Houston specialists in real estate, home design, craftsmanship, hardware, and lighting give tips on upgrading your home's style and value using the latest trends. Learn how small changes to spaces, plumbing, hardware, cabinetry, and furnishings inside and outside instantly add efficiency and luxury that reflect current design and let your personality shine through. Experts provide advice on how to embrace the outdoors inside the house. Don't miss real estate experts' latest guidance on buying and selling a luxury home.
Chas Daniels
Acero Bella, Inc.
How can readers approach home renovations in 2025?
Start by deciding how you want to make your house a home. Think about how your home could be more efficient and make it feel like a space you love to call home and spend time in. Here are a few questions to think through when renovating a home. Do you want a kitchen that fosters daily family time? Do you need a sanctuary master bath that rescues you from the stress of long days? What are the most used items in your closet, and how do you accommodate them more efficiently through design? Do you want to incorporate a mudroom in your laundry room?
What are the best ways to revive a space in the home?
The best way to revive a space with minimum hassle is to change faucets, hardware, and lighting. These items reflect design trends during installation and can look old and tired if not correctly maintained. They are easy to swap out to make your home feel fresh and new. If you are more adventurous, changing the countertops and sinks can freshen up a space quickly.
How much do fixtures and lighting matter in a home?
Plumbing, hardware, and lighting convey a home's price point and overall quality. They can also become part of our disposable society mindset. Faucets should be changed frequently to avoid frustration and potential damage to your home. Homeowners should wipe faucets off daily and wax them quarterly. Invest in durable products with an expected long life span to avoid issues. A smart tip is to select timeless designs with a design professional.
acerobella.com
“Think about how your home could be more efficient to feel like a space you love to call home.” – Chas Daniels
Jackson Gillette
Vice President
Craftsmanship by John Inc.
What are some trends in home renovation in 2025?
Incorporating natural textures, such as stain-grade cabinetry made from white oak and walnut, is popular. Stained cabinetry is often paired with painted millwork. For example, the millwork and doors may be painted, while the kitchen cabinets are stained. Another example is having a stained kitchen island with the surrounding cabinetry painted. This design approach can also be applied to built-in bookshelves in a living room.
Another trend is using hidden doors to conceal clutter. This can be a desk nook in the living area and a wine room/bar adjacent to the formal dining room. In 2024, our team even designed a "speakeasy." Another way of hiding clutter is to include a "scullery" in a kitchen remodel. This "room" is attached to the kitchen for storage, countertop space, and possibly a second working sink. Maintaining a clean appearance is essential as kitchens are now integrated into living spaces.
An interesting trend to watch is the evolution of the open-concept design. It is being reimagined to incorporate multifunctional and cozy living spaces that align with our cordless lifestyles.
What are the best ways to revive and refresh a space?
I'm always surprised how changing door hardware (doorknobs and hinges) for interior doors impacts the home. Plus, the selection of cabinetry hardware can elevate the finishing touches. A high-quality paint job can revitalize a home, while poor-quality painting due to inadequate preparation can have lasting negative effects.
How are homeowners using outdoor spaces in home renovation?
This trend is in full swing. Homeowners are adding, enlarging, and replacing windows facing the backyard of a home with full-view windows. Other examples are installing large sliding patio doors or large stacking door systems and creating or enlarging covered areas in the backyard.
craftsmanshipbyjohn.com
“The open-concept design trend is being reimagined to incorporate multifunctional and cozy living spaces that align with our cordless lifestyles.” – Jackson Gillette
Daicel (Daisy) Prat
Bilingual Real Estate Expert
The Agency Team (TX)
Why are you passionate about real estate?
As a bilingual real estate expert, I help individuals and families find their dream homes and guide investors to create generational wealth. Every home symbolizes new beginnings—celebrations, shared meals, and dreams coming to life. Contributing to these moments fuels my dedication and passion.
What are tips for readers selling a home?
1. Embrace Strategic Staging. Buyers envision a lifestyle. Declutter, neutralize colors, and use modern decor to evoke comfort and luxury.
2. Prioritize Curb Appeal. Enhance your home's exterior with fresh landscaping, a polished front door, and updated lighting.
3. Leverage Cutting-Edge Marketing. Partner with an agent who utilizes professional photography, drone footage, and virtual tours to highlight your home.
4. Price It Right. Rely on your agent's expertise to analyze trends and accurately price your home.
5. Highlight Unique Features. Every home tells a story. Highlight what makes yours unique — like a stunning view or a chef's kitchen. Luxury buyers appreciate aspirational details.
6. Partner with the Right Realtor. Work with someone who understands your goals and communicates effectively. When you prepare with intention, your home captures the heart of the right buyer.
What is your best advice for buying a home?
Start by clarifying your reasons for buying.
1. Identify Your Values: Luxury is about comfort, not just price. Focus on features that enhance your lifestyle and happiness.
2. Be Prepared: In a fast market, get pre-approved, know your budget, and partner with an expert to act quickly.
3. Think Long-Term: Look beyond size and finishes. Ensure the home aligns with your future vision and enhances daily life.
4. Trust Your Realtor: Choose a trusted agent who understands and guides your goals.
5. Savor the Journey: Amid the logistics, take time to enjoy the experience. Celebrate each milestone as you embark on this new chapter.
daisyprat.theagencyteamproperties.com
“Your dream home is a feeling. Every home symbolizes new beginnings—celebrations, shared meals, and dreams coming to life.” – Daisy Prat
Martha Walton White
Realtor
BHGRE Gary Greene-Distinctive Collection
Why are you so passionate about working in real estate?
I love helping people find their next special place in life. Meeting my client's dreams and needs is my greatest joy and satisfaction. As a native Houstonian, I am proud to show buyers and sellers all the wonders and places Houston offers.
What do you see as the latest home trends in 2025?
The trends I see in buying and selling homes are contemporary, sleek architectural designs, including kitchens, baths, lighted wine storage, and display areas. Large walls of windows to let natural light abound and touches of gold accents in hardware and lighting.
What are the best ways to revive or refresh a space?
To make the most impact of some easy/relatively inexpensive updates or refreshing, update dated fixtures and lighting. Current design magazines are a great place to go for ideas. You can visit a plumbing/lighting showroom in Houston and take clues from newly constructed homes. Decluttering is also an immediate update. Consider making an impact with one or two show-stopping contemporary pieces of art or furniture.
What are the most popular colors currently trending in home design and decor?
Medium to lighter natural wood tones, metallic gold accents in hardware, lighting, and tile inserts. Accent walls or rooms of intense, rich color, including dark blues, deep greens, or rich reddish pinks/purples. Homeowners are tired of everything grey/whitewashed. People want a WOW factor in their home for others to see and enjoy. Excitement and sophistication are key.
marthawhite.garygreene.com
“Trends I see in buying and selling homes are contemporary, sleek architectural designs, including kitchens, baths, and lighted wine storage.” – Martha White