Designers have thrown out the old rulebook for 2025. They’re mixing natural materials with smart technology, breaking color “rules” that once seemed untouchable, and transforming simple spaces into multifunctional rooms that adapt to our lives. After interviewing 25 top designers about their upcoming projects, clear patterns emerged. Some trends build on familiar ideas while others push into fresh territory, with electronic glass walls that shift from clear to opaque at a touch.
Sheryl McLean combines unexpected materials in striking ways. Her latest projects mix metallic finishes with cork walls, woven metals alongside natural fibers. “Each surface needs to play off the others,” she explains. Fine silver threads weave through golden wallpapers, while hammered copper catches light from smooth marble surfaces. Custom millwork incorporates metal inlays with natural wood grain. The combinations create depth without relying on bold colors. Textural contrasts define spaces and draw eyes to architectural details.
Sweet Magnoliaa sees Japandi style dominating peaceful interiors. This fusion blends Japanese minimalism with Scandinavian coziness, featuring low-profile furniture and natural materials like bamboo and light wood. “We pair simple lines with soft textures,” she explains, creating rooms that feel both elegant and livable. Her projects showcase handmade pottery, woven grass mats, and rice paper screens alongside plush wool throws. Neutral colors dominate: warm beige, soft gray, pale oak. Custom furniture makers craft platform beds and floor cushions specifically for this aesthetic, often incorporating hidden storage to maintain clean lines.
Brigette Romanek layers patterns, colors, and textures with fearless enthusiasm. Floral wallpaper meets animal print chairs while geometric rugs add another pattern layer, creating rooms that tell visual stories. “More becomes more,” she notes, as her clients embrace their collections. Gallery walls stretch floor to ceiling, mixing fine art with personal photos. Collections proudly display instead of hiding away, often in vintage cabinets. The style particularly suits historic homes, where elaborate architecture provides a fitting backdrop. Custom fabric houses now offer coordinated pattern collections for maximalist projects.
Sweet Magnoliaa transforms open floor plans with strategic color placement. “Paint creates invisible walls,” she notes, helping spaces feel distinct without losing their connection. Living areas might feature sage green walls, while dining spaces transition to warm terra cotta. Rugs reinforce these divisions with coordinated hues, often featuring subtle pattern repeats. The technique proves especially useful in studio apartments and great rooms. Colors flow naturally from one zone to another through shared accent tones. Even ceiling paint changes help define different functional areas without disrupting flow.
Alice Moszczynski designs spaces where the interior and exterior blur together. Retractable glass walls replace traditional windows, while flooring materials continue from living rooms onto patios. “The garden becomes another room,” she explains, as clients embrace indoor-outdoor living. Indoor plants mirror outdoor landscaping, creating visual continuity. Covered outdoor kitchens function year-round, and living rooms extend onto heated terraces. Weather-resistant fabrics allow furniture to move freely between spaces, while matching indoor-outdoor lighting creates a seamless ambiance from day to night.
Designers embrace ceramics beyond vessels and tiles, bringing organic warmth to contemporary rooms. Architectural elements like room dividers and light fixtures showcase hand-formed clay with surprising strength. Wall installations feature collections of textured ceramic pieces, while custom sinks display artisanal glazes that make each bathroom unique. “Clay brings organic energy to minimal spaces,” craftspeople explain, pointing to how natural variations soften stark lines. The material appears in both raw terra cotta and sophisticated finishes that mimic metal or stone. Local pottery studios report increased requests for architectural pieces, and even cabinet hardware now comes in hand-formed stoneware that wears beautifully with use.
Amazing Interiors installs electronic glass partitions that switch from clear to frosted instantly, adapting to changing needs throughout the day. “Privacy becomes flexible,” the team explains, as home offices transform from transparent to opaque during video calls. Bathroom walls frost over when occupied, while solar-sensitive versions automatically dim in bright sunlight to control heat gain. The technology integrates seamlessly into traditional-style divided light patterns and modern frameless panels without compromising aesthetics. Some versions even incorporate digital displays while maintaining their transparency when inactive, turning windows into information centers.
