Every year, there are tons and tons of people looking to buy homes. Unfortunately, many folks will find themselves unable to comfortably pull off the feat of homeownership (it’s just all so expensive), but wealthy people — particularly those who can afford to buy in cash without taking out a mortgage — usually don’t have this problem. The upper middle class may not be able to buy their absolute dream homes, but often, they can get pretty close.
We all, no matter our wealth status, want nice things. And we want nice homes. But what does that mean when you’re coming from a place of extreme financial privilege? What features are you looking for in a home in this tenderly young year?
Jeff Lichtenstein, broker and owner of Echo Fine Properties Jupiter Homes, shared 10 home design trends his luxury clients are embracing in 2025. Let’s have a look.
Gray Kitchens
This one may take you by surprise given that we’re so used to seeing appreciation for off-white or even stark white kitchens. This year, luxury clients are leaning darker.
“I’m seeing darker kitchen trends although still some light grey lacquer cabinets, stainless steel drawers, contrasted with a darker wood and quartz composite stone under lit with LED lights,” Lichtenstein said.
Colorful Appliances in Kitchens
“White, black and stainless are so 2024,” Lichtenstein said. “More color for high-end kitchen appliances like red, yellow and royal blue are being showcased. A great designer will put it off for a real wow look.”
Weaving in bold, bright appliances in your kitchen is a delicate art. You can’t lean in too heavily.
“If you think you might be moving within a few years or are not sure if you can pull it out, colorful knobs mixed with stainless steel lets you at least dip your toe into the kitchen,” Lichtenstein said.
Porcelain Floors
So long marble floors and hello porcelain — the finest of the finest.
“We are seeing a preference of porcelain for the floors for ease of maintenance, real marble for walls as marble has … color and pattern that cannot be duplicated with porcelain,” Lichtenstein said. “Carrera marble, which was the craze for years, is a little passé now.”
Onyx Slabs
Lichtenstein is seeing luxury homebuyers in 2025 drawn to onyx slabs. But you have to be careful when embracing this trend, too.
“Onyx slabs are fantastic for walls but not for counters; they are too porous,” Lichtenstein said.
Larger Floor Tiles
Do you feel that underneath your feet? Those are the floor tiles getting bigger. It’s been happening gradually over time.
“Twenty-five years ago, it was 13″ x 13″ on the diagonal,” Lichtenstein said. “Then 18″. Next 24″. Now we are at 48″ porcelain squares. Bigger is better in porcelain.”
Lighted Countertops
Lighted countertops in the kitchen and wet bar are a “real show stopper and adds to the look of the kitchen,” Lichtenstein said.
Metal in Wall Coverings
“We are seeing metal being used in wallcoverings,” Lichtenstein said. “Walls clad with metal. Lots of variations of metal are being used for bathrooms, bedrooms and dining rooms.”
Electric Fireplaces
Some homes come with fireplaces, but many do not. To bring a cozy flair to their living spaces, luxury clients are investing in electric fireplaces.
“I’m seeing electric fireplaces in practically every home and in nearly every room,” Lichtenstein said, “The primary bedroom, great room and outdoor living areas are the most prevalent.”
Shower Jets
Remember when having two shower heads was considered peak luxury? Well, that time has come and gone, and now, luxury buyers want more, more, more.
“Now it’s 10 to 15 shower jets that go from lower back to neck to head,” Lichtenstein said. “Who needs a massage when you get one in your shower everyday?”
Artificial Grass/Turf
To cut down on the pain of maintenance and keep their yard(s) looking clean and fresh, luxury clients are embracing artificial grass/turf.
“It keeps a brilliant green color all year long with no sprinkler system needed,” Lichtenstein said.
