Home design trends come and go, but some stand the test of time. Here are 10 popular home design trends to consider for your next remodel or new build.

Open Floor Plans

Open floor plans remain a popular choice for many homeowners. By eliminating walls between the kitchen, dining room, and living room, open floor plans create a more spacious feel and facilitate easier conversation and traffic flow. This trend has been popular for decades, and it doesn’t seem to be going away anytime soon.

Open floor plans work best in newer, more modern homes with few structural constraints. They also suit younger buyers and renters looking for a social, communal living space. However, the lack of separation makes open plans less ideal for people who value privacy or need defined spaces for working from home.

Transitional Style

Transitional design combines elements of traditional and contemporary styling for a timeless, updated look. This style features clean lines and neutral colors associated with modern design, mixed with classic decorative molding and materials like wood floors for traditional charm.

The transitional look has grown in popularity over the past decade and has mass appeal due to its safe, inoffensive aesthetic. It works well for resale since it isn’t trendy. However, some find transitional style to be a bit boring or generic.

White and Gray Color Schemes

White, gray, and neutral color palettes remain popular for their clean, minimalist look. These cool hues feel fresh and contemporary. Crisp white paired with different shades of gray makes a versatile base for adding pops of color through accessories and artwork.

However, all-white and all-gray schemes run the risk of feeling sterile or cold. And white shows dirt easily. To keep this trend feeling timeless instead of dated, aim for a balanced neutral palette warmed up with natural textures and materials.

Smart Home Technology

Smart home technology lets homeowners control features like lighting, temperature, and security systems using their smartphone or voice. Smart home upgrades continue to grow in popularity thanks to their convenience and energy efficiency benefits.

With constantly evolving new tech, it can feel daunting to invest in smart home upgrades. Focus on tech that solves a problem you have now to ensure it adds value. And choose flexible systems that allow room for growth.

Sustainable Building Materials

Eco-conscious consumers increasingly desire homes made from sustainable and non-toxic materials like recycled glass countertops, bamboo floors, and low/no-VOC paints and finishes.

The upfront cost is often higher for these materials, but they save money long-term through energy efficiency. And sustainable materials appeal to buyers’ growing environmental awareness. Look for durable products backed by good warranties.

Quartz Countertops

Engineered quartz countertops have surpassed granite as a popular choice for their durability, minimal maintenance, and customizability. Seamless-looking quartz counters create a clean, contemporary look.

While less expensive than natural stone, quartz counters still have a higher upfront cost than materials like laminate. And the manufactured look lacks the uniqueness of real granite or marble. But quartz remains on-trend for its functionality.

Smart Storage

Homeowners continue to seek smart storage solutions to reduce clutter, such as built-in cabinetry, pantries, and closet organization systems. This makes the most of every inch to accommodate modern families’ stuff.

Built-ins and custom storage can get expensive. But well-designed spaces tailored to your needs can improve functionality. Consider multi-purpose furniture and concealed storage for a tidier look. Edit ruthlessly before adding storage to avoid filling new spaces quickly.

Large-Format Tile

Large format tile sizes like 12×24 inches continue to trend for shower walls, kitchen backsplashes, and flooring. Minimal grout lines create a sleek, seamless look. Larger tiles also speed up installation.

However, imperfect subflooring easily telegraphs through large tiles. And the tiles themselves can crack or chip under pressure since their expanse leaves them more vulnerable to damage. Use care when installing them, especially on floors, and choose quality tile.

High-Tech Appliances

From smart fridges to voice-activated cooktops, kitchens embrace the latest high-tech, smart appliances. Convenience features give owners customizable control.

While smart appliance capabilities are impressive, unreliable connectivity and steep learning curves frequently frustrate consumers. Do your research and focus on useful, practical innovations that enhance—not complicate—your everyday routines.

Timeless Farmhouse Style

Farmhouse decor with its neutral palette, natural materials, and distressed accents maintains widespread appeal. This comforting style mixes new and aged elements for a casual, family-friendly look.

Leaning too heavily into trendy farmhouse motifs like galvanized metal and “Live Laugh Love” signs can make this style feel overdone. Focus instead on durable furniture and timeless vintage accents for a classic farmhouse feel.

Conclusion

While trends come and go, well-executed design in quality materials never goes out of style. Look for versatile, livable designs that solve problems and suit your lifestyle. Focus on trends with enduring appeal, then add personal touches to make your home distinctly yours. With careful planning and design, you can embrace what’s trending while still creating spaces with timeless style.

Frequently Asked Questions

What home design trends have the most lasting power?

Some popular home design trends that have remained relevant over time include open floor plans, transitional style, neutral color palettes, smart home technology, eco-friendly building materials, and farmhouse decor. These trends offer broad appeal and versatility that suits many different tastes and lifestyles.

How do you incorporate trends in a timeless way?

• Choose versatile pieces that don’t feel overly trendy.
• Mix current trends with traditional elements for balance.
• Add your own personal spin.
• Select high-quality materials and construction.
• Focus on lifestyle-based solutions.
• Keep the bones classic and swap out decor over time.

What are some recent short-lived home design fads?

Some home design fads that have faded quickly include shabby chic distressed finishes, live-edge wood slabs, barn doors on every interior door, reclaimed wood feature walls, and chevron patterns everywhere. These specific motifs tend to feel dated after a couple of years.

Should you remodel to match the latest trends?

Remodeling just to match fleeting trends is usually not a wise investment. But if a trendy look also solves a problem and fits your lifestyle, it may be worthwhile. Weigh factors like costs, longevity, and resale value with personal needs. Focus major changes on classic bones and make decorative updates over time.

How often should you update your home’s style?

There’s no set timeline for refreshing your home’s style. Redesigns depend on your budget, life circumstances, and level of satisfaction with your current space. Cosmetic changes like new furnishings and accent paint can update a room more frequently. But limit major remodels like layout changes to every 10-15 years for a good return on investment.