Design Love: Trend Watch for 2025

2024 was a year of incredible design, and we have no doubt 2025 will continue to push what’s possible in the built environment, especially in sustainable architecture and design. We asked industry professionals what they saw as impactful in 2024 and what they are looking forward to seeing more of in 2025, across residential and commercial spaces.

Plants and landscapes will be an increased area of focus

From landscapes to biophilic elements, to energy efficiency and water recycling, plants and landscapes have evolved from a fringe element to a substantial focus of residential design.

In fact, residential landscaping has now become highly personalized, and as shared by Josh Payne, owner at Classic Landscapes, “I'm fascinated by the trend of customizing residential landscapes to reflect personal narratives. Recently, we acquired HDK Floral, allowing us to incorporate floral artistry into our landscape designs. For one client, we crafted a garden that not only served as an outdoor retreat but also symbolized their cultural heritage through specific plant selections and layout, creating a space that is both personal and visually stunning.”

Water conservation is also on the rise and a functional element of green space design and development, including public parks. Payne adds, “In 2024, the integration of water features in commercial spaces captured my attention. At Classic Landscapes, we started on a large-scale project at William Hawrelak Park in Edmonton, designing and constructing elaborate irrigation systems to improve the park's natural beauty while conserving resources. This innovation resonated with the push for aesthetic and practical solutions in public spaces, satisfying both municipal requirements and public enjoyment.”

Some key trends across landscapes are in agreement of Payne’s commentary. Notably, the rise in biophilic design in both indoor and outdoor settings, Michelle Shapiro, co-founder at Dwellier Design adds, “Looking ahead to 2025, I'm excited about the potential for the inclusion of vertical gardening systems in biophilic designs, offering benefits like improved air quality and natural temperature regulation. As a residential designer, I'm eager to bring these principles into homes and communities, transforming everyday living spaces with nature-inspired elements. My goal is to pioneer designs that bring the healing power of nature into our homes, fostering a deeper connection between people and their surroundings.”

Technology will play a larger role in design processes

It’s probably no surprise that technology will continue to gain popularity for its in effectiveness and application in traditional design processes. As designers and developers integrate technology into their workflows, there is operational benefit—from faster visualizations to clearer customer expectations.

In fact, Payne sees a value-add for tech within the landscaping design process, explaining that, “Embracing augmented reality in our design phases has revolutionized client collaboration. During a recent residential project, our clients were able to visualize the landscape change in real-time, leading to more informed decisions and heightened satisfaction. This tech integration sets a new standard for client engagement and project success.”

Designers who have famously embraced AI and advanced technology into their work, like Kelly Wearstler, will likely continue to experiment with generative AI to push creative boundaries in the brainstorm and visualization stages of her work. This approach of seeing AI as a tool rather than a threat is a key mindset that should inspire other design teams.

From the exterior of the home to the roof, technology has the ability to improve the sustainability for roofing design and construction, too. Jimmy Hertilien, Senior Project Manager at Herts Roofing & Construction, shares, “I'm excited about the potential for innovative roofing solutions that use smart technology to optimize energy consumption and weather resilience. In particular, I'm interested in how roofing materials can evolve to include integrated solar solutions that blend seamlessly with traditional designs, offering both beauty and practical off-grid benefits.”

Sustainability with a story

We’ve talked at length recently about the value of sustainable design, and it will become increasingly important as we enter a new year. However, the distinction is between greenwashing and truly integrating sustainability into a brand story. Matthew Uebergang, the Owner & Interior Designer of Cushee, believes the sustainability claims from companies will need deeper transparency and informative stories, based on what he has observed in 2024. He says, “I know we've all been talking about eco-friendly design forever, but this year it felt different. Clients weren't just asking for "green" buzzwords - they wanted the story behind the materials. Where did that wood come from? How does this fabric get made? It was inspiring to see people truly caring about the impact of their spaces.”

