2025 Custom Home Trends in Seattle & the Eastside
As we look ahead to 2025, custom home design in Seattle and the Eastside continues to evolve with an exciting blend of innovation, wellness, and timeless style. This year’s trends range from functional features to luxurious wellness spaces, giving homeowners plenty of ways to personalize and elevate their living environments. Let’s dive into the trends making waves—and whether they’re here to stay or just passing through.
Steam Shower
Steam showers are becoming the ultimate wellness upgrade for custom homes, transforming everyday routines into a spa-like experience. Known for their numerous health benefits—such as improving circulation, promoting relaxation, and supporting respiratory health—steam showers are especially popular among Seattleites who prioritize self-care. Combining a steam shower with aromatherapy or chromotherapy enhances the therapeutic benefits, creating a truly immersive wellness retreat. While this trend may seem niche, the increasing emphasis on health and well-being suggests that steam showers will remain a sought-after feature in homes designed for long-term wellness.
Grocery Doors
Grocery doors are a clever design innovation that is simplifying the daily grind for many homeowners. These doors offer a direct connection from your garage to your pantry or kitchen, making grocery unloading faster and more efficient. Imagine bypassing the trek through the house and placing bags right where they belong—it’s a small luxury that makes a big difference for busy families. However, some homeowners argue that while the idea is ingenious, it doesn’t eliminate the need to unload and organize groceries once they’re inside. While this trend is gaining momentum, only time will tell whether it becomes a staple of home design or fades as a fleeting convenience.
Accessory Dwelling Units
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are a trend that’s here to stay, especially in Seattle and the Eastside. With housing demand high and space limited, ADUs offer flexible living solutions, whether for multigenerational families, rental income, or home offices. These small but mighty additions can transform basements, garages, or backyards into functional living spaces. Cities are simplifying permitting processes, making ADUs even more accessible, and homeowners are seeing the long-term value they add to their properties. Expect this trend to grow stronger in 2025 and beyond.
Wooden Wall Paneling
Wooden wall paneling is making a comeback, but this isn’t the dark and dated look from decades past. Modern paneling features lighter woods like oak, ash, or maple, bringing warmth and texture to contemporary spaces. It’s particularly popular in living rooms, bedrooms, or as a subtle accent wall that adds depth without overwhelming the design. The natural look resonates with Seattle’s affinity for clean and organic aesthetics. Given its timeless appeal and versatility, wooden wall paneling is a trend that will, most likely, be here to stay.
Arches
Arches are proof that classic design never goes out of style. From doorways to built-ins, arches add softness and elegance to custom homes, breaking up the rigid lines of modern spaces. Their Mediterranean-inspired charm blends seamlessly into both traditional and contemporary designs, offering a timeless touch that feels fresh and inviting. In Seattle homes, arches are used to define spaces while maintaining an open and airy flow. This trend isn’t going anywhere—it’s a design element that will stand the test of time.
Vapor Fireplaces
Vapor fireplaces are redefining cozy living with their clean, modern appeal. Using water vapor to produce realistic flames, these fireplaces are eco-friendly, low-maintenance, and safe for families. They offer all the ambiance of a traditional fireplace without the smoke, emissions, or mess. In Seattle, where sustainability is a priority, vapor fireplaces are quickly becoming a must-have feature for living rooms, bedrooms, and even outdoor spaces. With their combination of practicality and style, this trend has serious staying power.
From functional upgrades like grocery doors and speed ovens to timeless features like arches and wooden paneling, the 2025 custom home trends in Seattle and the Eastside reflect a balance of innovation, style, and practicality. Whether you’re focused on wellness, sustainability, or timeless design, these trends offer something for everyone. As you plan your dream home or next remodel, you’ll find plenty of inspiration to make your space truly one of a kind.
Plaster Finishes (Roman Clay)
Plaster finishes, particularly Roman Clay, are having a moment thanks to their natural, artisanal look. The soft matte texture creates a sophisticated and organic feel, perfect for walls in living rooms, bedrooms, and bathrooms. Homeowners are embracing Roman Clay for its durability and ability to elevate a space with understated luxury. This finish pairs beautifully with modern and rustic designs alike, making it a lasting choice for those who love natural materials.
Matte Black Fixtures
Matte black fixtures have been a go-to for modern kitchens and bathrooms, but their reign may be short-lived. While they bring a bold, sleek look to any space, the trend is already showing signs of fatigue as warmer tones and mixed metals gain popularity. Matte black fixtures are still stylish and impactful, particularly when paired with light finishes like marble or natural wood, but they might not be a long-term choice. If you love the look, go for it—just know it may feel dated in a few years.
Speed Ovens
Speed ovens are the unsung heroes of modern kitchens, combining the efficiency of a microwave with the cooking power of a convection oven. Perfect for busy families, food lovers, and those who love to entertain, speed ovens allow you to whip up meals faster without sacrificing quality. They’re also ideal for smaller kitchens where multifunctional appliances are key. As kitchens continue to evolve with technology, speed ovens are a smart upgrade that’s here to stay.
