2025 Home Design Trends
Spring is the season for touring model homes. It doesn’t matter if you want to buy a new home — model homes are excellent resources for home design inspiration. Professionally designed, model homes showcase emerging design trends that have enduring qualities. With so many new model homes opening in Johnson Development communities during the past few months, we’ll help you unpack some of the top home design trends you’ll see:
Elevated Biophilic Design
The idea of bringing natural elements inside the home isn’t a new one, but this year, you’ll see additional layers as designers attempt to instill the health benefits of being out in nature inside a home. It’s more than adding a few houseplants — although there’s nothing wrong with that — you’ll also see more natural materials such as wood, stone, wool and linen used in home décor. Prints and fabrics will have patterns seen in nature. Water features offer a calming effect and multi-sensory experience.
A Clue on Color
You’ll see fewer gray palettes as there’s a return to more earthy tones, another nod to biophilic design. These warm neutrals are the backdrop for splashes of moody colors such as deep greens and navy blues. Some designers even suggest going beyond splashes and color drenching a room in a moody tone — including the ceiling. Not only do these dramatic shades add depth, they also lend a touch of elegance to a space.
Wood if You Could
Wood — particularly darker woods like walnut — are also making a return to home design and are a beautiful and refined complement to creamy neutrals. You’ll see more of stained cabinets, ceiling beams and moldings. Also watch for innovative ways designers are using wall paneling — we promise, it’s not your Grandma’s paneling!
Curved Furniture
Attempting to create visually comfortable and inviting spaces, designers are moving from rigid furniture with defined, straight lines to more gentle curves. Curved armchairs, overstuffed sofas with rounded arms and curved side or coffee tables soften a room’s aesthetic.
Evolving Japandi Design
This marriage of Japanese minimalism and Scandinavian functionality is evolving, embracing biophilia, sustainability and personalization. The style remains uncluttered and calming, but now homeowners are adding pieces with emotional value such as heirlooms or souvenirs. Sustainable materials such as salvaged wood, stone remnants, woven baskets and more are finding their way into Japandi-style homes.
Delightful Textures
Texture is an important design concept that is expanding beyond fabric choices. Look for walls textured with paneling, limewashing or plaster finishes. Wallpaper is making a comeback in small rooms often mixing with other patterned pieces. Wavy and stone tile also add texture to walls.
Illuminating Lights
More and more, lighting is becoming an art form sparking conversation. Once relegated to the dining room or entry, chandeliers can be found throughout the home in a dazzling array of shapes, sizes and materials. Pendant lights and sconces sport geometric patterns and are often made of natural materials. Lamps for task lighting are moving beyond the table to kitchen and bathroom counters.
Spa-inspired Bathrooms
If stepping into your bathroom doesn’t remind you of entering a spa, you’re behind the times. The trend toward spa-inspired bathrooms emerged several years ago and remains strong today. The space should delight the senses, starting with warm, soft colors and little clutter. Wood accents, woven baskets, plants and stone flooring evoke nature’s calm. Candles, oil diffusers and bath salts provide aromatherapy benefits. Towels and bath mats should be thick and soft. Rainfall showerheads also have a soothing effect. Some homeowners are even adding steam showers for the ultimate spa experience.
Statement Backsplashes
A new trend for kitchen backsplashes is for bold color and design. Intricate tile patterns add interest to a neutral kitchen. Backsplashes can also be the pop of color a mostly white kitchen needs. And just like the walls, texture is finding a home on a kitchen backsplash. Wood-look tiled backsplashes add a biophilic design element. Some designers are even opting for slab backsplashes.
See These Trends In Person
You can see which of these trends appeal most to you by touring the more than 100 model homes open in Johnson communities, many newly opened. Watch for these décor trends as well as trends in home design, such as more multi-functional spaces and the return of dining rooms. Find a full list of communities and photos of trending design on our New Homes Best Suburbs website.