of Americans in their 40s are ‘sandwiched’ between both generations, as Boomers aim to age in place.
Experience homes prioritize special function rooms, catering to hybrid work, multigenerational living, and outdoor wellbeing trends.
Gen X: The Busy Home
2024 MOST REQUESTED
SPECIAL ROOMS
» Au pair/in-law suites (43%)
» Home offices (40%)
» Outdoor living spaces (39%) showing slight declines from 2023
RISING TRENDS
» Multi-function spaces (32%)
» Heated exterior spaces (30%)
GAINING POPULARITY
» Mudrooms
» Garage upgrades
» Hidden storage
» Indoor golf
Baby Boomers Understanding
BABY BOOMERS DOMINATE WEALTH - READY FOR THEIR NEXT GEN LUX HOME.
Luxury amenities like smart homes, walk-in closets, restaurant kitchens, outdoor spaces, entertainment areas, elevators, spa bathrooms, recreation, and fitness rooms are now standard, pushing builders to elevate luxury further.
BUILDERS DESIGN
BABY BOOMERS: LUX LIFESTYLES
Kohler and Samsung partner to enhance water management. Kohler’s Anthem smart showers now integrate with Samsung SmartThings, allowing real-time water consumption tracking via Smart TVs, Family Hub, and mobile devices for a seamless home automation experience.
Adapting aging-in-future place strategies without sacrificing design.
Empty Nesters
Baby Boomers are Investing in new home and energy technologies.
Eaton’s AbleEdge energy management system offers flexible, resilient solutions for retrofits and new builds, using smart breakers, microgrid interconnects, and smart panels for seamless, safe energy transitions.
The U.S. residential sector will add 10 GW of storage by 2028 (Wood Mackenzie, 2024). Eaton’s Home as a Grid and AbleEdge technologies simplify energy transitions, reducing carbon footprints, ensuring power, and supporting the grid
BAU FRITZ BUILDERS
Prime Timers Meet the
THE AGING POPULATION IS GROWING; NEW NEEDS AS WE LIVE LONGER.
The number of households headed by adults 80+ will double to nearly 17 million by 2040 as Baby Boomers age.
By 2040, households headed by individuals aged 80+ will double, while those aged 65–79 will grow moderately, highlighting an aging population trend.
JCHS 2018 projections
The Showee shower, designed for individuals with physical and intellectual disabilities, features a heightadjustable structure and a smart touchscreen to guide users through each step, from showering to drying.
The Healthcare Home/Safety
SMART HOME SYSTEMS IMPROVE ELDERLY CARE WITH INTELLIGENT DEVICES AND MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS. FEATURES INCLUDE:
» BEDROOM: Event camera with edge detection and dynamic vision for security, heart and breathing rate detection, Bluetooth gateway, and SOS alerts.
» LIVING ROOM: AI Smart Box for TV video calls and media play, blood pressure/oxygen/sugar/body temperature monitoring, and event camera for security.
» BATHROOM: mmWave radar sensor for fall detection and water leak sensor.
» KITCHEN: Gas leak sensor and BMI scale for tracking body fat.
Aging-in-place is essential due to facility, worker, and affordability shortages. With only 10% of U.S. homes being age-friendly (U.S. Census Bureau), sensory-enhancing tech and solutions are driving safer, innovative designs for older adults.
Assistive Tech
INNOVATION ENABLING INDEPENDENT LIFESTYLES
Aging-in-place offers growth for builders, with strategies like stacking closets to accommodate potential future elevators. Housing Wire
Miele’s one-touch door opening solution - IFA 2024
Luminous pigment on the door handle aids in locating it.
Influences Making an Impact
The home inventory deficit is estimated at 4 to 7 million homes (Pew Charitable Trusts)
WE’RE ENTERING AN ERA FOCUSED ON CREATING BETTER HOMES—ADAPTABLE, SUSTAINABLE, AND PERSONALIZED, REFLECTING INDIVIDUAL STYLE AS A NATURAL EXTENSION OF PERSONAL IDENTITY.
New Expectations & Necessities
the AFFORDABLE home (small lives large)
the CONSCIOUS home (sustainability)
the WELLNESS home (materials, function)
the COMMUNITY home (common spaces)
the HOUSING ECOSYSTEM (ADU, BTR, SFH)
the TECHNOLOGICAL home (smart amenities)
the ADAPTABLE home (ability to flex, expand)
the CREATIVE home (personalized, side hustle)
Key trends include rising adoption of sustainable and tech-forward home features.
