How to Choose Home Design Trends That Last

Home design trends are fun to follow, but they can make homeowners wonder whether today’s must-have looks will be outdated tomorrow. That concern matters even more when your home’s resale value is on the line. Take floor and décor mosaic tiles, for example. Mosaic bathroom tiles and DIY mosaic tile entryway projects are surging. They’re bold and customizable, but will they still stick over time?

The most enduring design choices “blend creativity with restraint,” says Ginger Wilcox, president of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate. “Trends feel timeless when they enhance how you live, not when they overwhelm it.”

A Framework to Test Home Design Trends

Experts recommend testing each trend based on these factors:

Longevity: Does the Trend Have Staying Power?

Bathroom mosaic tile has been used for centuries, but certain colors — neon and ultra-dark palettes — may not age as gracefully. Mike Head, company director at Atlas Ceramics, says classic subway mosaic bathroom tiles or small-scale shower floors remain timeless “because they’re functional as well as beautiful.”

The Fit: Does It Complement the Architecture?

A farmhouse style in an urban loft can feel off, just as ornate tile might clash in a minimalist ranch.

Practicality: Is It Durable for Daily Life?

“Function matters just as much as fashion,” Head says. Consider how you live day to day, adds Paul McManus, president of McManus Kitchen and Bath in Tallahassee, Fla.

Resale: How Will Future Buyers React?

“Consult a real estate agent early for advice about what adds value in your market,” says Kati Spaniak, a real estate pro with eXp Realty in Chicago and host of the YouTube channel, Sell Your Home With Kati Spaniak. Another source of information about the return. You can also find recommendations about the top remodeling improvements for sellers in the National Association of REALTORS® 2025 Remodeling Impact Report.

Reversibility: Can You Easily Undo It?

“Backsplash tiles, plumbing fixtures, light fixtures, and paint colors are all relatively easy to change and can really update the look of a space,” McManus says.

Joy: How Long Will You Enjoy It?

“Do it for yourself if you plan to stay in your home and enjoy it,” Spaniak says. As the 2025 Remodeling Impact Report shows, some projects tend to make homeowners happier, like a primary bedroom suite, a kitchen upgrade, and new roofing.

Current Trends to Put to the Test

Here are a few trends and their test results.

Mosaic Tile

“Mosaics never completely disappear; they just reinvent themselves,” says Robin Aebischer, lead designer and CEO of Buynblue.com, who helps with whole-home makeovers and renovations. “The key to longevity lies in restraint.” Wilcox says the trend is being used more to make a statement in smaller zones, like a bathroom with mosaic tiles on the floors, shower niches, backsplashes or mosaic tile entryways. “Timeless patterns like black-and-white hex, herringbone, or soft neutrals hold up best,” she says. “Overly intricate patterns in large areas may limit resale appeal.”

• Longevity: Historic roots strengthen this trend.
• Fit: Best in Mediterranean or eclectic homes.
• Practicality: Great for small spaces.
• Resale: Broad appeal for neutral mosaics and used in small doses.
• Reversibility: Tile removal can be costly.
• Joy factor: Good for long-term enjoyment.

Warm Natural Wood

Warm woods — such as white oak, cherry, walnut, and maple — may be a correction from the everything-gray trend, not a new fad, Head says. “The key for resale is authenticity. Solid oak or walnut will age gracefully, while cheap imitations won’t.”

“The safest bets are classic species like white oak and walnut in matte, mid-tone finishes that highlight natural grain,” Wilcox says.

• Longevity: Classic.
• Fit: Works across most home styles.
• Practicality: Easy upkeep.
• Resale: Broad appeal.
• Reversibility: Can be refinished if trends change.
• Joy factor: Excellent long-term choice.

Painted Brick

“When you paint brick, you’re erasing history and texture — two things that often give a home its soul,” Aebischer cautions. “However, a limewash or mineral-based paint can transform it without suffocating its texture. The difference between a ‘trend move’ and a ‘timeless enhancement’ often comes down to not what you do, but how you do it.” Wilcox adds that painting brick white, whether a fireplace or exterior, can create instant curb appeal, but should be done thoughtfully. “Choose soft, warm whites and breathable paints to preserve longevity.”

• Longevity: Medium risk.
• Fit: Works with many styles, but the original brick may have more charm.
• Practicality: Requires maintenance; repainting needed every 10 to 15 years.
• Resale: Buyer appeal, but original brick may be more valued.
• Reversibility: Difficult and costly.
• Joy factor: Best for personal enjoyment; ROI not guaranteed.

Statement Lighting

Oversized pendants and sculptural fixtures, such as in geometric shapes, “are like punctuation marks. They complete a sentence but shouldn’t dominate the story,” Aebischer says. Clean silhouettes in quality materials — like brass, matte black, or glass — feel timeless, Wilcox says. “Oversized fixtures create wow moments that can boost a home’s perceived value without a major renovation.”

• Longevity: Moderate; bold designs may date faster.
• Fit: Works best in larger, open layouts.
• Practicality: Easy to replace.
• Resale: Depends on buyer preferences.
• Reversibility: Quick, affordable swap-out.
• Joy factor: Adds personality and customization.

Make Confident, Smart Choices

Trends keep your home feeling fresh. Just run them through the trend test before diving in. Head notes, “Design that lasts isn’t about ignoring trends; it’s about applying them wisely.”

By Melissa Dittmann Tracey

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