Decorilla’s designers prioritize pieces that serve several functions without sacrificing style. Coffee tables rise to dining height with one smooth motion, while sofas unfold into guest beds that actually feel comfortable. “Every piece needs multiple roles now,” they explain, showing how ottomans store linens inside while doubling as extra seating or side tables. Built-in units conceal Murphy beds behind home office setups, complete with charging stations. The trend particularly resonates with urban dwellers maximizing small spaces. Manufacturers develop new mechanisms ensuring smooth transformations, often hiding technology behind clean design.
Nicole Hollis carves out spaces dedicated to physical and mental health, moving beyond basic home gyms. Meditation rooms feature sound-dampening walls and gentle lighting controlled by phone apps that mimic natural daylight. Home gyms hide sleek equipment behind elegant millwork that maintains calm aesthetics. “Wellness isn’t just about exercise equipment anymore,” she notes, as clients seek spaces for recovery and rejuvenation. Air purification systems integrate into HVAC while specialized lighting adjusts to support natural sleep cycles. Even powder rooms include light therapy options, and every material choice focuses on non-toxic, sustainable options that promote healthy living.
The featured photo perfectly captures 2025’s creative approach to salvage: a Victorian-era factory cart transformed into a modern coffee table, complete with a sleek spring-loaded mechanism that adjusts its height from coffee table to desk. This clever update shows how vintage pieces can serve today’s flexible living needs. “People want their rooms to feel authentic,” says designer Emily Coyne, who regularly transforms industrial-era windows into room dividers and antique doors into statement headboards. The salvage trend extends beyond homes. Hotels now showcase refurbished factory gears as table bases and rough-hewn barn beams as floating shelves. This mix of raw history with polished design reflects the growing interest in sustainable luxury.
Studio McGee breaks traditional rules by adding bursts of joy to sophisticated spaces. Unexpected color combinations and whimsical patterns now appear in otherwise elegant rooms. “Serious spaces need moments of fun,” the designers explain, pointing to their latest projects where formal dining rooms showcase chairs dressed in mismatched fabrics and traditional moldings pop in candy colors. Custom rugs weave playful motifs into their designs without tipping into childish territory. The trend particularly shines in powder rooms and bedroom sitting areas, where even conservative clients feel bold enough to experiment. Their latest project pairs a crystal chandelier with leopard-print wallpaper, proving luxury and playfulness can coexist beautifully.
Kelly Wearstler champions rooms that defy design rules and timelines. “Rules about matching periods are history,” she explains, watching clients mix French antiques with mid-century chairs while contemporary art hangs above Victorian tables. The magic happens through thoughtful connections. Shared colors, similar scales, and complementary shapes tie diverse pieces together. Custom furniture often bridges different styles, like classical forms reimagined in sleek modern materials. The old boundaries between formal and casual spaces continue to blur, and her clients now request vintage Persian rugs underneath modern Italian light fixtures to create spaces that feel collected over time rather than purchased from a showroom.
Environmental awareness now drives material choices in high-end design as much as aesthetics do. Designers source local stone to reduce transportation emissions, while sustainable wood certified by environmental groups gains preference over exotic imports. “Carbon footprint matters as much as aesthetics,” experts note, pointing to a significant shift in client priorities. Rapidly renewable bamboo and cork appear in surprising applications, while reclaimed materials get priority over new production. Even concrete mixes now incorporate recycled content like crushed glass and industrial waste. Manufacturers respond with detailed documentation of material sources and production methods, allowing clients to track their renovation choices’ environmental impact.
The value of hand-crafted elements soars as homeowners seek out artisans for signature pieces. Rooms now sparkle with blown glass light fixtures, hand-carved woodwork, and custom metalwork that shows the mark of its maker. “Mass production loses appeal when you see how unique each handmade piece turns out,” artisans report, as their waitlists grow to six months or longer. The trend touches every corner of design, from cabinet hardware forged in small workshops to window treatments sewn by local textile artists. Local craft guilds connect designers with specialized artisans, and even the smallest accessories now come from individual makers rather than mass manufacturers.
Mandy Cheng sees our craving for natural elements reshaping modern kitchens. Her latest designs showcase floor-to-ceiling wood cabinetry in rich honey tones and deep browns that reflect the colors found in forest floors. Specialized finishes protect the wood while highlighting natural grain patterns that make each cabinet front unique. Upper cabinets alternate between glass panels and solid wood doors, creating visual rhythm without sacrificing storage. Wooden range hoods now curve and slope like sculptural art pieces above cooking zones, while even traditionally metal elements like drawer pulls come in wooden versions, bringing warmth back to cooking spaces.
