As Q2 kicks off, April is setting the tone for a bolder, more expressive design season. Neutral minimalism isn’t gone, but it’s no longer the only game in town. Across residential and boutique commercial projects alike, clients are asking for color, texture, and personality, and the design world is responding. Here’s a breakdown of the most influential trends interior designers are working into their projects this spring. 

Maximalism is Back, but Smarter 

Maximalism in 2025 isn’t about clutter or chaos. It’s about confident layering, visual storytelling, and purposeful eclecticism. Pattern mixing is key here: stripes with florals, geometric shapes paired with organic curves, and even animal prints used as sophisticated punctuation marks in otherwise controlled palettes. 

This shift isn’t accidental. After years of stripped-down spaces, there’s an appetite for rooms that feel collected, curated, and lived-in. Think: skirted chairs in vintage velvet, boldly patterned wallpaper in powder rooms, and gallery-style shelves stacked with meaningful objects. Clients want spaces that feel unique, not formulaic. 

Designers should explore opportunities to blend traditional and modern elements, using expressive accents rather than overhauling entire schemes. Swapping out a neutral rug for a hand-knotted piece in warm terracotta, or mixing patterned pillows on a streamlined sofa, can completely shift the tone of a room without compromising its architecture. 

Cozy, But Make It Contemporary 

Skirted furniture pieces are getting a major refresh right now. Once relegated to outdated traditional rooms, they’re now appearing in updated forms with contemporary tailoring and elevated materials. What’s changing? Designers are opting for pleated or ruffled skirts in performance fabrics and refined silhouettes. 

This return to softness speaks to the broader “granny-chic” wave, but with cleaner lines and better structure. A skirted bed or ottoman in a saturated jewel tone can introduce texture and warmth in spaces that might otherwise lean cold. 

Avoid defaulting to fussy. Instead, use skirts as a way to add fluidity and softness. Linen and cotton blends work well for casual projects, while silks and velvets are ideal for more formal applications. The trick is balancing this softness with clean architectural detailing elsewhere in the space. 

The New Backbone of Color 

Color is quietly dominating, and rich browns, golden yellows, and sage greens are leading the charge. Sage in particular has emerged as a go-to base color that plays well with warm and cool tones. It works in both traditional and modern contexts, and its versatility is proving valuable across textiles, wall treatments, and upholstery. 

But it’s not just about one-off accents. Designers are creating layered palettes where deep chocolates and buttery hues anchor the space, while sage acts as a bridge tone to soften transitions. Used in moderation, these colors add depth and natural warmth without overwhelming the senses. 

The move toward earthy tones reflects a broader desire for grounded, cozy interiors that still feel elevated. These tones come with staying power that can be confidently integrated into long-term design plans. 

Curating With Intention 

We’re also seeing a growing focus on shelf styling and object curation. Open shelving, once purely functional, is now being treated as visual storytelling. Designers are curating collections that reflect travel, memory, and identity, shifting spaces from staged to personal. 

Expect to see an increase in small-scale art, handmade ceramics, and vintage books used intentionally in vignettes. This trend allows designers to personalize spaces without permanent changes, giving clients flexibility and visual variety. 

Use collections to soften modern interiors or give context to more eclectic ones. This also creates an opportunity for designers to collaborate with local artists and makers, elevating both design authenticity and client engagement. 

The Textural Pivot 

Geometric rigidity is giving way to organic lines and natural textures. From carved wood coffee tables to asymmetrical mirrors and sculptural lighting, these elements introduce a tactile counterpoint to clean-lined architecture. 

Designers are increasingly relying on natural materials like walnut, rosewood, and travertine as visual anchors. The rich grain patterns and curved silhouettes can help create a sense of calm and luxury, especially in open-concept spaces. 

Pairing organic forms with saturated tones like navy, chocolate, or forest green creates a layered, moody atmosphere that still feels organic. It’s a trend with depth, and one that’s likely to stick. 

Spring 2025 marks a shift toward bold design choices grounded in clarity and intention. Restraint still has its place, but it’s being redefined through more expressive, personalized layers. Color, pattern, and softness are taking center stage, but they’re being used with discernment. Designers who lean into this bold-yet-considered approach will find new opportunities to elevate both form and feeling in their work. 

As office designers rethink what it takes to bring employees back to the workplace, there’s an unlikely source of inspiration: gyms. The best fitness clubs have mastered the art of creating environments people want to visit, even when they don’t have to. 

The same principles apply to workspace design. Offices that prioritize experience over obligation have the power to transform the way people work. Here’s how to take a page from the modern gym’s playbook and design offices that people actually want to be in. 

