Home design is embracing the “comfort” theme for 2025—a perfect style to adopt when prepping a home for sale.
Color, texture and patterns are making for more playful backgrounds in unique, cozy spaces. In home staging, you can still embrace this hot trend, even without getting too wild. Here’s how.
1. Color Is Back
Say goodbye to cold, stark white walls as real estate agents and home sellers embrace statement-worthy colors that can add warmth and texture to unexpected places around the home. Color is being used for accent walls, kitchen islands and even the fifth wall—the ceiling.
Need some inspiration for color pops? The paint firm Sherwin-Williams offers nine paint “Colors of the Year” for 2025, ranging from caramel browns to earthy yellows. Also, welcome back more earth tones, especially brown hues, which can feel timeless and grounding.
Photo courtesy: Sherwin-Williams / 2025 Color Capsule of the Year: Bosc Pear
Photo courtesy: Sherwin-Williams / 2025 Color Capsule of the Year: Grounded
While you’re ditching the whites or grays, swap them out for warm beiges, which is a more trendy, neutral paint color for staging a home.
2. Design for Wellness
The post-COVID world has inspired us to seek dedicated spaces for wellness within our homes to unwind and recharge. Think small yoga studios, meditation rooms, spa-like bathrooms, hot saunas and even cold plunges.
Photo credit: Melissa Tracey
Soft rugs, aromatic candles, soothing music and adjustable lighting can lighten the mood and bring potential calming, psychological benefits.
Photo credit: Melissa Tracey
Further, entire communities are using the wellness trend to attract home buyers. An urbanistic community south of Atlanta, called Serenbe, markets wellness-related amenities for those who desire stronger connections to nature. For example, the community touts its acres of preserved forests and miles of nature trails, as well as a 25-acre farm that produces more than 300 varieties of fruits, vegetables, herbs and flowers for residents.
3. Texture Explosion
Plain walls are a thing of the past, as textured surfaces are adding depth and interest to a home’s spaces. Wallpapered ceilings, wood paneling and decorative plaster finishes are transforming flat surfaces into dynamic focal points.
Photo credit: Gremlin / Getty Images
Also, the trend toward nature-inspired design is incorporating more stones, wood and natural fibers for adding more texture into a home. Further, indoor plants, living walls and natural materials can play a dominant role in helping to make a formal space feel more relaxed and approachable.
Overall, interior design in 2025 is shifting to fit our lifestyles. And that’s playing out in a bigger way in staging a home, too. Home buyers likely won’t be convinced by flat, uninspiring surfaces or rooms. Instead, showcase textured elements, wellness design and warm colors that give the walls a sense of security and warmth, and welcomes buyers right in.
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The Caton Team believes, in order to be successful in the San Fransisco | Peninsula | Bay Area | Silicon Valley Real Estate Market we have to think and act differently. We do this by positioning our clients in the strongest light, representing them with the utmost integrity, while strategically maneuvering through negotiations and contracts. Together we make dreams come true.
A mother and daughter-in-law team with over 35 years of combined, local Real Estate experience and knowledge – wouldn’t you like The Caton Team to represent you? Let us know how we can be of service. Contact us any time.
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You’ll never regret these timeless decorating decisions.
Many of us have been there: You splurge on a pricey pair of jeans or a handbag one season, only to find that it seems to fall out of fashion quicker than an episode of “What Not to Wear.” The same holds true with home decor. (In case you missed it, these five design details can make your home look dated.)
Still, certain decorating choices stand the test of time and will serve you well regardless of the year on the calendar. Keep in mind that it’s much easier to usher your home through the eras if you start smart: “The better the interior architecture, the easier it is to decorate—and the less likely you’ll ever tire of it,” believes Stephanie Sabbe, interior designer in Nashville, Tennessee. “Colors and patterns change, but when the bones are good, the house can carry the decor through the decades.”
