Minimalism is out. The trend is towards colour drenching. Luxury should be functional. Farmhouse is no longer in vogue. This year’s interior design trends were anything but conservative, and, in many respects, it’s been the year of “more.”
We asked designers nationwide to share their thoughts on the most significant moments in design this year and what it takes for a trend to be successful, to better understand the trends of 2025 and what we can look forward to in 2026. We’ve rounded up the best of the bunch: the trends that designers couldn’t get enough of, that filled in mood boards and floor plans, and that changed the way we live.
Color drenching
Resoundingly, color drenching was the trend cited most by designers—some love it, some are ready to see it go, but wherever they fall, designers agree it’s made a centerstage appearance. Color drenching refers to the process of painting a room or area with a single color, resulting in a striking and unified look that can sometimes be quite maximalist.
It’s a shift from neutrals to deep, rich color this year: “We’re going to be going into color-drenched rooms and away from white-on-white everything,” says cofounder and principal designer at Metal + Petal, Jade Joyner. “Color blocking and color drenching are particularly effective in the winter season, adding depth and coziness to interiors,” adds Danielle Chiprut, founder and principal designer at Danielle Rose Design Co.
Moody Color Palettes
Moody color palettes have also been a huge trend this year, and designers say this aligns with the general trend of maximalism. “It’s definitely a transition to color,” says Marianne Jones founder and principal designer Marianne Jones. “[We’re] getting away from off-white and quiet walls and going for saturated colors like aubergine, greens, yellows, and drenching walls with color.” Joyner agrees, stating “Burgundy, olive, ochre and tobacco are the colors that are marking this time of color confidence.” Bold color – and its luxurious look – is not going anywhere.
Livable Luxury
Livable luxury was as hot as it was in this year. “Clients are asking for timeless, yet personal homes, performance fabrics that don’t look performance, natural materials that age gracefully, and lighting that is functional and artistic,” says Studio W Interiors principal and founder Diana Wagenbach. They’re looking for things like smart storage, efficient space planning and family-friendly fabrics, but they don’t want to sacrifice beauty, Danielle Chiprut, founder and principal Designer at Danielle Rose Design Co., agrees.
Overall, the liveable luxury is a component of the trend of living for a longer period. Lexie Saine Design principal designer Lexie Saine says clients are looking for designs that are not only aesthetically pleasing but are of quality and craft. For years we’ve been witnessing beautiful San Francisco Victorians being stripped of their soul and repurposed into ultra-modern shells, but now, there’s a conscious effort to honor that original character, preserve the craftsmanship and add modern moments that create a thoughtful juxtaposition of old and new.
The Use of Vintage Elements to Create a Sustainable Look
Shopping for second-hand pieces is a practice that has always been a part of many designers’ work, but this year it has become a focal practice. “There’s a heightened awareness of sustainability, the incorporation and the choice of vintage or antique items reimagined in a space, embracing the integrity of the old rejuvenated with new fabrics or a fresh finish,” Jones says.
It’s a furniture and decor trend that’s making the rounds and a sustainable design solution that’s not likely to be going anywhere. Reanna Channer, founder and principal designer of Design to Elevate, says that she anticipates more reclaimed furniture and vintage items than mass-produced items, which will create a more timeless design approach.
Dark Wood
Lauren Saab, founder and principal designer at Saab Studios, notes that darker woods such as walnut, mahogany and smoked oak have become the stars of the show in 2025. “Pale oak is giving way to richer, more architectural finishes, which add weight and warmth to a room and complement textured plaster and warm stone finishes.” The trend towards dark wood is only one of the many design trends that have been making a noise this year, which are all part of a general trend towards warm interiors.
Warmth and Comfort
“Overall, I am seeing a trend toward warmer weather,” says Wagenbach. “Furniture and case goods are leaning sculptural and tactile, curves, soft edges, artisanal detailing.” Homeowners are moving away from sterile spaces and designers agree that they want interiors that are lived-in. “Anything that provides comfort is trending, such as earth tones, wood, antiques, and rugs,” says Molly O’Neil, founder and creative director at Molly O Interior Design Studio.
