Many ELLE DECOR designers who were asked to predict top interior design trends in 2025 cited similar themes. These included wellness, relaxation and comfort. These buzzwords are also appropriate at the end of a year that was tumultuous. Brigette Romanek, an interior designer, says it best: “People want to recharge in their homes.” We all want to feel good in our homes.
Zillow analyzed millions of real estate listings and came to the same conclusion. Mentions of “cozy” increased by 35 per cent compared to last year, while “nostalgia” appeared 14 per cent more frequently. Amanda Pendleton is Zillow’s expert on home trends. She says that homeowners and buyers are turning to the past for warmth, character, and comfort, even in the most technologically advanced environments.
Pendleton noted that the use of energy-efficient electrical features is on the rise. Pendleton explains that technology has allowed homeowners to live sustainably while also being more affordable, which is becoming a priority for potential buyers. Regarding sustainability, designers agree. In 1stdibs’ annual trend survey this year, which reached out to 643 interior designers, 43 per cent said that their projects would have some sustainability requirement by 2025. Julien Sebban, founder of Uchronia in Paris, says that consumers are more concerned about the durability and quality of products. As much as next year’s designs are focused on protecting the Earth, they will be inspired by the grounding qualities of the natural world, with colours and materials that take a direct cue from it.
Wellness Spaces for the Home
Several designers agreed that there was an increasing emphasis on mental and physical well-being in the home. Nicole Hollis says that clients continue to request wellness areas, such as spas and gyms. She also receives requests for water circuits with sauna steam rooms and cold plunges.
Romanek explains that this trend does not always require a large footprint. Sebban says, “I believe we will continue to see more demand for private, personal spaces, such as a reading nook, a wellness area, or a place where you can relax and unwind.”
More Clay and Ceramics
Matthew Williams
This powder room, designed by Victoria Sass of Prospect Refuge Studio in Wisconsin, is decorated with custom ceramic tiles from Clay Squared To Infinity, arranged in a checkered pattern.
Designers continue to use ceramics and clay, drawn to their organic appeal. Hollis says that ceramic lighting, tables, and fireplace surrounds will be used in the interior. Sebban shares this enthusiasm and highlights a wider embrace of natural materials. He notes that “Clay-based plasters and products are being rediscovered because of their tactile appeal and benefits to the environment.”
Amped Up Earth Tones
Brown will be a big deal in 2025. It offers endless versatility and an innate connection to nature. Tiffany Howell, founder of Night Palm, says that there are many shades you can play with. It’s a neutral tone, but it also has a moody feel. “Brown has a timeless appeal. Romanek says that brown has always been a colour of grounding. “I see clay-toned browns emerging, which add a touch of warmth and make you feel connected to the earth.”
Earth tones, in addition to brown tones, will also dominate interiors by 2025. Hollis says that shades like navy blue, terracotta, and saturated greens will add depth and sophistication to interiors.
Sebban predicts that earthy tones like chestnut and moss will be popular in both commercial and residential spaces.
Rita Konig agrees. She says, “I am drawn to sienna-colored palettes–ocre yellow and warm orange –the colors of earth.” Warm blues are timeless, and I believe they will be in style next year. “I painted my hall a warm blue, the color of a beautiful sky. It’s a colour that makes me happy.”
Classic Furniture Return
Pierre Yovanovitch Mobilier designed the sofa and ball cushions for the living room.
I’m predicting that furniture will return to its classics—fewer curved sofas and more structure. Jeremiah Brent says there will be fewer boucles and more patterns. Modern minimalism is going to take a more prominent position across the board.
Some designers have reimagined minimalism with a historical, classic lens. Charlap Hyman & Herrero founders Adam Charlap Hyman, Andre Herrero and Andre Herrero explain that they are creating more minimal Art Deco bedrooms, Colonial American rooms and formal French rooms.
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Artful Lighting
The living room of a Manhattan home designed by Nannette brown features different lighting sources with varying levels.
Romanek says that clients are looking for pieces that go beyond the functional. They want pieces that make a statement and shape an entire room. Lighting is a key element that can bring everything together.
Dynamic designs are redefining lighting. Sebban notes that “we’re seeing minimalist fixtures in sculptural shapes–think of lighting that doubles up as art.” Howell also agrees with this trend, noting a shift towards unconventional approaches. I think people will use lighting in their homes in less traditional and playful ways.