Rebranding the Office Experience 

Gyms today are no longer just “gyms.” They’re wellness clubs and social hubs, reframing what it means to work out.  

Offices need the same rebranding. It’s time to move past “workplace” and toward innovation hub, collaboration studio, or cultural space. Employees need an environment that enhances their work, fuels their creativity, and supports their well-being. 

Design a space where employees feel they gain something by showing up. Whether it’s a burst of inspiration from an impromptu brainstorming session, the energy of a buzzing communal area, or a quiet moment in a beautifully designed wellness space, the office should feel like a place worth being in. 

The Right Environment Pushes People Further 

One reason people prefer gyms over at-home workouts? Environment. The right setting pushes people to go further: to add five more pounds, to keep running for another ten minutes, to reach their goals and new heights. 

Workplaces should work the same way. Research from the Kellogg School of Management found that sitting near a high performer can increase productivity by 15%. The presence of motivated colleagues and a thoughtfully designed space fosters better work. 

This is where interior design plays a crucial role. Think beyond individual desks and create intentional micro-environments that encourage collaboration and focused work alike.  

Proximity to inspiration plays a crucial role in workplace design. Positioning high-energy teams near one another fosters a culture of motivation and shared momentum, much like how gym-goers push themselves harder when surrounded by others striving for the same goal. The concept of subtle social pressure also comes into play. Open lounge areas encourage spontaneous interactions, creating an environment where employees naturally feed off each other’s energy, much like how a group workout setting leads people to push their limits.  

At the same time, defined spaces for focus are just as essential. Just as gyms offer quiet zones for yoga or meditation, offices should include dedicated areas designed for deep, uninterrupted work, ensuring employees have the right setting to concentrate when needed. 

Designing for Connection 

Modern gyms thrive not just because of their equipment but because they build community. They make people feel like they belong. Loneliness is at an all-time high, and workplaces have an opportunity to counteract that. But forcing “collaboration” with open offices and mandatory team-building events won’t cut it. The best workplaces are spaces where connection happens naturally. 

Gyms have mastered the art of creating linger-worthy spaces, using juice bars, saunas, and coworking areas to keep people engaged beyond their workouts. Offices should take a similar approach by incorporating comfortable lounges, casual meeting zones, and inviting break areas that naturally foster interaction. Shared rituals also play a key role in building community. Just as gyms rely on class schedules and recurring events to create structure, offices can establish their own rhythms with weekly team lunches, morning coffee gatherings, or end-of-day wind-down sessions. Beyond programming, intentional social design is essential. Thoughtfully planned seating arrangements, circulation flow, and breakout areas should invite conversation and collaboration without making it feel forced. A well-designed office fosters a sense of membership and belonging, just like the best fitness spaces do. 

Crafting an Experience 

Today’s gyms offer amenities like infrared saunas, recovery lounges, meditation pods, and even wine bars. It’s all about the experience. Offices need to follow suit. The future workspace will be a curated environment where employees feel engaged, energized, and inspired. 

Some design elements to consider: 

• Wellness spaces for stretching, meditation, or even a quick nap. 

• Thoughtfully designed cafes and communal kitchens that encourage lingering. 

• Screens, smartboards, and digital tools that make hybrid meetings seamless. 

• Terraces and rooftop gardens for fresh air and a mental reset. 

Employees should feel like there’s something for them beyond just checking off their to-do list, whether it’s a beautifully designed relaxation nook, a café-style lounge, or an inspiring breakout space. 

Designing Workplaces That People Want to Be In 

Gyms have proven that when you design a space with intention, people want to be there. The same is true for offices. The most successful workplaces are places that enrich the new way people work and collaborate. 

This shift will require strategy, experience, and understanding what makes people tick. The future office is an ecosystem where design, culture, and business goals align. Don’t just design an office for your next corporate client. Design a destination. 

SOURCES: Kellogg Insight, Work Design 

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What do you see as the biggest challenge in designing offices that employees want to return to?

• Balancing aesthetics with functionality
• Overcoming client resistance to investing in experience-driven spaces
• Designing for hybrid work without underutilizing space
• Creating an office culture that competes with the comforts of home

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In 2025, interior design seems to be embracing a new balance—rich, tactile, and deeply rooted in materiality, yet forward-thinking and innovative. The maximalist surge of the past few years is softening, giving way to a more curated approach where textures, finishes, and textiles tell a nuanced story of craftsmanship, sustainability, and technological evolution. Here’s what’s shaping interiors this year. 

