Next month begins the local Parade of Homes—a parade of the latest design trends in real estate. As we prepare, let's look at what interior design trends we should come to expect in this year's parade. In 2025, material choices aren’t playing it safe—they’re getting bolder, richer, and unapologetically tactile.
Designers and homeowners alike are leaning into natural beauty, but with a more elevated, intentional twist. Elegance and authenticity are the new power couple—and the best spaces this year will find ways to layer them artfully.
Elegance and authenticity are the new power couple
Here’s what’s heating up:
👉 Dramatic, Veined Marble and Natural Stone. Forget bland countertops and barely-there patterns. This year, it’s all about high-drama surfaces—bold Calacatta marbles, swirling soapstones, colorful quartzites—that command attention like natural works of art. The stone isn’t just a finish—it’s the main event. (see my article: Statement Stone)
👉 Polished Nickel Fixtures. Say goodbye (finally) to the overplayed farmhouse black and brass everything.
👉 Polished nickel is staging a comeback, offering a slightly warm, luxurious gleam without feeling heavy or trendy. It’s timeless, a little glamorous, and perfectly complements natural stones and warm woods (beats satin nickel, which I personally loath).
👉 Natural, Warm White Oak. If there’s a wood species reigning supreme, it’s white oak—and it’s not giving up the crown anytime soon. Natural, soft-finished white oak floors, cabinets, and custom millwork continue to dominate because they strike the perfect balance: warm, inviting, and quietly upscale. Think effortless California cool—but polished.
👉 Deep, Moody Green Paints. Neutrals are expanding their horizons — into the woods. Rich, deep greens like forest, olive, and juniper are popping up on kitchen cabinets, built-ins, front doors, and accent walls. They add depth and soul to a space—sophisticated, grounded, and timeless—without the harshness of black or the sweetness of pastel tones.
👉 Textured Plaster and Limewash Walls. Flat paint is feeling a little… flat these days. Hand-applied plaster and limewash finishes are taking over, bringing a sense of organic texture and old-world romance to walls and ceilings.
The effect? Rooms that feel lived-in, storied, and richly layered—even when everything else is brand new.
How to Use Them
The best designs this year won’t just pick one trend—they’ll layer two or three together for a look that feels cohesive but relaxed, luxurious but natural.
The best designs this year won’t just pick one trend—they’ll layer two or three together
Think: warm white oak floors + polished nickel hardware + a moody green feature wall. Or dramatic marble counters paired with plaster walls and oak cabinetry.
Pro tip: When in doubt, anchor your space with one natural material, add one tactile texture, and finish with one subtle shine. Layering is the secret sauce that makes the design feel effortless—not overworked.
2025 isn’t about playing it safe. It’s about spaces that feel elevated, personal, and grounded in materials that only get better with age. If you want a home that feels like it’s already ahead of the curve—start with the materials. They’ll do half the work for you.
📸 Striking deep forest green cabinetry paired with a polished nickel faucet shows how 2025 design effortlessly balances bold color with timeless shine.
📸 A dramatic veined stone slab is set in Elevation Homebuilder's upcoming 2025 Parade Home (full event details coming next month!). Meanwhile, warm white oak flooring and treads in Frake's 2024 Parade Home channel an airy, beachy California vibe--timeless, relaxed, and unmistakably luxurious.