Once the foundation is set, the fun part begins: sprucing things up and making a space your own. A well-planned space—one that respects the style of the house and reflects the owner’s vibe—never goes out of style, if you ask Adrianne Bugg, principal designer for Pillar & Peacock interior design in Florence, Alabama (which she co-founded with Brandeis Short).
Natural Stone Countertops
Carmel Brantley
Stone countertops like marble, quartzite, and soapstone have a timeless appeal because they offer both beauty and durability, explains Amanda Reynal, interior designer in West Des Moines, Iowa and Palm Beach, Florida (and the designer of the Lilly Pulitzer-inspired room in the 2025 Kips Bay Decorator Show House Palm Beach). They’re also versatile. Since natural stones come in neutral tones, they integrate beautifully into a variety of design styles, from traditional to contemporary, making it a quality investment for any home.
“Each slab has unique veining and texture; bringing depth and organic elegance to a space,” she says. “Natural stone ages gracefully, too, and develops more character over time.”
The one exception: Granite, which Leah Harmatz, founder of Field Theory Design in San Francisco and the designer of Hotel Lilien in Tannersville, New York, tells us lacks the “interesting veining and movement” that other natural stones offer.
Layers of Color and Texture
David Tsay
Without a nice mix of color and texture, a room can feel one-dimensional, and, well, boring. To combat this, Kellie Sirna, owner and principal of Studio 11 Design in Dallas, Texas, recommends adding “a mix of natural materials like wood, stone, and metal to create a balanced, organic feel.” She adds, “Then layer in soft textures and pops of color to add warmth and personality while keeping the space open, cohesive, and, most importantly, welcoming.”
Layering adds depth, character, and complexity to a space by developing a nuanced stylistic narrative. Plus, this allows you to evolve the room’s aesthetic over time by switching out or adding new elements you gather from travels, acquire, or fall in love with throughout the course of your life. Pillows, art, accessories, and books are all prime candidates to help add a personal punch.
“Keeping it classic with a slight twist feels curated and personal,” Bugg says.
A Fireplace (Feel Free to Fake It!)
William Waldron
If you ask David Kaihoi, interior designer and owner of Redd Kaihoi in New York City, “A home always feels more complete if it has a fireplace. The fire has been the center of our existence and captured our imagination since the beginning of time. Having a fireplace gives immediate comfort and focus. It’s the ideal center of a home.”
In an existing home, townhome, condo, or apartment without a wood fireplace, Kaihoi says, “Go ahead and fake it! Nothing beats a real wood-burning fireplace, but the ease and upkeep of a gas unit is amazing.”
If you don’t have a chimney flue, go faux and install a fireplace look-alike. Even the mere suggestion of fire lends a layer of comfort, Kaihoi believes. The key is to “make it look architecturally convincing. Aim for a realistic firebox depth and the appearance of a chimney breast.”
Nick Olsen, an interior designer in New York City notes that a simple bolection fireplace mantel—“basically a simple, curvy molding profile that can be rendered in wood, stone, plaster or even mirror”—is also classic. This is a much wiser choice than a style that’s “overwrought, historically incorrect, or just plain tacky,” as many modern-day mantels can be, Olsen admits.
Well-Made, Well-Maintained Furniture
Alison Gootee for VERANDA
Your chairs, tables, bed frames, and couches need not all be brand new to feel current. Well-made furniture from any era will stand up to the test of time, Harmatz says. She edits her own space, and the homes of clients, based on the quality of the pieces. Often, all it takes to make antique and vintage items feel refreshed and ready to integrate into the space:
New upholstery
Oiling wood
Sealing stones or ceramics
Polishing metal
Bonus: “Many of these upgrades help preserve their beauty of antiques,” Sirna explains.
Unlacquered Brass Hardware
Annie Schlechter
Speaking of metals, Olsen is forever swooning over unlacquered brass hardware—be it on bathroom fixtures, kitchen cabinet pulls, or door knobs and hinges.
