As a designer, I’m vehemently opposed to blindly following trends, because they are seasonal. The focus instead should be on creating a personalised style that is timeless by cherry-picking pieces and materials that resonate with you.
Based on client demand and what I’ve seen at exhibitions, fairs and in design media, here are four themes to consider while moulding your space your way, with a catalogue of images for each (above and below) for you to seek inspiration from.
Colour me wild
Deep, saturated palettes are in. Think aubergine, charcoal, terracotta and dark chocolate, the last one following on from Pantone’s colour of the year 2025. We are seeing the end of the tranquil, serene boucle trend that started post-pandemic. I’m as guilty as the next person of loving boucle, but it doesn’t age well, especially in high-traffic areas or homes with pets or children.
In 2025, we’ll see the back of the tone-on-tone calmness overload and make way instead for colour drenching. Dusky, moody vibes will also be welcomed. Remember, though, that lighting is key with this palette, to highlight features and ensure the space feels intimate not depressing.
Metallic finishes
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Metallic finishes can add zing to your space, for example by using nickel satin in the bathroom. Photo: Witt and Berg -
Stainless steel, for coffee tables and decor elements. Photo: Luxxu -
Bronze used for sanitary finishes. Photo: Drench -
Different metallic finishes for doorware. Photo: Pushka Home -
One to avoid: champagne tones are on their way out. Photo: Sweetpea and Willow
Metals add sparkle and shine that will benefit most interiors. However, champagne tones are so last year; instead choose stainless steel for its durability and a nickel satin finish in bathrooms for affordability.
Rose gold, bronze and gold can be go-tos for door hardware and sanitary finishes. In this form, they are both easy on the eye and on the pocket.
Flower power
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Floral designs will make a comeback in 2025, including in less traditional forms such as lighting. Photo: Rug Society -
The floral and metallic trends are combined in a cabinet. Photo: Boca do Lobo -
The embroidery motif features in wallpaper. Photo: Mindthegap -
Embroidered rugs and cushions. Photo: Casa by JJ -
One to avoid: geometric patterns are on their way out. Photo: Bobbi Beck
Bid goodbye to geometric patterns and flat textures. We are seeing a backlash against all things safe and boring.
If you are choosing fabrics, brace yourself for floral patterns and intricate embroidery. These lush and soft, feminine trends will also extend to lighting and rugs.
Wellness corners
We’ve seen a huge increase in wellness spaces at home – one step above your average gym. Think cryotherapy corners, cold plunge baths and infrared saunas. These range from ultra-lux to affordable DIY solutions, and can be used to carve out your own wellness bubble, big or small, in your home or workspace.
