Homeowners

Fall 2025 Home Design: Warmth, Individuality, and a Touch of Drama (Plus, Wallpapered Ceilings)

With autumn almost here, homeowners are beginning to trade long, sunny days outside for cozy nights indoors.

So, it’s little wonder, then, that the season’s top looks reflect an uptick in interiors and colors that are both comforting and bold.

Indeed, after years of all-white minimalism, homeowners are saying goodbye to safe and hello to personality. Think layered textures, showstopping stone, saturated color, and clever built-ins that make life easier, according to the 2025 U.S. Houzz Fall Design Trends Report.

“Trends are moving toward more eclectic and layered spaces,” said Anastasia Harrison, designer at AHD&Co. in Westfield, N.J. “We’re seeing more demand for thoughtful, collected interiors that feel lived-in and unique.”

Homeowners may be able to tap into their home equity to pay for home upgrades and renovations. Home Equity Lines of Credit (HELOCs), cash-out refinances, and second mortgages are popular loans that homeowners may be able to leverage to give their homes a fall refresh.

Houzz’s report on what’s trending offers a décor road map for those trying to decide what to do in their homes. Below, we break down the key recommendations and how to make them work in your own space.

Incorporate color into your home with confidence

Houzz’s research shows homeowners are ditching the “will it hurt resale?” mindset and embracing vivid self-expression.

As a result, jewel tones, statement ceilings, painted doors, and bold wallpaper are all seeing a resurgence.

“People are turning to colorful aesthetic homes and relying less on neutrals,” said Suzette Conrad, a designer for BOLT Builders in the Washington, DC area. “So, we see a lot of people experimenting with colors that are bold but still familiar: navies, greens, black, blues, and reds.”

If you’re looking for a bright and happy room, consider painting it yellow or a vibrant green. For a more relaxing option, you can choose a pale or dark blue.

Not ready for full color saturation? You just paint one wall, a powder room ceiling, a kitchen island, or an accent door.

And if you aren’t ready to paint, simply add bold accents throughout the room with furniture such as an orange couch or teal curtains.

Texture is the new neutral in home design

White walls aren’t going away entirely, but the biggest shift this fall is how designers are using texture to bring warmth and depth.

This approach works exceptionally well for homeowners who prefer a quieter palette but still want a cozy feel.

“Start by adding one or two tactile materials,” said Jo Rich, designer at New York City’s Raydoor. “A grasscloth or plaster accent wall or a bouclé throw, and woven rug are fantastic ways to add depth while ensuring you do not overwhelm a room.”

Rich recommended then balancing those tactile pieces with a smoother and reflective surfaces (like glass, polished metal or a simple slab countertop).

“The space is going to read much more intentional and live in rather than cluttered,” she said.

Go for the showstopping stone this fall

Kitchens remain the home’s showpiece, and Houzz pros say statement countertops and backsplashes are taking over. Quartzite slabs with dramatic veining and handmade tile backsplashes are in high demand.

If you’re planning a full kitchen update, make the countertop your starting point. Seeing the veining up close helps you understand how bold or subtle the final look will be. And if your budget doesn’t stretch to an entire countertop, a single dramatic backsplash can create a similarly luxe impact.

“Adding a colorful backsplash is an easy way to renovate your kitchen,” said Conrad. “It can add personality and vibrancy to a space where people spend a lot of time.”

The goal here is surfaces that feel one-of-a-kind.

Wallpaper’s third act in home design

Wallpaper has been making a comeback in home design for a few years, but a full-blown revival is expected this season. It’s even appearing on ceilings.

“Wallpaper is no longer seen as ‘old-fashioned,” said Conrad. “We’ve had blank walls for long enough that people are wanting to decorate them again.”

From painterly botanicals to geometric prints, homeowners are wrapping rooms head to toe, then carrying the pattern overhead for maximum effect.

For an easy entry point, start with a small area, such as a mudroom, breakfast nook, or guest bath, and work your way up to larger spaces.

“Those are great little pockets of a home to cover with wallpaper because if you’re a little shy about it, you can close the door, and it’s not the first thing you see when you come into the house,” said Conrad.

Pro tip: When papering ceilings, choose a pattern that complements (rather than fights) the walls below. And if you’re hesitant, peel-and-stick options let you experiment without a major commitment.

Seamless living is on trend this fall

A quieter but equally important trend in Houzz’s report is integrated, seamless features that truly embody the quiet luxury trend.

“Homeowners can get this feel by choosing panel-ready appliances such as a concealed hood or a simple pop-up TV storage solution and by routing wiring into furniture or walls for a clean look,” said Rich. “Prioritize one or two concealed elements that solve real clutter problems.”

You can also enhance the seamless look with smaller touches, such as concealed charging drawers, under-cabinet lighting, or a furniture piece with hidden storage.

These touches may seem minor, but they’re what elevate a space from “nice” to “custom,” said Conrad.