2025 Design Trends
What’s on tap in the home design world? Experts weigh in!
Daniel S. Kraftmann
Chief Marketing Officer
Town Appliance
Lakewood
INDUCTION COOKING
In 2025, induction cooking is poised to be the top appliance trend. Its rise stems from increasing consumer demand for energy-efficient, eco-friendly solutions and precision cooking technology. With energy costs climbing and sustainability becoming a priority, induction cooktops offer a compelling advantage by being highly efficient, faster and safer than traditional gas or electric stoves. Additionally, government regulations and incentives promoting clean energy use are accelerating this shift.
Induction cooking appeals to tech-savvy consumers seeking appliances with sleek designs and smart features such as touch controls and app connectivity. Retailers also benefit from its growing popularity as it aligns with evolving kitchen trends emphasizing minimalist aesthetics and high performance. The trend is emerging now due to the convergence of sustainability goals, innovative designs and growing consumer awareness, making induction cooking an ideal centerpiece for modern kitchens.
Carmen Henriquez Cruz
CEO and Principal Designer
Carmen Kruz Interiors
Hopatcong
DEEP TONES
Lighter colors, such as beige and cream, will continue to have an important place in interior design in the coming year. But they’ll be elevated by combining them with deeper tones. Dark woods and warm colors — such as brown, yellow or warm red — set against more neutral shades bring a cozy vibe to a home. Incorporating greens, whether furnishings or flora, will contribute to a soothing and serene atmosphere. Homeowners will find it easy to transform their spaces quickly with accents such as a piece of art or an area rug in darker shades or by adding bold throw pillows for a quick, easy update. For a weightier option, choose accent pieces such as a dark wood table or an armchair in a rich color. The layering of deep colors over lighter ones creates a sophisticated, cohesive look that adds interest to a space. Moving away from tone-on-tone décor and making bold choices in the mix of colors leaves room for more personal expression.
Sharon L. Sherman, ASID, CKD, CID
Founder and Owner
Thyme and Place Design
Wyckoff
AI IN KITCHENS AND BATHS
AI will continue to trend across all aspects of kitchen and bath design as homes become “smarter” and more efficient. Companies such as Signature Kitchen Suite have introduced artificial intelligence to their transitional wall oven. This technology recognizes food in the oven and can recommend recipes for future use.
In bathrooms, AI controls can be used to enhance physical and mental well-being. “Smart” mirrors have multiple functions: they can display personalized information; they can adjust lighting based on preferences; and they can monitor health metrics. Some of the new shower and bathing systems can read a user’s mood and adjust the experience accordingly using chromotherapy and aromatherapy. This is all part and parcel of responsive living, which is the way design is headed.
New technology will be used to shorten the design cycle and optimize space planning and design efficiency. Software programs Mid Journey, Visual Electric and Dall-E have the potential to redefine the role of interior designer, changing the way designers interact with clients and projects.
Rachael Grochowski, NCARB, RA
Founder and Principal Architect
RHG A+D
Montclair
AT-HOME WELLNESS SYSTEMS
I believe a top trend will be the integration of wellness systems such as saunas and cold plunges into residential spaces. Though this part of the country is lagging behind a bit on this subject, I’ve personally been in conversations with several clients about incorporating saunas and cold plunges into their homes. As an Ambassador for the Global Wellness Initiative, I’ve seen the science behind these tools, and the ways they improve overall health are becoming more and more clear. Fortunately, accessibility and exposure are increasing. Kohler x Remedy recently introduced its own ice bath. When a mainstream brand creates a product like this, it becomes less difficult to source with confidence, which is going to be what triggers a more familiar, comfortable investment for homeowners. In addition, social clubs centered on these modalities have become more prevalent. When people pay $25 for an ice bath and realize how good it feels, those who can afford it will want to install one in their homes.
Cindy Gelormini
Color Consultant
Benjamin Moore Color Expert
The Paint Diva
NON-NEUTRALS
I believe the next trend will be the addition of more color to our homes. After years of gray tones in home decor, people are craving color. Specifically, I think rich, not bright, shades will be popular: deeper jewel tones such as navy, dark mossy green, teal or dusky purple — colors with gray undertones. Right now, a trending phrase is “color drenching” which means using a single color on walls, ceiling and trim. Color drenching is dramatic and should be used judiciously because it can be too stimulating to have every single room full of color. Neutrals won’t go away, but today’s neutrals — greiges and off-whites — are warmer than the cooler grays we were using over the past few years. The foundation of a room may be neutral, because that’s easier to live with, but it will be topped with rich color.
(Gelormini’s first book, The Paint Diva Method: A practical guide to choosing paint colors for every room in your home is available for pre-order at PaintDivaNJ.com or on Amazon on January 15. )
Thomas Keller
Owner
Thomas J. Keller Building Contractor LLC
Surf City
YEAR-ROUND COASTAL LIVING
In the past, our clients’ second homes were always intentionally designed differently than their primary homes. Our homeowners would build with the goal of summertime use, entertaining family and friends. Now, very often, coastal homes are designed and built with retirement, as well as vacation time, in mind. Clients are placing more emphasis on how they will enjoy rooms themselves now that they plan to spend extended time in their coastal homes. They want spaces with a distinct sense of purpose: a home office, library, a double-sided fireplace for cozy fall/winter evenings, a specialized area for the wine connoisseur. We’re also seeing more of an emphasis on exteriors — attention to siding detail has risen to a whole new level. In addition to wanting a design with a distinctive coastal flare and unique roof lines, we’re seeing a trend toward using durable products such as NuCedar siding, which elevates the look of a home while still allowing for the enjoyment of maintenance-free living.