In the ever-evolving world of interior design, trends come and go, leaving homeowners and designers alike in a constant state of adaptation. As we look towards 2025, a significant shift in home decor trends seems imminent, moving away from the repetitive and overly familiar aesthetics of recent years. The industry is urging a departure from monotonous design choices, advocating for spaces that reflect individual tastes and histories. Let’s delve into what experts predict will be popular—or passé—in the coming years.
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Architect: Elizabeth Graziolo
Firm: Yellow House Architects
Location: Grand Rapids, Michigan
Design Trend Commentator: Jessica Davis
Trend Forecasting Agency: WGSN
One of the major trends anticipated to fall out of favor is extreme maximalism, characterized by excessive pattern-on-pattern aesthetics. While vibrant experimentation with colors remains appreciated, a more curated approach to maximalism is predicted to take the limelight. Experts stress the importance of making design choices based on personal preference rather than fleeting online trends. This new direction is characterized by a thoughtful mix of patterns and materials, focusing on creating spaces with a rich, narrative depth through the careful curation of unique pieces.
The “vanilla girl” aesthetic, with its penchant for creamy neutrals and ubiquitous bouclé furniture, is also expected to see a decline. This style, popularized on social media, is being replaced by a greater demand for authentic, colorful interiors that reflect the unique tastes of their inhabitants. While bouclé as a material isn’t disappearing entirely, it will appear in more varied forms, showcasing bolder colors and textures that deviate from the stereotypical cream and off-white scheme. This shift signifies a broader movement towards individuality in design.
In the post-pandemic landscape, the necessity of home offices is diminishing as companies nudge employees back to in-person work environments. The rise of remote work had once placed a spotlight on the perfect Zoom backdrop, but with changing work dynamics, the demand for home office renovations is waning. Instead, there is a growing interest in specialty rooms that cater to creativity and personal interests, such as art studios and music spaces, reflecting people’s desire for more experiential and meaningful home environments.
Kitchens, too, are undergoing a transformation, as rustic cottagecore elements receive a modern update. The once-popular farmhouse aesthetic, with its brass fixtures and exposed pots, is being phased out in favor of more contemporary choices. This includes the decline of heavily used materials like brushed gold and even nickel, as well as the practical reconsideration of elements such as curtain fronts on cabinets. The shift is towards a more streamlined, functional design that still maintains a sense of warmth and individuality.
Finally, the color palettes of the ’70s, with their muted rusts, mustards, and olives, are being replaced by a preference for the vibrant hues of the Y2K era. The retro appeal remains, but the focus is on mixing styles from different decades to create eclectic, personalized spaces. Jewel-toned colors are predicted to rise in popularity, providing a rich, reset backdrop for home interiors. The overarching theme across these trends is a move towards authenticity and timelessness, encouraging style choices that prioritize quality and personal history over fleeting fashion. By focusing on enduring materials and craftsmanship, the aim is to create spaces that transcend temporary trends and resonate on a deeper, more personal level.