“The finish ages beautifully and feels appropriate in the city, country, and at the beach. Changing out existing door hardware or bath elements is a lot more difficult than swapping in new cabinet knobs, but no matter where you integrate unlacquered brass, you’ll appreciate it every day,” he says.
Olsen actually just took his own advice to upgrade his upstate New York bathroom with brass fixtures, and he tells us, “my dream is installing a matching brass shower enclosure!”
A Mindful Furniture Map
Max Kim-Bee
A thoughtfully arranged furniture plan ensures a space is visually balanced, functional, cohesive, and comfortable, explains Reynal.
“Considerate layout design prioritizes flow, comfort, and conversation, making a room feel inviting and effortless to navigate. Whether in a formal living room or a casual family space, the right furniture placement enhances usability and allows design elements—such as color, texture, and pattern—to shine,” she adds.
If you feel like your space could potentially use a refresher, press pause before you start rearranging. Try plotting things out virtually via a platform like RoomStyler 3D Room Planner or Floorplanner to play around with the format to see which feels most natural to you.
Classic Furniture Silhouettes
Douglas Friedman
If you discover that you have a gap in your layout, Olsen says you can’t go wrong with leather or suede seating with elegant lines.
“Just look at rooms by David Hicks and Billy Baldwin—case closed,” Olsen says. “But to elaborate, the elegant lines of Louis XV and Louis XVI furniture look so fresh and handsome in leather or suede, especially compared to mumsy silks. French furniture makers knew what they were doing in the 18th century, these chairs can actually be super comfortable.”
Whether you add them to a contemporary or a traditional room, they’ll fit right in “as long as the scale and quality are solid,” Olsen believes. He adds that a quality reproduction is A-OK if you can’t find a solid antique version. He quips, “Who really lives with museum quality antiques, anyway?”
Unexpected Sculptural Touches
Annie Schlechter for VERANDA
Whether it’s via curvy furniture, an architectural light fixture, or a piece of art with dimension, “One of my favorite ways to elevate a room’s design story is through sculptural elements,” Sirna says. “Innovative shapes and textures showcase a certain level of design prowess and confidence.”
Atypical shapes and textures create depth and dimension and imply more conceptual thinking, all of which are inherently tied to elevated design, she adds.
Curtain Panels on a Rod with Rings
Annie Schlechter
Slatted blinds feel ultra-industrial and blackout shades can feel aggressive outside of a bedroom or nursery. But curtain panels hung on a rod via rings feels refined and versatile, enhancing the overall design without overpowering it, according to Reynal.
She says that curtain panels hung on a rod with rings add “softness, height, and sophistication to a room.” She adds, “It works with nearly any aesthetic, from tailored and traditional to breezy and casual, depending on the fabric choice. The rings allow the curtains to glide smoothly, making them both functional and elegant.”
Karla Walsh is a Des Moines, Iowa-based freelance writer, editor, freelance writing coach and level one sommelier who balances her love of food and drink with her passion for fitness (or tries to, at least!). She has over 15 years of professional experience covering food, wine, travel, nutrition, health, fitness, psychology, beauty, relationships and beyond.
Cell| Sabrina 650.799.4333 |Susan 650.796.0654 | EMAIL | WEB| BLOG
We love what we do and would love to help you navigate your sale or purchase of Residential Real Estate. Please reach out for a personal consultation. Please enjoy our free resources below and get to know our team from our TESTIMONIALS.
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Got Real Estate Questions? The Caton Team is here to help.
We strive to be more than just Realtors – we are also your home resource. If you have any real estate questions, concerns, need a referral, or some guidance – we are here for you. Contact us at your convenience – we are but a call, text or click away!
The Caton Team believes, in order to be successful in the San Fransisco | Peninsula | Bay Area | Silicon Valley Real Estate Market we have to think and act differently. We do this by positioning our clients in the strongest light, representing them with the utmost integrity, while strategically maneuvering through negotiations and contracts. Together we make dreams come true.