Electric car docking stations: 82% in 2024 (up from 75% in 2023).
Back-up power generation: 56% (up from 53%).
Technology-friendly systems: 52% (steady).
Energy management systems: 50% (up from 45%).
Solar panels: 56% (up from 43%).
Security systems: 38% (up from 31%).
Makeup air replenishment: 44% (increased).
Wireless telecom/data: 39% (up from 33%).
Net-zero homes: 26% (up).
Wireless sound systems: 30% (up from 24%).
Automated lighting controls: 30% (up from 20%).
A decorative acoustic product that helps mitigate noise pollution. The Soprema BAB (Beautiful Absorbing Ball) combines elegant design and acoustic performance to create tranquil, cost-effective solutions ideal for openspace home designs.
Cell Technologies’ small wind turbine offers a costsaving, design-friendly innovation that could revolutionize household energy production. It can be placed on a flat roof, in a garden or mounted on a pole attached to the side of a house.
A well-designed space – no matter the size – can help manage functions, reduce anxiety and promote relaxation.
The Affordable Home CREATIVE NEW SOLUTIONS CREATIVE
Room-withina-room: home office tucked into a niche off the living space.
HGTV URBAN OASIS HOME 2024
The Wellness Home
The global skylight market is growing at a 6.3% CAGR (2022-2028) due to rising demand for daylighting, sustainability, and energy efficiency.
Benefits of Natural Light
IMPROVES MENTAL HEALTH: Boosts serotonin, enhancing mood and reducing depression risk.
INCREASES PRODUCTIVITY: Skylights in offices boost sales by 40%, and in classrooms improve student test scores by 10%.
REGULATES SLEEP: Aligns circadian rhythm for better rest and alertness.
BOOSTS VITAMIN D: Essential for immunity, bone, and brain health.
Emerging Trends
Cold plunge up 74%
Indoor sauna up 69%
Large windows up 41%
Home spa up 34%
Backyard sauna up 30%
Skylights up 27%
Health perceptions are expanding to prioritize mental, spiritual, emotional, social, and financial well-being, reflecting its growing importance. BAIN INSIGHTS
By 2040, smart homes will use transparent glass with photovoltaic cells to generate surplus power, replacing solar panels and supplying energy to the grid.
Community Focus
“SFH developments that prioritize community care, experiences & connectivity.”
SFH developments combat loneliness by blending commercial and recreational spaces, offering craft and game rooms, gyms, trails, workspaces, event areas, gardens, dog parks, play areas, fire pits, and more.
Zero-carbon homes with 50% green space and communal gardens offer adaptable designs, transforming houses into multiple flats. Assistive tech ensures safety and combats loneliness through creative placemaking.
HOME OF 2030 DESIGN COMPETITION – GREENSPACE ARCHITECTS
PHILIP-ORONI – UNSPLASH+
The Housing Ecosystem
the ‘missing middle’
All “missing middle” options — from duplexes to multiplexes to townhouses — are only 22 percent of U.S. homes.
The build-to-rent sector is set for transformation, with Forbes projecting U.S. single-family rentals to reach 28.8 million by 2030, growing at 6.19%.
NEXT TREND
ADUs DESIGNED FOR NEW HOME COMMUNITIES.
ADUs are on the rise, offering affordability, multi-generational housing, and income potential, with options like prefab, new builds, garage conversions, and sustainable tech innovations.
FORBES
The Technological Home
Smart home residents will more than double by 2028, with AI driving hyper-personalization, convenience, and sophistication. HOUZZ RESEARCH VIA FORBES
“Home is where the hyper-personalization is!”
Bluewater’s ‘Liquid Rock’ mineral solution is dispensed via an IoT infuser, controlled through a smartphone app for customizable mineral blends.
Bluewater Kitchen Station purifies tap water and enriches it with minerals from ancient Swedish mountains for better health.
BLUEWATER KITCHEN
The Creative Home unique spaces for complex consumers
New lifestyles encourage new spaces – often with more than one function like this featured home office & guest room
UNIQUE SPACES
CALIFORNIA SPACES
The Private Office
BESPOKE AND PERSONALIZED EXPERIENCES
The new Rolls Royce Private Office in New York offers an exclusive studio for clients to explore premium materials and curated artwork, inspiring creativity.
ROLLS ROYCE ROLLS
PINTEREST
Collaboration Spaces
Ashley Furniture and Samsung debuted the ‘Connected Home Experience’ in a new interactive in-store and virtual partnership that brings together design and technology, giving consumers an inspiring new way to shop for their home.
