As we step into the second month of 2025, conversations about home remodeling trends are buzzing across social media and the internet. What’s in? What’s out? Are white kitchens in; are white kitchens out? (Pro Tip: white kitchens are still going strong!).
But what do professional remodelers think when clients talk trends?
The Role of Trends in Home Design
Trends mirror cultural shifts and evolving lifestyles. From sustainable materials to updated layouts and high-tech appliances, trends highlight how timeless design is adapted to meet today’s needs. The phrase “What is old is new again…only better” captures this idea. Good design balances form and function, honoring the best of the past while meeting the demands of the present.
At InSite Builders & Remodeling, we see trends as a starting point for inspiration. That’s why one of the first things we ask our clients for is a Houzz Ideabook (find us on Houzz here) to get a sense of their personal style. But the magic of remodeling lies in solving real-life challenges—not simply following what’s trending.
A Client’s Journey: From Trend-Focused to Problem-Solving
One of our favorite projects involved a couple from Georgetown, DC. When they arrived for their first design meeting, the wife, an accomplished home chef, was eager to embrace a popular kitchen trend: open shelving with no upper cabinets. She envisioned the bright, airy space she had seen in magazines and on social media, believing it would solve the dismal, cramped feel of her outdated kitchen.
However, as we explored their day-to-day needs, challenges came to light. The kitchen wasn’t just dark—it lacked storage for her extensive collection of cookware and entertaining essentials. Open shelving alone wouldn’t provide the functionality they required. At InSite, function drives design solutions.
Rather than discard the trend altogether, we reimagined it to suit their lifestyle. We designed a kitchen that balanced form and function, blending custom cabinetry with strategically placed open shelves, under-cabinet LED lighting, and even skylights to flood the space with natural light. The result was a timeless design that captured the open feel she wanted while offering ample storage.
When the project was complete, she said, “I thought I had to sacrifice storage to get what I really wanted, but this kitchen is more than I could have ever imagined.”
This is what home remodeling professionals understand: trends are not boxes to check. They’re springboards for creating designs that reflect the unique needs of every homeowner.
What’s Leading the Way in 2025?
Now that we’ve reframed how to approach trends, let’s look at some of the design trends shaping 2025:
- Zoned Kitchens
Open-concept layouts are evolving into zoned kitchens, which create distinct spaces for prepping, cooking, and entertaining. This approach enhances organization and makes multitasking easier in today’s multifunctional homes. For a closer look at kitchen layout ideas, check out our feature in The Spruce here. - Wellness-Inspired Bathrooms
Bathrooms are becoming sanctuaries of calm. Features like chromotherapy lighting (colored lights that promote relaxation), aromatherapy showers, and natural stone elements are transforming bathrooms into restorative retreats. - Technology Everywhere
Smart homes are taking over. Voice-activated lighting, energy-saving thermostats, and app-controlled appliances are just a few ways technology is seamlessly integrating into remodeling designs. - Statement Ceilings
Forget about ceilings as an afterthought. Bold wallpaper, painted wood planks, and architectural beams are making ceilings the focal point of many spaces. This trend allows for creative expression, and, bonus, it can be easy to update down the road. - Moody Metal Finishes
Traditional polished chrome and brushed nickel are giving way to richer, more dramatic finishes like oil-rubbed bronze and aged brass. These finishes add character and warmth, particularly in contemporary designs.
When home remodelers hear the word “trend,” they hope clients see it as a source of inspiration. At InSite Builders & Remodeling, a successful renovation balances form and function to create spaces that are beautiful, unique, and livable.