A mother and daughter-in-law team with over 35 years of combined, local Real Estate experience and knowledge – wouldn’t you like The Caton Team to represent you? Let us know how we can be of service. Contact us any time.
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Even though remote work remains commonplace, some real estate professionals and home stagers say the home office is losing its luster. Many home buyers are reclaiming this space for other nonwork uses.
The shunning of the home office is already taking root at The Astor, a recently restored luxury condo building in New York. Ash Staging, an interior design and home staging firm, recently chose to omit the home office when styling a model residence in the historic building. The firm transformed the fourth bedroom, traditionally a home office, into a flexible den with lounging space geared toward relaxation, entertainment or as a quiet nook for work. The sales team at the building believes this setup is resonating more with home buyers.
“We continue to see luxury buyers valuing flexibility and versatility in their space,” says Kyle Egan, a real estate agent with Douglas Elliman who handles sales at The Astor. “So, this area was designed as a cozy lounge and media room with a desk nook that can serve as a work spot when needed. We’ve seen a very positive response to this setup as buyers continue to seek out layouts and floorplans that allow the freedom to customize their home to fit their lifestyle.”
Drawing from similar inspiration, the real estate and design team at 53 West 53, a Manhattan condo tower with 161 residences, also decided to exclude the home office in a recent home staging project. Instead, the sales team converted an office space into a game lounge complete with a fully stocked minibar and foosball table.
Recent studies have shown that at-home workers have flexibility when choosing where in the home to work. They’re no longer tethered to cords and outlets, and they don’t need to plug into a dedicated space each day. They can easily take a laptop to a kitchen island, living room sofa or even a neighborhood coffee shop.
About one-third of consumers who work remotely say they have a dedicated office space at home, according to the “State of Remote Work 2023(link is external),” a study conducted by social media technology firm Buffer. But of that group, 45% say their “home office” is located within another room, like a bedroom, kitchen or living room. Fourteen percent of remote workers say they prefer to move from room to room during their workday.
Some homeowners may prefer not to devote an entire space to a home office. They’re seeking an easily adaptable, flexible space, whether that’s for entertainment, lounging or even the occasional work, Egan says. “Homes became everything for people during the pandemic—their office, their movie theater, their bar and restaurant, their kids’ classroom and even more,” he adds. “Now that many people are back to working in offices, at least part of the time, they’re ready to ditch the home office and incorporate a flexible space that brings more fun and vibrancy back into the home.”
Not a Singular Space
Egan says study or work nooks may offer the same benefits as a larger home office. However, the goal remains the same: prioritizing design and comfort. “We recognize the modern buyer’s desire to blend functionality and aesthetics without compromising valuable space,” he says, noting this trend may accelerate in dense markets like New York.
Researchers have been studying the design of home office spaces and what works best for productivity. Many studies attribute a dedicated office space to a boost in productivity and avoiding constant distractions. But the studies also acknowledge that’s not possible for everyone.
Georgia Southern University reviewed numerous studies(link is external) that explored home office design during the pandemic. The review found the best results from a home office that prioritizes ergonomics and elements from nature and takes into account light and noise. Regardless of where that “office” is located and whether it has to serve multiple purposes, a few research-backed tips for setting up an at-home workspace include:
Pick a spot near natural daylight, preferably near a window. Otherwise, add ambient and task lighting.
Use headphones to block out noise, if needed, and portable screen dividers to block out visual distractions if you don’t have a dedicated workspace.
Incorporate nature or go outside for fresh air occasionally. Set up your workspace near greenery and plants—nature views have been tied to increased energy for remote workers.
Get moving: Studies suggest that remote workers make a point to stand up and move around for at least two minutes every 30 minutes during the workday to help avoid eye strain, back pain and headaches.
Add in a recreational spot. Researchers suggest having a lounging area in or near your office for a different type of seating than a desk chair for short breaks.
