2024 Home Trends to Avoid in 2025 if You’re Thinking of Selling Your Home

As we move into 2025, homeowners considering selling may want to think twice about keeping certain 2024 design trends. What was popular last year can quickly become outdated, and when it comes to selling, outdated trends might be a turn-off for potential buyers. Here’s a list of 2024 home design trends I think you may want to avoid as you prepare your home for the 2025 market.

1. Overly Bold Accent Walls

In 2024, bold, dramatic accent walls were everywhere, especially in deep jewel tones or with intricate wallpaper designs. But while these accents can add personality, they also limit a buyer’s imagination about how they would personalize a space. If you’re planning to sell, aim for a neutral color palette instead. A soft beige, warm gray, or subtle off-white wall color will create a blank canvas, allowing buyers to envision their own style more easily.

2. Open Shelving in Kitchens

Open shelving can look beautiful in photos, showcasing carefully curated dishes and decor. However, it’s often impractical in real life. Buyers may view it as a maintenance hassle, and while it had its moment in 2024, the trend is fading. Opt for closed cabinetry or a mix of both closed cabinets and glass-front displays if you want to appeal to the broadest audience.

3. Industrial Lighting Fixtures

In 2024, industrial light fixtures were still having a moment, from exposed bulbs to black metal pendant lights. But this look is starting to feel overdone and can make a space look harsh or cold. To create a more inviting feel in 2025, switch to warm, modern fixtures in brushed gold, bronze, or matte black. Fixtures with softer shapes and diffused lighting feel more timeless and are likely to appeal to a broader range of buyers.

4. High-Maintenance Landscaping

Trendy landscaping in 2024 leaned heavily into exotic plant choices, elaborate garden features, and high-maintenance outdoor spaces. However, buyers today are looking for low-maintenance exteriors that are eco-friendly and easy to care for. A more neutral, drought-tolerant landscape with native plants, gravel pathways, and water-efficient features can improve curb appeal and align with sustainable trends.

5. Terrazzo Everything

Terrazzo surged in popularity in recent years, popping up on countertops, backsplashes, and even bathroom floors. While terrazzo can be beautiful, it’s a bold design choice that doesn’t necessarily appeal to everyone. For a more classic look, consider solid surface materials like quartz or a subtle tile that will have wider appeal to buyers who may want something versatile and easy to update.

6. Excessive Minimalism

Minimalist interiors with sparse decor, bare walls, and almost-empty rooms made a statement in 2024, but they can feel unwelcoming in person. Potential buyers want to feel a sense of warmth and hominess. Instead of sticking to extreme minimalism, consider adding cozy elements like area rugs, layered lighting, and a few decorative touches. Strike a balance that feels clean but still warm and inviting.

7. Ultra-Modern Bathrooms

2024 saw a wave of ultra-modern bathroom designs with dark tile, black hardware, and futuristic features. While these designs can be sleek, they can also feel cold and impersonal. As you prepare your home for 2025, think about incorporating more natural materials like wood accents, soft-colored tiles, and warmer hardware finishes to create a spa-like atmosphere that resonates with buyers seeking relaxation and comfort.

8. Themed Rooms

Themed rooms—like jungle-inspired nurseries or nautical bathrooms—can be charming, but they’re often too personal for potential buyers to connect with. In 2025, aim for a more universally appealing style. Consider redecorating themed rooms with subtle, versatile decor. A neutral-toned guest bedroom or a classic office setup will make your home feel more adaptable to different lifestyles.

When prepping your home for sale, aim for timelessness, functionality, and broad appeal. Avoid overly specific trends, and remember that subtle, classic upgrades can add significant value and make your home more attractive to buyers. With a few tweaks, you can set the stage for a faster sale at a higher price in 2025.