realestate

2025 Home Renovation Fads You’ll Regret—Try These Instead

Trends fade, but hardwood endures. These 2025 renovation trends, however, you'll regret.

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void regret by steering clear of these renovation trends

    **Key takeaways**

    - All‑white or monochrome rooms lose warmth and show wear quickly.

    - Fluted details and floating vanities without storage look good but lack function.

    - Maximalist, color‑drenching, and open‑stone showers create visual fatigue and heavy upkeep.

    Renovations should balance current style with lasting appeal. Experts reveal which 2025 trends to skip.

    **Experts**

    - **Michelle Accetta** – Interior Designer, Founder of Michelle Accetta Home

    - **Ben Mizes** – Licensed Real Estate Agent, President of Clever Real Estate

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    ### All‑White Kitchens

    Aiming for a sleek, minimalist look, all‑white kitchens expose stains and lose warmth.

    > “It steals all of the warmth from the home and timestamps it to this era,” says Accetta.

    **Tip:** Opt for warm neutrals—beige, sepia, or mixed materials—to create a timeless, inviting space.

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    ### Fluted Details

    Shallow grooves on fireplaces, cabinets, or furniture look stylish in photos but trap dust and feel overdone.

    > “These trends quickly become a maintenance nightmare,” notes Mizes.

    **Tip:** Choose classic, clean lines and focus on energy‑saving upgrades, smart storage, and universal design instead.

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    ### Floating Vanities Without Storage

    Aesthetic floating vanities that lack built‑in storage are impractical.

    > “They’re pretty but not functional,” Mizes warns.

    **Tip:** Add shelves or integrate storage solutions to keep the vanity useful.

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    ### Whole‑Home Monochrome

    Black‑and‑white schemes can make a space feel cold and dated.

    > “The all‑black and white look is a major miss,” says Accetta.

    **Tip:** Introduce a third element—color, texture, or natural material—to add warmth and depth.

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    ### Maximalist Design

    The trend toward abundance and complexity leads to visual fatigue, high maintenance, and buyer hesitation.

    > “Wine walls, indoor gardens, and ultra‑specific storage limit flexibility,” Mizes explains.

    **Tip:** Stick to simple, adaptable designs that allow you to enjoy the space without constant upkeep.

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    ### Color Drenching

    Using a single saturated color for walls, trim, and accents overwhelms the eye and is hard to reverse.

    > “Add a third element—warmth, texture, or depth—to balance the look,” suggests Accetta.

    **Tip:** Swap out handles, add stone accents, or paint a neutral door to break the monotony.

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    ### All‑Stone Open Showers

    Open‑concept, all‑stone showers look great on Instagram but require daily squeegeeing, water‑spot removal, and can foster mold.

    > “They’re lovely in photos but a maintenance nightmare,” Mizes says.

    **Tip:** Choose a more traditional, door‑protected shower to reduce cleaning time and keep the bathroom healthy.

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Homeowner doubts 2025 renovation fads, fearing regret in living room.