Connected Home Experience
SAMSUNG / ASHLEY FURNITURE
SAMSUNG / ASHLEY FURNITURE
SAMSUNG / ASHLEY FURNITURE
Daypart Showroom THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX
The Crestron Experience Center in New York offers hands-on access to the latest hybrid work and living technologies, mirroring real-life use at work or home. Visitors can use their devices to test Microsoft Teams rooms, simulating real workday scenarios.
Relax in the café or explore the CEC’s residential side with Crestron Home OS and a home theater experience
CRESTRON
The Gramophone Experience Center celebrates the “listening room lifestyle” in the modern smart home.
85% of consumers value brands that offer personalized treatment.
2024 CONSUMER INDEX
Winemaker Masciarelli’s Milan showroom resembles a cozy apartment with a kitchen island serving as a chef’s table for tastings, cooking displays, and presentations.
Lifestyle Experiences
MARIGOLD
MASCIARELLI
GRAMOPHONE
PINTEREST
The Consultation Center
75% of consumers want faster and easier ways to find options that meet their needs.
The new Casper store features a Snooze Bar for product education, a Pillow Lab for testing pillows, a personalized Bedroom Design Center, and a kid-friendly Bunkhouse.
FASTER & EASIER
Storytelling Sets the Stage
THE FIVE-STORY GESSI SHOWROOM IN SOHO showcases luxury water fittings, promoting wellness through a storytelling journey, with lounge spaces, a piazza, a rooftop bar, and an indoor pool.
GESSI
GESSI
PINTEREST
Virtual Design
The global virtual staging market is projected to reach USD 1,159.9 million by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 26.4%.
Zillow has acquired Virtual Staging AI (VSAI), a virtual staging tool that adds furniture to real estate listings.
AI startup Palazzo is thriving, partnering with brokerages to offer its virtual staging platform.
PALAZZO AI - INSTAGRAM
ZILLOW
Design Rulebreakers
“Learn the rules like a pro, so you can break them like an artist.”
PABLO PICASSO
PINTEREST
Innovations
A look at the top trending style directions in residential for the next year and beyond
From Sunrooms to Night Rooms
A counter-trend to the sunroom, the night room embraces the moodiness at the end of the day.
Govee’s projector brings the night sky indoors
“Is the Night Room the Next Big Thing in Design?”
VERANDA
VERANDA
NOSTALGIC
From Grand-millennial to Grandpacore
Heritage styles are back in fashion creating a cozy classic blend.
“In 2024, Gen Z and Boomers will embrace grandpacore and bring eccentric and expressive elements for the ages to their wardrobes.”
PINTEREST PREDICTS
From Mid-Century to Mid 70s
Move over Mid-Century Modern, the new retro look is 70s with a dash of modern edge.
RETRO
SOHO HOME
PINTEREST
Mudroom as Wellness Space
The well-appointed mudroom is a new healthy hub.
“Laundry and mudrooms are combining in contemporary homes for wellness design enhancement.”
FORBES
REIMAGINING SPACES: MUDROOMS
LAMINEX
Luxe Laundry Rooms
The laundry room expands with islands and extra storage.
REIMAGINING SPACES: MUDROOMS
POH - MINNESOTA - ADRIATIC CONSTRUCTION
POH - OHIO - BOB WEBB HOMES
Quiet Time
Once busy and bustling, new circulation spaces become quiet and moody places for relaxation.
REIMAGINING SPACES: HALLWAYS
SEAN ANDERSON
REIMAGINING SPACES: KITCHENS
The Kitchen Cocktail Zone
A new hub in the heart of the home.
Creative cocktail and coffee niches provide an area for entertaining.
FREUDENBERG DESIGN
BUILDERS DESIGN
Hoods as Architectural Element
Large-scale range hoods become part of the kitchen architecture.
REIMAGINING SPACES: KITCHENS
“Dirty” Kitchens Will Be Your New Sidekick”
A range hood separates a back/ dirty kitchen with a pass-through wall.
POH - MINNESOTA - GONYEA CUSTOM HOMES
POH - IDAHO - BILTMORE CO.
“Add a stone freestanding tub and expose it to a generously sized window. The play of natural light on the stone surface sets an effect of relaxation. Now, imagine soaking when watching the outdoors.”
The Experience Tub
The wet room fades as the tub goes alone in its own zone
REIMAGINING SPACES: BATH
EMPAVA 2024 BATH TRENDS
POH - MINNESOTA - ADRIATIC CONSTRUCTION
POH - MINNESOTA - PINNACLE FAMILY HOMES
Dining with a Dash of Personality
REIMAGINING SPACES: DINING
Customizable storage space elevates the dining room
PINTEREST
REIMAGINING SPACES: BEDROOMS
Bonus Room to Bunkroom
Extra bedrooms become bunk rooms for grandchildren.
