If you’re dreaming of a home that’s equal parts stylish and comfortable, then 2025 is your year for a design refresh. In Portland, home remodeling now focuses on introducing fresh details and blending beauty with practicality. Designers and homeowners alike are embracing some exciting new ideas, so the possibilities are truly endless. Ready to explore the standout design movements shaping homes this year? Keep reading!
What is trending in home design in 2025?
Home design in 2025 centers on making daily life more enjoyable through thoughtful upgrades and refined aesthetics. From small details to bold statements, this year is about making a refined statement that reflects your personal style.
1. Luxurious drama
Interior design trends that focus on making spaces look sophisticated while adding a dramatic flair are the theme for 2025. This is done through big contrasts, polished details, and an uninterrupted flow that ties your rooms together. No matter what part of your home you’re planning to transform, luxurious drama invites you to layer thoughtfully chosen elements – from colors to materials to details – for a harmonious look.
Colors & materials
When it comes to color palettes, there’s now a strong emphasis on bold neutrals – such as creams paired with blacks – that make a timeless statement. Lighter, brighter spaces are in, but so are moody colors like eggplant, charcoal, and deep, earthy tones. Rather than relying on overly complex color schemes, the focus shifts to a limited range of complimentary hues and letting texture, pattern, and subtle variations create visual interest.
Kitchens, for example, might feature popular white oak cabinets for a soft, natural backdrop paired with countertops with vibrant veining or patterns. Countertops present another opportunity for contrast, especially if you have double islands – pairing countertops with different colors for a deliberate but cohesive twist. Outside the kitchen, bolder paint choices define accent walls or even entire rooms – especially smaller ones, while the return of wallpaper offers a stunning way to bring in some interesting patterns and textures.
Depth & visual interest
Beyond color and material choices, luxurious drama also relies on the interplay of shapes, textures, and layers. It’s common to add multiple focal points within a single space – such as a sculptural light fixture paired with uniquely patterned or shaped tile. Still, these elements must work in harmony so the overall design doesn’t feel cluttered and no single element grabs all the attention.
Surfaces have a tactile dimension now, whether it’s through artisanal molding, textured wallpaper, or unexpected tile layouts that break from the standard grid. We can see a lot of European influences, like hand-finished cabinetry edges or classic wall paneling that add a refined flair. Current interior designs are also intentional about soft goods. Draperies, throw pillows, and runners feature rich fabrics and are picked to complement other elements in the room. Mixing different materials is encouraged; it’s just important to keep them complimentary. Stone, wood, glass, and metal can beautifully coexist as long as the overall palette is cohesive.
2. Space planning
When it comes to layout and organizing the space, more and more homeowners are now finding ways to optimize existing square footage rather than starting large-scale additions. In many homes, underused hallway space becomes part of an expanded kitchen through remodeling, and rarely used hall closets transform into convenient powder baths.
The pandemic era revealed the need for flexible living, so many choose to convert less-used rooms into home offices or study nooks. Others focus on outdoor living and use the space to build or expand their outdoor kitchens or living areas. For those seeking extra privacy or guest accommodations, slight layout tweaks can provide space for a primary or a mother-in-law suite without adding a brand-new wing. Since these reorganizations are smaller in scope than additions, they are also more tangible for people with set budgets.
3. Spotlight rooms
The once-overlooked utility rooms – such as mudrooms, laundry rooms, and powder baths – are stepping into the spotlight this year. Instead of being treated like just utilitarian spaces, these rooms give homeowners an opportunity to add personality and thoughtful design. With the right mix of style and purpose, even a small laundry nook or hallway powder room can become a standout feature.
Design elements
To add personality to mudrooms, laundry rooms, and powder baths, many start with striking visual choices. Wallpaper is in fashion once again, especially if it features bold patterns and unique textures. When it comes to cabinets, homeowners are embracing vibrant hues that turn simple storage into stunning design statements.
Another popular approach is the use of tone-on-tone color palettes, where the walls, trim, and even ceilings share the same hue to create a seamless effect. No matter the approach, these design elements give homeowners a chance to experiment with colors, textures, and finishes that might be too daring in larger areas.
Functional features
While those design features set the mood, there are also plenty of practical ones you can add for lasting comfort and convenience. Heated floors, for example, are no longer just for master bathrooms – mudrooms and laundry rooms should feel comfortable too.
Specialty cabinets are important as well and can be tailor-made to meet your needs with features like built-in ironing boards, pullout drying racks, and more. For pet owners, dog-washing stations and similar elements can turn simple mudrooms into multifunctional hubs. With this careful blend of design and practical solutions, utility rooms are no longer an afterthought, they are as inviting and well-considered as any living space.
4. Lighting design
In recent years, lighting has evolved beyond basic function and is now one of the primary design tools for setting the mood and highlighting architectural details. Practical but refined details like toe-kick lighting and underlit countertops offer for a soft ambient glow and easy late-night navigation and add an element of surprise that feels ultra luxurious.
5. High-end upgrades
Outside of achieving a luxuriously dramatic feel with well-thought-out design choices, introducing luxury to your home through remodeling involves high-end features that elevate everyday living. While many of them were once considered extravagant, the modern homeowner doesn’t shy away from investing in elements that add comfort to their every day.
Custom storage solutions have long been the ultimate goal for kitchens and closets, but they are now expanding into other rooms and becoming even more purpose-driven. Their compartments and pullouts are tailored to specific needs so that keeping clutter at bay is easy and daily tasks are fully streamlined. Some examples include closet lifts, built-in ironing boards, steam closets, and pull-out drying racks in walk-in closets, laundry rooms, or wherever else you need them.
Some people introduce specialty appliances and storage upgrades, while others may consider adding a wet bar complete with a panel-ready ice maker. No matter what you choose, these thoughtful additions make life easier and more comfortable while also adding to the home’s sophisticated, luxurious look.
Who ARE Portland's Top Experts for home remodeling?
If you’re interested in bringing some of 2025’s top design trends into your home, COOPER Design Build is here to make it happen. As a full-service remodeling company, we specialize in high-end remodels that carefully balance style and function.
No matter if you’re drawn to bold interiors, customized features, carefully curated details, or all of the above, our team can transform your space with precision and care. From Healy Heights to the heart of Portland and beyond, we can bring inspired design to every home in the Coastal Maine region. Contact us today to start your remodel!
