7 Wisconsin Home Trends Fading And 5 That Are Still Popular

Wisconsin homes are changing in exciting ways. Some design choices that seemed perfect just a few years ago are now fading into the background, while others remain as popular as ever.

I’ll walk you through what’s on its way out and what homeowners across the state still love.

1. Cool Grays and Minimalist Designs

Remember when every room had to be painted in shades of gray? Those days are disappearing fast. Homeowners want spaces that feel warm and inviting instead of cold and sterile.

Minimalist designs with barely any personality are being replaced by cozy rooms filled with character. People are adding colorful accents, family photos, and meaningful decorations that tell their unique stories instead of following strict minimalist rules.

2. Industrial-Style Interiors

Exposed pipes and raw concrete might look cool in a city loft, but Wisconsin homeowners are moving away from this harsh aesthetic. The stark, warehouse-inspired look feels too cold for our climate and lifestyle.

Natural wood textures and softer materials are taking over. Homes now embrace organic elements that create warmth rather than the hard edges of industrial design.

3. Open Shelving in Kitchens

Open shelves looked beautiful in magazine photos, but the reality proved frustrating. Dust settles on dishes constantly, and keeping everything perfectly arranged becomes exhausting.

Closed cabinets are making a comeback because they hide everyday clutter effortlessly. You can toss items inside without worrying about creating an Instagram-worthy display every single day, which makes life so much easier.

4. All-White Kitchens

White kitchens dominated home design for years, but they’re losing their appeal. The sterile look feels more like a hospital than a welcoming space where families gather.

Colorful cabinets and warm wood tones are replacing the all-white trend. People want kitchens that feel lively and personal, with pops of color that reflect their personalities and make cooking more enjoyable.

5. Granite Countertops

Granite was once the ultimate luxury material that every homeowner wanted. Now it feels dated and overdone, especially those busy speckled patterns that dominated the 2000s.

Quartz and recycled surfaces offer better durability and modern looks. These materials require less maintenance and come in stunning designs that feel fresh and contemporary rather than stuck in the past.

6. Formal Dining Rooms

How often do you actually use a formal dining room? Most families admit these spaces sit empty except for major holidays.

Open-concept designs and flexible spaces are replacing these rarely-used rooms. Homeowners prefer areas that serve multiple purposes, like homework stations that transform into dinner spots. Why dedicate square footage to a room you barely touch when that space could work harder?

7. Overly Themed Décor

Beach themes in landlocked Wisconsin or farmhouse everything in suburban homes? These over-the-top themes are fading fast. Matchy-matchy décor packages feel forced and lack authenticity.

Eclectic styles that mix different periods and influences are taking over. People want homes that reflect their actual lives and travels, not catalog pages. Collecting pieces with personal meaning creates spaces that feel genuinely yours.

8. Organic Modern Style

Clean lines meet nature in this style that Wisconsin homeowners absolutely adore. Natural textures like rough-hewn wood and smooth stone create balance without feeling fussy or overdone.

This approach feels grounded and peaceful, perfect for our Midwest sensibilities. The combination of modern simplicity with organic warmth makes spaces feel both sophisticated and comfortable, which is exactly what people want coming home after long days.

9. Spa-Like Bathrooms

Your bathroom can feel like a vacation destination every single morning. Steam showers, heated floors, and soothing color schemes transform ordinary bathrooms into personal retreats.

Wisconsin winters make these features especially appealing. Stepping onto warm floors on cold mornings feels amazing, and steam showers help you relax after shoveling snow. Creating this sanctuary space remains a top priority for remodeling projects.

10. Warm, Earthy Color Palettes

Rich terracotta, deep forest greens, and golden mustard yellows are everywhere right now. These colors add depth and coziness that cool grays never achieved.

Earthy tones complement Wisconsin’s natural landscapes beautifully. They bring outdoor beauty inside, creating harmony between your home and surroundings. These shades work year-round, feeling fresh in summer and cozy during winter, which explains why they remain so popular.

11. Biophilic Design

Bringing nature indoors goes beyond adding a few houseplants. Biophilic design incorporates natural materials, maximizes natural light, and creates visual connections to outdoor spaces.

This approach promotes well-being and reduces stress naturally. Large windows frame garden views, living walls purify air, and sustainable materials minimize environmental impact. Wisconsin homeowners love how this design philosophy honors our beautiful natural surroundings while creating healthier living environments.

12. Smart Home Integration

Technology keeps making homes more convenient and efficient. Voice-activated systems, automated lighting, and energy-efficient appliances aren’t just trendy—they’re practical.

Wisconsin’s temperature extremes make smart thermostats especially valuable. You can adjust heating remotely before arriving home, saving energy and money. Security systems with smartphone access provide peace of mind whether you’re at work or vacation. These features enhance daily life meaningfully.