Egan says he believes more home shoppers will continue to prioritize multi-use spaces inside the home for work and play. As such, his company will continue to stage homes to showcase how spaces can be used in multiple ways. “We want to show the adaptability of the space and its ability to be integrated into all lifestyles—from gathering with friends to hosting a family movie night to taking a work call,” Egan says.
Melissa Dittmann Tracey is a contributing editor for REALTOR® Magazine, editor of the Styled, Staged & Sold blog, and produces a segment called “Hot or Not?(link is external)” in home design that airs on NAR’s Real Estate Today radio show. Follow Melissa on Instagram and Twitter at @housingmuse.
Call| Text | Sabrina 650.799.4333 |Susan 650.796.0654 | EMAIL | WEB| BLOG
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Got Real Estate Questions? The Caton Team is here to help.
We strive to be more than just Realtors – we are also your home resource. If you have any real estate questions, concerns, need a referral, or some guidance – we are here for you. Contact us at your convenience – we are but a call, text or click away!
The Caton Team believes, in order to be successful in the San Fransisco | Peninsula | Bay Area | Silicon Valley Real Estate Market we have to think and act differently. We do this by positioning our clients in the strongest light, representing them with the utmost integrity, while strategically maneuvering through negotiations and contracts. Together we make dreams come true.
A mother and daughter-in-law team with over 35 years of combined, local Real Estate experience and knowledge – wouldn’t you like The Caton Team to represent you? Let us know how we can be of service. Contact us any time.
Call| Text | Sabrina 650.799.4333 | Susan 650.796.0654 | EMAIL | WEB| BLOG
The Caton Team – Susan & Sabrina A Family of Realtors Effective. Efficient. Responsive. What can we do for you?
Homes today fulfill a lot more purposes, providing comfort, wellness and an eco-friendly and personalized space—all in a technological way. Home layouts are being reconfigured, too. Dining rooms have become nearly extinct, living spaces are being designed for flexibility, and wellness rooms are channeling more positive vibes.
Homes have been mostly dressed in white, contemporary designs with simplified living spaces. Nowadays, that crisp, neutral canvas is getting decorated with dramatic color, unexpected art, textured furniture and eclectic decor. Further, the expanding kitchen island has become the new dining room, and exterior spaces have become popular hangouts by the firepit or while playing a game of cornhole.
Here are some of the hottest trends to watch in 2024.
Functional Outdoor Spaces
Functional exterior living spaces are growing more important and have become a valuable add-on to any home. Who doesn’t desire an at-home retreat filled with sensory gardens, lounging areas, a full kitchen and bar, outdoor TV and sustainable furnishings? It’s all about finding solitude and peace to create that “vacation at home” space.
Photo credit: Brizmaker / Getty Images
Plus, as windows get larger and larger, the views of the greenery outdoors are beckoning for more attention.
Photo credit: Brizmaker / Getty Images
Mixed Metals
Forget matching: Mixing metal finishes remains on-trend. Metals are not just being reserved for the faucets and cabinet pulls but are being incorporated throughout the home. Warm metals like brass, and cool metals like chrome, are being mixed together to add visual interest and create depth in a room.
That said, expect over the years ahead for warm metals to slowly get pushed out more and more as a renewed focus on silvery hues pushes forward as an environmentally conscious choice.
Photo credit: Krisztina Bell, No Vacancy Home StagingPhoto credit: Krisztina Bell, No Vacancy Home StagingPhoto credit: Krisztina Bell, No Vacancy Home Staging
Maximalism & Personality
Consumers are showing a desire for color-drenching, rich textures and geometric patterns. Maximalism and personalization get extreme as more homeowners look to break the cookie-cutter layouts and venture into more expressive design.
This will be the year of “if you can dream it, go ahead and do it.” Designers and artists will push decorative accents in more adventurous ways. An entire space may look more like a work of art.
