2025 Renovation Trends: What’s in and what’s out?
In the past five years, there’s been a massive shift in how Brits renovate their homes. With the extra time spent indoors during the pandemic years, DIY became and has remained a major trend. Alongside design and decor updates, many Brits aren’t just renovating their homes for their own personal enjoyment, however, some are creating trendy spaces to speed up sales and boost their property’s worth.
So, what renovation trends will be leading the way in 2025? Property experts at Auction House London have listed what’s in, what’s out, and how much value these trends could add to your house if you are considering selling.
Colours
The paint colour you choose for your walls and furnishings plays a pivotal role in showcasing the style of your home. The colours you apply have the power to entirely transform the look, feel, and mood of any room.
By analysing a wide selection of inspirational images focusing on 2025 interior design in prominent home decor publications, the Auction House London team identified what colours will likely be the most prominent in 2025. By swatching these shades, we’ve curated a list of the colours that Brits will likely embrace this year.
Auction House London / @damaandwood
What’s Out
Grey
Colour-wise, at the start of the 20s, we saw the queen-of-clean Mrs Hinch inspire a nationwide craze for grey interiors. But now, half a decade on, we’re seeing a preference for warm tones over cool, cosiness over crispness, and unique, bespoke pieces over mass-produced ones.
For years, grey has been the go-to colour, favoured for its neutral tones, easy-on-the-eye appeal, and the cool, clean backdrop it creates.
The search term ‘grey paint’ reached peak popularity in April 2020, hitting 2.5 million searches globally, with a smaller spike of 1.5 million in March 2021. However, since then, grey’s appeal has steadily declined, with only 700,000 worldwide searches in the final quarter of 2024 – a drop of 72%.
Sage
Sage is another neutral shade that has not peaked in appeal in the last few years. Like grey, the shade was popularised during the 2020 DIY phase but it is now being shunned for fresher or richer shades of green.
According to Google Trends, searches for sage paint have remained at a steady pace and tend to decline full during the autumn and winter seasons – showing its seasonality patterns and the fact it doesn’t have all year appeal.
UK Trending Paint Colours
The UK’s leading paint brand, Dulux, predicts that in 2025 rich burgundies and wine hues will become more prominent alongside earthy greens including olive and pistachio. Other interior outlets expect to see colours with depth, like rich, luxurious shades and warm tones will be all the rage in the coming year. Below are some of the shades we can expect to see trending in 2025.
Deep purple, olive, wine, tan brown and eggshell are the rich shades that we expect Brits will be embracing, while the most popular lighter tones include lilac, pistachio, salmon, peach and cream.
Like with most trends, there’s a growing buzz around popular colours in the months leading up to the new year. To get ahead of the curve, the team has pulled together a list of colours to see which paint shades have been Googled the most in the last quarter of 2024. This data offers a sneak peek at the colours likely to be making a splash in homes next year.
Colours that are trending in 2024 are likely to spill over into the New Year. According to colour experts Pantone®, the colour of the year in 2024 was Peach Fuzz – a soft, warm mix of orange, yellow, and pink.
It’s no wonder this colour has become one of the most searched paint shades by the end of 2024, with a 65% rise in people looking up and on the hunt for peach paint for their interiors.
Other trending paint colours align well with our team’s predictions and those of paint experts, with shades like burgundy, lilac, and pink all showing up in the list of colours with rising Google searches.
Trending on Pinterest
These earthy, warm tones are also trending on Pinterest, with some of the most popular pins for “paint colours” featuring mid-century luxury hues like burgundy, burnt orange, soft blues, and olive. Various shades of pink remain popular as people embrace the warmth and softness they bring.
These popular 2025 colours were also trending in the following search terms on Pinterest – in the form of “burgundy wallpaper”, “burnt orange aesthetic” and “olive green bedrooms”.
How much could this add to your house value?
Using popular colours in your interior design can make your home appeal to more people – but keep the colour scheme consistent throughout for the best effect.
A cohesive design could increase your home’s value by 5–10%, potentially adding around £25,000 to an average property’s worth. Investing less than £100 in paint to create a cohesive look can be a smart move that pays off.
Estate agents at Auction House London team said: “A cohesive interior design not only enhances your home’s appeal but can also create a sense of flow and harmony that potential buyers find attractive.
“Simple updates like repainting walls in complementary colours can make spaces feel larger and more inviting, helping your property stand out in a competitive market.
