What's Driving Design in 2025

The New Aesthetic

What’s Driving Design in 2025

As we move into 2025, interior design continues to evolve, reflecting shifts in lifestyle, technology, and the global environment. This year’s trends are all about creating spaces that are functional, sustainable, and deeply personal.

1. Biophilic Design: Bringing Nature Indoors

Biophilic design is no longer a niche concept. Homes are embracing living walls, indoor plants, and natural materials like wood, stone, and clay, which harmonize well with the Northshore’s lush, natural environment.

What’s New? Vertical gardens with self-watering systems are becoming more affordable, making them accessible to a wider audience. Additionally, terracotta tiles and limewash finishes are gaining popularity for their earthy, organic feel and ability to keep spaces cool.

Why It’s Trending: Post-pandemic, people are prioritizing wellness, and integrating nature into home design fosters a sense of calm and connection to the outdoors.

2. Mixed Metals: Layered Elegance

The era of matchy-matchy finishes is over. Designers are now layering metals - brass, chrome, matte black, and even gunmetal - to add depth and sophistication.

Where to Use It: Kitchen fixtures, lighting, and furniture frames. For example, pairing brass cabinet hardware with a matte black faucet creates an edgy yet timeless look.

Pro Tip: Stick to no more than three metal finishes in a single space.

3. Warm Minimalism: Less but Cozier

Minimalism isn’t about stark, cold spaces anymore. The 2025 version incorporates warm tones, textured fabrics, and cozy elements that make simplicity inviting.

Key Elements: Neutral palettes with warm undertones (think beige, taupe, and caramel), soft boucle chairs, and curved furniture lines.

Why It Works: It offers the uncluttered aesthetic of minimalism without sacrificing comfort, making it perfect for multi-functional spaces like home offices and living rooms.

4. Statement Ceilings: The Fifth Wall

Designers are turning their focus upward, transforming ceilings into focal points. From bold colors to intricate paneling, ceilings are becoming works of art.

What’s Popular: Coffered ceilings painted in rich tones, textured wallpapers, and decorative plasterwork. For a modern touch, consider LED lighting embedded into ceiling designs.

How to Incorporate: Use a complementing color or pattern to make a space feel cohesive.

5. Color Trends: Earthy Tones and Rich Hues

Color in 2025 reflects a need for grounding and balance. While neutrals remain popular, they’re being complemented by deep, saturated tones.

Palette Highlights: Rich greens like olive and moss, terracotta, and golden ochre. For accents, jewel tones like emerald and sapphire are making a comeback.

Best Uses: Pair earthy tones with natural materials for a cohesive look, or use rich hues to create a dramatic feature wall.

6. Outdoor Living: Year-Round Enjoyment

The boundary between indoor and outdoor living continues to blur. Homeowners are investing in outdoor spaces that are as comfortable and stylish as their interiors.

Trending Features: Outdoor kitchens, retractable screens, and weather-resistant furniture. Fans and mosquito-repellent landscaping are must-haves for comfort.

What’s New: Heated patios and motorized pergolas extend usability into cooler months.