1. Modern Craftsman Trim — Clean, Bold, and Architectural
The classic Craftsman look isn’t going anywhere — but it’s getting a modern upgrade. Homeowners are choosing bolder trim sizes with simplified profiles. No ornate grooves or fussy details — just solid, confident lines.
What this looks like:
- 1x4 to 1x6 flat stock casing around doors and windows
- Taller baseboards, 5”–8”, for grounded visual presence
- Square edges or slight bevel instead of round colonial trim
- Painted white, warm cream, or even soft taupe instead of bright white
This style blends beautifully with
transitional, mountain modern, or rustic-luxe homes — making it a top request for 2025.
2. Natural Wood Returns — Warm, Organic, and Timeless
For the past decade, painted white everything dominated the market. But now?
Natural wood is making a comeback — especially when it’s intentional, elegant, and paired with modern design.
Popular applications include:
- White oak trim and built-ins for a Scandinavian-meets-lodge aesthetic
- Natural-stained beams against smooth drywall ceilings
- Accent walls in tongue-and-groove or horizontal planking
- Stained wood cabinetry with inset doors instead of mass-produced paints
This isn’t 1990s orange oak — these are rich, smooth, modern tones that feel
warm, grounded, and upscale.
3. Statement Ceilings & Architectural Beams
Floors and walls get most of the attention — but in 2025, ceilings are finally becoming design-worthy. Instead of leaving them blank, homeowners are turning them into architectural features.
Current ceiling trends in the Black Hills:
- Exposed beams (stained or painted depending on style)
- Box beams for modern lodge luxury
- V-groove or tongue-and-groove wood for warmth and cabin appeal
- Coffered ceilings in offices, dining rooms, or lounges
- Wood ceiling accents only in key focal areas to add rhythm and balance
If your living room has a vaulted or high ceiling, this is one of the highest visual-impact upgrades you can make.
4. Fireplace Surrounds as the True Living Room Anchor
Fireplaces are no longer just for heat — they’re the statement piece of the entire room. South Dakota homeowners are requesting
full-height fireplace surrounds, often stretching wall-to-ceiling.
Top style directions right now:
- Clean vertical lines with built-in shelving or wood paneling
- Rustic lodge feel with reclaimed wood and stone combos
- Modern slab-style with sharp trim and hidden media framing
- Transitional balance (wood surround + shaker cabinets + floating shelves)
Whether modern or rustic,
a custom surround instantly makes a home feel high-end — and built-in from day one, not “afterthought upgrade.”
5. Wall Treatments Are Back — Beyond Plain Drywall
Accent walls are evolving past paint. Texture and dimension are the new upgrades — especially in entryways, bedrooms, offices, and dining rooms.
Trending options we’re building most often:
- Board and batten in modern 1-part or 3-part vertical designs
- Shiplap but cleaner — thinner, flat, no farmhouse lines
- Reeded or fluted paneling for a subtle modern luxury touch
- Full-paneled walls for traditional elegance with modern simplicity
Even a
single wall with custom trim can transform a space — without needing a full remodel.
6. Built-Ins Over Freestanding Furniture
2025 is the year of cutting clutter — but doing it beautifully. Instead of sliding furniture against a wall, homeowners want
perfectly fitted built-ins that look intentional and permanent.
Most requested built-ins right now:
- Entryway mudroom lockers for boots, coats, and school bags
- Living room media walls with hidden wiring
- Window seats with storage — especially in cabins and reading nooks
- Home office or library shelving with lighting
- Pantry systems with custom pull-outs and appliance storage
Custom means
no wasted inches and
no store-bought compromise.
7. Bold, Dark, and Intentional — Smart Accent Use of Black
While natural woods and warm neutrals dominate most spaces, 2025 is using
black — carefully and dramatically.
Popular applications include:
- Black interior doors with matching hardware
- Black fireplace mantels or built-ins, especially against light walls
- Thin black trim framing windows in modern builds
- Black beams in modern mountain homes
Instead of painting everything dark, homeowners are using
intentional contrast to elevate architectural detail.
Built for the Black Hills. Designed for Your Life.
These aren’t just national design trends — these are what
real South Dakota homeowners are asking for right now. And the key theme is clear:
intentional, elevated, built-in quality. Not temporary. Not mass-produced. Not disposable.
It’s about warmth, precision, and local craftsmanship that feels like it belongs.