Dark, Moody Woods Are Back 

After years of pale oak dominating interiors, designers are shifting toward deeper, richer wood tones. Mahogany, walnut, and dark-stained oak are reclaiming prominence, bringing warmth, depth, and a sense of permanence to spaces. The resurgence of classic craftsmanship, think Stickley, William Morris, and even Brutalist influences, is lending interiors a layered, heritage feel. 

Beyond aesthetics, the return to darker woods aligns with sustainability trends. Many designers are specifying reclaimed or vintage wood pieces, integrating sustainability with the appeal of timeworn patina. Even flooring is shifting: narrow two-and-a-quarter-inch boards, reminiscent of historic homes, are gaining traction, marking a departure from the ubiquitous wide-plank look. 

Textured Walls Are the New Standard 

Flat, uniform walls are quickly becoming outdated. In their place: depth, movement, and material authenticity. Venetian plaster, tadelakt, limewash, and even upholstered walls are gaining ground, adding warmth and softness. These finishes not only provide visual texture but also interact with light differently throughout the day, creating subtle shifts in mood and atmosphere. 

On the other end of the spectrum, high-gloss lacquer walls are making a bold statement, especially in small, intimate spaces like powder rooms and libraries. This juxtaposition of matte and gloss surfaces reflects a broader design shift: curation over minimalism, drama over uniformity. 

Performance Goes Luxe 

Designers are leaning into high-performance textiles that mimic the softness of traditional upholstery, making them a go-to for both indoor and outdoor applications. This movement is particularly strong in high-humidity and sun-soaked climates, where fading and wear are major concerns. 

Expect to see more velvets, bouclés, and woven textiles in resilient compositions, making traditionally delicate materials more accessible for everyday use. Even classic patterns, florals, stripes, and damasks, are re-emerging, but in more subdued and tonal applications. 

Metals Age Gracefully 

The days of uniform metal finishes are fading. Mixed metals (think blackened steel with antique brass or zinc with aged bronze) are becoming the new normal. Unlacquered and living finishes are preferred, celebrating the beauty of materials that evolve with time. 

A particularly exciting development is the introduction of white bronze alloys, offering a moody, reflective quality without the starkness of polished chrome. This plays well with the rise of darker wood tones, reinforcing a shift toward interiors that feel storied rather than brand new. 

Glass Bricks Are Being Reimagined 

Once an ‘80s relic, glass bricks are being reimagined as a design-forward material. Their ability to diffuse light while maintaining privacy makes them ideal for partition walls, textured facades, and even furniture elements. Unlike their past iterations, contemporary glass bricks are available in a range of finishes, offering designers more creative freedom. 

In retail and hospitality, glass bricks are being used to create glowing architectural features that shift ambiance throughout the day. In residential spaces, they’re proving to be a valuable tool for dividing rooms without sacrificing openness. 

Tile is Going Bold 

At Coverings 2025, a clear theme emerged: tile design is evolving far beyond its traditional roles. Large-format tiles in rich stone-inspired hues are dominating walls, floors, and even furniture, creating a seamless, immersive effect often referred to as mineral drenching. Texture is also taking center stage, with tiles mimicking textiles through corrugated, rippled, and engraved surfaces that add depth and movement. Geometric expression is another defining trend, with fluted, ribbed, and inlaid metallic accents introducing bold linear patterns that bring graphic interest to interiors. Meanwhile, water-inspired palettes are making waves, with soft aquas, deep blues, and organic, wave-like patterns becoming especially popular in bathrooms and spa-like retreats. 

The Return of Embellishment 

For years, interiors were stripped of excess. Now, details are making a comeback. This time with precision and intention. Passementerie, or tassels, trims, and fringes, are appearing on everything from slipper chairs to drapery, albeit in cleaner, more sculptural forms. Moiré, damask, and embroidery are re-entering the conversation, hinting at a future where decorative artistry is once again celebrated. 

This return to embellishment is about a resurgence in the appreciation of craftsmanship. Every detail, from a perfectly piped cushion to a hand-applied plaster finish, is meant to be noticed and appreciated. 

Where Interior Design is Headed 

If there’s one overarching theme for 2025, it’s a rejection of homogeneity. Interiors are becoming richer, more tactile, and more layered. Performance and sustainability are being seamlessly woven into luxury, proving that design doesn’t have to sacrifice beauty for function. 

For designers, this means embracing a more nuanced approach: mixing, rather than matching, and curating, rather than overhauling. Spaces should feel timeless yet deeply personal, reflecting both material integrity and a considered, human touch. 

SOURCES: i+s, Arch Daily, Architectual Digest 

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these most materials

Which of these trends in materials and textiles are you most excited about?

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