2025 Interior Design Wrap-Up: What This Year Taught Us.

Trends and Lessons.

As we close off 2025, we're looking back at the trends that shaped interiors this year - and the lessons we've learnt from every project, every challenge, and every home we transformed.

This year brought a stronger focus on comfort, craftsmanship, natural materials, and smarter living. Here's our combined trend report and designer takeaways from 2025.

1. Warm Minimalism Became the New Standard

2025 steered away from cold, stark minimalism and embraced a gentler, more welcoming approach.

What it looked like:

• Soft curves

• Light woods

• Creamy, rich neutrals

• Textured Walls

• Simple forms that feel calm

Minimalism doesn't have to feel monochromatic or cold. While the characteristics of this style revolves around simplicity, functionality and adhering to the ''less is more'' philosophy, it can still be achieved through warm tones and tactile surfaces. Clients want clean spaces, but they also want to feel safe, comfortable, and connected to their homes. Layered lighting and earthy palettes help transform simplicity into serenity.

2. Natural Stone Was the Hero Material

Quartzite, travertine, and ceramics were everywhere - kitchens, bathrooms and even furniture.

Why it trended:

• Longevity

• Organic movement

• Luxury without being flashy

• Works with modern and traditional homes

More than ever, clients are invested in quality. This shift is clear, clients want finishes that last years, not seasons.

3. Lighting

From sculptural table lamps to oversized pendants, lighting continued to evolve beyond utility. It brought personality, depth, and dimensions to even the simplest rooms.

What we saw trending:

• Oversized domed pendants

• Sculptural table and floor lamps

• Textured ceramic and stone bases

• Matte, organic-shaped scones

• Linear lighting

Lighting has become one of the most powerful design tools in the design process. It can change the mood, reshape a layout, highlight features, and even correct proportions within a room. In 2025, we found that clients responded immediately to the warmth and layered lighting - ambient, task and accent lighting working together.

4. Texture Was Everything

This year it wasn't just about colour alone - it was also abut touch. Homes became softer, richer and more tactile - moving away from flat surfaces and into materials that added depth without overwhelming the space.

Where texture showed up:

• Fluted and ribbed details in joinery and furniture

• Plaster and textured painted walls

• Soft and linen upholstery

• Stone with natural movement or veining

Throughout the year, we noticed clients gravitating towards spaces that felt inviting - not just visually pleasing. Many realised that they didn't need more décor; they simply needed materials with character.

Biggest Mistakes of 2025 - And What They Taught Us

Across multiple projects, especially with clients purchasing finished properties, we noticed a few recurring mistakes: buying furniture before planning layouts properly, choosing lighting too late, and following fast trends without considering long-term practicality. We also saw how overusing a single material could impact both the function and aesthetics.

Thoughtful design begins with thoughtful planning - measuring before buying, planning layered lighting, balancing materials and always prioritising practical storage. Considering these elements at an early stage will result in a more cohesive, intentional and built to last.

What We're Taking With Us Into 2026

2025 emphasised designing homes that are calming, functional, natural, elevated without feeling ''too much'' and rich in texture and quality. If there's one thing this year taught us, it's that clients want homes that feel like a retreat - warm, personal, and intentionally curated.

These insights will continue to guide our design approach - creating spaces that are timeless, thoughtfully crafted and deeply comfortable.