Step aside, moody walls and muted neutrals. Enter pastel color drenching. This immersive and surprisingly sophisticated trend is all about boldly embracing color, but with a gentle, livable touch. Simple strategies can help you try out the style without it becoming overpowering.

Color drenching is a design concept that involves wrapping a room in a single color or closely related shades. Designers paint walls, trim and even ceilings to create a cohesive and immersive atmosphere, elevated by coordinating furniture and textile choices.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Initially, the trend focused on moody tones, but more recently, <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/discover/color-drenching-pink" target="_blank">pastel shades and light colors</a> have emerged as a palette of choice.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Today’s pastels are not your great-grandmother’s pastels. Far from being sugary or childish, modern hues are dusty, cloudy or softened. However, these shades still evoke nostalgia, romance, fairy tales or escapism. In an uncertain world, people may be craving these comforting colors as a haven from tech-heavy, stressful lives.&nbsp;

According to predictions by Zillow, color drenching is expected to <a href="https://www.zillow.com/learn/hottest-home-trends/" target="_blank">remain trendy through 2026</a>, making now a great time to experiment with this trend.&nbsp;

5 Tips to Pastel Color Drench Without Overwhelm

Your goal is to create depth and interest, not a flat, monotonous space. If you’re new to this trend, here are tips to make it manageable.&nbsp;

Beginners can easily experiment in a powder room, home office, entryway or reading nook. This makes the project feel more doable and will help you build confidence before tackling a larger room.

To create visual interest and avoid flatness, it’s important to use multiple tints of the same pastel shade. You can do this by using one tint on the walls and another for trim, but it’s often easiest to do it through furniture, textiles and textures. Experiment with adding velvet, linen, wood or metal to your drenched space, in different versions of the same core color.&nbsp;

It doesn’t have to be literally top to toe, especially on your first attempt. A white ceiling, a natural wood floor or some neutral furniture can provide a visual break and prevent the single pastel color from becoming too intense.&nbsp;

You can use decor to enhance the drenched look. A few decorative items in a contrasting, deeper hue can create a focal point and add layers and complexity to your room.

Lighting has a major impact on color drenching, especially with pastels. Rooms featuring abundant natural light can handle slightly more saturated tones, while darker spaces may benefit from sticking to the very pale end of the spectrum.&nbsp;

Since good exterior design can <a href="https://kitsapgaragedoor.com/blog/how-to-boost-your-curb-appeal/" target="_blank">boost your home’s value by 7%</a>, this is one way to experiment that might also yield a return on your investment. Painting your garage door in your favorite pastel shade can add personality and curb appeal to your home while still appealing to a broad range of potential buyers.

Once you have a hue for your garage door, link it to other exterior features — such as your front door or fencing — in the same pastel tone for a cohesive look. However, check swatches in outdoor light, as artificial lighting in a store can <a href="https://renovated.com/why-are-front-door-colors-important/" target="_blank">alter the color’s appearance</a> compared to how it looks in sunlight.

With a creative eye, many pastel combinations can work well for exteriors. For example, if you choose to paint the whole exterior, you might pair <a href="https://www.bhg.com/home-improvement/exteriors/curb-appeal/exterior-color-combinations/" target="_blank">buttercream yellow with white window trims</a> and a dark roof, making your windows appear larger and your home more calming.&nbsp;

What are the Benefits of Color Drenching?

Along with looking visually stunning, there are several practical reasons for going all-in with a single color. Using a pale shade wall-to-wall can <a href="https://www.theinteriordesigninstitute.com/ca/fr/blog-power-of-color-psychology-in-design" target="_blank">make a room appear larger</a> as it reflects more light. Color drenching can also:

Pastels are created by mixing primary or secondary colors with white, resulting in a less saturated tint. They are true to the mood of the original, but with added light, playfulness or softness.&nbsp;

Everyone reacts to color differently, but as a general rule, these are some of the moods you can evoke with specific tones:

&nbsp;Above all, choose a pastel you personally love.

Pastel color drenching creates harmony through clever layering of tones and textures. By starting small, indoors or outdoors, you can experiment and have some fun with it. Go ahead and let the soft, dreamy language of pastels transform your space and your home’s mood.&nbsp;

Ready to try pastel color drenching in your own space? <a href="https://decormatters.app.link/blog">Download the DecorMatters app</a> to explore real-room designs on the <a href="https://decormatters.com/explore">Explore page</a> and use our <a href="https://decormatters.app.link/blog">AI Interior Designer</a> to instantly visualize pastel palettes, layouts, and styles in your home—before you paint, buy, or commit.

