Design Trends for 2025: What Worked, and What Didn’t

The Luxe Haven model by Cavco Homes

I can’t believe that 2025 is almost behind us! Most of us weren’t ready for the roller coaster year this has been, especially in the design world. Tariffs, materials shortages, and clients who couldn’t decide if this was the best time to think about redoing their kitchen, or wait until they see if the higher prices because of the tariffs made a lot of this year a guessing game.

In the annual Lifestylist design trends review that we wrote for MHInsider last year, we predicted that “2025 would be the year that more consumers than ever will be taking a look at manufactured homes for the first time.” That prediction definitely came true. Sales and traffic were up at most retail centers, but what we didn’t factor in was that the average age for a first-time homebuyer would jump to 40 years old. The cool, hip buyers we thought we would be seeing couldn’t even afford manufactured housing, so I think this year you will see more models targeting 40-year-olds than 20-year-olds. They will still be full of creative ideas and lots of value, just less IKEA and more repurposing what they already have.

The Cabana IV Model by Cavco Homes

We were definitely right about minimalism: white, colorless homes are fading away, and consumers are more interested in “Dopamine Design” homes that are full of color and memories that make us happy.

Lazy Cook Corn Fritters

Moving forward, be ready to see more interest in textures, vintage, and antique statement pieces, and in kitchens where the entire family can put together a meal. I’m writing this after just cooking up some corn fritters using one of my Lazy Cook recipes, and it reminded me of how much I really do love cooking.

Our trend report for 2026 will be out soon, and we can’t wait to share it!