As 2024 draws to a close, the focus shifts to the trends shaping 2025. From resilient materials to consumer-driven design preferences, the housing and construction industries are poised for change. What 2025 design trends will dominate the landscape? Here’s a look at seven key design and product trends set to influence homeowners and contractors alike.
1. The Impact of Housing Market Trends on 2025 Design
The housing market’s ups and downs continue—with ongoing inventory concerns combining with higher mortgage rates that have kept home stats up and down on the charts across the months. Adding to this is the potential impact of the incoming presidential administration’s proposed policies on tariffs and immigration.
“The housing crisis in America is more than a decade in the making,” Keith Griffith wrote in Realtor.com’s post-election analysis. “Construction plunged following the Great Recession and hasn’t yet fully recovered, leaving the nation in a deep hole of undersupply. Quick and easy fixes are unlikely to emerge.”
These uncertainties will likely continue to impact buyer’s decisions to purchase a home or undergo remodeling projects. Houzz’s Q4 Renovation Barometer found that despite decreases in Q3 activity, the outlook for Q4 was better. “The outlook for Q4 is more positive, especially among architectural and design firms, driven by anticipated economic growth, declining interest rates and larger project budgets,” Houzz staff economist Marine Sargsyan said. “Those anticipating gains cite these favorable conditions, while others remain cautious due to economic uncertainty, current interest rates and tighter budgets.”
2. Building Resilience: Essential Products for 2025
As more and more homeowners feel the effects of extreme weather—and the potential loss of insurance—exterior products and materials that withstand or protect against those conditions are gaining ground. Fire-resistant siding, decking and roofing; cladding and roofing that stand up to higher winds; and hail-resistant roofing provide added peace of mind for weary and worried buyers. Celect® Cellular Composite Siding, for example, offers wind resistance up to 210 mph. Newpoint
Concrete Roof Tile, Unified Steel Stone-Coated Roofing, US Tile® Clay Roofing, and DaVinci® Roofscapes all carry a Class 4 Impact Rating for protection against hail.
3. Easier Installation: Meeting Labor Shortages with Smart Solutions
The ongoing labor shortage has contractors seeking products that allow them to work faster or that need fewer installers. Products like Versetta Stone, which offers the look of stone in a panelized format that can be hung by siding contractors, offer such solutions. In addition, says Mike Berger, Editor of LBM Journal, customers are keen on products that are part of a complete solution. “They’re looking for anything that makes their lives easier when it comes to ordering and product choice.”
4. Outdoor Living
The desire for outdoor living spaces continues unabated—and homeowners are being more thoughtful than ever. Well-planned decks have “rooms” for specific functions (gathering, dining, relaxation), with clear delineations via different deck colors, deck plank accents and permanent fixtures like planters and fire features. Seamless transitions from indoors to out remain popular, as do extras that allow the outdoor space to be used into colder months and after dark, such as well-planned smart lighting and outdoor heaters.
In addition, Berger says, “they’re looking for products that are not just functional, but have an elevated aesthetic. They want a product that isn’t just a structure or a feature … but will set their home apart and give it visual appeal.”
5. Low-Maintenance Materials with Stained Wood Appeal
The warmth of wood is still sought after, and new technologies are increasing the opportunity for stained-wood looks in man-made materials that don’t require wood’s levels of maintenance. Grove Collection, for example, blends rich wood looks for porch ceilings and soffits—no painting or staining required—but is made with cellular PVC for low maintenance and longevity.
6. Why Warm Hues and Dark Trim Are Leading 2025 Design
Though grays continue to be popular, there’s an uptick in demand for warmer hues, as well, with growing requests for natural browns and taupes in both cladding and stone. In addition, consumers are seeking out black trim options, something that can be achieved with TruExterior® Siding & Trim; the poly-ash trim is dimensionally stable, promoting long-lasting paint adhesions, even with dark colors.
7. Cozy Nostalgia: Small Spaces and Big Comforts
Inside the home, “cozy vibes” are becoming an in-demand design trait, according to Zillow’s 2025 home trends, with a desire for smaller, more affordable spaces vs. larger open floor plans. The company reports that searches for “cozy” increased by 35% compared to the year before. Zillow also says interest in “old-world style” choices, including vintage design, biophilia, home libraries, and back kitchens, are on the rise.
As the new year begins, expect to see some familiar exterior design requests, along with emerging preferences. Working with Westlake Royal Building Products, with our diverse portfolio of exterior brands across an array of styles, materials and price points, makes it easier than ever to meet the latest style and performance needs for every project, from one company.
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