UP NEXT:&nbsp;<a href="https://decormatters.com/blog/enhancing-your-home-s-atmosphere-with-color-psychology">Enhancing Your Home's Interior Design With Color Psychology</a>

Soft pink living room with neutral furniture, warm wood floors, and layered textures

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Discover how to use pastel color drenching to create a cohesive, light-filled interior without overwhelming your space. Learn expert tips for pastel palettes, layering textures, lighting, and applying this interior design trend to real homes.

Pastel color drenching is an interior design approach that uses one soft hue across walls, trim, and decor to create a cohesive, immersive space. 

How to Try Pastel Color Drenching Without Overwhelming Your Space

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Holiday decorating is something people look forward to every year. But with internet trends coming and going at warp speed, some holiday decoration choices may become controversial. Explore holiday styling trends that people either love or hate, and see if you feel inspired.

Whether you’re one of <a href="https://www.christmastreeassociation.org/press-releases/survey-finds-artificial-christmas-trees-continue-to-dominate-us-holiday-dcor" target="_blank">the 83% of American households</a> setting up an artificial tree or not, this trend has big bows covering the evergreen branches. Some people love that aesthetic, and others prefer to see every pine needle on each branch. If you’ve never swapped ornaments for bows or used one as a tree topper, see if it’s something you’d like to try this year. You could make the bows match the rest of your house so they fit with your existing interior design choices.

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Holiday colors are typically red and green or blue and white, but those aren’t your only choices. Some homeowners are combining their passion for autumn with their holiday spirit. Transform your home this year with orange and black stockings over the fireplace. You could hang garlands full of fall leaves and light pumpkin spice candles. Use spooky ornaments or keep your pumpkin displays on the mantle through both seasons.&nbsp;

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Investing in giant decorations could make everyone feel like they’re in Santa’s workshop during the holiday season. Get the biggest tree you can find, cover it in huge ornaments and place extra-large candles around your home. You can even find string lights with giant bulbs that combine a vintage throwback with your trendy decorating style.

Don’t forget about other interior design elements that will lend to your theme. For example, you could get a massive rug to go under your tree. Circular rugs typically <a href="https://www.districtfloordepot.com/blogs/news/choosing-the-best-rug-for-hardwood-floors-test" target="_blank">look better under round fixtures</a>, so aim for something that mirrors the shape of your tree’s base. Oversized throw blankets and big couch pillows would complement your rug as well.

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This year, some people are opting to leave their decorations in storage. Bare trees are a bold, minimalist and nature-inspired styling statement. Your home could embrace this trend if you get a one with pine cones, sprayed-on snow or elaborate foliage. Or, go all-natural entirely with a real tree, real pine cones and real foliage throughout your home. Poinsettia flowers are a great way to add holiday spirit to your decor while keeping it natural.&nbsp;

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Temporary wallpaper is an excellent way to celebrate the holidays and add a unique touch to your home. Hang panels covered in mistletoe around your living room or decorate your dining room with snowy imagery.

You can even <a href="https://renovated.com/how-to-decorate-the-ceiling/" target="_blank">apply the wallpaper above your head</a> to transform your ceiling into part of your seasonal decorations. Patterns that show Santa flying through the night sky might make your home more festive than ever.

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Gingerbread houses are an adorable winter holiday decoration. What if you swapped the cookies for rectangular marshmallows and rice cereal blocks instead? People have been building gingerbread houses since the Germans <a href="https://blog.lib.uiowa.edu/eng/gingerbread-engineering/" target="_blank">started in the 16th century</a>, so skipping the tradition could be part of your controversial decorating.&nbsp;

Your marshmallow home will look pretty for a while because the sweet squares don’t go bad quickly and hold up well. All you have to do is mix rice cereal with marshmallow fluff to make whatever shapes your project requires. Try making elaborate structures with thicker marshmallow squares and toothpicks. Your family may love the new kitchen adventure, especially if no one in your household enjoys eating leftover gingerbread pieces as snacks.

Explore Controversial Holiday Styling Trends

People are getting creative with their holiday decorations this year. See what everyone’s doing differently to explore potential new ways to style your home. You may find something you adore or rediscover your love for the traditional decorations you’ve always used.

Ready to test these love-it-or-hate-it holiday trends in your own space? <a href="https://decormatters.app.link/blog" target="_blank">Download the DecorMatters app</a> to design festive rooms, experiment with bold decor ideas, and plan your holiday styling before you decorate. Explore even more holiday inspiration and real home designs on our <a href="https://decormatters.com/explore" target="_blank">DecorMatters Explore page</a>.

UP NEXT: <a href="https://decormatters.com/blog/10-winter-decorating-ideas-to-make-your-home-cozy-and-warm" target="_blank">24 Cozy Winter Decor Ideas to Warm Up Your Home This Season</a>

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Discover 6 controversial holiday decor trends you’ll either love or hate. Explore bold Christmas decorating ideas, minimalist holiday decor, supersized decorations, seasonal wallpaper, and more festive styling inspiration for your home.

