In our estimation, what truly makes a house a home is its occupants. Residential design directly reflects and responds to the changing lifestyles, values, and needs of people. As society continues to change, so too does design, with traditional home, contemporary, coastal, minimalist house. And so many more popular styles waxing and waning in response.
At Mixed Bag Solutions Inc., we’ve gathered experience working with homeowners and developers across all styles, choosing the one that brings the most personality out of a given space. We’re happy to share some of that knowledge with you below, as we examine classic categories and what we anticipate will trend in the second half of 2025.
Traditional Home
Traditional home design is built on classic architectural principles, the kind you might read about in a textbook. Think of symmetry, intricate millwork, formal layouts, and natural materials. Regional styles like Colonial and Victorian fall into this category. Ornate embellishments like gabled roofs, stone facades, and decorative mouldings are some of the most salient “calling cards” of a Traditional-style home.
Inside a Traditional residence, one can expect to find very formal layouts, with clear distinctions between each room. Authentic materials like wood, stone, and brick are prized and contrasted with decorative flourishes, lending a sense of confidence, permanence, and timeless appeal.
Modern Homes
Modern architecture has a fascinating history. Rather than arising spontaneously, the Modern style emerged as a clear response and repudiation of an early 20th-century leaning towards (what became perceived as) excessive, gaudy ornamentation. A Modern home focuses on clarity and functionality, yet pushes the envelope in its usage of new and exciting materials.
Inside a Modern home, one will note wide open floor plans with very sparse placement of interior walls. Steel, concrete, and glass are the main materials of this style, often paired with neutral palettes and low-pitched roofs. Abundant natural light creates a strong connection between indoor and outdoor space, giving the Modern home a tangible sense of place.
Contemporary Homes
Contemporary homes take inspiration from the Modernist style, but resist being mired in any sort of tradition or “box”. A Contemporary home is a unique reflection of the present era and its occupants, evolving with the moment and thoroughly embracing trends like sustainability.
Mindfulness and forward-thinking are common undercurrents in a Contemporary home, constructed from sustainable materials with environmental efficiency in mind. “Smart” technology is abundant in these spaces, providing convenience in the now and readiness for the future. No two Contemporary home layouts are the same: these eclectic designs are often highly personalized, realized through close collaboration between designer and occupant.
What’s Trending in 2025
Thus far in 2025, we’ve noted several emergent trends in our interactions with clients:
- Organic Fantastic: Demand for natural materials like stone, clay, and wood is soaring, speaking to a growing preference for “authentic”, minimalist interiors.
- The Living Room Lives Again: We all crave connection. The Living Room is coming back in a big way, serving as a focal point in the home for camaraderie and conversation. Plus, who doesn’t love a cozy central fireplace?
- Breaking Up: There’s a pushback happening against the previously ubiquitous open floor plan. People want their space. Partitions, split levels, and creative instances of visual zoning are a major trend line.
- Gen Z Takes the Stage: Rather than shy away, Gen Z is all about bold, eclectic pieces. Patterned wallpaper and layered textures provide a bit of funk and speak to this demographic’s individuality.
Final Thoughts
At Mixed Bag Solutions Inc., we blend art, practicality, and vision to bring your ideal space to life. If you feel the appeal of any of these residential styles or 2025 trends, we’d love to turn your inspiration into reality.