2025 Design Trends

Photo courtesy of Houzz.com

 
2025 Design Trends

by Sweiskloss
January 30, 2025
New Year, new trends. Stark white is out, earth tones are in. Minimalism is out, layered is in. The design trends for 2025 cultivate a sense a well-being, create a connection to nature, and reflect the homeowner’s personality.

Earth Tones
From warm tones to warm woods, earthy palettes such as soft brown, beige, and sage help create an inviting, calm and cozy environment. These subtle colors– ochres, mossy greens, deep burgundies– are inspired by and connect us to nature. Architectural Digest likens 2025’s color palette to a “visit to the produce aisle: the earthy colors of fruits and vegetables.”

Natural & Organic
The growing desire for a home that is grounded and connected to nature manifests itself in organic styles and natural materials. According to Houzz, this style encompasses “natural stone, wood, creamy off-white tones, natural upholstery such as linen and rounded shapes like arches and curves.” The focus on biophilic design continues with a preference for sustainable and eco-friendly materials, such as bamboo, rattan and wood. These materials also add a textured element, highlighting another trend for 2025. Handmade objects, local artisan’s crafts and custom-made pieces contribute to the trend towards the organic, sustainable and natural.

Arches and Curves
Arches and curves are appearing in architectural designs and furniture alike. As explained in Forbes.com, arches “help soften harsh angles to generate a welcoming, cozy feel.” Arches are popping up everywhere – doorways, niches, windows, millwork and even kitchen islands, “adding some playfulness to the design,” describes Ruchi Agrawai Mohan (Houzz). This curved shape also appears on furniture including sofas and cocoon-like swivel chairs.

Past Meets Present / A Modern Twist on the Past
Older styles resurge with a modern flair. Materials, such as grass cloth wallcoverings, “which were popularized in the mid-20th century, are being reimagined with a contemporary flair, adding a nostalgic-yet-modern touch” (marthastweart.com). Architectural Digest views the move towards muted colors and curvy furniture as reminiscent of the Arts and Crafts or Art Nouveau movements, and House Beautiful predicts the Art Deco aesthetic making a huge comeback. This nod to the past can also be found in an antique lamp or family heirloom, adding a layer of personality and individuality to the home.

Layers
“There has been a shift in interior design towards spaces that feel curated and layered, as opposed to overly styled and staged, picture-perfect interiors,” explains interior designer Charlton Brown to AD. Mixing patterns, textures, and colors add a rich layered look to any room. Textured rugs, patterned drapery, custom tile designs and even woven window shades “infuse [a home] with energy, joy and fun elements that reflect their individual tastes,” explains Alexia Cowley (Houzz). Replacing the minimal aesthetic, intricate details and artisanal furnishings showcase the homeowner’s personality and history. Blending antiques and inherited pieces with new furniture also creates a layered look that has an authentic and personal feel. Mix in accents of luxurious fabrics such as velvet to create layers of texture. Wallpaper is another way to add patterns and can be used on a smaller scale in a powder room for example.

Color Drenching
Rather than a pop of bold color, homeowners are opting for “head-to-toe” color or color drenching. Designer Ryan Lawson predicts in AD, that “we will see a continued bend toward more-saturated colors used in more ‘full-immersion’ ways.” Darker richer hues and ceilings painted the same color as walls make for a moody and dramatic space. Color drenching doesn’t only apply to paint. Consider decorating a dining or living room in a single-species or floral wallpaper. Scenes and motifs from nature again make their way into our interiors.
 
Laura McMahon