Discover 6 controversial holiday decor trends you’ll either love or hate.

6 Holiday Styling Trends That You'll Either Love or Hate This Year

Interior design enthusiasts have noticed a growing fascination with slouchy sofas — deep-seated, plush, laid-back couches that feel as inviting as they look. What exactly makes these pieces so popular among designers and homeowners alike?

Designers appreciate slouchy sofas for their unparalleled comfort. Unlike rigid, formal seating, these couches invite lounging, sinking in and lingering. Many describe slouchy furniture as “simply cool,” with casual lines that don’t strain to impress and encourage relaxation — perfect for listening to music or watching movies in complete ease. It’s no surprise, then, that the demand for multifunctional and modular furniture <a href="https://gitnux.org/home-furnishings-industry-statistics/" target="_blank">jumped by 20% in 2023</a>, as urban dwellers seek adaptable pieces that feel as inviting as they are practical.

This appetite for comfort shows up in the numbers, too. Valued <a href="https://renovated.com/types-of-sofas/" target="_blank">at $4.45 billion today</a>, the reclining sofa market is projected to climb to $6.18 billion by 2030, underscoring just how much consumers prioritize relaxation in their living spaces. Slouchy sofas ride that same wave but add an extra layer of design credibility, delivering a piece that balances style with sink-in coziness.

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Slouchy sofas are more than just cozy — they’re stylishly retro. Michel Ducaroy’s iconic Togo sofa, <a href="https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/the-story-behind-michel-ducaroys-iconic-slouchy-togo-seating" target="_blank">unveiled in 1973 for Ligne Roset</a>, embodies this trend. Crafted entirely from foam and quilted polyester, it was initially met with skepticism for having no visible legs. Yet <a href="https://madaboutmidcenturymodern.co.uk/the-togo-sofa/" target="_blank">actors like Colman Domingo</a> adore it, and interior designer Audrey Scheck says it <a href="https://www.interiordaily.com/article/9742737/why-gen-z-is-sinking-into-the-slouchy-couch/" target="_blank">highlights how younger generations are</a> “bringing character back to home design.”

Trendy, Sculptural Shapes That Feel Personal

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In 2025, designers are favoring richly textured fabrics, such as velvet, boucle and linen, and deep, cushioned, oversized sofas that feel sculptural and expressive. These shapes foster personal expression, moving away from overly formal, matchy-matchy pieces toward furniture that <a href="https://decormatters.com/blog/shifting-away-from-neutrals-why-it-is-time-for-personality-driven-design" target="_blank">reflects individuality</a>.

This shift also explains the rise of slouchy sofas. Their relaxed forms and tactile fabrics balance comfort and artistry, making them a natural fit for today’s desire for furniture that feels both lived-in and design-forward.

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Slouchy sofas often come in modular forms — think “blob sofas” or bulbous seating that can be rearranged to fit different spaces or needs. Designers love how modular couches feel like dominoes, easily reconfigured for gatherings or quiet nights. Famous tastemakers <a href="https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/the-blob-sofa-is-in-why-tastemakers-cant-get-enough-of-modular-seating" target="_blank">like Kelly Wearstler and Rodman Primack</a> enjoy the intimacy these low, enveloping forms bring to a room.

For apartment dwellers, modular slouchy sofas also solve a practical challenge — space. With many <a href="https://www.triplecrowncorp.com/blog/furnish-first-apartment/" target="_blank">apartments averaging about 861 square feet</a>, measuring both the living room and doorways before buying is key. This ensures the new sofa fits the layout and can actually make it through the door.

A Style With Soul — Comfort That Feels Human

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Slouchy designs like the Togo sofa cradle the body’s form through carefully engineered foam zones. Today’s revival of such cozy, organic seating responds to a desire for warmth, nostalgia and comfort — especially in uncertain times.

How to Style a Room Around a Slouchy Couch

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A slouchy sofa makes a bold statement on its own, but the magic really happens when the entire room complements its relaxed vibe. The right mix of textures, shapes and accents can turn a casual couch into the heart of a stylish, welcoming space. Here are a few easy ways people can style a room so their sofa feels perfectly at home:

Designers are embracing slouchy sofas because they blend comfort, individuality and tactile luxury. These cozy giants evoke the free-spirited energy of the 1970s while serving modern, flexible lifestyles. Whether it’s the legendary Togo sofa or a plush modular curve, slouchy seating delivers a sense of personality and ease that few formal designs can match.

