The 15 design trends you’ll be in seeing in 2025 and beyond

Originally posted on vogue.com.au

1. Express yourself
Melbourne-based interior designer Brahman Perera has already been seeing a more individualistic approach in 2024, and predicts this will continue into 2025. He’s seeing less of the “overly ‘stylised’ spaces and a return to more sincerely considered spaces that delve into more personal pieces and create assemblages of contrasting elements and furniture”. Perera continues: “As an interior designer, one of the rewarding parts of residential projects is using clients existing pieces and recontextualising them into a new space, it’s what lends a unique authenticity to each project.”

Fellow Australian interior designer Tali Roth agrees, sensing a return to practical, yet enduring design that holds meaning to each individual. And in case you’re wondering, yes, economics impact trends, too. “I think people are leaning more practical because of the worldwide financial climate,” she states. “However, the clientele who are investing in decorating and interior design also want to have something unique to them, and are attempting to create spaces that last and have substance.”

Sydney-based interior designer Shona McElroy of Smac Studio is another creative who relishes the opportunity to create something entirely unique. “Everyone’s looking for something they’ve never seen before, which is a very welcome challenge for us,” she says. “Generally our clients are open to bold design ideas.” Which feeds into our next trend, which can be used to add character to any home…

2. Bolder is better
Interior designer Jillian Dinkel is also seeing the return of individuality in design and is embracing “projects that feel deeply personal and far from formulaic”. She’s also noting the return of bold colour and big statements. “Rich, moody palettes and unexpected material pairings are bringing a boldness and that’s refreshing,” she says. “In 2025, I believe we’ll continue to see spaces that tell a unique story through considered layers and expressive details.”

Sally Knibbs, founder of design studio Sally Caroline echoes this, seeing a return to courageous design. “From vibrant colour choices and juxtaposing textures to custom furniture, objects, and art—pieces that are bold, push the boundary and are filled with personality.”

As the co-founder of Sydney firm Folk Studio, Mariah Burton is also welcoming a return to more confident and assertive design choices. “With people staying in their homes longer and focusing more on personalising their spaces rather than preparing for resale, there’s a noticeable shift in how they approach design,” says Burton. “Clients are more willing to make daring choices, prioritising their own preferences over future buyers, which opens up a lot of creative possibilities for us to explore.”

3. The return of colour
What’s another trend that feeds into bolder spaces? The return of bold colours into homes. Perera is seeing a return to softer, more natural materials and thus the use of a more earthy colour palette, but crucially, one that’s not the 50 shades of beige of recent years. “The past few years have had a strong focus on deep colour saturations, and in turn, also stark ,white-toned spaces,” he explains. “We’re now finding a middle ground of verdant green tones, umbers, and soft warm-toned neutrals.”

Another longtime proponent for the use of colour, Roth is predicting the return of one of the more controversial noughties colour trends: “Grey is back, and I didn’t think I would feel this happy!” she says, while adding, “red is still going strong—in all shades; as is butter yellow, brown, and silver.” She also heralds the return of textures, trimmings and accentuations as a way to stand apart.

Burton finds the newfound embrace of colour “really exciting” and loves experimenting with unusual colour pairings and even bold patterns. “Contrasting colours are definitely on trend, with deep maroons paired with soft blue tones being a standout combination,” she says.” Even if you’re afraid to introduce colour permanently, there are ways around it, such as accent walls to add depth and interest without overcommitting. “People are eager to introduce more colour into their homes, but without fully embracing maximalism,” she continues. “As a result, many are choosing bold feature walls, statement artwork, and colourful sofas—items that allow for vibrant accents while still offering the flexibility to change things up easily. It’s all about incorporating bold colours through interchangeable pieces that don’t feel too permanent.”

For Miriam Fanning, principal of Mim Design, deeply saturated hues are where it’s at. “Presently, our studio is finding inspiration in deep, oily colours ranging from petrol to deep sprays of peacock feather palettes—think Frida Giannini 2011 Gucci autumn/winter collection,” she says.

4. Super saturated
Alex Hopkins, director of Studio Tate is a big fan of colour drenching and sees it bleeding into 2025. The idea centres on “layering spaces in a feature colour” but she predicts 2025 will “see a selected colour carried across a space, but with slightly varying tones applied between the walls, ceiling, and soft furnishings.” Like most of the designers interviewed, Hopkins wholeheartedly embraces the return of a bold palette. “The days of neutral tones dominating the design world are indeed behind us, as more clients are seeking vibrant, expressive spaces that reflect individuality and creativity. Saturated hues not only bring energy and life to interiors but also offer endless opportunities for creating dynamic, engaging environments,” she says. “People are becoming more daring with their choices, whether it’s bold feature walls, colourful cabinetry, or unexpected accents in unexpected places.”

