And no, we’re not talking about the faux wood paneling that dominated basements and offices in the ‘80s. If you painted yours white or grey a few years back, don’t rush to strip that paint just yet. We’re focusing on real wood—solid, natural, and essential to modern design.

The Rise of Rich Wood Tones

According to Good Housekeeping, while neutral decor has reigned supreme for years, 2025 is ushering in a shift toward deeper, richer wood tones. Walnut—one of my personal favorites—is poised to take center stage.

Darker woods like walnut bring warmth, depth, and sophistication to any space. This trend isn’t just about floors; it’s about incorporating wood in new and exciting ways—ceiling beams, trim, millwork, wall paneling, posts, and cabinetry. These elements add architectural warmth that elevates the overall feel of any room.

The Keyword for 2025: Warmth

If there’s one word to sum up 2025 design trends, it’s warmth. We’re moving beyond the cool greys and stark black-and-white schemes of past years. Instead, we’re embracing warm off-whites, tans, beiges, and earthy tones—colors that feel inviting and natural. These organic shades have a grounded, calming vibe and perfectly complement the beauty of natural wood.

Major paint companies are in sync with this trend. The Pantone Color Institute has chosen a rich, chocolatey brown called "Mocha Mousse" as their Color of the Year. Other companies have followed suit:

Sherwin-Williams: Grounded (SW6089)

Benjamin Moore: Cinnamon Slate

Behr: Rumors

Dunn-Edwards: Caramelized

Kitchen Trends: Smart and Stylish

Now, let’s shift from color schemes to one of the most important spaces in your home: the kitchen.

Countertops are evolving with integrated features like built-in pop-up power towers and wireless charging stations. We’re not just talking about outlets with USB ports—think beyond that. The future could even include built-in screens, much like those found on smart refrigerators. The technology exists, so why not?

When it comes to materials, porcelain countertops are rapidly gaining popularity. While I specialize in wood, I’ve invited my good friend Alex from Tysons Granite to share his expert take on countertop materials—stay tuned for that!

Rethinking Home Layouts

Open-concept floor plans have dominated for years, with many homeowners eager to remove walls between kitchens, dining areas, and living rooms—sometimes even skipping permits and structural supports (I’ve seen it happen!).

Now, there’s a shift toward more sectioned-off spaces. ELLE Magazine reports that people are moving away from cookie-cutter layouts and embracing cozy, personalized areas. Designer Brigette Romanek notes that homeowners are carving out functional, comfortable corners, reflecting a deeper connection to how we live and interact with our spaces.

Inspired by this trend, we’re excited to announce a new product at Slat Wall Pro: mobile slat walls. Launching next month, these versatile walls are perfect for creating private zones in open spaces, such as home offices, living rooms, or cozy reading nooks.

Spa-Like Shower Rooms

Another trend gaining traction is the rise of shower rooms. According to the National Association of Realtors, homeowners are moving away from frameless glass enclosures (the "fish tank" look) in favor of private, spa-like spaces. A shower room is fully enclosed, often with a regular-sized door that can still be glass, allowing for features like steam, sauna functions, and even aromatherapy.

Multi-Functional Furniture

As we spend more time at home, the demand for multi-functional furniture is on the rise. This is especially important for smaller spaces. Think sofa beds, extendable tables, and modular storage units. These pieces are not just space-savers—they’re smarter ways to design.
Many of these items are made from recycled or repurposed materials, making them eco-friendly as well.

Biophilic Design: Bringing the Outdoors In

Biophilic design is another major trend for 2025. Homeowners are incorporating natural elements like indoor plants, water features, and natural stone to create calming, refreshing atmospheres indoors. This design philosophy aligns beautifully with natural woods, enhancing the organic, grounded feel of any space.
Timeless Trends: Live Edge Slabs & River Tables

Live edge slabs and river tables remain popular, appealing to those who appreciate unique, natural aesthetics. While these pieces hit peak popularity a few years ago, their timeless appeal ensures they’ll remain in demand.

Expect to see more refined interpretations of the live edge style, with sleeker designs and combinations of materials like metal, stone, and glass.

Bold Accent Walls

While bold painted accent walls were trendy in the past, today’s focus is on covering entire walls with unique textures and designs—wooden slats, intricate wood planks, and other eye-catching features. Builders First Source highlights this as a growing trend, with homeowners seeking new ways to make bold statements through interior design.

Final Thoughts

I hope this article has inspired you to embrace the design trends of 2025 in your own home. Whether you're updating with natural wood elements, creating more functional layouts, or adding warmth and personality to your space, the key is to make choices that reflect your unique style and needs.
Stay tuned for next week’s post, and feel free to reach out with any questions. If you’re in Northern Virginia, contact us for all your custom remodeling needs, especially our locally built and installed slat wall systems. Thanks for reading!