“Adding a fresh coat of paint in trendy colours could even attract potential buyers as it reduces the need for immediate decorating.”
DIY
There are very few DIY tasks Brits usually tackle without a professional, but with the growing popularity of tutorials on platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok, combined with the drive to save money during the cost of living crisis, more people are taking matters into their own hands by skipping the professional altogether.
Panelling
Easy-to-assemble kits from B&Q and tutorials all over social media inspired homeowners across the country to grab some MDF and create square or rectangular wall panelling ourselves.
As with many trends, when something becomes overly popular, people begin to tire of looking like a carbon copy of their neighbours. With MDF square panelling being so widely embraced, some are ready to move on from a trend that reached its peak nearly half a decade ago.
But that doesn’t mean panelling is out – far from it. Instead, there’s a shift towards more natural panelling styles, reminiscent of the designs found in Edwardian and Victorian homes.
Trending on Pinterest
Panelling remains a popular search term on Pinterest, but the most popular styles have changed from a few years ago.
While MDF-style panelling still appears in top pins, it’s now often paired with bead mouldings and in general, beading-style panelling now dominates the majority of popular pins.
Although the style of panelling has changed, the momentum for DIY panelling has only increased, with the search term “panelling kits” seeing a 30% rise in popularity in the past year.
How much could this add to your house value?
Wall panelling has been trending for a few years now and it’s unlikely to go away anytime soon, but the type of panelling that’s popular has changed dramatically. Wall panelling has the power to transform an entire room, adding a new lease of character even to the most modern of homes.
Homes with character built in can even increase your home’s value when the panelling has been executed well. A lot of the time panelling replaces the need for wallpaper, so it could add the cost of wallpapering a home and more onto your property’s value. Our property experts at Auction House London estimate an increased house value of around £2,000.
Estate agents at Auction House London, have also warned that panelling should only be incorporated into houses that match the aesthetic of the panelling design. They said: “DIY panelling can add character and value to your home when it complements the property’s style and essence.
“But adding outdated or mismatched panelling into a new build, for example, can have the opposite effect. Buyers may see it as an eyesore and factor in the potential cost and hassle of removing it, which could reduce your home’s value.”
Wardrobes
Credit: AHL / @Lindsey_Isla
While a professional might achieve polished results, there’s no reason you can’t create practical and stylish DIY wardrobes yourself.
In 2025, standalone wardrobes are set to become less popular as people turn to storage solutions that use every bit of wall space. Aim for a wardrobe design that matches your decor and makes a statement too.
Adding some of 2025’s trending colours can give your space a fresh, modern look while keeping it functional. Even basic built-in wardrobes can be upgraded easily with small touches like panelling or new door handles.
How much could this add to your house value?
Storage space is a huge benefit to an average buyer, so it’s no wonder it could add a great deal of value to your property.
Our property experts at Auction House London estimate that, if completed well, fitted wardrobes can increase a property’s value by up to 10% – around £25,000 for the average home.
Estate agents at Auction House London add: “Fitted wardrobes should utilise the whole of the space they occupy, as this makes wardrobes look more aesthetically pleasing and more cohesive with the rest of your room.
Buyers love practical storage that feels both stylish and functional. A well-designed fitted wardrobe can make your home stand out which can make a big difference when it comes to selling.”
In general, DIY when completed inadequately can be a major turn off for potential buyers as it can indicate a lack of care and attention and may suggest further house problems that would be uncovered at a later date. Poor workmanship could ultimately affect the number of offers you receive and the amount a homeowner offered.
Structural Work
Room Conversions
Converting your attic into an extra room, such as a bedroom, office, or living space, can be a smart way to increase the functionality of your home and add appeal with an additional usable space.
Your project needs to be thoroughly researched though and taken on by a professional or if you’re a homeowner with expert knowledge of the trade, as a poorly executed conversion can turn buyers away.
Estate agents at Auction House London add: “Failing to properly insulate the space, install adequate ventilation, or adhere to building regulations can lead to costly issues down the line, such as dampness, structural problems, or high energy bills.
“Buyers may view a substandard attic conversion as a burden and factor the expense of correcting it into their offer.”
How much could this add to your house value?
When completed to a high standard, an attic conversion can add serious value to your home. A well-insulated, thoughtfully designed space that meets all the necessary standards can increase your property’s value by as much as 25%, which could mean up to £75,000 for the average home.