1 out of 4 children under the age of 5 receive regular childcare from their grandparents while their parents work or attend school. FIRST THINGS FIRST
POH - UTAH - SPLIT ROCK CUSTOM HOMES
BUILDERS DESIGN
REIMAGINING SPACES: BEDROOMS
The Corner Suite
Corners are having a moment and becoming a panoramic focal point.
POH - UTAH - AJ CONSTRUCTION
Living Room to Lounge
Living spaces invite hospitality amenities like wet bars and auxiliary kitchens.
REIMAGINING SPACES: LIVING ROOM
BUILDERS DESIGN
REIMAGINING SPACES: LEISURE SPACES
Listening Rooms
A
new hub in the heart of the home.
“Listening room searches have more than doubled…”
HOUZZ RESEARCH VIA FORBES
VINYL FACTORY
“Boxy and sleek designs mimic one of America’s most iconic and utilitarian designs” ANDERSEN WINDOWS
In The Box
BARN-INSPIRED, BOXY FORMS ARE TRENDING ACROSS THE COUNTRY.
Regional Overview: Materials Matter
REGIONAL TRENDS
NORTHWEST
NATURAL & MODERN
Large-scale range hoods become part of the kitchen architecture.
MIDWEST
SIMPLE & COMFORTABLE
LARGE-SCALE RANGE HOODS BECOME PART OF THE KITCHEN ARCHITECTURE.
SOUTHWEST
MOODY & TEXTURED
SOUTHEAST
BRIGHT & SUNNY
MI HOMES - IN
HOMEBOUND - FL
TRIPOINTE - WA
TRIPOINT - AZ
Affordable Accents are Key Differentiators
Materials make the difference in differentiating regional exteriors
Exterior Trends
Remixing the Basics
Subtle color-blocking updates exteriors while remaining neutral
“When asked what color homeowners would choose if they were going to update their home’s exterior in 2025, most chose off-white/cream.” BUILDER ONLINE
DR HORTON - NM
Exteriors Embrace Nature
Beyond ‘black & white’ exterior elevations start to embrace more nuanced nature hues.
“Life isn’t Black and White… Why Should Your Design Palette Be?”
2024 EXTERIOR PIGMENT COLLECTION, PIONEER MILLWORKS
DAVID WEEKLY - GA
PIONEER MILLWORKS
Nature-scaping
for hardscaping invite new textures.
Belgard’s new ‘Papyrus’ paper-like paver tile
BELGARD
YARDZEN
The Backyard is a Play Yard
Sportscore has moved from the club to the home with active outdoor spaces.
POH - COLORADO - CARDEL HOMES
BUILDERS DESIGN
Party Planning
Indoor/outdoor counters in kitchens and ADUs create functional connections.
THE ‘LAKE FRONT JUICE
BAR’ Best in American Living Award - Gold Winner
“Meet
the Window that Makes the Party.”
ANDERSEN WINDOWS
RENAISSANCE HOMES
RAILI CLAISIN
Colors of the Year
“For 2025, the chosen shades represent a shift toward understated elegance and balance with restorative, resonant qualities. Variations of purple, burgundy, and brown are a clear through line, but in the mix are also a few classic neutrals and cool tones in the blue-green family.”
