Your Spring Trend Update: Maximalism, Earth Tones, and … the Return of Skirted Furniture?
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 Once relegated to outdated traditional rooms, they’re now appearing in updated forms with contemporary tailoring and elevated materials.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.