How To Design An Outdoor Space That Feels Like Home

Dark Espresso Wood

I’m not sure this ever qualified as good design, but espresso-colored veneer was everywhere just a few years ago. Heavy, dark finishes tend to make spaces feel gloomy, and frankly, cheap. Instead, opt for natural, solid woods like white oak or walnut. While they may cost more upfront, they're a smart lifelong investment because of their durability and timelessness.

Matchy-Matchy Furniture Sets

This room is cringe on so many levels. Rooms lack personality when everything matches perfectly, but also this trad furniture with rolled arms and decorative nail heads are a bit gag-inducing. Instead, choose sophisticated styles, from sleek curves to classic and modern silhouettes, paired with vintage pieces for a layered, lived-in look.

The Color Grey

It's had its heyday, but grey needs to go in 2025. It was just so overdone. I admittedly still have a grey sofa from West Elm that is now 10 years old and it *will* go in 2025. Instead, I'll look for earthy, natural, and warm colors to replace it.

Metal Beds

Metal bed frames can feel cold and stark when your bedroom should feel warm and cozy. They don't inspire good feng shui too because it's thought that the energy flows too quickly through metal, creating a sense of restlessness or heightened activity. Not something you want in your bedroom! A wooden or upholstered bed is a much better choice for a calmer, more grounded space to sleep.

Glam French Country

The charm of French country is its simplicity and authenticity — there’s nothing overtly glamorous about it. This bed is a little too "extra." True French country style emphasizes natural woods, organic fibers, and timeless, understated decor.

Mid Century Modern

There is a timelessness to the clean lines and quality of midcentury modern design, but homes are becoming cozier, less minimal, and leaning into curvier shapes and elevated designs.

Bulky Furniture

Heavy-weighted sofas with rolled arms are making way for low-seated, modular sofas in sophisticated shapes.

Futons

Sleeper sofas are becoming more comfortable and stylish, leaving the dorm-room vibe of futons a thing of the past.

Boho

For those who love this aesthetic, don't worry. Rustic is still in, but in an elevated way with natural fibers, colors, and reclaimed woods still in the mix. That said, it's time to lose the macramé wall hangings, eclectic mix of furniture and textiles, and plants everywhere in rattan pots.

Teal Furniture

While playful and eye-catching, this color is a bit garish. Look for subdued and sophisticated jewel tones for colors that will stand the test of time. Here are home color trends that will be huge in 2025 and beyond.

Barn Door Beds

Barn doors, outside of a barn, are definitely out, but this tacky farmhouse look especially needs to go.

Industrial Anything

Metal chairs, exposed Edison bulbs, kitschy steampunk decor is a home decor scene that needs to stay way back in the past. Update the look with softer, more organic accents like a wood farm table with linen slipcovered chairs.

Recliners

Dad's Lazyboy needs to stay hidden in his man cave or officially go. The bulky chairs, while super comfortable, can dominate a room. Instead, look for accent chairs that are still really comfortable but look sleek and modern.

Tuscan Kitchens

If you're on the hunt for a first home, you might see this popular kitchen trend from the early 2000s everywhere. Instead,upgrade to a modern Mediterranean look with warm neutrals and natural stone materials.

Glass-Top Tables

Glass-top dining and coffee tables can feel cold and impractical (they require constant cleaning!). Instead, choose wood or stone dining tables for a sturdier, earthier vibe.

Gold Hardware

Unlacquered brass is on trend in kitchens and baths, but this faux gold look that conjures up '80s brass needs to go.

Corduroy Upholstery

Corduroy upholstery may be affordable, but it often ends up looking cheap and dated. For a more refined and timeless feel, opt for fabrics like wool, velvet, or natural linen.

Chevron and Overly Geometric Patterns

Chevron patterns have been on their way out for a couple years now, but 2025 is the time to truly let them go. Buh-bye!

