As we move deeper into the 2020s, interior design continues to evolve, reflecting our changing lifestyles and aesthetic preferences. Drawing from insights shared by top designers, we’ve compiled the most significant interior design trends to watch for in 2025, along with those that are fading away.
What’s Coming In
Drapery Makes a Dramatic Return
Forget minimalist window treatments—drapery is becoming an art form in 2025. Designers are embracing pleated, patterned, and oversized fabric installations that function almost like sculptures in a space. According to designer Brigette Romanek, these dramatic window treatments bring “beautiful movement and texture, softening hard edges while creating a moment that feels dramatic.”
The “more is more” approach extends to balloon shades, mixed prints, and unexpected color combinations that transform windows into focal points.
Art Deco Revival
Art Deco is experiencing a renaissance, but with a fresh twist. Beyond the expected lacquer finishes and furniture silhouettes, designers are now incorporating Deco-inspired layouts, patterns, and motifs throughout entire spaces, creating a modern interpretation of this glamorous 1920s style.
Brown Furniture Makes a Comeback
After years of being overlooked, traditional “brown furniture” is finding new appreciation. English and American antiques are being incorporated into contemporary spaces, adding authenticity and historical depth. This trend reflects a growing desire for furniture with character and provenance rather than mass-produced pieces.
Verdigris: The New Neutral
The distinctive blue-green patina of aged copper, known as verdigris, is emerging as a key color trend. “Verdigris is definitely having a moment—I love how it feels neutral yet colorful all at once,” notes designer Jeremiah Brent. Look for this distinctive finish in lighting fixtures, accessories, and decorative elements.
Luxurious Textures: Velvet Takes Center Stage
Velvet is replacing boucle as the texture of choice, appearing in cotton, linen, and patterned varieties. This shift reflects our desire for tactile comfort in our living spaces—soft-to-touch textures that invite relaxation and create visual warmth.
Flame Stitch Patterns
Contemporary interpretations of the 17th-century flame stitch pattern are making their way into rugs, wallpapers, and fabrics. This versatile pattern bridges classic and contemporary styles, appealing to design enthusiasts of all ages.
Jewel Tones Dominate—Especially Yellow
Rich, understated jewel tones inspired by 15th-century Flemish tapestries are transforming interiors. These aren’t bright primary colors but rather deep, sensual hues like sapphire, emerald, and gold.
Yellow deserves special mention, continuing its comeback from 2024 but now often paired with blue. Designer Timothy Corrigan suggests looking to “Monet’s kitchen at Giverny to capture the perfect mix of fresh yellow and cerulean blue.”
“Shambolism”: Embracing Beautiful Imperfection
Designer Karen Spector coined the term “shambolism” to describe the growing appreciation for “sensuous chaos”—the beauty that emerges from imperfection. This trend celebrates the character that comes from layered textures, collected objects, and spaces that feel authentically lived-in rather than perfectly styled.
Wallpaper Everywhere—Even Ceilings
Wallpaper continues its strong comeback, expanding beyond accent walls to entire rooms and even ceilings. Panoramic wallpaper is particularly popular, creating immersive environments that transform ordinary spaces into extraordinary ones.
Upholstered Walls
For the ultimate in luxury and acoustic comfort, upholstered walls in materials like velvet, leather, and suede are gaining popularity. This treatment adds warmth and texture to living rooms, dining rooms, and bedrooms while creating a sense of intimacy.
Mixed Woods and Metals
The strict matching of wood tones and metal finishes is giving way to more eclectic combinations. Mixing different wood species and metal finishes creates depth and authenticity, making spaces feel naturally evolved rather than artificially assembled.
Wine Red: The Color of the Year
Deep wine red is emerging as 2025’s defining color trend, offering “sensual yet understated opulence.” This versatile hue bridges rich jewel tones and natural neutrals, appearing in furniture, glassware, and lighting. The color’s popularity in fashion (seen in collections from Gucci and Khaite) has influenced its adoption in interiors.
What’s On Its Way Out
All-White Interiors
The consensus among designers is clear: all-white interiors are fading fast. These spaces, once praised for their clean simplicity, now feel “sterile rather than personal,” according to designer Julie Hillman. Today’s homeowners want spaces with character, history, and personality.
Black Kitchens
The black and brass kitchen style popularized in the late 2010s is now considered dated. As Timothy Corrigan notes, “A kitchen should feel warm and welcoming, not like a 1980s nightclub.”
Over-Curated Spaces
The meticulously staged, sparsely decorated rooms that dominated social media are losing favor. Designer Christine Gachot describes the shift: “Being bombarded with imagery of three curated objects in a room feels a bit 2024.” Instead, there’s a move toward more layered, collected, and personally meaningful interiors.
Fluted Tile
According to designer Karen Spector, “Fluted tile will be to 2025 what tambour was to 2024—you see it everywhere and wish it would stop.” This ubiquitous texture has reached saturation point.
Space-Age Light Fixtures
Sputnik chandeliers and other mid-century modern lighting styles are finally fading away. After years of popularity, these retro-futuristic fixtures are being replaced by more timeless or contemporary alternatives.
Embracing Timeless Design with Personal Character
The overarching theme for 2025 interior design is a move away from sterile perfection toward spaces with warmth, character, and personal meaning. Whether through rich colors, varied textures, or meaningful collections, homes are becoming more individualized expressions of their inhabitants.
As you consider updates to your own space, remember that the most enduring designs are those that reflect your personal story while incorporating elements that bring you joy—regardless of what’s trending.