Marie Cloud designs home workspaces using deep navy and charcoal to create focus. “Dark colors minimize video call distractions,” she explains. Recent projects feature velvet chairs, brass task lights, and wall-to-wall bookshelves painted in rich tones. She takes cues from art galleries, placing sculptures and prints to catch light from adjustable fixtures. Hidden acoustic panels absorb sound, while cabinet doors conceal office equipment. Custom desk makers report growing demand for built-in designs that match these moody spaces.
Lindsey Colhoun replaces oversized chandeliers with delicate fixture clusters. “We layer small pendants at different heights,” she explains. “It creates a constellation effect.” Her team installs thin brass arms holding hand-blown glass globes and magnetic wall sconces that seem to float. Advanced LED technology allows for smaller housing without losing brightness. Specialized dimming systems control individual lights throughout the day. Local glass artists craft custom shades for these minimal designs.
Christine Vroom brings back rich walnut and mahogany tones. Her projects showcase floor-to-ceiling wood paneling and substantial ceiling beams in living spaces. “These deeper tones anchor open floor plans,” she notes. Marine-grade finishes protect bathroom vanities, while book-matched veneer panels create mirror patterns on built-ins. Custom furniture makers report surging interest in exotic species like Peruvian walnut. New finishing techniques highlight natural grain while guarding against wear.
Sarah Hargrave selects striking fabrics that grow with spaces over time. Her nursery designs feature sophisticated patterns that work well beyond the baby years. Recent projects include geometric prints reminiscent of mid-century atomic designs and updated traditional florals in unexpected color combinations. These fabrics appear on window treatments, upholstered walls, and statement chairs. The patterns create visual interest while maintaining a sense of sophistication. Every textile tells its own design story.
Jonah Kilday connects spaces with organic materials. Stone flooring extends up walls while wood ceiling details continue down columns. Each bathroom features live-edge wood counters contrasting with modern fixtures. Textured grasscloth walls complement smooth stone surfaces. Hand-woven wool rugs pick up colors from nearby tile work. “Materials should transition naturally,” he explains. Suppliers now offer coordinated collections to help achieve this seamless look. Every element builds on the others.
Studio McGee layers deep, saturated colors throughout spaces. Sapphire blue walls meet emerald velvet chairs, while ruby red accents add drama. “These colors create instant luxury,” designers note. Metallic finishes in warm brass and copper enhance the richness. The trend extends to kitchen cabinets painted in deep teal and libraries wrapped in garnet tones. Paint companies develop entire collections around these saturated hues. Even tile makers offer expanded jewel-toned options.
Michael Mitchell witnesses the revival of traditional patterns with modern twists. “Hand-blocked prints and polished cotton florals are back, but with fresh energy,” he explains. His projects mix flame stitch patterns with animal prints, scaling them up dramatically for statement pieces. Classic toile designs appear in unexpected colors like electric blue and coral. Fabric houses dive into their archives, updating beloved patterns for contemporary spaces. Digital printing technology allows for customization while maintaining the patterns’ historical charm and craftsmanship.
Theresa Butler incorporates traditional architectural elements into modern homes, pairing marble mantels and crown moldings with sleek furniture. Her team scours architectural salvage yards for authentic hardware and details. “These classical touches give new construction instant character,” she explains. Modern plaster techniques recreate detailed ceiling medallions, while skilled artisans hand-carve wooden elements. Butler combines silk fabrics, wool carpets, and marble inlays to achieve timeless luxury without stuffiness.
Michael Mitchell hides technology within beautiful design elements. Voice-activated lighting systems disappear into crown molding, while charging stations integrate into drawer bottoms. “The best smart features enhance life without announcing themselves,” he notes. Motorized curtains respond to sunlight automatically, and speakers blend invisibly into architectural details. Mirror televisions become simple mirrors when not in use. Climate control, entertainment systems, and even fireplaces respond to voice commands without disrupting visual harmony.
