Color-Drenched and Cozy: Decorating Trends for 2025
With the New Year bells still gently ringing and, hopefully, our collective hearts (and bellies!) full from holidays shared with loved ones near and far, the arrival of a new year gives me time to pause and think about what lies ahead in interior design trends. From upcoming client projects to trends predicted by design powerhouses Elle Decor and Architectural Digest, I’ve culled together a list of what I believe are the top home decorating trends for 2025
Crimson Reds, Deep Purples, and Chocolate Browns
For the past few years, color trends for interiors have embraced warm, earthy tones, and this year, jewel tones reign supreme again. Crimson reds, like oxblood, black cherry, merlot, and burgundy, as well as hues of purple and brown, are finding their way into residential and commercial spaces.
A quick look at the 2025 Color of the Year (COTY) selections by many of the major paint companies also points to the rising popularity of this moody color palette. BEHR’s pick for COTY is Rumors, a rich red shade with brown undertones, while Minwax chose Violet as their top pick. C2 Paint’s COTY is C2 Raku, whose hue is inspired by the type of pottery used in ancient Japanese tea ceremonies. C2 Raku is an earthy and deep brownish red that is calming yet dramatic and can work with a variety of interior design styles.
Graham & Brown’s choice for COTY is Elderton, a medium brown that’s both sophisticated and contemporary while Dunn-Edwards selected Caramelized, a terra-cotta-meetsbeige color with warm pink undertones. Benjamin Moore chose a nature-inspired shade called Cinnamon Slate, which blends rich plum with smooth chocolate brown. Finally, Pantone’s Color of the Year is Mocha Mousse, a medium brown that’s both contemporary and elegant.
Christine S. Cowles is the owner of Saltwood Interiors, an interior design company specializing in
Staging Association, and a proud WEV graduate. She can be reached at design@saltwoodinteriors.com.
These shades of browns, plums, and reds are the design world’s hottest neutrals, and they pair well with both traditional and modern design styles.
Color-Drenched Rooms
With the popularity of rich, saturated colors, it’s no surprise that bold, colordrenched rooms are predicted for the new year. Color-drenched rooms feature a single color used in varying shades to create a cohesive and impactful look. This trend is ideal for those who seek playful interiors or wish to infuse their spaces with chic personality.
Traditional Patterns
Whether you’re ready to embrace a rich color palette in your home or not, one way to break up a decade of pale neutrals is to add pattern to a room. We’re seeing designers and home retailers use more pattern, like plaids, chinoiserie, florals, and toiles in
textiles, upholstery, and wallpapers. If you’re not sure whether you’re ready to commit to this trend, try adding a few throw pillows in a fun pattern and see if it’s your jam.
Artful Lighting
Just as bolder colors are becoming the go-to look, clients are increasingly drawn to statement lighting that define the entire room. From oversized fixtures in sculptural forms to more traditional glass or crystal chandeliers, lighting can act as the central design element in a room, almost becoming the focal art piece in a space.
Clay and Ceramics
The use of ceramics and clay shows no signs of slowing down, as retailers, designers, and home enthusiasts continue to embrace their organic appeal. Clay-based products (or items that look like they are made of ceramic) such as lighting, tables, dinnerware, and vases continue to don the shelves and catalogs of home interior showrooms while natural plasters and limewash paints remain a popular choice in finishes for home renovation projects.
Cozy
While not exactly a powerhouse in the world of interior design, it’s interesting to note that Zillow Group, Inc. analyzed millions of their for-sale real estate listings in 2024 and noted that listings mentioning “cozy” have increased by 35 percent compared to the previous year while the term “nostalgia” appeared in 14 percent more listings than in 2023.
I’d love to see your home design inspiration for 2025! Tag me on social media @saltwood.interiors
3 BEDS | 4 BATHS | OFFERED AT $3,995,000
Discover Los Nidos ("The Nest"), an elegant, unique single level penthouse that’s never been on the market before! Designed by award-winning architect J.A. Zimmer and built in 1996, this 3,200 sq. ft. residence offers three ensuite bedrooms, a formal dining room, office, and two additional half baths.
Featuring seamless indoor-outdoor living with two terraces, including a large deck spanning the entire length of the home with mountain views and an outdoor kitchenette. Natural light streams through multiple sets of French doors, highlighting oversized wide hallways, lofted ceilings, hardwood floors, custom built-ins, spacious rooms and Mediterranean details. The formal dining room creates warmth with beautiful wood paneling, built in cabinetry and a fireplace.