Furnishings and Hardware
Your furnishings and hardware, though seemingly minor details, can significantly impact the rest of your decor. From taps to lighting, functional pieces should be carefully chosen to complement the room’s overall style. And as we approach 2025, there are certain trends we’ll be saying goodbye to.
Lighting
Although often seen as a secondary detail, lighting plays a major role in shaping the feel of our homes. The style of lighting can set the mood, shift the colour tone of a room, and, of course, brighten dark spaces.
During the minimalist trends of the early 2020s, many Brits opted for simple, space-saving lighting like spotlights, often choosing cool-toned lights to complement the popular grey colour schemes.
Lighting is now stepping into the spotlight and with warmer hues on the rise, 2025 will see wall sconces gain popularity as people embrace more traditional light fittings, pairing them with warm white lights for a cosy, inviting atmosphere.
In the UK, the search term ‘wall sconces’ has seen a 54% spike in the last year. While the search term has also been on an upward trajectory in popularity since 2022.
Trending on Pinterest
On Pinterest, bold and interesting wall sconces are topping the popular pins list for ‘wall lights’. People are favouring vintage-style structures, art-deco style colours and shapes and gold and brass finishes. In 2025, we can expect to see statement lighting make its mark.
Taps
Similar to lighting trends, the popularity of sleek, modern minimalist designs, such as monochrome taps, is starting to wane. Many Brits are now leaning towards more traditional hardware finishes, like brass and gold, which add warmth and character to their spaces.
There has been a growing appreciation for craftsmanship and unique details, moving away from the industrial look of monochrome finishes in favour of pieces that feel timeless.
Trending on Pinterest
While monochrome taps still appear in popular pins for the search term ‘kitchen taps’, there’s a noticeable shift towards showcasing brass, chrome, and other metallic finishes.
The team at Auction House London add: “Many buyers prefer a move-in-ready home, and even small details can be offputting for some buyers.
“Broken bulbs, rusty light switches, creaky hinges, and out-of-style lights and taps can make a home seem outdated, affecting its overall appeal.”
How much could these add to your house value?
Updating these hardware issues and upgrading your home’s small furnishings can cost as little as £100, but could indeed increase your home’s value by up to 2%, potentially adding up to £5,000 to your home.
Interior Trends
Wall Decor
No one likes staring at an empty wall, and for the last few years, simple prints that match your room’s décor have been a great way to add a splash of colour. However, with so many companies offering similar styles, more people are now searching for something truly unique to make their walls stand out.
That doesn’t mean prints are out, but more one-of-a-kind prints are in. Standard frames are also being replaced by more interesting options, like curved edges or gilded finishes – anything that catches the eye and complements a distinctive print or piece of art.
The term ‘gold frames’ even saw a 7% increase in Google searches in the UK and 19% worldwide, with people looking for more ornate and distinctive framing. Many trend followers are increasingly looking to express their individuality through their décor.
Trending on Pinterest
On Pinterest, maximalist wall art is all the rage as people embrace the idea of filling their walls with a collage of different artworks. This trend showcases a mix of styles, colours, and textures in a one-of-a-kind gallery. Instead of opting for minimalistic or single-piece displays, many are choosing to showcase a variety of prints.
Could this decor improve your chance of selling?
Prints themselves are unlikely to add any real value to your home, as they typically go with you when you move. However, the way you present your home when selling it can help potential buyers envision what their future space might look like.
A 2022 report from the Home Staging Association UK revealed that staged homes sell more than three times faster than those that aren’t staged, showing the impact visual appeal has on a property’s value.
Estate agents at Auction House London say: “When a home is more attractive, buyers are often willing to outbid their competitors, potentially bagging you an extra few thousand pounds.”
Ambience
Trends come and go, but the great thing about them is that they usually stay at the surface level. This means you can easily keep up with current styles by updating your ornaments, wall décor, and soft furnishings, while the core elements of your room stay the same.
For a long time, the minimalism trend has been a favourite among Brits, who have welcomed the ‘clean’ aesthetic. However, interior styles from the 70s and 90s are making a comeback as people seek to add warmth to their homes.
The maximalist trend is now on the rise, with Brits opting to display their possessions rather than hiding them away in drawers. Interior ‘stacking’ has gained popularity too, as people are choosing to layer various colours, textures, and ornaments to create a vibrant and personalised space.
Trending on Pinterest
Cosy homes are very much the appeal on Pinterest as the top pins for ‘home decor ideas’ feature the maximalism interiors trend. Lots of books, mismatched furniture and plants remain a consistent theme in the liked inspiration photos.
