10 Denver Home Design Trends That Will Fade Away By 2030

Denver homes have embraced unique design styles that reflect our mountain lifestyle and urban flair. But like all trends, some popular home features won’t stand the test of time. Here’s my prediction for which current Denver design elements will disappear from our homes by 2030.

1. Barn Doors Sliding Into History

Remember when everyone wanted sliding barn doors in their home? These rustic showpieces are losing their charm fast. Colorado homeowners are discovering they offer minimal privacy and sound insulation while collecting dust in their tracks.

Watch for a return to pocket doors or stylish French doors instead.

2. All-White Kitchens Losing Their Sparkle

The pristine all-white kitchen that dominated Denver renovations is fading fast. Mountain homeowners are realizing these clinical-looking spaces show every speck of dirt and lack personality.

Warm woods, colorful cabinets, and natural stone with character are taking center stage in Rocky Mountain kitchens.

3. Shiplap Sailing Away

Shiplap walls once represented cozy mountain charm in Denver homes. Now they’re becoming the wood paneling of our generation. The repetitive horizontal lines that seemed so fresh are starting to look dated and collect dust.

Modern textured wallpapers and dimensional tile are becoming the new wall statements.

4. Gray Everything Going Away

The gray-on-gray-on-gray palette that dominated Denver interiors is finally fading. Those cool tones that once seemed sophisticated now feel cold and impersonal in our sunny Colorado climate.

Homeowners are embracing warmer neutrals, earthy tones, and pops of color that better reflect our outdoor lifestyle and natural surroundings.

5. Oversized Word Art Losing Its Words

Those giant “Live Laugh Love” and “Bless This Mess” signs are becoming the design equivalent of bumper stickers. Denver homeowners are tired of being told how to feel by their walls.

Authentic art from local Colorado artists and meaningful personal pieces are taking the place of mass-produced slogans.

6. Open Concept Closing Its Doors

After years of knocking down walls, Denver homeowners are craving separation again. The pandemic showed us the downside of hearing every sound throughout the house when everyone’s home.

Flexible spaces with sliding partitions, pocket doors, and designated rooms for work and relaxation are making a comeback in Colorado homes.

7. Edison Bulbs Dimming Out

Those exposed vintage-style Edison bulbs that hang from every Denver restaurant and home are flickering out. They use excessive energy (not very Colorado-friendly) and provide harsh, unflattering light.

Smart lighting with customizable warmth and energy efficiency is replacing these industrial-looking fixtures in environmentally-conscious Denver homes.

8. Farmhouse Style Leaving the Ranch

Distressed wood, chicken wire accents, and rustic farm touches are heading back to the countryside. This style has become so overused in Denver suburbs that it’s lost authenticity.

Mountain modern and updated mid-century designs that better reflect Colorado’s unique blend of outdoor adventure and urban sophistication are taking over.

9. Accent Walls Fading to Background

The single dark or boldly patterned wall that’s been a Denver design staple is disappearing. These once-dramatic statements now feel like half-finished painting projects or indecisive design choices.

Full room color immersion or subtle architectural details are becoming preferred ways to create interest in Colorado homes.

10. Quartz Countertops Losing Their Edge

The uniform, speckled quartz countertops that replaced granite in Denver kitchens are already showing signs of dating. Their perfect consistency and manufactured look lack the character Colorado homeowners increasingly desire.

Sustainable materials like reclaimed wood, concrete with recycled glass, and locally-sourced natural stone are gaining popularity.