Want to design your dream living room around the slouchy sofa trend? <a href="https://decormatters.app.link/blog" target="_blank">Download the DecorMatters app</a> to explore design ideas, experiment with layouts, and create stylish spaces that blend comfort and personality.

UP NEXT: <a href="https://decormatters.com/blog/the-10-best-restoration-hardware-cloud-couch-dupes-according-to-interior-designers" target="_blank">The 12 Best Restoration Hardware Cloud Couch Dupes, According to Interior Designers</a>

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Slouchy sofas are the must-have trend in 2025. Discover why designers love these plush, modular couches—from iconic Togo sofas to cozy, modern lounge designs. Learn how to style slouchy sofas for comfort, personality, and timeless home decor.

Why Designers Are Obsessed With Slouchy Sofas

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Color is a visual medium, but it can evoke other senses, too. Foodification adds a new dimension — taste. Food-based color names are taking the internet and interior design spaces by storm, appealing to multiple tastes, emotions, and sensations.

The term “foodification” is still pretty niche, but its concept has been around for a few years — think butter yellow and tomato red. The trend creates strong associations between edible items and color, bridging culinary creations with interior design choices.

Specific foods often have associations with positive memories or pleasurable sensations, making them perfect for describing colors in fashion or interior design. Using culinary terms creates a multi-sensory experience that expands a color’s visual impact.

Food and color have always had strong psychological connections. A study published in 2025 found that <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1878450X25000162" target="_blank">the colors of food and tableware</a> can significantly influence a person’s cravings.

5 Foodified Colors for Spicing Up Interiors

Food can come in many different colors, but a few have stood out over the past few years. Here are five shades to look out for in the coming months.

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This soft, pale yellow shade is the poster child of foodification. It has made its rounds on fashion runways and home interiors worldwide. Some suspect butter yellow’s resurgence began with <a href="https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/butter-yellow-and-the-foodification-of-color" target="_blank">the butter sculpture revival</a> in the early 2020s, where chefs and food artists created elaborate structures from dairy products.

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Mocha mousse is another strong contender, especially with its Pantone endorsement. According to the company’s color of the year release, this brown hue <a href="https://renovated.com/pantone-color-of-the-year/" target="_blank">embodies richness and comfort</a> through its association with coffee. The neutral shade represents the world’s search for stability and works well with bold and neutral colors.

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Various shades of green are getting their time in the limelight, with martini olive green<a href="https://www.vogue.co.uk/article/olive-green-colour-trend" target="_blank"> peaking this year in fashion</a> and interior design. As its namesake suggests, it comes with a sense of maturity and sophistication while maintaining an element of fun. In interior spaces, olive offers a calm, earthy vibe that<a href="https://www.dreamsofa.com/how-to-style-a-green-couch/" target="_blank"> pairs well with natural woods</a> and neutral tones.

Want to see how these tasty tones could look in your space? Try them out virtually with the <a href="https://decormatters.app.link/blog" target="_blank">DecorMatters app</a>—no paint required.

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Tomato red continues its bold impression as designers incorporate this bright, energetic shade into their interiors. The attention to this color likely originated from TikTok’s<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&amp;v=pj8N_l5-A50" target="_blank"> tomato girl summer trend</a>, which embodied a carefree attitude, food-themed accessories, and bright colors, tomato red being one of them.

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TikTok is a rising hitmaker, with the blueberry milk shade<a href="https://www.vogue.com/article/blueberry-milk-nails-summers-most-wanted-manicure" target="_blank"> also getting its origins</a> on the platform. While mostly seen on manicures, designers can use it to add color subtly into the home. This muted periwinkle shade is light, airy, and almost pearlescent, bringing a sense of chic whimsy to any space.

The connections between food and color create a more sensory experience, making rooms feel more personal and alive. Whether someone opts for the neutral warmth of mocha mousse or the punchiness of tomato red, foodified color palettes are best for crafting unique spaces and setting a mood.

Feeling inspired to experiment with these deliciously bold shades? <a href="https://decormatters.app.link/blog" target="_blank">Download the DecorMatters app</a> to visualize food-inspired colors in your own space, play with design ideas, and bring your unique vision to life with ease.

UP NEXT: <a href="https://decormatters.com/blog/10-eye-catching-colors-to-transform-your-home-decor-today" target="_blank">10 Eye-Catching Colors to Transform Your Home Decor Today</a>

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Explore the rise of food-inspired interior design with trending colors like butter yellow and tomato red. Discover how color psychology and edible shades can transform your space with warmth, emotion, and personality.

The Foodification of Color: Sweet, Savory, and Tangy Shades to Spice Up Interiors

Outdoor living designs are getting a major upgrade in 2025. From multifunctional spaces and cozy palettes to sustainable living and climate resiliency, homeowners are embracing layouts that fuse aesthetics and practicality. Whether you’re planning a renovation or a minor refresh, here are 12 trends you want to consider.

