Pasadena Home Design Trends: What’s Hot in 2025
One of my favorite things about working in Pasadena real estate is seeing how design evolves especially in a city like ours, where historic charm and fresh creativity meet in such a beautiful way. Whether you're updating your own home or just love a good Pinterest scroll, here’s what we’re seeing everywhere this year, from bungalow remodels to modern new builds.
If you’re curious about what’s trending in 2025 (and what actually works in Pasadena homes), here’s a peek into what’s catching our attention.
1. Earthy Neutrals Are Still Going Strong but Warmer
Goodbye cold grays, hello cozy beige, soft olive, and warm taupe. Paint colors are trending toward natural, grounding tones that make a home feel calm but lived in.
In Pasadena, we’re seeing this show up in:
Kitchen cabinets with soft mushroom tones
Exterior paint colors in sandstone or putty
Layered living rooms with creams, browns, and textured whites
It feels classic but current and works beautifully with both traditional and modern homes.
2. Mixed Materials Over Matchy-Matchy
The days of everything being chrome and perfectly uniform are behind us. In 2025, it’s all about mixing it up, think:
Vintage wood with brushed brass
Zellige tile next to polished concrete
Wrought iron lighting in modern white kitchens
Pasadena homeowners are leaning into this layered look, especially when blending old and new in historic homes.
3. Quiet Luxury But Make It Pasadena
You’ve probably heard the phrase “quiet luxury” everywhere by now, and in Pasadena, it translates to thoughtful design that feels intentional and refined, not flashy.
We’re seeing more:
Custom built-ins with natural wood
High-end but unbranded finishes
Spaces that prioritize light, function, and flow over “statement” features
In other words, design that whispers, not shouts.
4. Kitchens That Feel Like Living Spaces
Instead of closed-off, utilitarian kitchens, we’re seeing spaces designed for hosting, lingering, and living especially in open-plan homes.
Popular features this year:
Oversized islands with room to gather
Wood accents to soften the space
Hidden appliances and integrated storage for a cleaner look
Even in historic homes, clients are finding ways to open up or partially rework kitchen layouts while keeping period charm.
5. Sustainability Is More Than a Buzzword
In 2025, Pasadena buyers and homeowners are looking for more than just good insulation. Sustainability is showing up in:
Reclaimed materials (floors, tile, even lighting)
Solar-ready homes and EV charging setups
Native landscaping and low-water gardens
It’s less about being trendy and more about thoughtful, long-term living something very Pasadena at its core.
6. Outdoor Spaces with Purpose
Whether it’s a small Craftsman porch or a full backyard, outdoor areas are being designed as true extensions of the home.
We’re seeing:
Covered patios with ceiling fans and heaters
Stylish yet durable furniture (hello, Sunbrella everything)
Pollinator-friendly plants and garden nooks
Even compact spaces are being maximized for calm, functional outdoor living.
7. Statement Lighting That Doesn’t Overdo It
Lighting in 2025 is having a moment but not in a “giant crystal chandelier” kind of way.
Instead, we’re seeing:
Sculptural pieces in natural materials like plaster, linen, and rattan
Warm, diffused light for a cozy atmosphere
Dimmer switches everywhere (seriously, game changer)
It’s all about setting the right mood and using lighting as a design layer, not just a utility.
The Pasadena Takeaway
What’s trending nationally always gets filtered through Pasadena’s lens of livability, history, and thoughtful design. We’re a city that values beauty, yes but also comfort, authenticity, and a deep sense of place.
So if you're planning to refresh a room or prepare your home for sale, the best advice? Start with what makes your home feel grounded, welcoming, and you. Trends come and go but good design lasts.
Thinking of Updating Your Home?
Whether you’re prepping to sell or just want to love your space more, I’m always happy to connect you with trusted local designers, contractors, or stagers who understand what works in Pasadena homes.
No pressure, just good advice when you need it.