Photo credit: 2023 Southeastern Designer Showhouse & Gardens, Atlanta / Krisztina Bell, No Vacancy Home StagingPhoto credit: 2023 Southeastern Designer Showhouse & Gardens, Atlanta / Krisztina Bell, No Vacancy Home Staging
Eco- and Tech-Friendly
Sustainability is a way of life as we seek to live better and healthier lives. Smart homes with energy-efficient lighting, low-volatile paints, reclaimed eco-friendly furnishings and voice-controlled home devices throughout are in right now. The possibility of AI-powered home assistants is the wave of the future as eco- and tech-friendly pieces coexist.
Photo credit: Andresr / Getty Images
Homes are no longer about looking pristine but feeling cozy and catering to people’s aesthetic and emotional needs. Designers are embracing a powerful trio: nature, serenity and comforting design, as well as modern technology. They’re breaking away from tradition and moving into a forward-thinking adventure of unconventional design trends that are elevating the “art” of the home.
Krisztina Bell is an Atlanta-based home stager and vacant home staging expert.
Got Questions? The Caton Team is here to help.
Call| Text | Sabrina 650.799.4333 |Susan 650.796.0654 | EMAIL | WEB| BLOG
We love what we do and would love to help you navigate your sale or purchase of Residential Real Estate. Please reach out for a personal consultation. Please enjoy our free resources below and get to know our team from our TESTIMONIALS.
Effective. Efficient. Responsive. The Caton Team 🏡 How can The Caton Team help You?
Got Real Estate Questions? The Caton Team is here to help.
We strive to be more than just Realtors – we are also your home resource. If you have any real estate questions, concerns, need a referral, or some guidance – we are here for you. Contact us at your convenience – we are but a call, text or click away!
The Caton Team believes, in order to be successful in the San Fransisco | Peninsula | Bay Area | Silicon Valley Real Estate Market we have to think and act differently. We do this by positioning our clients in the strongest light, representing them with the utmost integrity, while strategically maneuvering through negotiations and contracts. Together we make dreams come true.
A mother and daughter-in-law team with over 35 years of combined, local Real Estate experience and knowledge – wouldn’t you like The Caton Team to represent you? Let us know how we can be of service. Contact us any time.
Call| Text | Sabrina 650.799.4333 | Susan 650.796.0654 | EMAIL | WEB| BLOG
The Caton Team – Susan & Sabrina A Family of Realtors Effective. Efficient. Responsive. What can we do for you?
Looking for some great ideas for your home? How about a voice-activated assistant that will give you a weather update while you pour coffee into a preheated mug from a warming drawer? Not your style? No worries — there’s something for everyone in this preview of 2017 design trends. We plowed into Houzz data, sifted through popular photos and articles, and talked to industry leaders for this look at 28 things we think you’ll be seeing more of in the home in 2017.
Satin brass.Brass finishes have been making a comeback in recent years, cherished for their ability to bring shiny golden tones to a space without the high price tag. But more recently, designers like Elizabeth Lawson have been turning away from the reflective finish of polished brass and embracing satin or brushed brass, which is more muted and warm.
“I especially like a satinbrass finish because it’s transitional and can complement a number of styles,” says Lawson, who used the finish in the kitchen shown here. “It also looks amazing against almost any color of the rainbow. I think we’ll continue to see rooms with satin brass for quite some time and also possibly mixed with other finishes for a more eclectic look.”
Voice-activated assistants. There’s been a lot of talk about voice assistants in the home. It’s something Shawn DuBravac, chief economist of the Consumer Technology Association, which puts on the Consumer Electronics Show every year in Las Vegas (Jan. 5 to 8, 2017), says will be big in 2017.
Amazon’s Alexa, which is enabled in the Echo Dot shown on this side table, acts as a voice-activated interface for many smart home devices. Google Home’s voice assistant launched about a month ago.
These devices work through activation phrases like “Alexa” or “OK Google.” The devices, placed throughout your home, are always listening in somewhat of a dormant state. Say the activation phrase, and the device fires up and awaits your command. Ask it to give you the weather or play a song from Spotify or dim your lights or power up the hot tub.