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This trend embraces the flow between your <a href="https://decormatters.com/blog/how-to-blend-your-design-style-outside-for-a-cohesive-home?rmxv=1724696971" target="_blank">indoor and outdoor living spaces</a>, treating them as extensions of one another. One way this can manifest is by using similar design sensibilities outdoors as indoors.

Outdoor furniture has grown more stylish in recent years, making it easier to create full living room setups in your backyard. Aside from furniture, you can further nurture this flow by connecting your spaces through solariums, greenhouses or retractable glass walls.

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Since the COVID-19 lockdowns, remote work has become a popular arrangement for several industries. Despite restrictions easing up,<a href="https://www.bls.gov/news.release/atus.nr0.htm" target="_blank"> 35% of employed Americans</a> continue to work from home at least some of the time. Outdoor office spaces make for a refreshing break from your bedroom or indoor desk, allowing you to enjoy nature and fresh air while staying productive.

To make your outdoor office comfy and functional, consider a canopy to protect you and your equipment from the hot sun and a spacious, stable desk to accommodate your work equipment. A Wi-Fi extender ensures you get the bandwidth to stay productive and connected with your team.

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Gardens and other green spaces remain as <a href="https://decormatters.com/blog/creating-a-relaxing-outdoor-retreat-9-landscaping-ideas-for-2025" target="_blank">landscaping trends this 2025</a>, but focusing on sustainability. Picture native plant species that help conserve water or lawn alternatives like moss, creeping rosemary, and creeping thyme. You can create a small farm by planting your favorite fruits, veggies and herbs. Softscaping elements or <a href="https://www.rootedinnaturemd.com/post/differences-between-hardscaping-and-softscaping" target="_blank">living elements bring in lots of elegance</a>, color and style to your garden.

Gardens are also relaxing. Spending 10-30 minutes in nature reduces stress and helps with mental health. One of the most popular landscaping ideas for backyards is sensory gardens designed to nurture relaxation and engage all five senses. This means using plants and decor to stimulate sight, smell, touch, hearing, and taste.

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Popular outdoor design ideas include embracing coziness this year, with a resurgence of warm neutrals and earth tones compared to<a href="https://www.homesandgardens.com/interior-design/are-gray-interiors-out-of-style" target="_blank"> the past decade's cool gray</a> palettes. The former palettes can be visually striking — earth tones cover a lot of ground, from deep brick browns and reds to greens, blues, and metallics. If you want a bit of excitement, consider a pop of bold color as an accent.

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Kitchens are often an indoor exclusive, but that is changing. In 2025, expect more homes to have full outdoor cooking setups. Aside from the grill — a backyard staple — outdoor kitchens can have stoves, brick ovens, sinks and countertops for food prep. These setups transform your yard into a cozy gathering and alfresco dining space for your family and friends.

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Fire pits and outdoor fireplaces are perfect for outdoor parties and barbecues or warming up on cold nights, allowing you to use your lawn or backyard throughout the year. A<a href="https://renovated.com/fire-pit-ideas/" target="_blank"> wood-burning fire pit is more traditional</a>, but you can explore gas fire pits if you want a cleaner burn.

They’re also great for practice camping with the kids. Pitch a tent in your yard, light a fire and make s'mores with the family while telling each other stories.

Summers are getting longer and hotter. These high temperatures and heat waves also <a href="https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/summers-are-hotter-than-ever-and-are-only-going-to-get-worse/" target="_blank">pose threats to public health</a>, aside from just being uncomfortable. Shade structures are a logical response to the intense heat.

Explore covered patio ideas like pergolas and canopies to ensure comfort and use your outdoor spaces all year round. Features like retractable shades and adjustable louvers give you more control over the structure to enjoy the sun or shade whenever you like.

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Homes are taking a wellness-oriented approach to outdoor living designs in 2025. More people are prioritizing personal wellness, which is evident in<a href="https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/consumer-packaged-goods/our-insights/the-trends-defining-the-1-point-8-trillion-dollar-global-wellness-market-in-2024" target="_blank"> the industry’s $1.8 trillion value</a> in 2024. Cold plunge pools are a popular element you can incorporate into your space to make it more spa-like.

The temperature can be incredibly refreshing, especially on hot summer days. Scientists have also found that<a href="https://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/a64355781/cold-plunge-cell-change-study/" target="_blank"> cold plunges can reduce cellular stress</a> and inflammation and improve muscle recovery.

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Smart technology is<a href="https://www.technavio.com/report/smart-home-market-industry-analysis" target="_blank"> gaining popularity and market growth</a>, and its usefulness extends to the outdoors. Think beyond your security camera and consider these smart additions to your backyard:

If you’ve set up some smart indoor systems, try integrating your outdoor spaces for convenience and seamless control.