Aubergine

Purple has taken a backseat in home decor trends over the past few years, but 2025 is set to change that in a big way. From Glidden's 2025 Color of the Year, Purple Basil, to Benjamin Moore's moody and nature-inspired Cinnamon Slate — a rich mix of purple and brown — even Farrow & Ball’s opulent Brinjal and Coordonné Paints' lush Berenjena, deep, rich purples are making a much-welcome return. These shades embody everything we love about purple hues: royalty, luxury, creativity, and a little mystery.

Mocha Mousse

Pantone Color of the Year, PANTONE 17-1230 Mocha Mousse, is a deliciously warm brown that blends two of my favorite things: coffee and chocolate. This cozy, yet refined hue is rich without being overpowering, with a muted sophistication (think: coffee with a splash of cream) that instantly warms up a space. Pantone describes it as the color of comfort, and I couldn’t agree more. “Mocha Mousse is the perfect choice for 2025," says designer Ashley Stark. "Mocha Mousse offers endless possibilities for decorating, whether it’s through a plush rug, a soothing carpet, or as a base for bold pops of color like deep jewel tones or metallics. This versatile shade opens up a world of design options, making it a timeless and adaptable addition to any space."

Brick Red

Brick Red, a warm and inviting hue, is stepping into the spotlight for 2025. Colors like BEHR’s color of the year, Rumors, are embracing the growing trend of burgundy-inspired tones. With its deep red base and subtle brown undertones, Brick Red adds the perfect touch of warmth and depth to your earthy decor.

Chartreuse

Named after the French liqueur, Chartreuse sits between yellow and green on the color spectrum and can range from a neon-like brightness to softer, more muted tones. Its a unique balance of warmth from its yellow undertones and coolness from its green hues, giveing it a versatile quality that gets along with a variety of palettes. Look for it in Sherwin-Williams 2025 Color of the Year Capsuleand Article's Abisko Velvet Sectional.

Sky Blue

This classic and versatile color can't help but create calm, serene spaces (think bedrooms and bathrooms) while still being fresh and fun. Often associated with the sky and sea, the color pairs perfectly with a variety of styles, from coastal and cottage to modern and minimalist, and complements neutrals like white, beige, and gray for a crisp, modern look. For a softer palette, sky blue, like in Anthropologie's Velvet Lawson Chair, with blush pinks and muted greens for a perfect 2025 color mix.

Truffle Brown

Browns remain a dominant force in home decor, and truffle shades like Graham & Brown's Color of the Year, Elderton, are rich, warm and incredibly versatile. Use them in furniture, textiles, and accessories. Truffle brown pairs beautifully with earthy neutrals, soft creams, or even jewel tones, and can be used as a statement wall color or an accent in decor pieces.

Clove

This moody neutral, like one of Sherwin Williams's COY Clove orBenjamin Moore Wrought Iron, add drama and sophistication to any room, from half baths if you want to use just a little to living room and bar areas like this Austin-based design from Arterberry Cooke.

Dusty Pink

The blush-painted molding in this kids' room designed by Bungalowe elevates the entire space, but you don't have to limit dusty pinks to girl's rooms. In 2025, consider it on kitchen cabinets, in bathrooms, bedrooms, even a home office for a soothing, relaxed, even romantic vibe. This muted shade of pink offers a warm, inviting feel and pairs beautifully with earthy tones like terracotta, beige, and olive green.

Deep Forest Green

The perfectly imperfect look of this Zia Zellige Racing Green tile complements the refined elegance of this bathroom designed by Karan and Sapna Aggarwal of Bungalowe. Deep, rich jewel tones like deep forest green are grounding spaces and adding a touch of elegance to any space.

Honey

Warm neutrals like honey, soft beige, and warm white complement the shades of rich browns like Dunn-Edwards's Color of the Year Caramelized. Look for it on honey-colored woods and paints for your 2025 refresh!