VERSATILE,
INVITING, AND FILLED WITH CHARACTER
HGTV QUIETUDE
DUTCH BOY MAPPED BLUE
CARAMELIZED
2026
TRANSFORMATIVE TEAL
& BROWN ELDERTON
WGSN
DUNN-EDWARDS
GRAHAM
STAINMASTER TRUFFLE
BENJAMIN MOORE CINNAMON SLATE
COLOUR INSIGHTS MOUNTAIN MUSIC
HOUSE BEAUTIFUL
Pantone Color of the Year: MOCHA MOUSSE PINTEREST
COLOR TRENDS: THE AFFORDABLE PREMIUM HOME
The Quiet Luxury Palette
Elevated and
timeless classics
“It’s anti-tech. It’s quiet luxury. It’s brown, and it’s everywhere.” WASHINGTON POST
BUNGLEHOUSE BLUE SW0048
*CARIBBEAN CORAL SW2854
*WARM STONE SW7032
*GROUNDED SW6089
*ALABASTER SW 7008
INDIGO SW 6531
SHERWIN WILLIAMS COLORMIX 2025 CHRYSALIS BUILDERS DESIGN
*GROUNDED SW6089
COLOR TRENDS: THE EXPERIENCE HOME
The Night Hues Palette
Color drenching in deep tones
BUNGLEHOUSE BLUE SW0048
*CARIBBEAN CORAL SW2854
*WARM STONE SW7032
*ALABASTER SW 7008
INDIGO SW 6531
LITTLE GREEN
BUILDERS DESIGN
PINTEREST
The Healthy Habitat Palette
Living in harmony with nature
* INDICATES FROM NEW 2025 COLORMIX FORECAST
HUNT CLUB SW 6468
RYEGRASS SW 6423
TREE BRANCH SW 7525
*WHITE SESAME SW 9586
DELFT SW 9134
*GREEN BAY SW 6481
HOMES BY WESTBAY
HOMES BY WESTBAY
COLOR
The Soft Tech Palette
Soft hues with high contrast accents
“In 2025, pastels are going to be so important. They’re joyful and uplifting and they lighten the mood.”
KIMBERLE FROST, ULTRAFABRICS TEXTILES
*MINDFULL GRAY SW 7016
PINK SHADOW SW 0070
ROYCROFT VELOUR SW 833
*UPWARD SW 6239
*PURE WHITE SW 7005
*OUTERSPACE SW 6251
The Foundational Palette
Familiar & grounding hues
“Harnessing the retro charm of vintage shades from a bygone era, these hues channel a fresh take on classic style.”
TINTED BY SHERWIN WILLIAMS
*STUDIO
MOCHA MOUSSE PANTONE’S 2025
Color of the Year is Mocha Mousse
It’s About Life’s Little Pleasures
BOBBI BECK
Kitchens
MORE
» Bigger Islands
» Contrasting cabinets with wood lowers
» Workstation sinks
» Fully tiled backsplash walls
» Wallcovering and decorative materials
» Mixing Materials
» Green is the new accent
» Black & Moody kitchens
» Smooth counter edges
» Back/dirty kitchens
SAME
» Transitional styles
» Warm, neutral wood tones
» Chopped Islands
» Reeded/fluted textures
» Customizable appliances
LESS
» Waterfall countertops
» Standard Farmhouse sinks
» All-white or neutral kitchens
Fit + Finish Fit +
“More than 2 in 5 homeowners opt for islands that are 7 feet or longer.”
HOUZZ 2024 KITCHEN STUDY
Bathrooms
MORE
» Three-piece bath suites (sink, shower, bath)
» Tub alcoves
» Tubs with a view
» Sauna and salt wellness combinations
» Textured front vanities
» Cold plunge therapy
SAME
» Natural Wood Finishes
» Fluted/reeded and raked tile textures
» Wellness Steam systems
» Ambient lighting
LESS
» Whirlpool tubs
» Oversized tiles
» Wet rooms
» Frameless showers
Fit + Finish Fit + Finish
Cabinets
MORE
» Textured front panels (reeded, slatted, fluted)
» Pocket and sliding doors
» Specialty insets
» Skinny Shaker doors
SAME
» Warm wood tones (light to mid)
» Shaker door styles
» Flat panel door styles
» Contrasting island finish
» Painted blue/green tones
» Wall pantries or pull-outs
» Mixed metal finishes
» Fluted/reeded textures
LESS
» All white cabinets
» Raised panel doors
» Ornate glass inserts
» Floating open shelves
Surfaces
MORE
» Decorative/traditional wall partitions
» Full tiled walls
» Full height wooden walls
» Textured plaster/bas relief
» Dimensional/architectural interest
SAME
» Wallpapered ceilings
» Fine, linear wood textures
» Accent trim (colorful)
» Scenic murals
» Squared box moulding
LESS
» Raised panel wainscotting
» Warehouse style partitions
» Rustic wooden beams
Wood Flooring
MORE
» Warm Blondes
» Dirty Blondes with ‘lowlights’
» Muted grains
» Wider, longer planks
» Hyper–realistic grain
» Natural lowlights
SAME
» True, mid-tone brown hues
» Herringbone/chevron patterns
» White Oak
» Walnut looks
» Low to no sheen
» Waterproof planks
» Antimicrobial and waterproof technology
LESS
» Cool and warm gray wood looks
» Red woods
» High gloss finishes
» Espresso colors
» Whitewashed colors
Fit + Finish Fit + Finish Fit + Finish
DALTILE – ACREAGE COLLECTION - STETSON
KITCHENAID
Decorative Woods
MORE
Warm, spiced woods
True Brown Woods
Dark Walnut
Soft exotic woods
» Oiled and oxidized woods
SAME
» Light & medium burl
» Warm & caramel blonde woods
» Textured grained black