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Spending time outdoors involves an appreciation for nature, and sustainability efforts fit in with this philosophy. Climate change remains a growing concern, so many desire<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/amandalauren/2023/08/16/the-latest-trend-in-outdoor-design-is-sustainability/" target="_blank"> to create sustainable outdoor spaces</a> for their houses.

Teak wood and rope are popular materials for environmentally oriented homeowners and designers. These materials are sturdy yet comfortable, withstanding outdoor conditions and allowing you and your loved ones to enjoy the outdoors for years to come.

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Sustainability extends beyond building or furniture materials and toward resource management, like electricity. According to Zillow, whole-home batteries are getting<a href="https://zillow.mediaroom.com/2024-11-11-New-technology,-old-world-style-Zillow-reveals-2025s-home-trends" target="_blank"> a 62% surge in mentions</a>, alongside solar panels with an 18% increase, as more people want to create more environmentally friendly living spaces. These features allow you to maximize your outdoor spaces by collecting backup power and minimizing your reliance on the grid and non-renewable energy sources.

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Staying prepared is always smart. Aside from making patios or backyards look good, more homeowners are creating climate-resilient spaces. Some use retractable flood barriers to protect their homes and properties in case of a storm or water catchment systems to ensure access to clean water, regardless of the season.

Homeowners are embracing the outdoors as an extension of the home and are prioritizing design choices that make these areas more functional and comfortable. Make these ideas your jumping-off point toward beautiful, practical outdoor living spaces that work for you and your household.

Ready to bring your dream outdoor space to life? With <a href="https://decormatters.app.link/blog" target="_blank">the DecorMatters app</a>, you can plan, visualize, and design every detail — from smart layouts to cozy patios and fire features. <a href="https://decormatters.app.link/blog" target="_blank">Download the app today</a> and turn your backyard into a personalized oasis, no design experience needed.

UP NEXT: <a href="https://decormatters.com/blog/spruce-up-your-backyard-18-decorating-ideas-for-a-beautiful-outdoor-space" target="_blank">Spruce Up Your Backyard: 18 Decorating Ideas for a Beautiful Outdoor Space</a>

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Discover the top 12 outdoor living space trends for 2025, from cold plunge pools and outdoor kitchens to sustainable materials and smart tech. Upgrade your backyard with these stylish and functional ideas for modern, climate-resilient outdoor design.

12 Outdoor Living Space Trends Taking Over 2025

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The shorter days and cooler weather make winter the perfect time to transform your home into a cozy haven. Using your surroundings to combat the winter blues can help you feel creative and productive in an otherwise dreary, colorless season.&nbsp;

A winter-ready home can influence your mood and energy levels. Keep the gloomy weather outside where it belongs and bring in these brightening elements that redefine your aesthetic.

The dinner table is where you make memories with your nearest and dearest. Seasonal decor never seems to go out of style, regardless of the occasion, and it’s a more powerful statement in the winter. Designing your table is a simple yet impactful way to sprinkle some winter enchantment into your home.

Choose wood and stone elements, fresh greenery and textured fabrics for festive, timeless decor. Adorn your table with beautiful serveware and antique candleholders in warm-toned accents to bring more life into your home. Don’t be afraid to<a href="https://www.elledecor.com/design-decorate/trends/a46975116/unexpected-red-theory-interior-design/" target="_blank"> add a pop of color</a> — it’s a welcome respite from the whites and grays of winter.

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Winter keeps everyone indoors, necessitating a dedicated space to unwind. Cozy reading nooks are making a comeback, with deep-seated chairs and plush pillows leading the charge. Pair the space with layered lighting to achieve the perfect relaxing environment.&nbsp;

Built-in bookshelves and window seats create a charming space to get lost in a good book. Don’t forget a weighted blanket or faux fur throw for luxurious winter comfort.

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Retro-inspired hues define this <a href="https://decormatters.com/blog/10-winter-decorating-ideas-to-make-your-home-cozy-and-warm" target="_blank">winter’s color trends</a>. These nostalgic shades have warm undertones that add balance to your home. Expect to see deep mustard yellows, burnt oranges, rich burgundies and muted browns carrying the season, much like an extension of autumn.

A touch of orange<a href="https://renovated.com/ways-color-can-transform-your-living-space/" target="_blank"> promotes excitement and vibrancy</a>, while yellow beats winter blues with its cheerful sunshine warmth. Pair them with soft lighting and tactile materials like velvet and wool. Remember, there’s no such thing as being too cozy.