Bringing these full circle, the appetite for sustainable landscaping and hardscaping is also on the rise, and its incredibly approachable with measurable environmental benefits. According to Pete Marsh, owner at Blue Oak Patio & Landscape. Marsh explains, “a key trend I have seen is sustainable hardscaping, aligning functionality with ecological balance. At Blue Oak Patio and Landscape, we incorporated eco-friendly materials into our designs, focusing on sustainability. We transformed a residential backyard by using recycled pavers and native plants, significantly reducing water use while enhancing aesthetics. This resonated with clients seeking both beauty and environmental responsibility.”

Marsh continues, “In 2025, I'm excited about integrating innovative lighting techniques into outdoor living spaces. The right lighting can redefine a patio, turning it into a functional retreat even after the sun sets. We experimented with LED fixtures in an extensive patio project, dramatically enhancing ambiance and visibility while cutting energy costs by about 40%. This not only boosts curb appeal but supports the trend of eco-conscious living.”

Homes with be designed with remote work in mind

Remote work, though not in its heyday of peak COVID 19, is still a prominent part of residential design that will see some evolution. What started as cloffices and dining tables turned conference desks has emerged as a core inclusion for residential design, especially from a lense of sustainable development.

Richard Garrett, Managing Member, RG Construction Services, LLC, sees particular interest in dedicated external offices in the form of ADUs, also known as the “backyard office.” The project, which was built this year in Vancouver, WA, showcased their ability to tailor spaces that balance work and home life, a trend gaining traction as remote work becomes more prevalent. The ADU was designed with high-quality, energy-efficient materials, including triple-paned windows and advanced insulation, which improved both energy use and comfort.

Garrett continues, “Looking towards 2025, I'm keen on exploring modular construction techniques to further streamline our ADU projects. ModPods, part of our service offerings, promise faster build times and reduced waste, aligning with the sustainable construction movement. We've already seen success incorporating these techniques into custom homes and anticipates similar efficiencies in our ADU line.”

Personalization will be a priority

In a time when we curate so many areas of our lives, home curation is one that resonates the most when analyzing the individual person. Home is a reflection of interests, passions, and sources of joy for the people that live in them. As homeowners begin to look beyond their existing algorithms and explore new designs, they will also increase their education on what a home can be. This represents a move away from “builder grade” styles into a more personalized realm.

Garrett adds, “I'm interested in the increasing demand for customized spaces that reflect personal style while maintaining functionality. Recently, we tackled a custom home project where we integrated personalized design elements with efficient layouts, resulting in spaces that resonate with the homeowner's lifestyle. This trend of combining customization with practicality is something I'm particularly excited to expand on next year.”

Naturally, this personalization applies to the home’s exterior and landscaping as well. Marsh explains he is excited about, “exploring artistic elements like custom stonework and mosaic patterns, which can personalize spaces further. A recent project involved creating a mosaic path that not only serves as a functional walkway but doubles as a creative expression of the homeowner's style. This approach not only met the client's desire for uniqueness but also complemented their historical property in Hilliard, demonstrating how design can be both practical and personal.”

And of course, to top it all off, the fencing around a home is another opportunity to personalize and bring the homeowners aesthetics to the front line, literally. It’s been a big year of design evolution for for residential fencing, and, “2024 was the innovative use of fencing to create more permeable, inviting urban spaces rather than confining ones. Modern fences are transitioning from traditional barriers to opportunities for aesthetic expression and interactivity, enriching public spaces and encouraging community engagement. Projects this year demonstrated how fences could become creative, dynamic elements rather than static dividers-capturing the attention of pedestrians and connecting with their surroundings. I'm particularly looking forward to seeing how 2025 continues to explore new, imaginative designs and artistic uses of these permeable boundaries,” confirms Roberts Haligowski, COO, Big Jerrys Fencing.

Across landscaping, building, and designing, 2025 is poised to be another phenomenal year for the built environment.