8 Home Renovation Trends We’re Leaving Behind In 2024

With the new year right about the corner, we’re thinking about home trends we’re excited for in 2025…and those we’re ready to leave behind in 2024. Though, I’m a strong proponent that as trends ebb and flow, it’s always important to stick to your gut and what you like. That being said—when it comes to home renovation projects, especially on a budget, that go beyond throw pillows and rugs, there’s a little more nuance to it. Here are the home renovation trends designers say they’re ready to see the last of and why.

All-White Everything 

“We’d love to lose the overuse of white walls, white cabinetry, and white countertops that can make spaces feel sterile and uninviting,” says Leigh Misso designer and owner of River Brook Design & Construction in Birmingham, Alabama. “We are always advocating for more character through warm tones, natural materials, and subtle contrasts.”

Debbie Mathews, founder and principal designer of Debbie Mathews Antiques & Designs in Nashville, Tennessee, adds “I think people are gravitating more toward color and pattern as they are yearning for a sense of warmth and coziness in their lives and homes.” She notes that with recent higher costs of living, many people are spending more time at home. “They want their homes to provide comfort, luxury, and pleasure and the stark white palette is just not able to accomplish this with its’ sterile and somewhat cold vibe,” says the designer.

Disregarding Historic Details 

“I feel strongly about protecting the historic integrity of homes,” says Charleston, South Carolina, designer Taylor Hill. “I want our clients to create and live in spaces that transcend the time.” While sometimes unavoidable updates must be made for structural purposes, honoring historic architecture and quirks where possible is imperative to preserving a building’s character.  “You can have a home that aligns with the needs of 2025 while still respecting a home’s past,” she says. “It’s so disappointing to see original flooring and millwork being ripped out to meet the current trends.”

Faux Anything 

Investing in quality will always make a world of difference—often lasting longer as well. “Fake wood, faux stone, and overly artificial materials are falling out of favor,” says Misso. “Authentic, high-quality materials—even in small doses—are seen as a better investment.”

Too Much Gray

Out with the ho-hum shades—it’s high-time to add a little more character with cheerier undertones. “Gray tones dominated interiors for years, but they now feel dated,” notes Misso. “Our team is turning to warmer neutrals, soft greens, and jewel earth tones for a cozier look.”

Renovating for Sale Only

“One trend I would love to see clients leave behind is renovating a space for resale rather than doing it for themselves,” says designer Laura Jenkins. “In my experience, a home with style and personality can actually help the value, not to mention bring the homeowner joy.” If you’re going to put the work into beautifying your home or bringing it up to date, you may as well enjoy it. “Don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through especially when it comes to using color and materials,” she adds.

Large Kitchen Islands

“Oversized islands, while often a statement piece in modern homes, can unintentionally disrupt the functionality and flow of a kitchen,” says Misso. “We are now proposing two smaller work surfaces or even no island and a breakfast table in the center.” Finding creative ways to give your kitchen multipurpose surfaces is so important as it’s often a gathering spot in Southern homes.

“The kitchen work triangle is the most important component in a kitchen—linking the sink, stove, and refrigerator is a fundamental principle of efficient kitchen design,” notes Misso. “An oversized island can interrupt this workflow, forcing longer travel distances between key zones. This inefficiency can frustrate moms and families who love to live in their kitchen!”

Open Floor Plans

“I think many people learned during COVID, and its aftermath with more people working from home, that there need to be private spaces within the home,” says Mathews. “These private spaces need to be free from distraction and noise, so more enclosed than most open concept floor plans allow for.” She also notes that the open concept floor plan impacts the function of the home: “It takes away some of the functionality provided with more traditionally defined spaces where each room has a function as opposed to a few rooms being multifunctional.”

Steam Showers

According to Jenkins, steam showers are a recent trend that can pose an array of challenges. “These can be a great addition to your bathroom, but also limit the types of materials you can use in the shower,” she says. “Be sure you are working through all of these details thoughtfully with a designer or tile contractor to select products that can stand up to the steam over time.”

The last thing you want after remodeling any space are issues that could have been avoided with proper materials. Jenkins adds it’s also a hefty added expense. “Is this something you are going to use a lot? If not, perhaps leave that option behind and put the extra money toward the nicer tile or nicer plumbing fixtures,” suggests the designer.