Beth Diana Smith embraces deep purple tones to create dramatic, memorable spaces. Her signature rooms feature eggplant walls, plum velvet furnishings, and violet textiles layered together to build rich visual depth. The color appears on everything from painted ceilings to upholstered headboards, proving its versatility in modern design. “Purple creates instant sophistication,” she notes, pointing to how easily it pairs with both traditional and contemporary pieces. Metallic accents in silver and gold pop against the rich background, while natural materials like oak and marble keep the spaces grounded. The moody shade works well in dining rooms and studies, where it sets an intimate atmosphere perfect for lingering conversations.
Sheryl McLean moves beyond standard ficus trees to transform spaces with sculptural plant varieties. Slender bamboo creates living screens between spaces, while dramatic monstera leaves cast artistic shadows across walls throughout the day. “The right plant shapes a room like architecture,” she explains, carefully positioning each green element for maximum impact. Each specimen serves a specific design purpose: vertical elements, area definition, or visual rhythm just as traditional building materials would. Modern planters in metal and stone complement the natural forms without competing for attention. Specialized lighting highlights leaf structures after dark, turning everyday plants into dramatic nighttime features.
Maegan Blau brings subtle movement to walls with limewash finishes that flat paint can’t replicate. “Light plays differently across the surface all day,” she explains, as shadows shift and textures emerge with changing sunlight. Her team applies multiple layers, building subtle color variations that give depth to even simple spaces. The finish works especially well in bedrooms, where its soft movement adds calm without overwhelming the senses. Recent projects showcase dramatic ceiling treatments and accent walls in moody purples and greens that seem to shift color throughout the day. Specialized application tools help achieve effects from cloud-like softness to bold marble veining, making each wall unique to its space.
Brad Ramsey tucks working kitchens behind beautiful entertaining spaces, creating secret spots for serious home cooks. These secondary rooms house coffee stations, small appliances, and party prep areas that would typically clutter main kitchens. Custom cabinets organize everything from wine glasses to serving platters, with adjustable shelving that adapts as needs change. Many include additional dishwashers and sinks, perfect for large gatherings where dishes pile up fast. The hidden location lets designers use bold colors and patterns that might overwhelm main spaces, and Ramsey’s latest project features deep emerald walls with brass accents. Floor-to-ceiling storage maximizes vertical space with pull-out shelves and specialized compartments for every cooking tool imaginable.
Sarah Storms brings texture back to kitchens by installing brick veneer where subway tile once dominated. Her projects showcase various laying patterns: soldier courses, basket weave, herringbone. Each creates distinct visual rhythms against modern cabinets. The slight color variations between bricks add warmth that uniform tile can’t match, making each installation unique. Specialty manufacturers now offer slimmer profiles specifically for backsplashes, solving previous depth issues. Popular finishes range from lime-washed white to deep earthen reds, with some clients mixing both for subtle contrast. New sealing technologies protect against kitchen splashes while maintaining the natural surface texture, making brick as practical as it is beautiful.
Becky Shea presses wood grain patterns into concrete surfaces, transforming cold industrial material into something surprisingly warm. Her team selects specific lumber for distinct grain patterns, from subtle pine to dramatic oak. The technique appears on fireplace surrounds, accent walls, and even bathroom vanities. Each surface captures unique wood textures in the concrete, creating patterns that shift with changing light. Recent projects combine these textured walls with actual wood furnishings, playing up the material contrast through careful placement.
Bridget Tiek sources antique marble tiles for authentic checkerboard floors, bringing historical depth to modern spaces. Her team hunts down pieces with natural wear patterns that new stone can’t replicate, often discovering tiles from European estates. Her installations range from grand foyers to intimate powder rooms, each telling its own story. Traditional black and white gives way to unexpected combinations – she pairs terra cotta with cream, slate blue with pale grey. Specialized cutting techniques create softly pillowed edges on each tile. The geometric pattern provides a strong foundation for both traditional and contemporary room designs, while hand-finished edges catch light in ways machine-cut stone never could.
Marie Cloud designs reading nooks that invite escape from digital screens, creating sanctuaries for book lovers. Her signature spaces pair oversized leather chairs with adjustable brass reading lamps that cast warm pools of light. Thick wool rugs and weighted throw blankets add layers of comfort, while acoustic panels hidden behind fabric walls absorb sound. Built-in bookshelves showcase client collections while providing additional sound dampening. The most popular paint colors run deep and rich – aubergine, forest green, charcoal blue. Every detail supports quiet focus, from ergonomic footstools to side tables sized for tea service.