Many have scrolled through Zillow or been interested in home design, but for those in question, it is sometimes hard to notice what the last year has brought us. Well, that is the topic this piece will attempt to cover, providing an interesting retrospective on a year of growth and development. From mixed metals to color-drenching, 2025 has brought forth bold new ideas that have contributed to a whole new look. 

KITCHEN

Starting in the kitchen, which is regarded by many to be the “heart of the home”, we see the dramatic effects of change in 2025. Basic concepts such as symmetry and depth weigh heavily on design, as is seen in the photos displayed here. Sight lines into spaces behind the kitchen make the whole room seem larger. Several of these kitchens also feature transom windows over their doorways, a classic look that incorporates timeless character. One of the most common color schemes in the kitchen is white or light colors on the surrounding cabinetry and a wood island as the accent. Mixed metals have also become commonplace, as has custom shaker-style cabinetry reaching the ceiling. Pot fillers, marble slab backsplashes, statement range hoods, mixed countertops (usually with dark and light marble or stone and wood), and a mix of knobs, pulls, and latches are also kitchen features that have risen in popularity of late. Today’s heart of the home also incorporates sconces, gold fixtures, beams, and natural light, allowing for an inspiring space for cooking and gathering.

LIVING ROOM

If the kitchen is the heart of the home, the living room is the lungs. Close to (and often adjoining) the kitchen, the living room should be a refuge for one to breathe out and wind down. The photos illustrate some of the most prevalent and tasteful of living room interior design trends. As in the kitchen, symmetry, light, mixed metals, a mix of knobs and pulls, and built-in cabinetry are useful. Ceiling details or beams provide interest and draw your eye upwards or towards centerpieces like fireplaces. Moldings and details, floor-to-ceiling glass doors, and an open floor plan are also important. Other additions include library lights and built-ins, which are set into the wall, simplifying the space and making the whole look more seamless.

STUDY/OFFICE

The two photos here illustrate two equally beautiful, yet strikingly different designs. In the first image (left), a neutral color goes from floor to ceiling, covering baseboards and crown moldings. It features built-in cabinetry, gold details, a calming color palette ideal for focusing, beadboard, and a library light. The second image depicts a more light and bright room with high, detailed ceilings, built-in storage, and touches of cream and wood. The space is all white, which can be offputting if done incorrectly, creating a sterile effect. However, here, the effect is fresh and welcoming, not boring. 

HOME LIBRARY

The home library is an interesting space, which, although not common in today’s home, is nevertheless important to note. The photos here feature backlit shelving, subtle shiplap behind shelves, built-in rolling ladders (for accessibility and aesthetics), high ceilings, and even individual windows above each shelf. Sconces and library lights are also important aspects of the designs shown here. Lighting, especially in a library, a cozy nook for one to settle down and read in, is very important. Having a well-lit atmosphere is key to a functional library. Even with mere recessed lighting, the space remains well lit. You don’t always need a flashy pendant of a glittering chandelier for the space to shine. Sometimes, design is about taking away and simplifying as well as adding to. Lastly, another thing to note is the warm, ambient light, soft textures, and curved details in the image to the right. All of these aspects make the space more inviting; somewhere where you just want to sit down and enjoy a good book. 

MUD ROOM/DEN

The mud room is another important space. Here, juggling functionality and aesthetics can become harder, especially in smaller spaces. The spaces in the photos here do a good job of incorporating functional hanging space as well as built-in cabinetry. Going above and beyond, the spaces also feature beadboard, gold fixtures, marble checkered flooring, an island, a mix of knobs and pulls, and even an interesting, classic wallpaper. The space draws its inspiration and color palette from the wallpaper, incorporating blue-gray moldings and cabinetry as well as touches of browns and reds in the herringbone terracotta floors and wood built-ins. The marble flooring is a classic, elegant staple of design. In this given photo, the color of the flooring directly ties into the grand, floor-to-ceiling cabinetry. 

BEDROOM

The bedroom, a space for winding down, refreshing, and relaxing, is crucial to wellness and completing a good design. In the given images, one can see a multitude of different design ideas which play a role in making the bedroom aesthetically pleasing and functional. Subtle wallpaper from which moldings and built-ins draw from, gold sconces, symmetry, warm and cool colors toned similarly, a lack of clutter, a mix of knobs and pulls, floor-to-ceiling windows, interesting roof lines with beadboard-type texture, a wealth of natural light, cohesive color schemes, airy feelings, and classic touches, like those in the old, refreshed fireplace with marble surround, paint, and tile or the diamond lattice windows are all things to strive for. 

PANTRY

The pantry is one of the most underrated rooms of the house. Although commonly tiny, this space can really pack a punch. Some of the most important design notes of the pantry image here includes color drenching, marble checkered flooring, gold fixtures, floor-to-ceiling windows, classic antiques like wood islands, shelf rails, and a mix of hardware. 

DINING ROOM

The best dining room usually takes on a classic yet updated look, sporting a soft color palette, touches of gold, marble counters ending in brackets on walls, shiplap, shelving, and storage. Windowed cabinetry specifically allows for display and functionality. Library lights, the use of wood and wallpaper, a feature dining table, sleek chairs, large windows and natural light are all key as well.

BATHROOM

Although one of the trickiest spaces to design, the bathroom can also turn out to be one of the best spaces in a home. Things to notice here include aged brass fixtures, a new look which has really caught on, soft colors covering walls and moldings, archways, symmetry, double vanities, sconces, inset mirrors, geometric marble floor tile, storage, and cafe curtains, which allow for privacy while also bringing in natural light. 

LAUNDRY ROOM

The laundry room included to the right provides a useful insight into the importance of uniform, put-together design. This room features gold knobs and fixtures, Bristol-style cabinetry, windowed doors to the exterior (which bring in much needed light), seamless washer and dryer incorporation, hexagon tile on the floor, marble counters and backsplash, and a relaxing color which might actually make you want to do laundry. 

ENTRYWAY

In the entryway is important because it is the first impression one receives of the house as a whole. It needs to lead one inside, invite them to sit down, and reinvigorate them all at once. The entryways here have sight lines that extend all the way to the other side of the house, and herringbone floors which point towards the stairway, drawing your eye. These features lead you in. However, infusing the space with light, adding french doors, moldings, marble floor inlays, gold accents, and contrast add interest and make you pause to take everything in. 

Design is a many layered thing and these are only a very few things to say on the subject. However, utilizing the basic principles of natural light, character, sight lines, and coherent color scheme will always allow for an invigorating, inviting space. Hopefully, this article will help you to consider home design in further detail and allow you to truly take inspiration from and appreciate the spaces you live in.