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Pattern drenching is color drenching 2.0, where a single pattern dominates a room’s multiple surfaces and elements. Find the fresh repetition in walls, upholstery and ceilings. This trend is particularly effective in winter, as layering visual interest adds depth to a space. Think floral wallpapers extending onto furniture fabric or geometric prints spanning curtains and rugs.&nbsp;

Opt for black polka dots over white for a more classic look that transcends time. When executed well, pattern drenching creates a cocooning effect that makes your space look bigger.

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Dark wood tones like walnut, mahogany and espresso make interiors feel cozier this winter. These deep hues bring depth to furniture, cabinetry and flooring. Pairing moody wood with soft lighting and textured elements like linen and boucle enhances the inviting atmosphere, perfect for the colder months.

This trend is also incredible when extended beyond the interior. Match it to doors and windows to tie them all together. The contrast of dark wood and white environment makes for a beautiful, rustic look. If real wood isn’t feasible, faux wood can take its place as a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.clopaydoor.com/blog/post/blog/2022/05/23/faux-wood-garage-doors-offer-real-benefits-for-homeowners" target="_blank">durable and enhanced insulation alternative</a> so you can bid warped wood goodbye.

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Texture reigns supreme this season. Soft and plush materials like shearling, boucle and mohair add warmth and tactile interest, while heavier woven fabrics make a statement. Layering different textures — such as pairing sleek leather with soft chenille or matte micro-cement with high-pile rugs — creates depth and contrast, making interiors feel rich and dynamic. Patterns are bold, while texture adds appreciation for the subtle details.

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Warm minimalism is taking over the traditional stark white aesthetic. Instead of cool-toned whites and grays, pair creamier, warmer whites with honey-toned woods. This tactic creates a softer, more inviting space while maintaining minimalism’s clean lines and simplicity. White oak, birch and pine create a cozy, refined look that feels fresh and timeless.

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Micro-cement has been everywhere lately. Popular additions include backsplashes, fireplaces, countertops and flooring. Adding a smooth gray surface to a space makes it look premium and ultra-modern, giving rooms a sleek makeover that’s flexible and durable. The material blends with various design styles — from Scandinavian minimalism to industrial chic.

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Nature has always inspired artists and designers. Biophilic design involves finding novel ways to incorporate a natural touch into the interior like never before. Winter-friendly greenery like olive trees and potted evergreens thrive indoors, bringing life close when everything else around you sleeps under a blanket of snow.

Natural materials such as stone, reclaimed wood and wool textiles also add warmth while maintaining a connection to the outdoors. Living walls, preserved moss installations and water features continue to be popular for their<a href="https://www.gardenonthewall.com/blog/the-science-behind-nature-inspired-interiors-and-human-happiness" target="_blank"> mood-stabilizing, stress-reducing and calming effects</a> — a necessity for authentic winter relaxation.

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<a href="https://decormatters.com/blog/lighting-matters-the-importance-of-ambient-task-and-accent-lighting-in-interior-design">Lighting is essential</a>&nbsp;for establishing a warm and welcoming ambience on short, dreary winter days. Statement lighting, such as brass floor lamps, antique sconces or large pendant lights, add elegance. Layer ambient, task and accent lighting to create a well-balanced space ideal for long winter evenings.

Additionally, lighting that doubles as art is gaining traction. Go beyond mere functionality by bringing in playful, nontraditional art pieces to liven up your interior.

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Winter <a href="https://decormatters.com/blog/top-25-interior-design-trends-for-2025-you-need-to-know" target="_blank">interior design trends in 2025</a> are looking more toward bringing vibrancy into a space to reduce the season’s dreariness. Focus on adding welcoming visual interest through patterns and textures. Embracing these must-have elements can help you create a space that withstands the winter chill and feels like a restful sanctuary.

Make your winter home transformation even easier with the <a href="https://decormatters.com/" target="_blank">DecorMatters Home Design App</a>. Experiment with these 2025 interior design trends, visualize different layouts, and bring your ideas to life—all from your phone. <a href="https://decormatters.app.link/blog" target="_blank">Download the app</a> today to start designing cozy, stylish spaces that brighten up the season!

UP NEXT:&nbsp;<a href="https://decormatters.com/blog/17-stunning-sustainable-decor-trends-to-embrace-for-2025">17 Stunning Sustainable Decor Trends to Embrace for 2025</a>

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Transform your home this winter with 2025’s top interior design trends! Discover 10 must-have elements that create a cozy and stylish space, from moody wood tones to artful lighting. Stay warm and inspired all season long!