Many designers have been jumping on this warm trend: “We’ve been in a phase of clean, modern, and in my opinion, personality-less design for years, and we love the warmth, texture and organic vibes that traditional vibes bring to a home,” says Allison Handler, principal owner at Allison Handler Design.
Wallpaper, everywhere
Wallpaper has returned with a vengeance, and in a big way, too. “Wallpaper is big,” O’Neil says. We were thinking wallpaper was in trend, but it’s in trend. The most popular options are floral prints and anything textured like sisal. It’s not only wallpaper, “Drapery is also back,” adds Colleen Bennett, founder and lead designer of CBB Design Firm. “All the extras are back, including drapery and wallpaper.”
Slow design
In the age of fast fashion, people are craving environments that are more personal and emotionally resonant, rather than mass produced,” explains Kati Curtis, principal at Kati Curtis Design. Slow design is a more deliberate and sustainable way to design spaces, focusing on craftsmanship and longevity rather than speed. The change in demand has been reflected in what clients are asking for: “My clients are looking for objects with a soul: hand embroidered panels from Japan, glasswork from Murano, bespoke furniture from American makers,” says Curtis. “Even with tariffs, provenance is more important than ever!”
Biophilic design
Biophilic design is always in style, but has been particularly popular this year. Channer says that they’re seeing a preference for natural materials such as quartzite over quartz countertops, and a greater focus on outdoor living areas that seamlessly connect with our interiors. And biophilic design goes beyond just use of natural materials and bringing greenery indoors—everything down to the minutiae of lighting can simulate a more natural environment.
Jessica Shaw, design director at Turett Collaborative, explains that they are implementing circadian lighting systems, such as those from Lutron, to help shift the light quality in interiors throughout the day. Clients are asking for environments that will help them feel better mentally and throughout the day, we are being asked to restore homes. Simulating natural light is one of many ways biophilic design promotes wellness.
Frequently Asked Questions
So, what was the most significant interior design trend of 2025?
Color was the top trend on designers’ 2025 list, with bolder, deeper hues, particularly, dominating the pack. “Color is what people want and they want their home to tell a story,” says O’Neil. It seems that people are finding out what interior designers have known all along: white and neutrals can get very sterile and slip into the boring category. Color drenching was the big thing this year and color was used in smaller ways, a small hallway nook with jewel tones, a piece of furniture reupholstered with a bolder color.
What are the longest lasting interior design trends?
There are some trends that will not go away. Traditional style is one of them that will never go out of fashion, Bennett says, “It’s timeless, it never goes out of fashion and you can always blend it, that’s the beauty of it.” No matter what the design style, designers also agree that natural materials are timeless.
“Natural materials have the longest history in design because they age in a way that enhances the value, as solid wood, stone and bronze do.” “It’s not about looks, it’s about integrity,” Joyner adds, as to why natural materials have stayed. “Good design ages well because it’s made well.” Then there are other things that will always be in demand for interior design: “Plants never die, at least in trend,” says Alexis Readinger, founder at Preen Inc.
What are the processes for the evolution of interior design trends?
Trends emerge from micro and macro levels, from all over the world. “With the economy changing, and social awareness, I believe we are seeing a change in home design.” says Jones. “It’s a bit of a streamlining in terms of design, it’s more purposeful, I think.”
Social media isn’t something that can be overlooked either. While many people are deterred by the fads and trends of social media (how fast they can be spread, how they get saturated and then fade away for a while before coming back with another novelty), they cannot be denied. “Trends can develop on social media and actually threaten sources, such as the wide portrayal of succulents in LA media in 2015,” explains Readinger. “They were so popular, hillsides were being stripped in Los Angeles and exported to other countries.”