Early last year, Amazon opened its platform to third parties and has since added thousands of integrated features from smart home companies like Lutron, Crestron, Philips Hue, Wemo, Honeywell, Nest, Samsung Smart Home to other services from Uber, Domino’s, NPR and more.
Google Home just launched its voice-activated assistant about a month ago, and DuBravac says he expects the company to open the platform to third-party companies soon.
“What you’re seeing is continued maturing of the smart home ecosystem,” he says. “It’s still a very nascent technology. Maturing isn’t something that happens instantaneously, but over time.”
Vanity conversions. If you’re having trouble finding the right premanufactured vanity for your home, try thinking outside the cabinet box. Many savvy homeowners are finding chests of drawers, old file cabinets, vintage consoles and more, and converting them into one-of-a-kind vanity
Hardworking kitchen storage walls. In search of more open space, many homeowners and designers are doing away with expanses of upper cabinets and pushing all that storage onto a single hardworking wall. This one-stop hub frees up the rest of the space to create a breezy look.
White with off-white. There’s just something refreshing about a room bathed in white. But when done in one stark white tone, things can start to feel clinical. Balancing a white palette with creamy off-whites and natural linen hues creates a breathtaking look that can be rich with character.
Greenery. Pantone’s verdant color of the year for 2017, Greenery, seems to be an instant hit for those looking for a revitalizing, back-to-nature hue that brings zest while still managing to work with warm wood tones.
Splurging on laundry rooms. Everyone knows that kitchens and bathrooms get the big remodeling dollars, but many homeowners are seeing value in making every space look great. And laundry rooms in particular are seeing more love. Design tricks to bring in more light, smarter storage and better function resonate with homeowners who realize that since they spend a lot of time doing laundry, why not do it in a space that makes them feel good?
According to the 2016 Houzz & Home Report, people remodeling their laundry rooms of 150 square feet or more will spend an average of $2,700. Take away appliances, and that’s a sizable budget to splurge on tile and other details.
Splurging on entryways. The entry, like a powder room, is a compact place where you can have fun with design without blowing a budget. Homeowners will spend on average $2,500 to make over their entryway or mudroom that’s 150 square feet or more ($1,400 for a space that’s less than 150 square feet), according to the 2016 Houzz & Home Report.
Sometimes all it takes is a small area to feature a fun piece of wallpaper, a statement mirror or a narrow table with a tray for shoes underneath. After all, first impressions matter.
Outdoor-feeling indoor showers. An outdoor shower is highly desirable but not practical year-round in most areas of the country. To get around the weather dilemma, designers and homeowners are looking to intimate courtyards and strategic site placement to create bathrooms that connect deeply to the outdoors while still maintaining privacy.
Counter-depth fridges. For small to modest-size kitchens, remodeling is often a game of inches. Counter-depth refrigerators sit flush with adjacent cabinetry and countertops, freeing up just a bit more space while creating a streamlined look.
Between-studs storage niches. Here, designer Robin Schwadron carved out space for hidden toiletry storage behind a wall panel.
High-tech toilets. Of the homeowners who are upgrading their toilet during a remodel, 20 percent will choose a model with at least one high-tech feature, according to a 2016 Houzz study of U.S. bathroom trends. Some of those features include self-cleaning, overflow and anti-clog protection, motion-activated seat and cover, built-in nightlight (as shown here), heated seating, self-deodorizer, and hands-free flushing.
Black steel-and-glass doors. These glass-paneled and steel-frame doors are great for dark entryways that could use some natural light, and they make a statement for shower doors when frameless glass just doesn’t cut it.
Contrasting islands. When it comes to cabinets and backsplashes, the color white dominates in kitchens. That’s according to a recent Houzz kitchen study. In larger spaces with islands, a white-on-white scheme can come off as too sterile-looking. Painting islands in darker colors helps bring contrast and balance.
