In case you missed it, here are the top trending stories in home staging and design over the past year.

Your team will appreciate your feedback when it lays out clear expectations for them, praises specific behaviors that lead to success and creates "moments of genuine connection and growth," writes executive leadership coach Lolly Daskal. "Leaders who master this critical skill create measurable improvement in both individual performance and organizational effectiveness," Daskal notes.

Amelia Nash looks at several brand and design trends to expect this year, including branding focused on AI- and data-driven hyperpersonalization, authentic purpose-driven initiatives and community-centric strategies. Design trends include using AI to enhance design and create dynamic brand identities, 3D and haptic-like digital experiences and color gradients being used in storytelling and cultural moments.

Paid media marketers must adapt in 2025 as AI becomes integral and privacy updates challenge ad targeting. To stay competitive, key strategies should include utilizing conversational AI for ad creation, refining targeting with first-party data, optimizing for AI-driven search placements, integrating multichannel campaigns, enhancing attribution tracking and incorporating influencer marketing.

Interior designers are forecasting a shift away from several popular trends in 2025, including monochrome white, brass fixtures, industrial kitchens and fast furniture. Designers say warmer tones, sustainable materials and classic aesthetics are gaining popularity. "Sustainability is a big force propelling this trend, as people are more concerned about where they're sourcing their furniture from," says Joyce Huston of Decorilla Online Interior Design.

Invitation Homes CEO Dallas Tanner discussed changes in the housing market and the tendency for customers in the for-lease space to renew and remain where they are. Tanner also talked about the REIT's development program as well as the impact of mortgage rates and the gap between the costs of leasing and owning a home.

A growing number of US renters are staying in their homes for extended periods, with one-third residing in the same property for at least five years, according to a new Redfin report that used 2023 data. This trend is particularly pronounced among baby boomers, with 56% remaining in their rental homes for five years or more.

Upgrading to smart home devices can simplify daily tasks without complicated installations. The Amazon Echo Dot and Kasa Smart Plug Mini are easy to set up and enhance home automation. Other notable devices include the Google Nest Hub, LaView Bulb Security Camera, Ring Battery Doorbell and Amazon Smart Thermostat.

The US Department of Housing and Urban Development reports an 18% increase in homelessness. While veteran homelessness has decreased by 55% since 2010, overall numbers are rising. Chester County, Pa., has reduced homelessness by nearly 60% since 2019 through eviction prevention and affordable housing initiatives.

In addition to determining whether and how quickly to cut interest rates, the Federal Reserve will also be conducting a review of its monetary policy strategy. The Fed previously updated its framework in 2020 during a year marked by the disruption of the pandemic.