Interior design trends go beyond momentary interests. They reflect the ongoing changes in the world and culture, like popular culture, technological advancements, and even environmental awareness.
According to the furniture retailer Oak Furnitureland, trends in interior design shape the products available in the market and the shopping patterns of collectors. It also influences how they blend old and new items.
Interior design, much like fashion, follows seasonal cycles: Each season brings distinctive elements in terms of colours, materials, shapes, patterns, or styling approaches.
Whether one seeks to refresh their home’s aesthetic or prepares to style their own spaces, this article will delve into contemporary design trends. It will highlight factors shaping contemporary designs and showcase trendy ideas that can be integrated into any living space.
Introduction to Contemporary Design Trends
Interior design thrives on creativity and innovation, with new ideas developing and old ones reimagined. According to an interior design studio, Uniworks Design, the industry balances past and present, and combines traditional art forms with contemporary concepts to create a fusion of tradition and innovation.
This fusion approach allows designers to maintain cultural heritage while embracing current trends, resulting in spaces that feel both familiar and fresh.
Below are several forces that influence which designs are booming, and which ones are waning.
Popular Culture
Emberr, a design firm, notes how popular culture has influenced interior design, as evidenced by the themes, colour palettes, and decor choices reflected in TV show apartments and movie sets.
For instance, the revival of mid-century modern design trends showcases a nostalgic appreciation for vintage styles made famous through television and film. It also highlights how pop culture can appeal to multiple generations.
Technological Advancement
Technological innovation has transformed the industry significantly, advancing from 3D visualisation tools to home automation systems that enhance design and functionality. A furniture company, Alma de Luce, notes that these technologies enable designers to create more immersive experiences which allows homeowners to integrate smart features into their spaces.
Environmental Awareness
While technology has revolutionised interior design with innovative solutions, some decorators are choosing to reconnect with nature, as highlighted by Home Interior Warehouse. Natural elements, sustainable materials, and biophilic design principles filled their spaces to promote a sustainable lifestyle and deepen their connection to nature.
Upcoming Interior Design Trends in 2025
The next interior design trends are blending timeless elements with innovative concepts. This section delves into these upcoming trends, covering everything from home designs to the latest colours and features.
Home Design Trends
For those planning to decorate or renovate their homes, listed below are the top interior design trends that offer fresh inspiration to transform any space.
Minimalist Interior Design
Minimalist interior design is a concept that draws inspiration from the Minimalism movement, where focus is given only on essential elements.
Although minimalism is often classified by simple, clean lines and a monochromatic colour scheme, Architectural Digest argues that this movement is about being purposeful. It eliminates elements that are not needed to avoid overcrowding.
According to the design studio Larsen & Eriksen, minimalism originated with early artists like Frank Stella. Frank embraced simple geometric shapes, clean lines, and straightforward meanings. In this sense, minimalism in art focuses on form rather than content.
Beyond the simplicity of this style, the growing climate crisis has become a significant factor, driving more people to embrace a minimalist lifestyle while prioritising mindful consumption, said Becoming Minimalist.
Minimalism attracts decorators who fill their homes with items like furniture that focus on functionality and practicality.
To achieve a minimalist look, one can utilise the following features:
- Accent pillows
- Bare walls
- Curated artworks
- Functional furniture
- Geometric shapes
- Monochromatic colour palette
- Natural light
Maximalist Style
Maximalist is a trending interior design influenced by the Baroque style that popularises highly decorated interiors.
Unlike minimalist design which focuses on simplicity by removing excess, the maximalist style, according to Architectural Digest, embraces bold colours, patterns, and layering to create spaces that celebrate abundance.
Maximalism traces its origins to the formal and highly decorated fine art, sculptures, and hand-painted ceilings of the Baroque and it continued to develop until the Victorian era.
Design Space, an interior brand agency, observes that at this point in history, maximalist elements reflect a strong desire to express personal identity, resulting in spaces filled with art, fabric, and ornamental details.
Design4Retail also highlights that the maximalist approach empowers homeowners to express their personalities by experimenting with diverse colours, patterns, and textures. This contemporary design trend continues to grow in popularity, inspiring vibrant maximalist designs across platforms like Instagram and Pinterest.
While maximalism embraces playful, eclectic decor, it is essential to maintain a sense of flow within the space. Here are some trendy decorative elements that can enhance a maximalist-style room:
- Bold patterns
- Collectables
- Different furniture styles
- Layered decor pieces
- Layered textures
- Mix of vintage and contemporary items
- Vibrant colours
Retro Decor Style
Retro originates from the term retrospective, which refers to reflecting on past events. The decor platform Lick describes the retro style as a revival of designs inspired by earlier trends to craft a fresh and contemporary aesthetic.
According to Bella Virtual Staging, this imitative style features striking colour palettes with bold hues reminiscent of the 60s and 70s. Patterns are also distinct, featuring geometric shapes and vibrant psychedelic swirls.
Redecor notes that retro style draws inspiration from various decades: the pastel palettes and checkered patterns of the 1950s, the bold colours and pop art of the 1960s, and the warm tones and floral motifs of the 1970s interior decor.
According to Interiio, homeowners are increasingly attracted to retro aesthetics, seeking to indulge in nostalgia and reconnect with bygone eras.
Whether it's reusing Grandma's vintage furniture or creating custom bookshelves, the adaptability of chic and timeless retro decor makes this style highly popular.
A key aspect in shaping this upcoming interior design trend is the incorporation of various elements, such as those listed below:
- Bold florals and swirling patterns
- Checkerboard floors
- Curved or angular shapes
- Funky colour palettes
- Mirrored and metallic accents
- Nostalgic accessories
- Pop art and graphic prints
Biophilic Design
Biophilia, originating from the Ancient Greek words bios (life) and philia (love), is a design principle that promotes human well-being, whether physical, emotional or mental, as noted by the study of Shbaita, Denerel and Asilsoy (2024).