Convenience meets luxury with a private two-car garage, elevator, central AC, and a prime downtown location close to the theater district, dining and shopping. Los Nidos is a unique haven of beauty and sophistication, ready to welcome its first new owner. Don’t miss this rare Santa Barbara treasure!
OPEN HOUSES
Goleta
5046 Birchwood Road, 2BD, 3BA, Sun 1-4, $895,000, Village Properties, Johnny Deim 805-6790692, DRE#02247763
348 Coronado Drive, 3BD, 2BA, Sun 1-3, $1,329,000, Sotheby’s International Realty, Brisaly Balderas 805-335-4726, DRE#02128318
562 Poppyfield Place, 3BD, 2.5BA, Sun 1-3, $1,360,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Monica Gear 805-746-9598, DRE#01347808
5721 Armitos Avenue, 3BD, 2BA, Sat & Sun 1-3, $1,450,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Katinka Goertz / Rebecca Hammel 805-708-9616 / 310-502-8031, DRE#01871645
San Roque
2648 State Street Unit 32, 2BD, 2BA, Sat & Sun 1-4, $1,199,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Sunnie Maxwell / Marie Sue Parsons 805-252-2524 / 805-895-4866, DRE#00629053
3052 Lucinda Lane, 2BD, 1.5BA, Sat 1-3 & Sun 1-4, $1,495,000, Village Properties, Thomas Johansen / Ryan Kell 805886-1857 / 805-220-0848, DRE#01401533 / #02224217
236 Northridge Road, 4BD, 3BA, Sat & Sun 1-3, $2,695,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Erin Beck / Lyndsey Jones 805-708-0446 / 805-680-2856, DRE#01488548 / #02125898
702 E Calle Laureles, 4BD, 3BA, Sat 1-3, $3,550,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Erika Burrows 805-886-1588, DRE#00968247
The Mesa
1078 Miramonte Drive #3, 2BD, 2BA, Sat 1-4, $1,095,000, Village Properties, Johnny Deim 805-6790692, DRE#02247763 1331 Los Alamos Place, 2BD, 2BA, Sat & Sun 1-3, $2,950,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Mia Teetsel / Carmen Galzerano 805-202-9118 / 805-705-3080, DRE#00950129 1413 Shoreline Drive, 2BD, 2.5BA, Sun 1-3, $3,395,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Dan Crawford 805-886-5764, DRE#01923245
The Riviera
516 Alameda Padre Serra, 3BD, 3BA, Sat & Sun 1-3, $2,790,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Marisa Garber 858-337-8727, DRE#02153765
Saturday 1/11 & Sunday 1/12
171 Alameda Padre Serra, 4BD + Den, 3BA, Sun 1-4, $2,895,000, Compass, Matt Del Campo 805448-5158, DRE#02077875
50 Camino Alto, 3BD, 3.5BA, Sun 1-4, $3,775,000, Village Properties, Amy J Baird 805-478-9318, DRE#01497110
1235 Mission Ridge Road, 4BD, 4BA, Sat 1-3 & Sun 12-3, $3,850,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Katya Sheets / Claudia Schou 805-708-2323 / 805-4037053, DRE#01378431
Santa Barbara
4154 Via Andorra Unit C, 2BD, 2BA, Sun 1-3, $895,000, Village Properties, Elena Abel 415-2598098, DRE#02199747
801 W Pedregosa St, 2BD, 1BA, Sat & Sun 1-4, $1,450,000, Village Properties, Simone Eurich / Susan Jordano 805-455-7992 / 805680-9060, DRE#02105209 / #01775462
521 E Anapamu Street, Unit C6 2BD, 2BA, Sun 1-4, $1,587,700, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, James St James 805-708-7118, DRE#01369539
5160 Kara Drive, 3BD, 2BA, Fri 10:30-1:30 & Sun 1-3, $1,745,000, Epstein Partners/Keller Williams, Jedd Hewitt 805-850-9277, DRE#02118814
2731 Miradero Drive, 3BD, 2BA, Sat & Sun 2-4, $1,750,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Kristen Maggitti 805-895-8387, DRE#02195648
1378 Sycamore Canyon Road, 5BD, 4BA, Sat & Sun 1:30-4, $1,895,000, Village Properties, Gregg Leach 805-886-9000, DRE#01005773