Estate agents at Auction House London suggest: “Like with the prints, furnishings are unlikely to add value to your home since they are your personal belongings.
“But, if your home is decorated in a way that appeals to potential buyers and reflects current trends, they may be inspired to personalise the space to suit their taste.”
How much could these add to your house value?
Making your home feel cosy can put buyers at ease and if a house looks great and feels comfortable, people are more likely to want to buy it. Potential buyers may even increase their offer to secure the sale, which could add anywhere from £2,000 to £10,000 to your property’s value.
Garden
In 2022, research from Mind revealed that more than 7 million people began gardening for the first time after the pandemic, and interest in gardening has only continued to rise since then. Now, many Brits are looking for back-to-nature settings not just for exterior design reasons but to help boost their mental health.
The minimalist trend hasn’t just lost its way in the home, as many Brits are shunning the minimalist trend in their backyards too. After the pandemic, budding gardeners were popping up across the country and the love for gardening remains strong.
Flowers and greenery offer the perfect back-to-nature setting, which many people are now seeking as they step back from the busyness of everyday life. Brits are welcoming a sense of balance and calm in both their interior and exterior designs. So, instead of paving and plant pots, ground plants and well-tended patches of grass are becoming the new norm.
Trending on Pinterest
For the Pinterest search term ‘garden’ you can expect to see bright plants, greenhouses and lots of greenery reign in the most popular pins, showing that people are embracing colourful maximalist gardens filled with plants and natural elements.
How much could these add to your house value?
A well-maintained garden filled with beautiful flowers and green space is highly sought-after in today’s market. The pandemic brought with it the importance of having a space to relax outdoors in your own home.
Home buyers are likely to pay more for a property with an outdoor green space and if your home has that, you could see an increase of 12% in your property’s value. This equates to around £34,000 for an average house.
Estate agents at Auction House London even add that you can improve your outdoor space without splitting with too many of your pennies. They said: “Improving your garden doesn’t have to cost a fortune, but it can make a big difference.
“Unlike expensive projects like a new kitchen or an extension, garden upgrades are a more affordable way to add value. On average, homeowners spend about £2,000 on landscaping, so it’s an investment that can really pay off when you sell.”
Exterior
An often overlooked factor in property value is the exterior – your home’s first impression. Houses with strong kerb appeal often feature an aesthetically pleasing-looking door.
In 2025, you can expect to say goodbye to neutral-looking doors that look mass-manufactured and instead Brits will be embracing rich, eye-catching colours and doors with unique accents like house numbers and plaques and/or distinctive glazing.
One trend that is slowly becoming more popular is stained glass, either as a feature in the top pane of glass in a window or in a front or back door.
This is backed by the fact the search term ‘stained glass door’ has seen a 13% increase on Google in the UK and a 17% increase worldwide.
Similarly, the design of windows have also seen a shift, grey window frames were all the rage between the years of 2020 – 2023, but now Google searches for ‘grey windows’ are down 8% this year, while searches for ‘black windows’ are up 4% and ‘brown windows’ 3%.
Trending on Pinterest
How much could these add to your house value?
The first thing a potential buyer sees when they enter your home is the front door and it can be a make or break for a wannabe homeowner.
An often overlooked factor in property value is the exterior – your home’s first impression. Houses with strong kerb appeal often feature an aesthetically pleasing door, a clean welcome mat, a few potted plants or hanging baskets around the entrance and a decorative door knocker.
According to a 2020 study by Sellhousefast.co.uk, the right front door can add as much as £4,000 to the sale price of a property.
Estate agents at Auction House London add: “A stylish front door can make a house feel inviting and well-maintained, signalling that it has been cared for. These features can also help potential buyers imagine living there, adding to the home’s overall appeal.”
Conclusion
In 2025, property renovation trends will be all about mixing cosy vibes with individualism, moving away from minimalism and more towards charismatic spaces. Warm tones, rich textures, and one-of-a-kind furnishings are setting the stage for homes that feel both lived-in and welcoming.
These exterior and interior renovations don’t just have the potential to add character to your home though, they also have the potential to make a difference if you’re planning to sell. Introducing on-trend, rich mid-century colours, green gardens, and timeless DIY and exteriors make a home more appealing to buyers and can even boost its value.
The trends we expect to see in 2025 could be just what you need for a home that feels welcoming and worth every penny.