3 Interior Design Trends for 2025
Earlier this month I attended the Design Festival North in Manchester. It was inspiring to see the latest innovative designs, make new connections and discover the interior design trends for 2025.
One of the highlights was a talk on the interior design trends for 2025, organised by Balsan UK.
This presentation offered a look into the future of interior design. It provided a bigger picture look at the world today, and how interior design fits into this space as the world evolves. This was not about micro trends that come and go in a Tik-Tok moment, but rather an insight into where the world is heading and how interior designers need to respond, reflect and create.
Therefore I want to share this exciting news with you! Here are the three trends that you need to know about:
Interior Design Trend 1: Sustainability and Innovation
Starting with the trend that I am most excited about. The Sustainability and Innovation trend addresses the global challenges we are facing, including climate change and resource scarcity, which have a big impact on how we live and how our homes operate.
Consequently, it calls for a transformation in how we live, encouraging collaboration with nature and a focus on sustainability. We are currently living beyond the planet’s ecological capacity, and this needs to change.
This trend is driven by visionaries and hopeful innovators who are action-oriented and optimistic. They want our living and working spaces to reflect more innovative attitudes.
How This Trend is Reflected in Interior Design
Exaggerated Rounded Forms: In order to improve the world and live more collaboratively with nature, people want to live in a more fluid, serene environment.
Softness and curves are key to achieving this and will be seen in cloud-like sofas, scalloped edges and organic shapes. The aim is to create a sense of visual fluidity and comfort.
Enjoyable Spaces: Living spaces will become more dynamic and interactive with less importance on material goods and more emphasis on experiences and action.
We will see spaces that are not only functional but also enjoyable to spend time in. This can be achieved through the use of natural, organic textures, mood-boosting colours, lots of plants and immersive lighting.
Interior Design Trend 2: Simplicity and Minimalism
In today’s world of financial anxiety, there is a yearning for a simpler life. This minimalist trend champions freedom from material excess.
Minimalism is a positive response to the hardships people have faced in recent years, allowing them to take control and prioritise what is important in life.
We are therefore encouraged to evaluate our needs versus our wants, promoting a lifestyle that is self-reliant and sustainable.
Refreshingly, it’s about living with less and understanding that our value is not defined by our possessions.
This trend also emphasises the blurring of lines in our lives, with the integration of home, work, and leisure spaces. This can be seen in multifunctional furniture such as a sofa bed in a home office / guest bedroom.
A holistic approach is influenced by nature, with the aim of enhancing our living experiences. As we spend longer in our homes, we want them to reflect our values, using more natural, sustainable materials.
For this reason, we want to know the history of the objects taking up space in our home. Therefore, vintage, handmade and ethically sourced furniture is prioritised.
How This Trend is Reflected in Interior Design
Goodwood chair by Morgan
This beautiful chair is a perfect example of a design that reflects minimalist simplicity. It is a sculptural piece with a soft, flowing form made from natural materials. These are essential elements of the trend’s ethos.
Jolly Serving Trolley by Fatboy
Combining multifunctional and minimalist design, this cart is perfect for a clutter-free home or work environment. Beautiful design can also be hard-working and multi-functional.
Nature-Inspired Designs
Etsy HQ, Brooklyn: Biophilic design principles and strategies were at the core of the vision for Etsy’s headquarters. This includes using irregular lines found in nature, neutral colour palettes and an emphasis on natural light. These features promote physical and mental health, and will become an integral part of interior design as people become more aware of the benefits of biophilic design. Read more about Etsy’s innovative design here.
Interior Design Trend 3: Expression and Maximalism
This trend can be seen as a response to the current climate of unrest and inequality. The Expression and Maximalism trend is all about making bold changes. Importantly, this refers to changes in both attitudes and outcomes.
It reflects a hunger for self-expression and a stance against the repression of freedoms which can be seen on our screens daily.
This trend is fuelled by the attitude of younger generations. Millennial and Gen-Z generations want a better world and are not afraid to make their voices heard through bold and creative expression. This expression extends to their interior design choices.
It follows that these influential generations will want to live in spaces that reflect our drive for a better future.
How This Trend is Reflected in Interior Design
Retro Design: Key to this trend is nostalgic yet modern designs, incorporating vintage elements and vibrant colours. This can be seen in 1970s inspired bubble sofas, graphic prints and bright fabrics.
Unlike the Simplicity trend, this is a maximalist trend – focusing on dopamine design, and the desire for a happier life and better world. Read more about this style here.
Human-Centric Design: Another element of this trend is a focus on comfort and individuality. Workspaces at home and in the office are more personalised and expressive.
People want their homes to reflect their individual attitudes through bold colours, graphic patterns and statement artwork.
This trend has a deep appreciation for the natural world, sustainability and ethical sourcing. Homes will be filled with greenery, natural light and sustainable materials – all expressive reminders of the better world we are trying to create.
Universal Theme for Interior Design in 2025
It was clear from the presentation, and the research behind it, that the 2025 interior design trends are united on sustainability.
This is a hugely positive outcome, as it shows that our society wants a better world and is willing to take action to achieve it. Our homes are a big reflection of our personality and lifestyle, so by incorporating more natural materials, biophilic design principles and sustainable practices, 2025 will see us moving in the right direction.
Biophilic Design: is a key theme of the 2025 trends. This includes incorporating materials with health benefits, such as non-toxic and biodegradable options.
Smart Technology: is being used to ensure we live a more sustainable and eco-friendly life. Trends for 2025 include discreet smart technology which can be integrated into our spaces for smarter, more efficient living.
Final thoughts
The interior design trends for 2025 highlight a shift towards more meaningful, sustainable, and personally expressive design.
The trend forecasts are optimistic and motivational. People want to live better lives, looking after their own health, the health of society and the planet we live in. Our homes will reflect this desire – with the integration of nature and sustainability, along with a freedom to embrace our individuality.
Whether it’s through minimalist design, bold statements, or innovative solutions, the future of interior design for 2025 and beyond looks truly inspiring!
