Design Trends Asheville Buyers Are Loving Right Now (and How Sellers Can Use Them)

If you’ve been scrolling real estate listings in Asheville lately—or walking through open houses—you’ve probably noticed a few design themes popping up again and again.

Buyers in 2025 are no longer looking for cookie-cutter finishes or cold minimalism. They’re craving homes that feel personal, natural, and inspired by the lifestyle that makes Asheville so special.

Whether you're selling your home or just want to get inside the minds of local buyers, this post breaks down the top design trends Asheville buyers are loving right now—and how to use them to make your listing stand out.

1. Natural Materials and Earthy Textures

Gone are the days of high-gloss everything. Today’s Asheville buyers are drawn to:

Warm woods (think oak, walnut, or bamboo)
Stone, clay, and handmade tile
Woven accents like rattan and seagrass
Limewashed or textured walls
Earth-toned palettes: sage green, clay, terracotta, creamy white

Why it works: These finishes reflect the surrounding mountains and bring the outside in, which aligns with the lifestyle most Asheville buyers are looking for.

If you’re selling: Add natural materials through accessories like wooden bowls, linen pillows, or woven baskets—even a wood-framed mirror can help shift the vibe.

2. Soft Color Palettes with Personality

Neutral doesn’t have to mean boring. In 2025, Asheville buyers are leaning into soft color schemes that feel inviting, grounded, and personal.

Hot colors this year:

Warm white (not sterile)
Dusty blues and soft greens
Muted terra cotta and blush
Pale ochre and camel tones

If you’re selling: A fresh coat of paint in a soft, updated neutral can go a long way in helping buyers visualize their future life in your space. Stick to one palette throughout to create flow.

3. Character Over Cookie Cutter

Asheville’s housing market is full of personality—and that’s exactly what buyers want. Whether it’s vintage tile, original hardwoods, or quirky built-ins, character is a selling point, not a liability.

In fact, overly modernized homes with everything gray and “safe” are falling flat in today’s market.

If you’re selling: Embrace what makes your home special. Highlight original features in your listing, and consider subtle upgrades that complement rather than erase your home’s story.

4. Warm Lighting & Layered Ambiance

Buyers in 2025 are looking for homes that feel cozy and emotionally grounded. Lighting plays a huge role in that.

Current favorites include:

Globe-style sconces
Statement pendants in natural finishes
Soft white (2700–3000K) LED bulbs
Plug-in picture lights and reading lamps
Vintage-inspired dimmers

If you’re selling: Swap cold overhead lights for something warmer. Add a few lamps for showing, and turn them on before a buyer walks through the door.

5. Wellness-Centered Spaces

From yoga nooks to plant-filled corners, buyers want their homes to support well-being—physically, emotionally, and energetically.

Popular touches:

Home office areas with natural light
Flexible bonus rooms for meditation, art, or hobbies
Biophilic design: houseplants, water features, and nature views
Clean, simplified layouts with breathing room

If you’re selling: You don’t need a home gym or spa to tap into this trend. Stage a corner with a yoga mat and diffuser. Add a plant or two near a sunny window. Use your layout to create calm, uncluttered flow.

6. Asheville-Specific Aesthetics Buyers Love

Every market has its own style language, and in Asheville, buyers are responding to:

Touches of Appalachian style (think craftsman trim, handmade pottery, and heritage fabrics)
Boho-organic elements like pampas grass, neutral rugs, and eclectic artwork
Vintage-meets-modern design—especially when original details are paired with curated updates

Your home doesn’t need to scream “trendy,” but a few intentional nods to this local flavor can absolutely help buyers connect emotionally.

Selling? Use These Trends to Stand Out

You don’t have to gut-renovate to make an impact. Even small design tweaks can shift how a buyer feels when they walk through your home.

Here’s how to apply these trends on a budget:

Swap a builder-grade light for a rattan pendant
Style your shelves with earthy pottery and greenery
Layer a neutral throw over a couch to soften the space
Replace bold art with calming abstract pieces or vintage prints
Add natural wood picture frames, cutting boards, or woven trays

Want a Full Walk-Through of What Buyers Want?

My Free Asheville Seller’s Guide is packed with:

✔️ What’s trending with local buyers

✔️ How to prep your home for top-dollar offers

✔️ A room-by-room staging checklist

✔️ Pricing, timelines, and marketing strategies that work in Asheville right now

👉 Click here to download your Free Asheville Seller’s Guide

Final Thoughts

Asheville buyers in 2025 want homes that feel like an extension of the lifestyle they’re seeking: warm, natural, creative, and connected.

If you’re getting ready to sell, paying attention to what today’s buyers are drawn to can help you stand out and sell faster (and often for more).

Need help figuring out what to update or highlight in your home? I bring both a design and real estate lens to every listing—and I’d love to help you create a plan that works.

📞 Schedule a free connection call, and let’s talk about how to get your home market-ready—without overdoing it.