218 Santa Barbara Street Unit C, 2BD, 2.5BA, Sat 1-3, $2,250,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Kit Peterson 805-689-5335, DRE#02008932
1227 De La Vina Street Unit C, 2BD, 2BA, Sat 2-4, $2,397,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Andrea Ruhge 805-895-5862, DRE#01965484
426 W Los Olivos Street, 5BD, 4BA, Sun 1-3, $2,595,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Randy Freed & Kellie Clenet 805-895-1799 / 805-70553, DRE#01434616
350 Conejo Road, 3BD, 2BA, Sun 12-2, $2,695,000, EXP Realty of California Inc., Todd Shea 805-4537730, DRE#02028163
700 Mateo Court, 3BD, 2BA, Sat 2-4 & Sun 12-3, $2,695,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Michelle Madril / Guenael Oristel 805453-0927 / 347-791-1107, DRE#00917775
5200 E Camino Cielo, 5BD, 5.5BA, Sun 2-4, $2,795,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Andrea Ruhge 805895-5862, DRE#01965484
751 Skyview Drive, 4BD, 2BA & 1PBA, Sun 2-4, $3,095,000, Sotheby’s International Realty, Nicole Dever 805-570-5226, DRE#02110739
150 Coronada Cir, 2BD, 2.5BA, Sun 1-3, $3,995,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Barbara Neary 805698-8980, DRE#01209514
7 E Arrellaga St, 3BD, 4BA, Sat & Sun 1-4, $3,995,000, Village Properties, Kim Crawford / Angel Speier 805-886-8132 / 805316-4336, DRE#01440068 / #02037359
3319 Braemar Drive, 5BD, 3BA, Sat 1-4, $5,100,000, Sotheby’s International Realty, Frank Abatemarco 805-450-7477, DRE#01320375
104 Ontare Hills Lane, 4BD, 4BA, Sat & Sun 1-4, $5,500,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Yolanda Van Wingerden 805-570-4965, DRE#01308141
207 Eucalyptus Hill Drive, 5BD, 4.5BA, Sat 1-3, $8,900,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, JJ Gobbell 805-403-5785, DRE#00968247
Upper East
424-426 E Valerio Street, 4BD, 3.5BA, Sun 1-3, $3,295,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Kathy Strand Spieler / Katie Spieler 805-895-6326 / 805-245-4582, DRE#00851281
Montecito
905 Camino Viejo Rd, 3BD, 2BA, Sun 12-3, $3,650,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Lori Akers 805-8958962, DRE#01209514
627 Romero Canyon Road, 4BD, 4.5BA, Sun 1-3, $3,795,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Annette Vait 805-886-1926, DRE#01426886
440 Woodley Road, 3BD, 2.5BA, Sun 1-3, $5,850,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Robert Kemp 805-6957263, DRE#00976141
90 Butterfly Lane, 3BD, 3BA & 1PBA, Sun 1-3, $6,950,000, Sotheby’s International Realty, Michelle Eskandari 805-637-8061, DRE#01861525
840 Ivy Lane, 4BD, 2.5BA, Sun 1-4, $7,995,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Katinka Goertz 805708-9616, DRE#00976141
Summerland
2435 Golden Gate Ave, 3BD, 2.5BA, Sat 12-3, $2,599,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Lori Akers 805-895-8962, DRE#01209514
Carpinteria
3375 Foothill Road Unit 713, 2BD, 2BA, Sat 12-2, $1,100,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Sharon Jordano 805-280-2055, DRE#02024147
4009 Green Heron Spring Drive, 4BD, 3BA, Sat & Sun 1-4, $1,695,000, EXP Realty of California Inc., Jorden Angel 805699-8779, DRE#02121165
1133 Palomino Road, 4BD, 2BA, Sun 3-5, $1,995,000, EXP Realty of California Inc., Todd Shea 805453-7730, DRE#02028163
Santa Ynez Valley
320 Savanna Dr, 3BD, 3BA, Sun 1-3, $875,000, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, Kelly Mahan Herrick 805-208-1451, DRE#01974836
