home design trends

If you’re considering renovating, extending or building new, you might be interested in these 7 home design trends for 2025 and how incorporating them in your plans will help create spaces that are sustainable, modern and yet timeless. Some are subtle changes to existing trends while others are quite dramatic shifts in thinking and design.

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1. Sustainable & Recycled Materials
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Australians are becoming increasingly eco-conscious making sustainability a design trend.

Australians are becoming increasingly eco-conscious making sustainability a design trend.
'Reduce, re-use, recycle' is becoming a shopping criteria. Council is requiring increased environmental changes through the Sustainable Buildings State Environment Planning Policy. Homeowners are choosing to reuse quality, loved items.

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2. Indoor-outdoor Living
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Sliding glass doors, covered patios and alfresco kitchens that blur the line between inside and out.

Australians love the outdoors.
Many homes reflect this with sliding glass doors, covered patios and alfresco kitchens that blur the line between inside and out, creating seamless spaces for entertaining and relaxing all year round.

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3. Biophilic Design: Bringing Nature Indoors
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Connecting indoor spaces with the natural world through indoor plants, natural light, organic textures and earthy tones.

Nature is making its way into our homes.
Connecting indoor spaces with the natural world through indoor plants, natural light, organic textures and earthy tones.

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4. Earthy, Warm Colour Palettes
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Colours like mocha brown, terracotta, sage green and soft beige are dominating interiors creating a sense of calm and groundedness.

2025 is all about warm, earthy tones.
Say goodbye to stark whites and greys. Colours like mocha brown, terracotta, sage green and soft beige are dominating interiors creating a sense of calm and groundedness.

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5. Smart Home Integration
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Smart technology is becoming standard in new builds enhancing convenience, security and energy efficiency.

Smart technology is becoming standard in new builds
From automated lighting and blinds to voice-controlled climate systems, homeowners are embracing tech that enhances convenience, security and energy efficiency.

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6. Smaller Footprints, Smarter Spaces
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With rising land and construction costs, there is a rise in compact, efficient homes.

With rising land and construction costs, there is a rise in compact, efficient homes.
Clever layouts, multi-functional furniture and built-in storage are helping Australians make the most of every square metre. Granny Flats and Tiny Homes have become a niche market.

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7. Quiet Luxury & Personalised Spaces
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Homeowners are investing in quality materials and personalised touches that reflect their lifestyle and values.

Forget flashy finishes - 2025 is all about understated elegance.
Think natural stone, textured fabrics and custom cabinetry. Homeowners are investing in quality materials and personalised touches that reflect their lifestyle and values.

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What do you think about these 2025 Design Trends?

Most design trends are a blend of

Reflective – meaning they emerge from cultural, technological, or economic conditions, and

Directive – meaning they influence future aesthetics, behaviors, and even values.

Keeping this in mind may help you consider whether you adopt any of the trends mentioned above. Here are a few more things we suggest you keep in mind.

Our 5 Tips for Balancing Style and Trends

When planning a renovation or decorating your space, it’s easy to get swept up in the latest trends. But how do you create a look that feels fresh today and still holds up years from now? Here are five smart tips to help you strike the perfect balance between timeless style and trendy flair:

1. Style vs. Trend: Know the Difference

Trends come and go, but style is forever. Before making any big decisions, ask yourself: is this a passing fad or a reflection of my personal taste? Investing in classic design elements ensures your space stays elegant and relevant for years to come. If it is a reflection of your personal taste it won’t matter if it’s a fad. You’ll still love it indefinitely.

2. Spend Smart: Keep Big-Ticket Items Simple

For expensive features like kitchen cabinetry or countertops, stick to simple, neutral designs. Then, have fun with more affordable, changeable elements—like a bold, trendy splashback or statement lighting.

3. Think Long-Term: Make Hard-to-Change Items Timeless

Flooring, built-in furniture, and tiling are costly and difficult to replace. Keep these elements simple and classic. Save the trends for things that are easy to update, like a painted feature wall or removable wallpaper.

4. Ask Yourself: Will I Still Love This in 10 Years?

Before committing to a bold choice, imagine how you’ll feel about it a decade from now. This is especially important for kitchens, bathrooms, and flooring—areas that are expensive and disruptive to renovate.

5. Consider Maintenance: Is It Practical?

Trendy doesn’t always mean practical. Think about how easy it will be to clean and maintain your choices. For example, is there enough space around that free standing bathtub to clean behind it properly?

At the end of the day, design trends in residential building aren’t just about what looks good—they’re about how we want to live. Whether it’s creating more flexible spaces, bringing nature indoors, or building smarter, more sustainable homes, these trends tell a story about our changing needs and values. And while some trends come and go, the best ones stick around because they make life better. So whether you’re building, renovating, or just dreaming, keeping an eye on where design is headed can help you create a home that feels just right—now and into the future.

If you would like information about renovating with Milliken Builders feel free to contact us on 0409 129 840 or submit an enquiry form.

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