This ’90s-Era Home Trend Is Finally Out — Here’s What’s Replacing It

Move over, open concept. A new wave of architectural and design trends is making its way into homes, and it’s all about blending efficiency, individuality, and warmth. By 2025, buyers will be looking for spaces that feel deeply personal, practical, colorful, and ready to adapt to evolving lifestyles.

Real estate experts, architects, and designers are already seeing the seeds of these changes, and what they’re predicting is a fascinating departure from the dominant styles of the past decade — in other words, open-concept homes are over, and something else is replacing it.

The Shift Away from Open-Concept Living

For years, open-concept living has dominated real estate, but according to Kristin Harrison, Founder & Principal Designer of Bungalow 10 Interiors, a shift is underway. It shouldn’t be that surprising — open-concept kitchens are starting to die out as buyers look for zone-layout kitchens, for example.

“Looking towards 2025 home design trends, there’s been a noticeable shift [away] from open-concept living to more defined, purpose-driven spaces in homes, and I find it incredibly exciting,” she explains.

The open-concept floor plan, per The Spruce, was essentially the norm in new construction homes built in the ‘90s. But now, real estate pros say it’s increasingly less popular. That’s because rising costs in construction and real estate are also influencing how homes are being designed. Shaun Osher, CEO of CORE Real Estate, explains how this is impacting layouts and materials.

“Smaller, smarter spaces are becoming the norm,” he says. “Rising costs mean developers are focusing on efficient layouts and multifunctional rooms that maximize utility without sacrificing style. Buyers are drawn to homes that integrate smart technology and sustainable materials, creating spaces that feel elevated yet practical.”

Expect to see buyers look for cozier, multifunctional rooms where each space tells its own story. Home offices that double as reading nooks, dining rooms designed for intimate gatherings, and media rooms that feel like personal theaters are all examples of this trend taking shape.

This return to delineated spaces allows for greater creativity in design. Harrison notes that homeowners are embracing bold uses of color, pattern, and texture, moving away from the neutral palettes that dominated the modern farmhouse aesthetic, a home style that is known for having open-concept kitchens and living spaces as well.

This push for efficiency doesn’t mean sacrificing charm. Instead, it’s leading to what Osher calls “personalized minimalism.” Homebuyers are rejecting bland, cookie-cutter designs in favor of smaller spaces packed with personality. “People are looking to marry the coziness of mid-century modern design with efficient, sleek layouts without sacrificing character,” he notes.

One of the key shifts for 2025 is the focus on warmth and craftsmanship. Clean lines and modern designs are being paired with warm woods, rich textiles, and standout fixtures. This balance creates a sense of sophistication and comfort. Osher highlights the appeal of earthy tones — a far cry from the traditional wisdom that all-white, neutral spaces are what buyers want to see.

“Rising costs are also leading to thoughtful craftsmanship, and with smaller homes, every detail matters,” he explains. “Reclaimed materials and natural textures bring depth to smaller spaces, blending the coziness of cottagecore with the timeless elegance of mid-century modern that is particularly appealing to buyers today.”

This character-driven approach doesn’t just look good; it’s practical, too. From custom built-ins that maximize storage to fixtures and finishes with artisanal touches, every element is designed to make the most of limited space.

Buyers are also increasingly looking for energy-efficient appliances, solar panels, climate resiliency, and eco-friendly building materials, Zillow’s 2025 home-buying trend reports revealed.

But the integration of tech goes beyond functionality; it’s becoming part of the aesthetic. Homes are being designed with hidden tech solutions that seamlessly blend into the architecture, ensuring a streamlined and uncluttered look. This, combined with sustainable materials, creates homes that feel forward-thinking without losing their warmth.

“These trends are shaping a new wave of efficient, beautiful, and deeply personal homes tailored to shifting lifestyle priorities of today’s buyer,” says Osher. And while the modern farmhouse may have defined the past decade, the next big thing isn’t a single style but a philosophy: Homes should be as unique as the people who live in them.

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