Many will remember the era - and now unexpected return - of the avocado bathroom. Or the time the world rekindled their love affair with paisley. It’s almost impossible, too, to miss the kitsch decor that has reemerged from the archives and into our algorithms.
Interior trends, like fashion, move with seasons. Yet, those with which we imbue our homes can’t be as cyclical as the skinny jeans hidden at the back of our wardrobes. 'While it’s fun to look at trends as a source of inspiration and a way of tickling your imagination, it’s important to take a considered approach; just as quickly as something is on trend, it can fall out of favour,' agrees interior designer, Nicola Harding.
How to explore trends through the lens of longevity? 'Create a home that makes sense to you; a place that truly reflects and serves you. If the design and trend is truly relevant to you and to the place, then it's rooted and meaningful,’ she notes.
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Below, discover the 6 interior trends taking shape right now – with style and staying power in spades…
The Interior Trends To Note For 2025
Midmalism
As Harding explains, ‘midmalism sits somewhere between the maximalist and minimalist.’ It’s effectively the middle ground between the brash prints and bold colour that monopolise your feed and splashing your walls with varying shades of grey. It can be tricky to get the balance of midmalism correct, which is why so often on social media you will only ever find the ‘quiet luxury’ nearing nonexistent minimalism and the loud, colour-clashing hues.
Using midmalism is a veritable way to ensure equilibrium throughout your home – adopt a softer colour palette and pieces that are unique and modern without being too attention grabbing to help create a harmonious space.
Lacquer
'The shine and richness of lacquer finishes continue to captivate interiors,' shares Soho House interior designer, Sophie Arquimbau. That's simply because high-gloss finishes can feel modern, versatile and luxurious and can be used in a number of different ways. 'An easy way to introduce lacquer into your space is by adding a glossy tray to your coffee table or ottoman, or via furniture and walls; it’s a sophisticated finish that can look just as at home in a modern loft as it does in a vintage-inspired setting,' she adds.
Colour Wheel Theory
The colour wheel theory is often deployed by artists to offset complimentary yet contrasting colours in a painting; the same can be applied to your home, particularly using the 60-30-10 rule (using a dominant colour, a secondary hue, and finally an accent shade).
Take it from your favourite interior designers, who have long harnessed a colour-contrasting technique to help enhance the mood and feel of a home and add harmony throughout. 'Bruised shades of mauve and dirty tones of custard are best combined,’ shares Harding. 'Creamy butter yellow and bold cherry red are colours with a timeless energy,' agrees Arquimbau. 'They feel fresh right now but are rooted in design history, offering a sense of optimism and vibrancy.'
Powder pink is another player for 2025 which, according to renovation service, Beams, is becoming more popular, and can be offset with sage green and warm beige. The same goes for chocolate brown and pale grey-blue, which will see you beyond the fashion world's obsession with chocolate tones, as the two hues help create an environment that feels balanced, warm and inviting.
Waves & Wiggles
While the trend might be rooted in social media's sudden fascination with all things wavy, playing with lines is an interior trend with legs. Whether bold or subtle, the return of wavy furniture, which was first popularised in the Eighties, feels like a move away from overt minimalism and a welcome direction towards a more playful, far less rigid aesthetic.
Embracing natural curves can add instant intrigue and softness to a home too – try a subtle wavy mirror or opt for dining furniture with curved features to accentuate the natural form.
A Touch Of Nostalgia
Fashion has always influenced the world of interior design. That goes for prints, textures and colours which transcend from our style choices to our interior inspiration. 'In terms of prints, we’re seeing a surge in vintage velvet and linen prints,’ shares Martin Waller, founder of Andrew Martin.
Gingham is another once-forgotten print that has seen a resurgence of late. As such, Henry Holland Studio has just launched a kitsch ceramics collection championing all things gingham, while Toogood have reimagined the nostalgic print in their latest collection.
Stripes are also here to stay. ‘Whether bold or subtle, stripes are a versatile design element that never really go out of style,' agrees Arquimbau, who notes the use of stripes running throughout Soho Farmhouse, from bed linen to furniture. 'They offer structure without being rigid, and they pair effortlessly with both rustic and refined elements,' she adds.
Colour Drenching
Colour drenching - painting walls, ceilings, and sometimes even trim in the same colour - has become more and more popular. 'Colour drenching creates a space that feels cohesive and enveloping,' shares Arquimbau. 'This trend is all about creating an emotional impact and adds warmth and depth to any room,' she adds. As it can be tricky to determine the best colour drenching hues, there are now online and in-person colour consultations available at Lick and Farrow & Ball where colour experts can help you narrow down the optimal shades for your space.
'It’s not just about paint; it’s about creating a mood. A room that is drenched in one bold, cohesive colour feels complete and comforting, which is why it appeals to those looking for spaces that feel intentional and inviting,' adds Arquimbau.
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Amelia Bell is the Multiplatform Beauty Director for ELLE UK and Harper’s Bazaar, developing beauty strategy, writing, editing, and commissioning, and leading beauty content across both sites. Amelia has a particular interest in wellness and longevity, exploring the skin-mind connection, and decoding the latest treatments, tweakments and runway trends. She also has bylines for Women's Health, Refinery29, British Vogue, Harrods Magazine, and more.