Top interior trends for 2025: Bold colours and wellness corners

Pallavi Dean, founder and creative director of Dubai architecture and interior design studio Roar, shares her design predictions

Shades to adopt in 2025 include Mocha Mousse, Pantone's colour of the year, which lends itself well to big-item furniture such as Minotti's Supermoon armchair. Photo: Minotti

Shades to adopt in 2025 include Mocha Mousse, Pantone's colour of the year, which lends itself well to big-item furniture and flooring. Photo: Caffe Latte

Terracotta can be used for accent walls, rugs and cushions. Photo: Feathr

Aubergine tones can work well as wall panelling and wallpaper. Photo: Fiona Howard Wallpapers

Charcoal, for outdoor furniture. Photo: Lime Lace

One to avoid: the tone-on-tone calmness of boucle is on its way out. Photo: Furnicher

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

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

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.