Trends That Should Be in More Homes, According to Interior Designers

“Grandmillennial” touches can add some character to a home.

Shannon Ggem, an interior designer and the owner of Shannon Ggem Design, wishes the “grandmillennial” style of combining bold, antiquated designs with modern aesthetics would make more frequent appearances in homes.

Adding character to a room doesn’t necessarily mean transforming every aspect of it.

Small details displaying craftsmanship, such as a painted section of a doorframe or a handmade tile, can make a room shine, she said.

Sconces can help a home feel cozier.

Alison Ames, a senior designer at Lark Interiors, said she’d love to see more sconces — or wall lights — since they’re an easy way to bring a homey vibe into the house.

“Sconces add a stylish touch and serve as a cozy night or mood light. With plenty of budget-friendly and battery-powered options, you can effortlessly enhance your space without hardwiring,” Ames said.

Canopy beds are often underused despite being extremely versatile.

Ames said she’d like canopy beds to be used more often in bedrooms.

“The addition of canopy beds not only provides a sense of visual weight to a space but also lends an air of elegance and grandeur to the overall vibe,” Ames told BI. “Plus, they are extremely versatile and can be styled to fit any design aesthetic from traditional to modern.”

Powder rooms are great places to incorporate fun patterns and bold designs.

When decorating a powder room, Kristen Kells, an interior designer and the owner of Kristen Kells Creative, suggested getting creative with bold design choices.

Because a powder room is small, dramatic colors or patterns can make the space pop without feeling overwhelming.

Biophilic design elements can elevate a home, especially for plant lovers.

Biophilic design aims to foster connectivity between people and nature through the use of plants or other elements that mimic the natural world.

Bree Steele, an interior designer and a trade-accounts manager at RJ Living, said biophilic design is great for those who love filling their spaces with greenery.

“You can integrate more greenery in your spaces through living walls, indoor plants, and natural light, creating a calming and grounded space that connects the indoors and the outdoors,” she told BI. “As another bonus, the room will feel fresher and more vibrant.”

Decorative ceilings give homes more personality.

Jan Odesanya, a principal interior designer at Mondän & Co Interiors, told BI that people should pay attention to how ceilings contribute to a home’s design.

“We tend to focus on walls and floors, but ceilings offer a blank canvas for creativity,” she said. “Imagine a dining-room ceiling painted in a deep, dramatic hue or a bedroom ceiling adorned with a subtle, textured wallpaper.”

Ceilings are a great way to inject personality and a sense of luxury into a space, she said.

Personal art pieces help tell a story.

“Gallery walls are lovely, but I’m always drawn to homes that showcase art with a personal connection,” Odesanya told BI.

She recommends incorporating decor with a personal touch, such as family photographs, vintage posters, or even a child’s artwork.

“These pieces tell a story and make a house feel like a home,” Odesanya said.

A dedicated wellness space can transform a home into a sanctuary.

Deana Duffek, the founder and lead designer of Pure Design House, hopes to see more homeowners incorporate dedicated wellness spaces.

“While gyms and spas are becoming more popular, I’d love to see hair salons, saunas, and cold plunges integrated into everyday home design,” Duffek told BI. “These spaces elevate self-care and provide much-needed convenience, offering a transformative experience promoting mental and physical well-being.”

Design choices should incorporate drama and personality.

Joyce Huston, the lead interior designer and a cofounder of Decorilla, told BI she’s over neutral interiors and prefers seeing homes that incorporate personality and drama.

She’s an especially big fan of the Western Gothic style, which combines dark color palettes with vintage designs and textures.

“Western Gothic is the trend I’m hoping to see more of,” she said. “It’s a perfect blend of vintage charm and modern edge. The dark tones, rustic textures, and eclectic mix of elements create an inviting and visually stunning space.”

The aesthetic is versatile and can be adapted to fit various spaces and style preferences, she said.