» Retro woods shift warm
» Cool brown ash
LESS
» Whitened woods
» Cool blondes
» Cool gray woods
» Greige woods
BERNHARDT – HIGH POINT
Lighting
MORE
» Woven statement pieces
» Retro inspired sconces
» Stacked stone
» Textured metals
» New cozy materials (corduroy)
SAME
» Transitional design
» Architectural floor lamps
» Circadian lightbulbs
» Curves, arches, tubes
» Matte black
» Antique brass
LESS
» Streamlined farmhouse
» Industrial metal looks
» Geometric pendants
Metals
MORE
» Dark, antiqued brass
» Satin gunmetal gray
Honed and warm blacks
Golden and earthen bronzes tones
SAME
Brass & bronze combinations
Warm silver and pewter
Softly cast metals
Patina steel
Matte and brushed metals
White bronze
Cool, matte metals
LESS
Bright, smooth brass
Fit + Finish Fit + Finish Fit +
Tech-Integrated Living
in the Age of AI
People and machines will never interface in the same way again, because it’s not the same machine and people’s behaviors have changed. ACCENTURE 2024 TRENDS
SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS – IFA 2024
PINTEREST
AI Home Buying
Indigo’s Home Checkout platform provides a single, collaborative experience that unifies home listings and offer-making. The platform provides Storefronts that listing agents can use to communicate seller preferences, drive demand, and collect and validate offers
Flyhomes traditionally hosted its own property listings but is now expanding in a big way by integrating ZeroDown’s database and home search technology. The company’s site is now heavily geared toward the AIenhanced search experience.
More Mainstream Adopter
The Threshold Care Motion Wi-Fi sensing plugs allow caregivers to monitor motion without the need for cameras, motion sensors or wearables, and without compromising on privacy.
Smart home buyers increasingly identify as mainstream users, with nearly 30% of U.S. internet households owning three or more devices. Companies must adjust strategies to attract a broader audience beyond tech enthusiasts.
THRESHOLD
Matter
1.3 Arrives
Matter 1.3 now supports water management devices, EV chargers, and various appliances like microwaves, cooktops, extractor hoods, and dryers.
Update 1.3 introduces scenes, enabling devices to store programmable states and synchronize actions across multiple devices with a single command.
SMART HOME
Affordable Premium + Personalization
More affordable than competitors, the Hisense’s CanvasTV (IFA 2024) transforms the living room into a personal gallery with its Art Mode, which displays artwork or personal photos when the TV is not in use.
HISENSE
HISENSE
PINTEREST
Geothermal: The Future of Home Comfort
Luxury homeowners love geothermal—and now, it’s affordable.
WHY TOP BUILDERS CHOOSE GEOTHERMAL
» Boosts home value
» Meets all-electric standards at the lowest cost
» Eliminates the need for gas infrastructure
» Homeowners love the savings
HOW IT WORKS:
1. Ground loop: Installed beneath the home, circulating water to exchange heat with the earth.
2. Heat pump: Heats in winter, cools in summer— ultra-efficient.
3. Seamless integration: Connects to existing ductwork and thermostat.
AFFORDABLE & INCENTIVE-BACKED With incentives, builders pay just $5,000–$8,000 per home—making geothermal the smartest investment.
Dandelion Energy leads the way, bringing innovative, cost-effective geothermal to top homebuilders nationwide. DandelionEnergy.com | sales@dandelionenergy.com
The Ice Bath by Remedy Place combines the physical and mental benefits of ice bathing—like reduced muscle swelling, improved mood, and enhanced mental resilience—with bold, homefriendly design. It offers customizable lighting, temperature control, and an automated guide for plunge sessions.
Over the last two years, we’ve seen more Americans tracking exercise (+12%), screentime (+21%), sleep (+13%), and spending (+16%) to monitor their health and well-being. GWI Wellness Trends
KOHLER
TRANSCEND SMART SAUNA
The Transcend Smart Sauna by High Tech Health combines infrared therapy with an A.I.-powered guide for a personalized experience.
Wellness Tech
Saunas have become holistic health essentials, with infrared saunas seeing a 40% rise in usage over the past year. Yelp
SUN HOME INFRARED SAUNAS
Featuring patented EMF/ELF shielding, Bluetooth sound, and digital controls, Sun Home Saunas redefine safe and smart relaxation.