1167 Highland Road, 4BD, 3BA & 1PBA, Sun 11-1:30, $1,895,000, Sotheby’s International Realty, Brenda Cloud 805-901-1156, DRE#01772551
1301 Cougar Ridge Rd, 3BD, 3.5BA, Sat 12-2, $2,495,000, Village Properties, Lisa Allen 805705-3460, DRE#01242652
5300 Baseline Avenue, 3BD, 3.5BA, Sun 12-3, $3,695,000, Village Properties, Czeriesa Poonia and Carey Kendall 347-453-5337, DRE#02078067 / #00753349
Realtors: submit your open house listings at INDEPENDENT.COM/ OPENHOUSESUBMISSIONS
$25 PER LISTING OR FREE FOR INDEPENDENT ADVERTISERS
Email: openhouses@independent.com with questions
SANTA BARBARA COUNTY SALES
DATE ADDRESS
CARPINTERIA MILLER BRT
FINDLEY SEAN EU
TREVILLIAN II FAMILY 4573 CARPINTERIA AVE PARTNERS
THRANE MARCUS EA
GOLETA STUDLEY PATRICIA EA
SYPNIEWSKI JEREMY EU
OLLIS AARON EA
ROOT JACOB EA
BERTHA STEPHANE EU
BRUNNER PETER EA
GUADALUPE BAUTISTA FILADELFO EA
WARD JOHN EU
AGH CHRISTOPHER EA
ALAMEIDA WESTON
KAINWAL ANIL EU
NORTON ERIK EA
LEWIS CATHLEEN EA
SMITH TERENCE EA
CARDENAS LUIS EA
LOMPOC RENTSCHLER NICHOLAS EA KIMMY MICHAEL
PINA LAURA FAJARDO JUAN EU
MAUREEN
$3,750,000 12/11/24 7427 SHEPARD MESA RD
$5,300,000 12/12/24 4573 CARPINTERIA AVE
$1,175,000 12/13/24 1445 CAMELLIA CIR
$1,710,000 12/13/24 474 N TURNPIKE RD
$565,000 12/13/24 35 DEARBORN PL 56
$1,751,000 12/10/24 622 COLFAX CT
$1,493,000 12/11/24 23 SAN JANO DR
$690,000 12/10/24 7560 CATHEDRAL OAKS 3
$1,707,000 12/10/24 7801 DAY RD
$525,000 12/13/24 371 LINDY DR
$540,000 12/13/24 1411 PLUM AVE
$365,000 12/13/24
LN LOS OLIVOS PLIER GERALD EA LEVIN PAMELA
LISA EA
DAN EA
BENJAMIN
SANTA MARIA BRICKEY MICHAEL EA GIGANDET REBECCA
12/12/24 3830 CRESCENT DR
12/13/24 1209 VIA PAVION
HAGIE ROGER YOUNG HARRY $730,000 12/11/24 1363 VIA ALTA
MCNINCH MANLEY
PRICE PHILLIP EA
BROWN TIMOTHY EA
GUZMAN LESLEY
CHAPMAN SUSAN EA
MAURER DONNA EA
RODRIGUEZ JAIME EA
SIORDIA HOPIE EA
JOYCE LEE EA
CERNA ROBERTO EU
SOSA PJESSICA
RODRIGUEZ JAIME EA $755,000 12/10/24 4587 S BRADLEY RD
ROBINSON HILARY EA
$642,000 12/13/24 564 HARTNELL RD
PRICE PHILLIP EU $795,000 12/13/24 1490 CORSICA DR
MORENO RUBEN EU
LEGASPI AGUILAR LLC
PALACIOS-BRAMBILA JUAN EA
DACUYCUY MARINO EU
DE CARRASCO OLGA
GARCIA RAYMOND
DANOVER VANESSA
PENNY LANE EQUITY INC
$725,000 12/12/24 859 E MCCLOUD ST
$900,000 12/10/24 1521 STOWELL CENTER PLZ
$655,000 12/13/24 1346 W DUVALI DR
$635,000 12/10/24 931 W ALBA CT
$589,000 12/13/24 1212 N THORNBURG ST
$471,500 12/11/24 914 N THORNBURG ST
$500,000 12/12/24 1107 W MCELHANY AVE
$175,000 12/11/24 631 S PINE ST
Mountain View Haven
3 BD | 2 BA | $1,745,000
5160KaraDrive.com
Nestled in Cathedral Oaks Estates, this single-level home features upgraded interiors, vaulted ceilings, a private yard with mountain views, and resort-style amenities, and top-rated schools.
Open Houses: Friday 10:30-1:30 pm & Sunday 1-3 pm
2 BD | 1 BA | $645,550 4538 Oak Glen Drive “E”
Experience luxury coastal living with this elegant 3,097 sq. ft. condo featuring an open floor plan, high-end finishes, and easy access to beaches, shopping, and more.
Schedule a private showing.
Stunning panoramic ocean and island views from this charming singlelevel, East Mesa home, offering a beautifully remodeled interior, updated infrastructure, and an ideal location.
2-bedroom condo in Santa Barbara, offering 666 sq. ft., custom built-ins, in-unit laundry, no restrictions, low HOA fees, and a prime location between Santa Barbara and Goleta.