11 top interior designers weigh in on which way the interior pendulum is swinging this year
The idea of interior design trends can seem a little nonsensical: the whole point of a home is a sense of permanence, while the fleeting nature of trends suggests the opposite. Then, there’s the logistics of it all: while it’s easy enough to swap out a pair of jeans or shoes inspired by what goes down the runway, changing what is in your home takes a considerable investment of time, energy and money. Who in their right mind seasonally changes their couch?
Yet styles do change – albeit slowly. Chintz was all the rage in the 1960s, until it wasn’t. 1990s minimalism eventually gave way to a maximalist resurgence. And now that we are a quarter of the way through a century, what choices can one make to ensure their home will stand the test of time?
With that in mind, Vogue asked 11 top interior designers about which way the interior pendulum is swinging. They had thoughts, and lots of them: Art Deco is seeing a resurgence, as is the 17th-century art of the flame stitch. And as burgundy pops up in high-end fashion collections from the likes of Gucci and Khaite, so too is it set to take over our homes.
As for what’s on its way out? The answer was nearly unanimous: all-white interiors, which have been popular over the last few years, are becoming a thing of the past. “People want their homes to feel alive and personal, with pieces that have history, character and personality,” says AD100 interior designer Brigette Romanek.
Below, the interior design trends you can expect to see in 2025.
What’s In
Drapery
Drapery is stepping into the spotlight as more than just a functional item – it’s becoming an art form. I love the idea of pleated, patterned or oversized fabric installations that feel like sculptures: framing a space. They bring this beautiful movement and texture, softening hard edges while creating a moment that feels dramatic. – Brigette Romanek
More is more with over-the-top draperies, balloon shades, mixing prints and interesting colour combinations. – Heidi Caillier
Art Deco
Art Deco in unexpected ways. We’ve seen it make a comeback through lacquer and furniture silhouettes, but I think more designers will begin paying attention to the layouts from the design era, alongside Deco patterns and motifs. – Jeremiah Brent
Brown Furniture
The revival of “brown furniture” marks an exciting shift in interior design. As English and American antiques re-emerge from a period of being unfashionable, they’re finding new life among those seeking to add authenticity and historical depth to contemporary spaces. – Alfredo Paredes
Velvets
Velvets (in all forms: cotton, linen and cut velvet with patterns) have become the go-to texture replacing the soft bouclé of previous years. People want soft-to-touch textures over rough linens. – Timothy Corrigan
Flame Stitch
Contemporary versions of the 17th-century flame stitch pattern are red hot and finding their way into rugs, wallpapers and fabrics. They bridge the gap between classic and hip and appeal to people of all ages. – Timothy Corrigan
Jewel Tones – Especially Yellow
We’re seeing the natural dyes of 15th-century Flemish tapestries and patterned carpets come through in understated jewel tones that harmonise. Not super bright, rather, rich, deep, discreet, sensual. These strong, lush colours are coming through in everything from furniture to tabletop – we’re embracing colour like we’ve never done before. White tableware will never go out of style but even our ceramics are getting deep colourful hues – emerald and yellows. – Robin Standefer, Roman and Williams
Yellow, which came back into fashion in 2024, is now being paired with perennial favourite blue. Think Monet’s kitchen at Giverny to capture the perfect mix of fresh yellow and cerulean blue. – Timothy Corrigan
Yellow as the Background Colour of Upholstery
Yellow as the background colour of upholstery, even an all-over paint moment! – Heidi Caillier
“Shambolism”
We describe our own house as shambolic and I’m making up a word for this trend: shambolism. To me, it’s about embracing sensuous chaos – the beauty that emerges when things aren’t perfectly resolved. It’s the crack in the glaze, the unexpected overlap of materials, the way something imperfect feels alive and visceral. In design, it’s not about messiness for its own sake; it’s about creating layers of texture. It also ties into the act of collecting – surrounding yourself with objects that hold stories. We could all use a little comfort. – Karen Spector, Lovers Unite
Wallpaper… Even On the Ceilings
For a while, it was mainly reserved for smaller spaces, yet we’re seeing clients becoming more open to making a statement with wall treatments. It can add an extra element of comfort and luxury to every room. – Lauren & Suzanne McGrath, McGrath II
It’s ubiquitous… In 2024, the majority of rooms at all designer showhouses sported wallpaper, and it has even moved onto the ceilings. Panoramic wallpaper is particularly hot! – Timothy Corrigan
Upholstered Walls
Upholstered walls in materials like velvet, leather and suede. It adds a level of luxury, intimacy, warmth and texture to a room and we’re seeing clients opt for this treatment in living rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms and beyond. – Dan Fink
Mixing Different Woods and Metals
We think this is the year people are going to figure out that mixing different wood species and finishes (same with metals) is cool. Mixing it up creates depth and authenticity. Combining textures and tones makes spaces feel layered and lived-in, as though they’ve come together naturally over time, not just assembled to look perfect. It’s that contrast and harmony that gives a design its soul. This idea resonates deeply with us. – Karen Spector
Wine Red
In 2025, wine emerges as the definitive hue for interiors, embodying a sensual yet understated opulence with its deep, rich earth tone. This deep, versatile tone bridges the gap between rich jewel tones and natural neutrals, lending depth and warmth to spaces. It’s used in accents throughout – never the walls – imagine a wine-hued Catalpa chair, its French modernist lines made regal by the richness of the colour. The understated yet confident glamour of applying this jewel tone to glassware or lighting – in a richer hue, we’re doing our new Seed Pendant and Porto sconce in aubergine. – Robin Standefer
What’s Out
All-White Interiors
I think we’re moving past the trend of sterile interiors. People want their homes to feel alive and personal, with pieces that have history, character and personality. Items that really reflect your feel and vibe. – Brigette Romanek
All-white rooms are losing their appeal, as they often feel sterile rather than personal. Overly minimalistic spaces, while once celebrated, now risk feeling cold and lifeless, lacking the layers that make a home truly engaging. And the days of perfectly matched, overly coordinated rooms are behind us – design is now about creating spaces that tell a story, embracing contrast and individuality. – Julie Hillman
Black Kitchens
The black and brass style kitchen made famous by the Kardashians in 2018 is dated. A kitchen should feel warm and welcoming, not like a 1980s nightclub. – Timothy Corrigan
Over-Curation
As a lover of minimalism and pure, edited design, being bombarded with imagery of three curated objects in a room feels a bit 2024. I’m challenging myself to layer up! I’ve added a carpet over my sofa back, proudly displayed my mother-in-law’s silver collection (and used her dishes, too). I’m visiting flea markets, exploring less obvious vintage stores, packing light and filling my suitcase with treasures from my travels. I’m curating moments of interest and surrounding myself with inspiration this year. – Christine Gachot
Fluted Tile
Fluted tile will be to 2025 what tambour was to 2024 – you see it everywhere and wish it would stop. – Karen Spector
Space-Age Light Fixtures
While we’re getting closer to the futuristic technology of the Jetsons, the décor should be avoided. Sputnik light fixtures had their time in the sun and now it’s time they fade into the past, along with mid-century furniture. – Timothy Corrigan
Originally published by Vogue.com.