TRANSCEND
SUN HOME
This smart light transforms your ceiling with customizable effects, from passing clouds to dramatic sunsets, tailored to your mood and space.
The Calm Tech Movement
Those age 18-40 are feeling more fatigued by tech and device usage than older consumers.
Philips Hue Naturallight mimics the sun’s movement
Baracoda’s Bmind Smart Mirror uses AI to boost mental wellness by a nalyzing your mood and offering stress-management tools like guided meditation and affirmations.
Growth of Climate Tech
Projects featuring smart shading systems double in just one year per CE Pro’s 2024 Shading Deep Dive research. CE PRO
At CEDIA 2024, Hunter Douglas introduced its Solar Charger Kit to provide a reliable means to charge its PowerView line of automation shades.
Natural Light Optimization (NLO) new shading feature adjusts shades automatically to follow the sun’s natural progression, enhancing light control throughout the day.
HUNTER DOUGLAS
LUTRON
Natural Light Optimization
Electrolux unveiled its AI Taste Assist at IFA 2024, which imports recipes from the internet, suggests cooking optimizations, and sends instructions directly to the oven.
The Optimized Kitchen by AI SMART LIVING
Cookcam AI recognizes oven contents and automates settings, including a convenient “pizza mode.”
The iQ 700’s built-in camera recognizes over 80 dishes, auto-adjusting cooking settings for optimized results. Just place food, like a frozen pizza, and hit start.
AEG – IFA 2024
GE
SIEMENS – IFA 2024
At CES 2024, LG debuted their “affectionate intelligence” home assistance robot.
Home Companions
Close to 20% of Americans have explored using AI for companionship.
CIVIC SCIENCE.
Buddy, an AI-powered companion and internet router on wheels, uses a circular interface to convey “emotion and information.”
New York’s Office for the Aging distributed 900 ElliQ AI devices, with 95% of users finding them effective in reducing loneliness and boosting well-being.
Energy Savings Through AI
78% of Americans are stressed out about high energy bills.
CNET SURVEY
LG THINQ
LG’s ThinQ ON, powered by Affectionate Intelligence, learns user routines to create a personalized, seamless home experience with its AI-integrated appliances.
LG – IFA 2024
Excitement in Amenity Spaces
INNOVATIONS IN COMMUNITY SPACES
» Evolving community needs and services
» Innovations in space and design
» Unique technology differentiators
The home has become our all-in-one space, supporting wellbeing, entertainment, relaxation, and a variety of activities and benefits.
BUILDERS DESIGN
The Wellness Room
Wellness rooms and outdoor spaces are now integral to commercial settings, offering areas to nurture mental health, relax, and rejuvenate.
CALIBRO
CALIBRO
HPA DESIGN GROUP
Community Hub Spaces
New spaces that support not only a hybrid workforce but also the rise of scheduled events for the housing community.
TANGEAM INTERIORS SHOWROOM AND OFFICE
BUILDERS DESIGN
MELLO
PINTEREST
The Courtyard Returns
Dahlin Group ”The community center features a park offering residents a welcoming space for gatherings and recreation.”
Chesmar Homes’ Courtyard Collection features urban-style homes centered around a courtyard, fostering neighborly outdoor interactions.
CLASSICS AT STATION 361 – DAHLIN GROUP THE FIRE PIT AT SOUTH PARK COTTAGES - MICRO SFH COMMUNITY
CHESMAR HOMES FROM JOHNSON DEVELOPMENT
Colorado Trailstone’s outdoor spaces are named ‘Basecamp Park’ and ‘Ranger Station,’ offering unique amenities for residents.
Lodge Inspired
Americana lodge inspiration informs amenity spaces
NEW BOOK: LODGE
Lodge offers an “Indoorsy Tour of America’s National Parks.”
The “Fireplace Lounge” offers a cozy gathering space at Otis Harbor Springs.
OTIS – HARBOR SPRINGS
London WOW House redefines luxury living, with a featured indoor courtyard.
Clubhouse Meets Clubcore
Nostalgic sports are popping up in unexpected places
Guests at The Bays at Frisco can enjoy a unique “golf lab and suites” experience, hitting right from their hotel rooms.
Kimpton La Peer turned its rooftop event space into a pickleball court.
KIMPTON LA PEER
LONDON WOW HOUSE
THE BAYS AT FRISCO
Flexible Spaces
Communal spaces trend towards multi-purpose and flexible
The Community Event Lawn fosters connections in the Texas-based Valencia By Hillwood community.
