“There’s a shift happening in how people are using their homes—with multi-generational living, home offices or aging in place considerations,” explains Andrew Schroeder, Owner & CEO of Fairfax, VA-based Schroeder Design Build. “If there was a particular trend we’re seeing for 2025, it would be homeowners looking for home additions that improve both the form and function of their living spaces.”
As we move into 2025, homeowners are looking for ways to enhance their living spaces and combine functionality with modern design. Whether you’re planning to expand your home or remodel your existing spaces, here are some of the latest top home addition design trends to improve your home’s comfort, style and long-term value.
Sunrooms and Indoor-Outdoor Home Additions for the Northern Virginia Climate
“Families here in the Fairfax area have really busy lifestyles and often ask us how they can add a sense of tranquility into their home,” Schroeder says. “We know that the sounds and sights of nature can provide a sense of relaxation and alleviate stress, so we may recommend they add a sunroom or screened-in porch addition.”
As homeowners are increasingly looking for ways to blend indoor comfort with outdoor access, a sunroom or an indoor-outdoor home addition can provide a functional, year-round transition between home and nature. One key factor driving this trend, besides the connection with nature, is the growing demand for multi-use spaces. Your sunroom can serve as a home office, relaxation area or even a living room extension. With sliding glass doors, retractable walls, covered patios or enclosed porches, you have endless options for versatility while expanding your home’s overall square footage.
Comfort is always a factor, and with advances in insulated glass, climate-controlled flooring and smart shading, you can regulate temperatures and sunlight to keep your indoor-outdoor space comfortable in any season while reducing energy costs. And don’t overlook the wellness factor. Access to sunlight and nature encourage fresh air flow and outdoor interaction without sacrificing comfort.
View our sunroom addition in Sterling, VA.
Mudroom Additions
“With people spending more time on the go, mudrooms have become a necessity,” Schroeder says.
As busy families look for ways to keep their homes organized and clutter-free, mudrooms provide a designated space for coats, shoes, bags and other everyday items as you enter and leave. Whether your mudroom is located at a side entrance, garage entry or back door, it can help you maintain a cleaner home.
One reason for their popularity is a trend toward multipurpose design. Modern mudrooms often include built-in benches with hidden storage, cubbies, hooks and cabinets to maximize organization. Some mudrooms even incorporate laundry areas, utility sinks and pet-washing stations to make the space even more practical.
View our mudroom/great room addition in Fairfax, VA.
Second-Story Additions for More Living Space
A second-story addition offers a practical way to increase your living space without expanding your home’s footprint or taking up valuable yard space. Building up instead of out allows you to maximize your property while meeting your growing space needs.
One of the trends of a second-story addition is the desire to add rooms that serve multiple purposes, so design the space for additional bedrooms, bathrooms, a home office or studio, or even a separate living area for extended family or multi-generational living. And while you’re adding on, use this opportunity to upgrade your home’s exterior or upgrade outdated features.
Beyond added space, a second-story addition also boosts your home’s value. More square footage can significantly increase your home’s resale potential, making it a smart investment.
“One of our big challenges with a second-story addition is to make sure that your second story feels like a natural extension of the original house,” Schroeder explains. “We make great efforts to ensure your addition blends seamlessly with both your exterior and interior design.”
View our second story home addition in Fairfax, VA.
Future Proof with Universally-Designed/ADA Home Additions
“As our population ages and homeowners prioritize long-term home ownership, we’re seeing additions with Universal Design and ADA-compliance growing in popularity. These features make your home more accessible now and ensure that it will be livable for years to come,” Schroeder says.
With a growing awareness of mobility and aging needs, 2025 is the right time to think about planning for long-term accessibility and convenience—no matter what your current age. Think about remodeling your home to be more functional for all stages of life. Universal Design features such as wider doorways, step-free entrances and accessible bathrooms, curbless showers, lower countertops and lever-style handles are more usable for people of all ages and abilities.
Another factor driving the Universal Design trend is multi-generational living. Families are creating spaces to accommodate elderly parents, guests with disabilities and even their own future mobility challenges. First-floor primary suites, in-law apartments and open floor plans with fewer barriers can make your home adaptable now and also more appealing to future buyers.