5. Go local
While Perera notes that every client is unique and requires a varied approach, “over the past year though I have seen more of a shift towards an appreciation of Australian designers and artists,” he says. Embracing local designers, makers, and artists is a great way to support the community too. “Retailers and galleries such as Oigåll Projects, Ma House (Melbourne), Cleo Collects (Perth) stock and represent amazing pieces that my clients are very drawn to,” vouches Perera. “I think it stems from the overarching desire to incorporate really unique pieces into their home and have that point of difference.”

6. Eco-driven
Inarguably one of the most prominent and enduring concerns of the entire design industry is sustainability, both in terms of building materiality and how long items in the home will last for. “I obviously see a trend towards sustainability in design which is awesome,” says Roth. “However, it doesn’t always trickle down into my work in the high-end residential sector as much as I would like,” she admits. From a design perspective, every bit helps: buying secondhand, sourcing investment pieces, and choosing materials that are durable and long-lasting.

7. Quality first
There is never any substitute for clever, thoughtful and intentional design that rests on quality. Many designers noted a shift towards collecting. There’s “definitely more of an appreciation for investment furniture and art, which I think will keep classic profiles and pieces current for years to come,” agrees McElroy. “Quality and robust materials will always carry through year on year, as their embedded authenticity and the craftsmanship required to work with such materials transcends time,” agrees Fanning.

8. Deep in the woods
“Warm and darker toned timbers are here to stay,” declares McElroy. If you hadn’t already noticed, the return of dark mahogany or rich walnut tones has been creeping into our homes for a while now, thanks to the embrace of vintage and antiques. “I think we’re trending hard against the cold, kitsch Hamptons look that has been popular for so long,” she adds.

9. Sleek silhouettes
Remember how everything not long ago was either chunky, curvy or wavy? McElroy sees the pendulum swinging back to leaner profiles. “I’m seeing sleeker profiles in furniture with cleaner, more minimalist styling,” she confirms. “Grandma chic has been in with a maximalist vibe, but we’re swinging back towards more linear spaces.”

10. Cool metals
Interior trends often closely mirror those of fashion, so it’s not surprising to clock the return of cooler-toned metals to the home. After all, as every fashion girl knows, silver is back. McElroy lists “chrome, silver, stainless steel and nickel” as major trends for 2025 and beyond. “Again, it’s about a more minimalist, angular feel,” she says.

11. Halo effect
Hopkins declares vintage is a look that’s in for the long-haul. “Vintage lighting is here to stay in 2025, whether it be a gorgeous Murano glass wall light for a punchy powder room or a divine Italian modernist pendant light with brass detailing for a dining room,” she says. We can’t help but agree, with vintage fixtures imparting a soft ambience into a space for an effect that’s as appealing as natural light.

12. The entertainer
Blame the cost of living, but many designers are predicting a renewed appreciation for hosting dinner parties and small get-togethers at home. “There’s a renewed interest in entertaining at home, with guest rooms now designed as immersive experiences that make visitors feel like they’re staying somewhere truly special,” says Dinkel.

Creating a welcoming environment is key, as is designing spaces that accommodate multiple people at once. “Clients are looking to bring a more adventurous spirit into their homes and we’re seeing this specifically in spaces where entertaining is a key focus,” shares Knibbs.

13. What’s your passion?
Like individualism and bespoke spaces, designers are sensing a sense of freedom among clients, who are keen to break outside the box. “Our clients are increasingly focused on dedicating space to their passions—whether it’s for culinary pursuits, creative hobbies, or wellness,” explains Dinkel, who designed an entire secondary apartment in Point Piper designed around imbibing wine, practising Pilates and entertaining guests for her clients. “This shift toward purpose-driven, personal spaces is something I see enduring well into 2025 and beyond,” she adds.

“I think people want to separate their spaces and create more bespoke moments ‘just for them’,” agrees Roth. “And I also see more people becoming aware of their sensory and environmental needs.”

This newfound sense of awareness of the importance of their surroundings extends to belongings, too. “We have found that more of our clients are open to investing in collections that give them a sense of joy and inject their own personality into a space,” says Fanning. “For example, they have a greater appreciation of our spatial planning, joinery and immersion of spaces that can honour their treasured collections of fashion, art, objet, books, vinyl and so on.”

14. ’70s show
Some designers may argue that the decade never really died, but others are intuiting a return to the more freewheeling, fun, and experimental ’70s. Interiors with a 70s influence are also making a comeback, and I anticipate this trend will continue to grow into 2025,” declares Burton. For her part, McElroy is also suggesting a return to “high-impact warm styling with a bit of a cool ’70s vibe. Think sleek geometric lines, high-contrast palettes and polished/high gloss finishes.”