Arch Daily highlights that the concept involves integrating natural elements into living spaces to foster a connection between nature and quality of life.
Biophilic design has deep historical roots, with early examples in nature-inspired architecture. Ancient civilisations, like the Egyptians and Greeks, incorporated pillars and structural elements to mimic natural forms.
Today, this concept is evident in spaces with green hues, indoor-outdoor living, and natural elements in furniture and wall designs, said Better Homes & Gardens.
As Forest Homes highlights, the positive impact of natural elements on mental and physical well-being has become a key motivator for homeowners to integrate sunlight, greenery, and water features into their homes.
When transforming spaces with this design, integrating the following biophilic decoration can elevate the natural ambience:
- Bamboo
- Ceramics
- Layered lighting
- Live plants
- Stone
- Wood
Smart Interiors
Smart interiors are the fusion of design and technology, where functionality, efficiency and aesthetics are equally important. As Investopedia explains, smart homes embody this integration by allowing homeowners to remotely manage smart technologies through an internet connection on a smartphone or tablet.
Smart technologies—from lighting and cleaning devices to security systems and thermostats—offer convenience and comfort, making daily life a more seamless experience.
The concept of a smart home dates back to 1975, the invention of X10, allowing remote control of home devices and appliances. While innovative for their time, these systems were typically expensive and required professional installation.
According to Home A Genius, smart home systems today provide more flexibility for users. Unlike the costly and rigid systems of the past, modern smart homes are now affordable and customisable to meet individual needs.
While finding stylish smart technologies can be challenging, interior design author Will Taylor says it is still possible to blend technology with aesthetics in smart homes.
For instance, Taylor styled the smart camera on a bookcase alongside two large, white sculptural vases. This approach showcases the camera as a functional device while pairing it with vases to enhance the room’s aesthetic.
Listed below are some examples of smart technologies and design elements that can enhance a smart home:
- Automated blinds
- Negative space
- Sculptural Accessories
- Sleek furniture design
- Smart speaker in dark grey tones
- Smart wall art
- Stylish smart lighting
Popular Colour Schemes
Colour schemes in interior design bring fresh energy to spaces, shaping the mood and personality of each room. For those looking to refresh their interiors or style their homes for the first time, here are the colour schemes expected to trend in 2025.
Seafoam Green
Seafoam green, a soft blend of blue and green, is an upcoming colour trend in 2025. Homes and Gardens said seafoam green shades evoke a sense of the natural world, bringing to mind serene ocean imagery.
This colour creates a soothing atmosphere, making it an ideal choice for tranquil spaces like home offices and bathrooms.
Warm Neutrals
Warm, earth-inspired shades are set to dominate interior design in 2025, and mustard, characterised by its muted yellow hue and brown undertones, exemplifies this neutral colour trend.
In colour psychology, yellow signifies happiness and hope, while brown conveys security, creating a powerful combination for mindsets and interiors in 2025.
Bold Blues
Shades like cerulean blue, sky blue, and cornflower blue will provide a bold yet calming colour in the coming year.
Moreover, bold blues harmonise vibrant energy with a calming effect, making them ideal for creating a dynamic yet serene space, as referenced in an interior decorating magazine, House Beautiful.
Chocolate Brown
Interior designer Swati Goorha predicts warm brown interiors will be at the forefront this year.
This colour provides a rich, earthy essence that adds warmth and comfort to any environment. As individuals increasingly prioritise comfort and a connection to nature, the grounding presence of brown creates a calming and welcoming ambience, said Amity Worrel & Co.
The Future of Home Design Trends
Interior design trends often blend historical styles with contemporary concepts. For instance, minimalist interiors reflect the minimalism movement, while maximalist interiors draw inspiration from ornate baroque elements.
Retro decor highlights past aesthetics, biophilic design draws from ancient civilisations, and smart interiors evolve from innovations like X10 technology.
In this sense, the top interior design trends are a testament to the cyclical nature of style. These trends prove that past influences continue to shape and inspire contemporary living spaces.
However, while design trends highly influence home styling, incorporating one’s personality is still essential when creating a unique space.
In summary, exploring interior design trends provides an intriguing glimpse into the historical influences that inform today’s designs. By recognising the external factors that shape these trends, individuals can make thoughtful choices about how to integrate them into their design aesthetics.
Home Design Trends: Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the current trend for interior design?
According to Decorilla, the eco-conscious interior is currently at the forefront, influencing and encompassing a variety of other trends such as the biophilic design.
2. What decorating style is popular now?
The transitional interior design aesthetic is set to become the dominant style in 2025. Country Floors mentioned that this approach blends elements from traditional and contemporary designs, offering a harmonious balance of the old and the new.
3. What are the interior trend forecast for 2025?
Interior trend forecasts for 2025 include a variety of colours and styles that emphasise warmth and sophistication. Key trends are expected to feature bold and bright colours, earthy neutrals, and warm metallics.
MyAssets: Your Tool for Curating Trendy Interior Designs
Whether someone has vintage items, an art collection or is adding new pieces to enhance their space, utilising tools like MyAssets can help effectively organise items and make home redesign tasks easier.
MyAssets is a complete asset management platform that allows users to digitally catalogue any collectable item by storing information like brand, colour, style, location, and other details related to the collection.
With MyAssets, homeowners and interior designers can easily curate their space by organising their items into custom categories such as styles, mediums, themes or other criteria.
MyAssets’ systematic approach allows them to locate specific items that align with their preferred style, making it easier to identify which pieces can be used as decor.
Want to know more? Start organising your collection effectively with MyAssets 14-day free trial.
