5 Home Design Trends Southern Wisconsin Homeowners Are Loving in 2025
From cozy lake homes to modern farmhouses, Southern Wisconsin homeowners are embracing design trends that blend comfort, personality, and practicality. At BHGRE Dream Partners, we’re seeing these ideas take root—and our partners at MDR Design Co. is ready to help you bring them to life.
1. Organic Modern Style
Organic Modern Style has become a favorite among homeowners seeking a balance of structure and softness. It combines clean, contemporary lines with natural textures like stone, raw wood, and warm earth tones. In Wisconsin, this aesthetic pairs beautifully with scenic backdrops, whether it's a rustic lakeside property or a cozy suburban retreat. Incorporating reclaimed barn wood for accent walls or shelving adds a local touch and a sustainability bonus. According to Better Homes & Gardens this movement toward nature-inspired design reflects a broader shift toward meaningful, lasting pieces over disposable décor.
Tip: Choose light-stained wood furniture like ash or maple to reflect natural light and keep interiors feeling airy and grounded—perfect for homes surrounded by Wisconsin’s lush landscapes.
2. Spa-Like Shower Rooms
Bathrooms are taking a luxurious turn with the rise of spa-like shower rooms, designed for restoration and serenity. We're seeing homeowners prioritize features like steam showers, eucalyptus bundles, heated floors, and towel warmers—especially during long Midwestern winters. Dimmable lighting, plush textiles, and calming color palettes help create those moments of escape we all crave. The team at Better Homes & Gardens calls these “pockets of sanctuary,” turning even the smallest baths into peaceful retreats.
Tip: Add a built-in shower bench using teak or stone—it’s functional, stylish, and ideal for relaxing during long winter months.
3. Warm Retro Color Palettes
In terms of color, cool grays are fading in favor of warm retro palettes. Colors like terracotta, deep greens, and mustard yellow are making spaces feel vibrant and cozy, adding richness and depth to everything from mudrooms to living rooms. Southern Wisconsin’s architecture, full of traditional details and seasonal beauty, embraces these tones easily. A simple way to start is by adding colorful throw pillows, painting an accent wall, or sourcing vintage furniture with wood accents. Designers across the country, according to Better Homes & Gardens, are leaning into nostalgic warmth to foster personality in every room.
Tip: Use chalky matte paint finishes in colors like ochre or forest green to give walls a soft, vintage look that pairs beautifully with traditional Wisconsin architecture.
4. Rounded Furniture & Arches
Another graceful shift in home aesthetics is the return of rounded furniture and arched features. From curved sofas to oval mirrors, these shapes soften the geometry of a room and add elegance—especially in homes with historical charm, which are abundant across our region. A small update, like swapping a rectangular mirror for a round one or adding an arched bookshelf, can transform the feel of a space without requiring renovation. The trend, as Better Homes & Gardens notes, creates interiors that feel welcoming and thoughtfully composed.
Tip: Invest in a curved accent chair or rounded-edge coffee table made from natural materials like wood or boucle fabric. These pieces add sculptural elegance and softness to a room, and they work beautifully in both modern and traditional Southern Wisconsin homes.
5. Outdoor Cooking Spaces
Finally, Southern Wisconsin’s moderate climate makes outdoor cooking spaces one of the most exciting trends of 2025. Outdoor kitchens—with pizza ovens, built-in grills, and ample prep counters—are becoming focal points for entertaining from spring through late fall. Incorporating weather-resistant materials like stone and stainless steel ensures longevity, while extras like pergolas or string lights bring charm and ambiance. As Better Homes & Gardens reports, these spaces reflect a growing demand for flexible, multifunctional areas that blend cooking, entertaining, and relaxing.
Tip: Incorporate a movable prep cart with weather-resistant surfaces—it adds flexibility and storage, and can be tucked away during snowy seasons.
Ready to Transform Your Space?
Whether you're dreaming of a cozy reading nook or a full home makeover, MDR Design Co. is your partner in design. We specialize in creating personalized, trend-forward interiors that celebrate your lifestyle and local surroundings.
Let's bring your home to life! Contact us today!
Located in The MDR House
1701 Holiday Dr Janesville, WI 53545
Terms Of Use | Privacy Policy | Accessibility Statement | Fair Housing Notice
© Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate 2023 – 2024. All rights reserved. Better Homes and Gardens®, BHGRE® and the Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Logo are registered service marks owned by Meredith Operations Corporation and licensed to Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC. Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Dream Partners fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each franchise is independently owned and operated. Any services or products provided by independently owned and operated franchisees are not provided by, affiliated with, or related to Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC nor any of its affiliated companies.
