When designing your custom luxury home, it’s easy to get caught up in trends that are no longer relevant. What was once considered the height of sophistication may now feel outdated and out of place. As design preferences evolve, some once-popular trends are starting to lose their appeal. These trends not only take up valuable space but can also hinder the functionality and flow of your home. If you’re looking to create a space that’s modern, efficient, and truly reflective of how you live, now is the time to step away from these outdated design choices.
At AV Architects + Builders, we stay ahead of the curve by tracking what’s changing in luxury home design. We’ve identified 12 key trends that are fading out of style as we move into 2025. From oversized homes that sacrifice functionality to excessive window treatments, we’re helping homeowners make smarter choices that reflect the evolving needs and tastes of today.
In this article, we’ll explore 12 design trends that are on their way out in 2025 and provide practical, stylish alternatives. If you’re planning to build or renovate a custom home, here are 12 design trends to leave behind as they give way to smarter, more thoughtful alternatives.
12 Outdated Custom Home Design Trends You Should Skip in 2025
1. Cool Tones
Cool tones in home interiors have had their time, but today’s homeowners are shifting towards warmer tones and more natural, organic materials. Earthy hues like beige, soft greens, and warm wood tones are replacing the sterile, cool palette that dominated the design world in recent years. The move towards warmer colors creates a welcoming and cozy atmosphere, turning a house into a home that feels grounded and in harmony with nature.
Read More: Color Theory in Modern Home Design
The Vista House, Great Falls, Virginia, AV Architects + Builders, Photography by Maxwell Mackenzie
2. Black and White Home Exteriors
While black-and-white exteriors were once considered the height of modern sophistication, the trend is beginning to feel too stark and monotonous. Instead, homeowners are opting for more variety and warmth by incorporating other materials like wood, metal, and glass to soften the black-and-white contrast. A splash of neutral color or natural textures can take the edge off, making the exterior more inviting and visually dynamic.
3. Unnecessarily Oversized Homes (McMansions)
Bigger isn’t always better. McMansions—large homes that prioritize square footage over thoughtful design—are starting to fall out of favor. In their place, homeowners are opting for more intentionally designed homes that focus on the quality and functionality of spaces rather than their size. The shift is towards homes that reflect how people actually live, with usable spaces and rooms that enhance everyday life, not just sit empty.
Read More: How to Avoid Buying or Building a McMansion
4. Formal Detached, Isolated Dining Rooms
The once-popular formal dining room—isolated from the rest of the house—is no longer a must-have. More homeowners are moving towards open-concept dining areas that are integrated into the kitchen or living space. This allows families to spend more time together, whether they’re cooking, eating, or socializing. It also makes better use of space, making the home feel more fluid and functional for modern living.
5. Sun Rooms
Sunrooms were a solution for older, darker homes that lacked sufficient natural light, but modern homes now feature larger windows that allow light to flood every room. With light streaming into almost every corner of the house, the traditional sunroom has become redundant. Instead of a separate sunroom, today’s homes are designed to be bright and airy throughout, embracing open space and expansive views.
6. Unnecessarily Tall Ceiling Heights
While high ceilings—around 12 feet—can enhance a home’s sense of space, ceilings taller than 14, 16, or even 18 feet throughout the home are often unnecessary and add little to the overall function of a home. Today, homeowners are choosing taller windows and doors instead of continuing the trend of soaring ceiling heights. This not only provides more natural light but also makes the space feel more proportionate and cohesive.
7. Too Many Sitting Areas Inside
Gone are the days of multiple sitting rooms and formal living areas spread throughout the home. Homeowners are now looking to centralize their living spaces, particularly in the kitchen, which has evolved into the heart of the home. Today, people want multiple zones within the kitchen, such as prep areas, bars, dining spaces, and even a work nook. This shift reflects how modern families live and gather, with an emphasis on versatility and comfort in the kitchen.
8. Grand Staircases
The grand staircase used to be a showpiece in many homes, often taking center stage when you first entered. However, today’s homeowners prefer a more understated approach, with staircases often placed off to the side. Instead of making the staircase the focal point, people are choosing beautiful windows or views as the first thing you see when you walk into a home, creating a sense of openness and connection to the outdoors.
9. Jack and Jill Bathrooms
Once a popular design choice for shared spaces, Jack and Jill bathrooms (where two bedrooms share a bathroom) are being replaced by private bathrooms for each bedroom. Homeowners want the convenience and privacy of having their own bathroom, which enhances daily comfort and reduces household congestion, particularly for families.
Read More: Compare 5 Different Types of Bathroom Layouts
10. Soaking Tubs
While soaking tubs were once a luxury feature in the master suite, today, they are increasingly being swapped out for oversized showers, steam rooms, or even cold plunge pools. Homeowners are opting for functional spaces that provide better everyday use, especially in a master bath. Large tubs are often underused and can take up valuable space, while expansive showers or wellness-focused areas like saunas offer a better return on investment for homeowners.
The Astron House, Great Falls, Virginia, AV Architects + Builders, Photography by Maxwell Mackenzie
11. Too Many Window Treatments
In the past, homeowners used multiple layers of curtains, shades, and drapes to cover every window. But today, there is a clear shift towards minimal window treatments. The goal is to enjoy large, modern windows that allow plenty of natural light to flood in. Homeowners are opting for simple treatments, like blinds or sheers, that provide privacy without compromising the view or blocking out sunlight. This trend embraces the clean, minimalist aesthetic that has become synonymous with modern design.
12. Basements
The traditional basement, once considered essential for additional living space, is losing its appeal. With a shift toward main-level living and upper-level investment, basements are now often relegated to being used only for mechanical rooms, storage, or utility spaces. Homeowners prefer to optimize their upper and main levels for living and entertaining, leaving basements to serve as functional, out-of-sight spaces. This shift in how space is utilized reflects the modern desire for practicality and efficiency in home design.
Avoid These 12 Custom Home Design Trends in 2025 for a Timeless Look
As we move into 2025, the trends in luxury home design are shifting toward more thoughtful, practical, and sustainable choices. Homeowners are increasingly prioritizing functionality and efficiency, opting for designs that better align with modern living needs. By moving away from outdated trends like oversized homes and excessive window treatments, you can create a space that not only feels comfortable and stylish but also enhances your daily life.
At AV Architects + Builders, we specialize in designing custom homes that reflect your personal style and enhance your overall lifestyle. If you’re looking to build a home that works for you and your family, we’d love to help bring your vision to life. Schedule a Discovery Call with our team at AV Architects + Builders to get started.
For more design inspiration and expert tips on building your dream home, visit our Learning Center. We provide valuable resources to help guide you through every step of the design and building process. Let’s create a home that’s both beautiful and functional, perfect for how you live today and tomorrow.
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