Sometimes the only way to achieve the look you want is to do it yourself. That’s the motto, at least, for scores of DIYers who modify their homes again and again for the sake of personalization. They scour TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube for the newest DIY trends and projects making the rounds and—whether they’re renovation experts or novices—likely give it a whirl.
Interior designers, contractors, and other home experts have a front-row seat to the kinds of requests homeowners are making these days, as well as what projects are taking off on and offline (for better or worse). Last year, for example, they pointed to bold tilework as a bathroom trend—and shower tiles indeed had a moment. Plus, they know which dated and cringey project ideas to ditch too. In tandem with new industry research, we’ve identified seven DIY trends you’ll be seeing in home renovations in 2025. Charge up your cordless drill and start planning now.
Alcoves for everything
Punching up seemingly mundane home features is the name of the game for DIYers. So it makes sense that alcoves will be having a moment from the kitchen to the bedroom. According to Houzz’s 2025 trend report, range alcoves are on the rise, in which an oven is tucked into its own recessed corner.
Similarly, Gabriela Narvaez, general contractor and founder of Guild Properties, shares that requests for principal bedroom alcoves are increasing. “In the bedroom, you can create an inset in the wall for the bed and the nightstands,” she says. “The effect on the room is that you get a clean look with a cozy feel.”
Accent lighting anywhere
Adding more accent lighting to a room can get tricky, depending on your approach. “Even the boldest DIYers have been stymied by electrical work, particularly relocating or adding wiring for new fixtures,” says Madelaine Mayer, founder and design principal at AD:ROIT Architecture and Interior Design. That’s where cordless rechargeable lights come in. “These fantastic fixtures can be installed in a matter of minutes, adding accent lighting wherever needed,” she notes.
Mayer is partial to the dimmable wall sconces and picture lights from Pooky, though stick-on wall lights from Poplight and table lamps from Mantar Lamps are also popular. “As cordless lighting fixtures continue to flood the market, the trend toward layered lighting is gaining momentum,” add Mallory Robins and Elizabeth Bennett, founders of Kansas City–based interior design firm Kobel + Co. “The layered approach is all about creating a dynamic, ambient atmosphere—where each light source contributes to the overall mood and style of a room.”