View our first floor addition/Universal-Designed kitchen remodel in Falls Church, VA.
Multi-Functional Home Addition Spaces
“The pandemic really changed the way we view our homes and in 2025, many of our clients are investing in ways to make their living spaces more adaptable for various uses,” Schroeder explains.
Homeowners want flexibility in how they use their spaces. Rather than adding rooms with a specific purpose, they are opting for designs that can adapt to different needs, like a home office that doubles as a guest room, or a finished basement that serves as a play/relaxation area and workout space.
One reason for this trend is the shift toward remote work and hybrid lifestyles. You may need a workspace, but don’t want to dedicate an entire room to an office. Solve this by incorporating built-in storage, a fold-away desk and convertible furniture. Or create an open-concept addition with sliding partitions or modular furniture that allow a room to transform throughout the day.
Open Concept Great Rooms
“Open concept great rooms are reflecting the shift in how our clients live and interact in our homes. We’re designing spaces to enhance family connections while offering flexibility for different activities,” Schroeder describes.
An open concept design will make your home feel larger without actually increasing its footprint. So instead of dividing your main living areas into separate rooms, opt for an open layout that combines the kitchen, dining and living spaces into one cohesive area. With an open concept layout, your family can cook, dine and relax together without being separated by walls.
Open concept great rooms also make entertaining easier, with an inviting vibe that allows guests to move freely between different areas. Incorporate larger windows, vaulted ceilings and seamless indoor-outdoor transitions to make the space feel even more open.
View our great room and foyer addition in Burke, VA.
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADAs)
“Looking to maximize your property’s potential? ADUs are a great response to the increasing need for flexible living spaces,” Schroeder says.
An accessory dwelling unit (ADA), or a small, self-contained living space, offers flexibility. Offset your mortgage costs by renting out your ADU as a short- or long-term rental. Use your ADU to house aging parents, adult children or visiting friends or relatives. Or simply enjoy your ADU as a flex space for hobbies and activities.
ADUs can be detached, attached or converted within your existing structure without significantly altering your home’s footprint. In addition, as more cities relax their zoning laws to encourage more housing options, homes with legal ADUs are becoming more desirable.
Spa-Like Bathroom Renovation
“People are seeking refuge and relaxation in their homes more than ever, and spa-like bathrooms fit that need perfectly,” Schroeder says.
Instead of basic, functional bathrooms, homeowners are opting for upgrades that create a more luxurious, spa-inspired experience driven by a desire to turn everyday routines into something more restorative and luxurious. They’re adding features like large walk-in showers, freestanding soaking tubs, steam showers, heated floors, rain showerheads and ambient lighting.
High-end materials and technology are other factors driving this trend. Natural stone, warm wood tones and sleek, minimalistic finishes create a calming environment. And smart features like touchless faucets, integrated speakers and programmable lighting add a modern touch.
“Homeowners are no longer thinking about just what looks good; they’re considering how their spaces can work for them in the long run,” Schroeder concludes. “The top home addition design trends for 2025 are all about creating homes that are functional, comfortable and flexible enough to grow with the family’s changing needs.”
Partner With a Trusted Home Addition Contractor in Fairfax, VA—like Schroeder Design Build
“Every project we take on is a chance to build something that will truly enhance the way you live. Whether you are undertaking a small renovation or a major home addition, we are committed to delivering results you can enjoy for years to come,” Schroeder says.
With more than 30 years of experience as a remodeling contractor, Schroeder Design Build brings extensive experience and a wealth of knowledge and expertise to your Fairfax or Northern Virginia home addition, ensuring your vision is executed with precision. As a true design-build firm, our in-house team of architects and designers work collaboratively with you to create personalized plans that can integrate the latest trends while aligning with your specific needs. This hands-on approach ensures your project is managed with consistency and high standards throughout the process.
Our client-centric approach (we have more than 1,000 satisfied clients!) prioritizes clear communication and a seamless experience, from your initial consultation through completion of your project. Our goal is to exceed your expectations and earn your rave review. But overall, you’ll feel confident knowing that your home addition project is in capable hands.
Let’s talk about your home addition! Schedule your free initial consultation by contacting Schroeder Design Build at 703-229-8557.
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