North Columbus News

Home design trends are constantly evolving, and as 2024 comes to a close, some styles that were once popular are now losing their appeal. According to Melissa Dittmann Tracey, a guest contributor and home design expert on the Real Estate Today radio show and podcast, several trends have overstayed their welcome.

Open shelving in kitchens is one such trend. While it can be an effective solution for small spaces by creating an illusion of more room, many homeowners miss the practicality of upper cabinets for organization.

Another fading trend is the use of black fixtures in all-white interiors. The stark contrast may draw too much attention to elements like faucets and cabinet pulls, which might not be desirable focal points in a home.

All-gray interiors have also been prevalent but are now seen as cold and dreary. Designers suggest incorporating contrasting colors or patterns to add vibrancy instead of relying solely on gray tones.

Super showers with extravagant features have reached what some consider excessive proportions. These large shower spaces often include multiple sprays and even bathtubs within them. As these become more elaborate, there is a call for returning to more practical shower sizes.

Design-cores such as Cluttercore, Cottagecore, and Barbiecore gained popularity on social media but are seen as overly themed styles that don't always translate well into real-life settings. Homeowners are encouraged to adopt eclectic approaches that reflect personal tastes rather than following fleeting trends.

Looking ahead to 2025, bolder styles are gaining traction. Houzz's design predictions report highlights three key trends: maximalist styles featuring layers of color and texture; arches and rounded edges providing softer aesthetics; and wooden accents introducing warmth through earthy tones paired with warm neutrals like creams and browns.

Melissa Dittmann Tracey continues to provide insights into home design through various platforms including her blog Styled, Staged & Sold, Houselogic.com contributions, REALTOR Magazine articles, and The Housing Muse podcast.