The In and Out of 2025 Home Decorating in Houston

As 2025 comes to a close, it’s clear that homeowners have shifted toward interiors that feel more authentic, warm, and personally meaningful. At Curtains by Design, we have seen these changes firsthand in homes throughout Houston, Katy, Sugar Land, Memorial, and the surrounding areas. If you are planning a refresh in the new year, here is a look back at what defined home decorating in 2025 and which styles lost momentum.

IN: Warm Color Palettes and Natural Materials

One of the strongest trends this year was the move toward warm, earthy colors. Shades of clay, terracotta, sand, olive, caramel, and soft browns were used to create comforting rooms that feel grounded and timeless. These tones work especially well in Houston homes where natural light and open floor plans can sometimes make spaces feel washed out.

Alongside this shift, homeowners embraced natural materials such as linen, cotton, wool, stone, natural wood, and woven textures. These materials added depth and character, and they created a sense of ease that felt both practical and elegant.

This trend extended into window treatments. Linen curtains, cotton drapes, and natural fiber blends became the preferred choice for clients who wanted their window coverings to complement the overall feel of the room rather than stand out as a harsh contrast.

IN: Layered Drapes and Textural Window Treatments

In 2025, layered curtains were more popular than ever. Sheer panels paired with fully lined drapes gave homeowners more flexibility with light control, privacy, and insulation. This look also created depth and softness, which helped rooms feel more finished.

Pinch pleats, ripple fold drapes, and other tailored styles remained key features. These structured looks work well in both traditional and modern interiors, and they deliver the polished, designer appearance that many homeowners want.

The rise in textural fabrics was also notable. Boucle, linen, raw silk, soft woven blends, and textured upholstery fabrics were used throughout homes. Window treatments were no exception. Many homeowners opted for fabrics with visual interest to help anchor their rooms and add dimension.

For more 2025 curtain specific design trends, take a look at this blog.

IN: Curated, Personal Interiors

Rather than perfectly coordinated spaces, 2025 favored interiors with a more collected feel. Homeowners incorporated pieces that reflected their personality, including vintage items, handmade décor, meaningful artwork, and unique textiles. Rooms that felt as though they had been gathered over time were preferred over rooms that looked like they came directly from a catalog.

This trend also encouraged the use of custom elements, such as tailored drapes, custom upholstery, and bespoke pillows. These details helped tie spaces together visually and created a cohesive but individualized look.

IN: Rich Accent Colors and Material Mixes

While warm neutrals dominated, many homeowners used deeper, richer colors to accent their rooms. Deep greens, midnight blues, plums, burgundy tones, and warm rust shades all gained popularity this year. These colors appeared on accent chairs, statement walls, drapery panels, and accessories.

Mixing materials also grew in popularity. Softer textiles were paired with stone, wood, or metal finishes, and clean lines were balanced with plush fabrics. The combination created a layered, lived-in feel that felt updated but not trendy.

OUT: Ultra-Minimal Interiors and Cold Monochrome Palettes

The minimalism that defined much of the last decade continued to lose steam this year. Rooms that felt sparse, sterile, or overly edited were replaced with spaces that feel warmer and more personal. The cool gray and stark white color schemes that once dominated new builds and remodels have mostly faded out, replaced by softer neutrals and more saturated accent tones.

Similarly, bare windows or very thin, unlined curtains were no longer the preferred look. Homeowners are placing more importance on window treatments for both aesthetic and functional reasons.

OUT: Matchy-Matchy Decor and Themed Rooms

One of the clearest shifts in 2025 was the move away from overly coordinated interiors. Furniture sets, themed décor, and rooms where everything matches perfectly are no longer considered desirable. Instead, homeowners prefer pieces that complement one another without creating a uniform look.

Rooms now blend different textures, colors, furniture styles, and materials. The result is a more relaxed and natural feel that better reflects the people who live in the space.

What This Means for Your Home in 2026

If you are planning to update your home next year, the trends of 2025 point toward spaces that are comfortable, warm, and personal. As an interior decorator in Houston, Curtains by Design/s Swaha Chakrabarti recommends focusing on natural fabrics, layered window treatments, rich textures, and color palettes that add depth to your rooms.

Upgrading your curtains or drapes is often the easiest place to start. Well-designed window treatments can immediately elevate a room and help tie together the textures and colors already in your home.

If you would like help bringing any of these ideas into your home, Curtains by Design offers custom curtains, drapes, upholstery, and interior decorating services tailored to your style and budget.

At Curtains by Design, we help Houston-area homeowners create spaces that feel elegant, comfortable, and uniquely their own. From custom curtains and draperies to complete interior design and upholstery services, we guide you through every step — balancing high-end design with practical solutions.

Ready to transform your home? Schedule a consultation today.