Kiehl's Avocado Nourishing Hydration Mask

This face mask made with avocado delivers results that are just as fun and satisfying as applying it is. It promises "soft and hydrated skin in just 15 minutes."

Lifelines Flameless Candle / Essential Oil Diffuser

Essential oil lovers will love this flameless diffuser since it's compatible with any kind of essential oil. There's no flame, smoke, or spilled wax to clean up after use, plus it's gonna look beautiful on any bookshelf or bedside table.

Touchland Glow Mist Revitalizing Hand Sanitizer Spray

This hand sanitizer has got to be one of the weirdest (but most amazing) formats for a beauty product I've ever seen. One tiny container delivers 500 sprays full of rose petals, blackcurrant buds, and rosewater to replenish your skin's moisture, all while fighting common germs and smelling delish.

Starument Portable Hand Vacuum Cleaner

This "ultra-powerful" cordless vacuum easily sucks up dirt, dust, and other particles off of any surface. It's insanely compact and portable, perfect for cleaning up smaller spaces like your car or work cubicle!

Nodpod Gentle Pressure Sleep Mask

Good sleep is the first step to true self-care. This weighted sleep mask provides even pressure and blocks out 100% of light to really help you wind down. You can even pop it in the freezer before use to help tackle pesky mid-day headaches!

Alleyoop Tip Off Liquid-Filled Makeup Removing Swabs

These makeup remover-filled cotton swabs are great to keep in your purse for those random makeup mishaps or smudges. The formula is effective but equally calm, so it won't irritate your sensitive eye area or other parts of your skin.

COSRX Snail Mucin 96% Power Repairing Essence

Made with snail mucin (yes, real snail mucin), this skincare essence has a surprising cult following for its ability to repair dry skin and provide long-lasting hydration. It's a must-have addition to level up your 2025 skincare routine!

Good Weird Cold Brew Undereye Cream

Wake up! This under eye cream is powered by caffeine to help de-puff the under eye area, essentially working like an "espresso shot for your face," per the brand. Its unique formula smooths, blurs, diminishes fine lines, brightens skin, and promotes collagen production all at once.

Feierdun Adjustable Dumbbells

If you're strapped for space when it comes to at-home workouts, these weird but amazing dumbbells provide the perfect solution, so you don't have to keep multiple sets lying around. They range from 2 to 10 pounds, and are adjustable in 2-pound increments to suit your personal goals.

Goshi Exfoliating Shower Towel

Exfoliation is key in retaining healthy, glowing skin! Keep this shower towel on-hand to lather up and clean your skin, all while scrubbing away dirt, oil, and dead skin cells.

Viozon Tablet Stand Pillow

Resting can be just as productive as working out, journaling, or locking in on your self-care routine are. When it's time to wind down and let your body and mind catch up, this tablet or phone stand pillow comes in super handy with a hands-free design. Simply grab some snacks and post up with this pillow to veg out and watch your fave TV shows or YouTube vids!

Aquaphor Healing Balm Stick

Aquaphor... in stick form? I'll take 10 of them, thank you! This is the only formula to truly nourish and heal my dry lips, skin, and cuticles, especially in the winter. The stick format looks so much more convenient than their traditional squeezable tube.

Bee's Wrap Reusable Beeswax Food Wraps

These food wraps made from beeswax will help you eliminate (or simply just diminish) your use of single-use plastics in the kitchen. Made entirely of organic materials, you won't be crossing paths with any microplastics or toxic chemicals any time soon. When the wraps no longer retain their shape, they can be easily composted or used as a fire starter!

Monstake Automatic Soap Dispenser

This automatic soap dispenser just seems like such a fun purchase, plus it'll upgrade any bathroom or kitchen sink setup. It's compatible with any foaming hand soap, dish soap, or body wash for a luxe feel.

LED Light Therapy Face Mask

We adore red light therapy tools over here. This face mask makes reaping the benefits super easy, since you can rock it hands-free. It even has four different modes to target specific skincare concerns like dullness, redness, and acne.