Lawson Flats offers rooms “fit for work, life, and play,” including a sauna, gallery, pool room, gym, listening room, and karaoke room.
LAWSON FLATS
VALENCIA BY HILLWOOD
DR HORTON - LONG VALLEY - UTAH
Seasonal Movie Rooms
Hilton invites guests to “Stay Like” their favorite pop culture icons with a series of immersive, themed suites across its portfolio of award-winning brands.
Themed guest rooms inspired by pop culture and nostalgia gained popularity in 2023-2024 and are set to grow further next year.” Hilton 2025 Trend Report
Wyndham has partnered with the Hallmark Channel for Holiday themed suites
WYNDHAM X HALLMARK CHANNEL
HILTON ‘STAY LIKE WICKED’ SUITE
TRADITIONS OF AMERICA AT CHESTERFIELD - CLUBHOUSE
New Niches
Public spaces get personal with conversation niches
HOTEL VESPER
THE MART - GENSLER
Innovative Islands
Kitchen islands are getting bigger allowing for larger gatherings.
Häcker Kitchens unveils movable counters to turn kitchen islands into versatile, multi-functional hubs.
HACKER KITCHENS
CLUBROOM KITCHEN - TRIPOINTE HOMES - CA
REGENT OAKS FREEHOLD - NEW JERSEY
The Discovery Center
Whisper Valley, a zero-energy-capable community with a GeoGrid, features a “Discovery Center” with a geothermal pool, zero-energy tech zones, and a demo kitchen for the onsite organic farm.
WHISPER VALLEY
WHISPER VALLEY
WHISPER VALLEY
In the UK, Marriott’s “Lobby Phone” installation engages fans with Manchester United’s rich history, featuring stories from players and club legends.
Tech in a Box
OmniRoom is made up of parts that click together to build rooms.
“Gone are the days of taking a phone call in the open. Pods are everywhere.”
FINANCIAL
TIMES
Framery’s latest range integrates real-time occupancy data for automatic scheduling and vacancy updates, supported by 4G connectivity with automatic software updates.
Vinyl records, with a 10% revenue boost to $1.4 billion in 2023, are fueling a resurgence in “analog” music experiences.
THE SOUND LOUNGE AT THE KENT IS DESIGNED BY LENNY KRAVITZ AND INCLUDES A PERFORMANCE SPACE AND STAGE.
The Sound Lounge
Nashville’s iconic Blackbird Studios, Loraloma’s amenity center includes a recording studio that invites you to craft your own sound in the heart of Limestone Gulch.
THE KENT
THE KENT
THE KENT
Designed for community, Löyly Sauna Lounge features four infrared saunas, a hot tub, and two cold plunge tubs in an open-concept lounge setting.
Mello’s spa treatments and wellness spaces combine scientific backing with biohacking inspiration.
Left Lane’s wellness brand, Saltgrass, at the Recess Hotel & Club will include a biohacking lounge, sound temple, steam room, sauna and cold plunge.
Biohacking Tech
LOYLY SAUNA LOUNGE RECESS HOTEL & CLUB – OPENING IN 2026
MELLO
PINTEREST
High-Tech Health
The Experience Box at the Siro Hotel’s Fitness Lab creates an immersive environment with blackout features, ambient lighting, and music.
Gym use is nearly double pre-pandemic levels (up 60% since 2023) and Gen Z is driving the trend with 38% going to traditional gyms.
ABC FITNESS
Lumin debuted its AI, motion tracking and LED digital display studios in late 2023 and began franchising across in Texas and Louisiana summer of 2024.
SIRO HOTEL – EXPERIENCE BOX
LUMIN
Key Takeaways
THE AFFORDABLE PREMIUM HOME
» Efficient layouts maximizing space, enhancing hallways, mud rooms, and outdoor areas for versatility.
THE EXPERIENCE HOME DYNAMIC
» spaces merging downtime and uptime, leveraging technology and design for flexibility.
THE WELLNESS HOME
» Prioritizing holistic health with innovative technologies, wellness-focused architecture, and thoughtful amenities.
Key Takeaways
HOME IN THE AGE OF AI
» Personalize spaces with AI-driven calm tech, wellness treatments, and ambient lighting.
» Highlight climate and energy-conscious designs, creatively integrating tech into new spaces.
HOME IN THE ERA OF NOSTALGIA
» Celebrate ‘Retro Revival’ with warm wood tones and textured fabrics.
» Add character by breaking away from plain designs with customizable niches (e.g., a wine wall).
TREND FAVES
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