10 Must-Have Elements for Your Home: Winter 2025 Interior Design Trends

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Looking at <a href="https://decormatters.com/blog/top-25-interior-design-trends-for-2025-you-need-to-know" target="_blank">interior designs in 2025</a> means easing into timeless and functional styles. The trends of early 2020 are now starting to get outdated, and with many homeowners rethinking their design choices, people are more than ready to leave them behind.&nbsp;

Among the debated trends is modern farmhouse design — a fan favorite for over a decade. Is it finally losing its charm?

Shiplap panels, reclaimed wood, barn-accent lighting and white paint are hallmarks of the modern farmhouse, which first emerged in 2016. It’s been a go-to design aesthetic for years, beloved for its welcoming and cozy elements that add rustic charm to contemporary homes. However, designers say the trend is evolving.

The consensus is that the modern farmhouse look is not entirely out of style. Certain elements just feel cliche and overdone. The ubiquitous “Gather” signs, all-white color schemes and overly distressed decor have made the style all too formulaic.

For fans of this interior design style, don’t worry. It’s possible to modernize the look to keep it fresh and 2025-ready.

How to Update the Modern Farmhouse Aesthetic

Interested in refreshing your modern farmhouse home? Here are some top ideas to consider.

Faux distress decor is out, and authentic aged furniture is in. It’s time to invest in well-crafted, timeless pieces like solid wood tables or spindle-back chairs. Opt for vintage furniture and decor as the<a href="https://www.vintage-minded.com/decor/vintage-home-accessories-adding-character-to-your-space" target="_blank"> authentic aging adds character</a> — compared to them, the predistressed ones look cheap.

2. Incorporate Deep Colors and Botanical Patterns

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To contrast away from the blinding whites, the easiest way to add depth to a farmhouse-inspired space is to embrace colors and patterns. Add botanical wallpaper and paint the walls in soft earth tones or deep hues such as blue or green.

Extend the interior color choices to the home’s exterior to tie them together. Adding a pop of color to a home’s front door, garage door, or window shutters can<a href="https://www.aaagaragedoor.com/blog/category/garage-door-styles/" target="_blank"> leave a positive impression</a> and significantly enhance curb appeal. Not only does this establish a more cohesive aesthetic, but it also raises home value.

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Keep the wide farmhouse sinks, as functionality will never run out of style. Add a new spin by surrounding them with updated materials like quartz countertops or colorful cabinetry. A bold navy blue color<a href="https://renovated.com/making-the-case-for-colorful-kitchen-cabinets/" target="_blank"> creates an unexpected twist</a> to an otherwise neutral kitchen.

Along with omitting the faux distressed decor, ditch the trendy “Live, Laugh, Love” signages and go for antique landscape prints instead. Swap the traditional buffalo print throw pillows with the more timeless plaids. These changes are more suited to 2025 design trends without leaving the farmhouse feel behind.

Modern farmhouse design may be surviving the shifting tides but some trends are not as lucky. Here are seven other styles designers predict will finally phase out this year.

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Gray and beige are officially taking a backseat. Designers argue that gray floors look unnatural — as the color doesn’t exist in nature — and lack the welcoming warmth of a home. Once popular among millennials, an all-beige interior is now labeled sad beige, which means it’s time for it to go.

Add plain white interiors to the list. Many are saying that they’re starting to feel cold and uninspiring. The rise of soft earth tones and warm nature hues are replacing the stark whites, if not textured coverings like wainscoting or beadboard.

<a href="https://decormatters.com/blog/how-to-layer-patterns-and-textures-like-a-maximalist-pro" target="_blank">Maximalism</a> isn’t necessarily disappearing, but it’s becoming more refined. Gone are the days of chaotic pattern-on-pattern rooms. Instead, designers recommend quiet luxury — curating a space with bold and neutral elements that<a href="https://www.housebeautiful.com/design-inspiration/celebrity-homes/a43976773/quiet-luxury-interior-design-trend/" target="_blank"> speak intimately to the owner</a> yet are still harmonious rather than just mindless maximalism.

Open shelving looks stunning in styled photos, with books, vases and travel knick-knacks thoughtfully arranged for all to see. While the accessibility once felt practical, in reality, it’s the most high-maintenance shelving option out there. Maintaining tidy displays of pretty dishes and unique serving platters away from dust and real-life chaos is turning many homeowners away. Closed cabinets are making a comeback for their functionality and ability to hide everyday clutter.

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The playful abstract squiggles and wavy designs dominated all of 2020 as people looked toward their homes to add some whimsical touches. From mirrors, furniture legs and accent pieces, these quirky shapes are now replaced by cleaner lines and more enduring forms. People are gravitating toward classic and functional designs — both of which squiggly, decorative furniture lacks.

Discover if modern farmhouse is going out of style and explore 5 interior trends to say goodbye to in 2025. Learn how to update your home with timeless, functional, and personal design ideas that reflect your style. Stay ahead with 2025’s interior design trends.

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