What I’m Loving in Homes Right Now (and What I’m Tired Of)

After what feels like hundreds of home tours, countless saved Pinterest photos, and more Zillow scrolling than I'd like to admit, I've realized something: my design taste has changed.

I'm craving homes with warmth, character, and personality.

The perfectly staged, all-white, ultra-modern spaces that seemed to be everywhere a few years ago just don't excite me anymore. Give me warm wood, interesting details, and a home that feels collected rather than copied.

Here are a few things I'm loving right now—and a few trends I'm ready to leave behind.What I'm Loving

Warm Wood Cabinetry

I don't care how trendy white kitchens become—I will always love warm wood.

Whether it's white oak, walnut, or a rich stained finish, wood instantly makes a kitchen feel inviting. It brings warmth, texture, and a sense of permanence that painted cabinets often can't replicate.

When I walk into a home with beautiful wood cabinetry, it feels like someone designed it to be lived in, not just photographed.

Defined Spaces

This may be an unpopular opinion, but I'm officially team defined spaces.

Not every wall needs to come down.

I love a cozy dining room, a dedicated office, and spaces that have a purpose. While open floor plans can be beautiful, I've found myself drawn to homes that offer a little separation and privacy.

There's something comforting about rooms that feel intentional.

Brass and Aged Metals

The shiny chrome and matte black phase may never completely disappear, but lately I'm loving brass, unlacquered finishes, and metals that develop character over time.

They add warmth and make a home feel layered rather than trendy.

Real Stone

If I have to choose between a trendy finish and natural stone, I'll choose the stone every time.

Marble with movement. Soapstone that ages beautifully. Limestone with natural texture.

The imperfections are exactly what make these materials feel timeless.

Moody Paint Colors

I'm seeing more homeowners move away from sterile white walls and embrace color again.

Deep greens, warm taupes, rich blues, and earthy neutrals create depth and personality in a way that bright white walls simply can't.

A home should feel cozy, not clinical.

Architectural Character

Give me ceiling beams, arches, paneling, built-ins, or interesting millwork.

The homes that stop me in my tracks always have something memorable about them. Character is becoming increasingly rare, which is exactly why I appreciate it so much.

Indoor-Outdoor Living

One feature I'll never get tired of is a strong connection between indoor and outdoor spaces.

Large windows, French doors, covered patios, and views of mature landscaping make a home feel bigger, brighter, and more welcoming.

Mature Trees and Larger Lots

This one might be the Dallas house hunter in me talking, but mature trees immediately elevate a property.

They provide privacy, shade, and a sense of established beauty that takes decades to create.

A beautiful lot can make an average home feel special.

What I'm Tired Of

All Gray Everything

I am begging builders and flippers to let this trend go. Gray floors. Gray walls. Gray cabinets.

For years it was the default design choice, and now many of these homes already feel dated. Homes should feel warm and welcoming, not like a black-and-white filter.

Cookie-Cutter White Flip Kitchens

A white kitchen can absolutely be beautiful.

But when every flip includes the exact same white shaker cabinets, black hardware, and generic pendant lights, it starts to feel less timeless and more predictable.

The best homes have personality.

Builder-Grade Lighting

Lighting is one of the fastest ways to elevate a home, which is why builder-grade fixtures stand out so much.

Beautiful lighting adds personality. Generic lighting makes everything feel unfinished.

Tiny Backyards

This might be controversial, but tiny backyards are becoming one of my biggest deal breakers.

I want space for dogs to run, friends to gather, and room to enjoy being outside.

Especially in Texas.

Trends That Age Too Quickly

If I can immediately identify the exact year a renovation was completed, that's usually not a great sign.

The homes I love most tend to blend timeless materials with personal style rather than chasing every trend.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, design trends will always come and go.

What matters most is creating a home that feels like you.

For me, that means warm woods, natural materials, cozy spaces, and plenty of character. I want homes that feel collected over time, not copied from a showroom.

I'd love to know—what home design trend are you loving right now, and what trend are you ready to leave behind?

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