The Trends That Will Define 2025

SOURCE: Sotheby’s

From sustainable architecture to community connections, home trends for 2025 are all about spaces that nurture well-being, writes Mandi Keighran

With the new year arriving, interior design and architecture trends look set to emphasize intentional living, driven by an ongoing cultural shift towards wellness, sustainability and meaningful connection with both community and nature. Beyond simply surface-level aesthetics, these trends embrace a more holistic approach. Homes are increasingly designed as sanctuaries that integrate nature, mindfulness and technology in innovative ways, enhancing everyday life. From calming retreats that offer an alternative to open-plan living to walkable neighborhoods that foster active communities, these five home trends for 2025 center on restorative and meaningful environments.

Spaces for retreat

The concept of wellness in the home may not be new, but 2025 will see this evolve from resort-style amenities to embrace holistic wellbeing. A desire for dedicated retreat spaces—such as meditation rooms and reading nooks—is set to increase, offering sanctuary from our digital distractions and fast-paced world. Wynddon Estate in Phoenix, Maryland, features a beautifully crafted reading alcove, framed by wood paneling and large windows overlooking the lush grounds. Such an example showcases how even the most luxurious of homes are thoughtfully integrating spaces for quiet contemplation. 

Hybrid inside-outside properties

In climates that allow it, people are finding more ways to blend indoor comfort with the beauty of nature, creating spaces that open up into the outdoors. These designs feature seamless transitions that allow abundant light, fresh air and greenery—all proven to support wellbeing—to flow into living spaces. “Architecture that dissolves boundaries between inside and outside is all about adding value—both to property and everyday life,” says Emil Neumann, director at London-based Paul Archer Design. “It’s luxurious to be connected to nature. Nothing is more thrilling than being exposed to the elements in an unusual way—from a retractable roof above the shower to an outdoor kitchen or a spa zone that flows from inside to out.”

Casa Lomas Country Club, on the outskirts of Mexico City, is a stunning showcase of this approach. Designed by architects Manolo Mestre and Lorena Vieyra, the home integrates feng shui principles with expansive spaces that open to verdant forests. With an interior characterized by enormous sliding glass doors that lead to spacious terraces, the home blurs boundaries to create a tranquil, immersive retreat.

Dark opulence

The new year sees a growing desire for interiors featuring deep, dramatic colors and sumptuous textures—a boldly sophisticated palette that defies minimalism’s stark neutrality. This trend signals a shift towards moody environments that exude elegance. At a historic home in Weston, Massachusetts, a wood-paneled lounge envelops the occupant in a kind of glamorous, dark opulence. The space is anchored by a striking black marble fireplace that is complemented by jewel-toned textiles—including emerald-green drapes and ruby-red cushions—while art deco lighting adds timeless flair.

Smart yet passive homes

Sustainability will continue to dominate design in 2025—and as eco-consciousness rises, homes that utilize passive cooling and heating strategies will set the standard for future living. These residences emphasize low energy consumption through shading, natural ventilation and materials with high thermal mass (the ability to absorb, store and release heat)—all of which reduce the need for carbon-emitting mechanical systems. Both traditional craftsmanship, drawing on elemental design strategies, and advanced technologies—such as sensors that can automatically shade windows in direct sunlight—play pivotal roles.

A striking example of this is Nest House in Berkeley, California, designed by Artifact Collaborative. Bridgett Shank, the firm’s co-founder, notes that as the need for climate resilience grows, employing passive design strategies “should be the first priority. These strategies can also inform the design and be expressed in ways that enhance our connection to the environment.” At Nest House, a concrete wall anchors the east side of the home and acts as a thermal mass. Throughout the day, light interacts with its textured surface—imprinted with the grain of wooden planks used to mold it—creating a “dynamic visual display that marks the passage of time,” says Shank.

Walkable neighborhoods

As people increasingly value proximity to local amenities and social connections—particularly in the wake of the pandemic—so walkable, community-driven neighborhoods are more sought-after. With everything on your doorstep, such mixed-use developments, blending residential, commercial and recreational areas, help foster a sense of belonging, while reducing residents’ reliance on cars, in turn promoting a more active lifestyle and protecting the environment.

Sixth & Blanco Homes in Austin’s historic Clarksville neighborhood embodies this vision. Co-developed by MML Hospitality and Riverside Resources, this five-story project by renowned architecture practice Herzog & de Meuron features 10 luxury residences, alongside curated retail, restaurants, a bespoke hotel and spa. Built using a sustainable timber structure, the design prioritizes pedestrian connectivity—with courtyards, terraces and greenery—creating a vibrant, walkable urban hub.

“We’re witnessing a profound urban transformation where location is no longer just about geography, it’s about connection,” says global real estate advisor Kumara Wilcoxon, who is offering a four-bedroom property at Sixth & Blanco. “Post-pandemic, buyers are seeking neighborhoods that are ecosystems of experience. Walkable communities have become the new luxury, offering convenience, interaction and a sense of belonging.”

SOURCE: Sotheby’s