Wainscoting in bathrooms. Twenty percent of bathroom remodelers will choose painted wood panels in their bathrooms, according to the Houzz bathroom survey. Whether it’s traditional wood wainscoting or tile with a chair rail to break up the room, this design feature is a terrific way to add interest.
Graphic floor tile in kitchens. Sometimes wall space is nonexistent in a kitchen, which diminishes the opportunity for a standout backsplash. To keep the airy feeling of your kitchen but still deliver visual impact, look to graphic floor tile, like the black-and-chalky white cement tile with a Moroccan-style pattern shown here.
Playful bedside pendant lights. Forget boring old table lamps. Pendant lights free up bedside space for nightstand essentials and are especially helpful in small rooms.
Kitchen entertaining hubs. If you’re lucky enough to have a spare wall in your kitchen, you may have debated about what to put there. Multipurpose is the name of the game, with designers looking to high-efficiency design that produces maximum function and style. Custom cabinets can transform a small wall into a storage and function workhorse, turning these previously cast-off areas into coffee and beverage centers, extra prep space, command and message kiosks, and much more.
Meanwhile, not skimping on design bears merit too. Backsplashes, glass-fronted cabinets, thoughtful lighting and elegant materials make these walls worth looking at.
Amped-up coffee stations. If you thought people couldn’t get more pumped (make that double-pumped?) for coffee, you might be surprised. With 10 percent of homeowners adding built-in coffee stations, according to the Houzz & Home survey, the upgrades being offered are getting hotter all the time. How about a dedicated warming drawer for your mugs, as seen here? Or storage carved out specifically for those Nespresso or Keurig pods?
Romantic bedroom colors. Most homeowners strive for a calm and cozy bedroom by sticking with walls painted in soothing blues, grays or yellows. But according to a recent Houzz survey, intimate or romantic is the third-most desired atmosphere for a master bedroom after calm and cozy. To achieve this mood, look to colors like raspberry pink, deep ruby red, caramel and even black.
White-and-wood kitchens. To keep the all-white kitchen look from becoming too cold, designers and homeowners are introducing wood accents to help break up the look visually and provide much-needed warmth.
Warm wood cabinets. Taking that concept a step further, warm wood cabinets in modern styles are gaining in popularity. These aren’t the honey-colored, off-the-shelf cabinets from the 1990s, but rather clean-lined, beautifully stained versions that celebrate various wood grains and species.
Perked-up side yards. Side yards get a bad rap. Often shaded, noisy from the air-conditioning unit and relegated to a holding area for junk you plan to throw away someday, these spaces see their fair share of neglect. But homeowners use these areas frequently as footpaths around the home, and some are seeing the potential for beautifying their side yards and creating more usable outdoor space.
Hexagonal tile backsplashes. If you’re looking for a break from the rectangular subway tiles or small square mosaics that seem to show up in almost every kitchen, then it’s time to think geometrical.
Walls of tile in bathrooms and kitchens. Many homeowners are eschewing the typical above-the-countertop, below-the-cabinets backsplash format and going a bit more dramatic with full floor-to-ceiling, wall-to-wall tile coverage.
In bathrooms, tile is going everywhere. Many designers and homeowners find that it’s a minor splurge to buy enough tile to cover the walls of a relatively small or medium-size bathroom or kitchen.
Dutch doors. Dutch doors let in breezes and light while keeping pets and small kids safe. We’re seeing these doors pop up in everything from kitchens to entryways.
Statement-making bathroom sinks. Eighty-eight percent of people remodeling a bathroom will change out the sink, according to a recent Houzz bathroom study.
Hanging chairs. Although these have been around for a while, they’re popping up more lately, and not just in living rooms. They’re a great way to add an extra seat with a fun statement to a room.
Your turn: What’s big on your design list for 2017?
Carmel Brantley
David Tsay
William Waldron
Alison Gootee for VERANDA
Annie Schlechter
Max Kim-Bee
Douglas Friedman
Annie Schlechter for VERANDA
Annie Schlechter
The Real Estate Beat 
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