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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challenge that in

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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trends and materials

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

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Sleep is having its design moment, and it’s more than just picking the perfect mattress. Welcome to the era of “bedcore,” where sleep hygiene is shaping bedroom aesthetics, blending wellness with style at the most personal level. As research continues to highlight sleep’s impact on health and longevity, clients are increasingly seeking spaces that look stunning and promote better rest. Here’s how to stay ahead of this evolving trend to create environments that soothe the senses while supporting modern sleep habits.  

Designing for Calm 

Forget stark minimalism of Kardashian mansions past. Today’s sleep-friendly bedrooms embrace warmth and simplicity without feeling sterile. Soothing tones, think warm neutrals, earthy greens, and soft blues, create a calming foundation that prepares the mind for rest. The key? Balance minimal clutter with intentional textures and patterns. Throw pillows, layered bedding, and curated artwork offer visual interest without overwhelming the space. The ultimate goal: design a room that’s visually restful, so the mind can unwind as soon as your client steps inside. 

Striking Balance With Tech 

Technology’s role in the bedroom is a hotly debated topic. For some clients, the bedroom is a tech-free zone. Designers are seeing more requests for analog spaces: no TVs, no visible phones. Built-in nightstand chargers can keep devices out of sight (and out of mind), helping clients avoid the temptation of late-night scrolling. 

But tech isn’t off the table entirely. Smart lighting systems support natural circadian rhythms with adjustable luminosity and temperature. Set to warmer tones in the evening and cooler hues in the morning, these systems help regulate sleep-wake cycles, with no rewiring required. For tech-friendly clients, smart bulbs and voice-controlled systems offer convenience without disrupting the bedroom’s clean aesthetic. 

Mastering Light Control 

Light management is non-negotiable when it comes to sleep hygiene. Automatic blackout drapes are a top request, allowing clients to adjust light levels from the comfort of their beds. But not every client wants a tech-forward solution. Some designers are turning to layered window treatments—blinds, Roman shades, and curtains—giving clients more nuanced control over natural light. 

Beyond functionality, these treatments also add depth and texture to the space. Layering fabrics softens the room’s look, while custom draperies elevate the overall aesthetic. For clients seeking a more immersive feel, the trend of wrapping bedrooms in coordinated wallpapers and textiles (think upholstered walls paired with matching drapes) creates a cocoon-like atmosphere that’s perfect for winding down. 

From “Bed Rotting” to “Bedcore” 

The rise of social media-driven trends like “bed rotting,” where people embrace guilt-free lounging in bed, has redefined what clients expect from their bedrooms. Comfort is paramount, but it doesn’t mean sacrificing style. Designers are responding with plush upholstered headboards, extra-cozy bedding, and furniture that supports both sleep and relaxation. 

For shared bedrooms or guest spaces, adult bunk beds are making a stylish comeback, offering space-saving solutions without skimping on comfort. This trend taps into both nostalgia and practicality, proving that smart design can maximize even the smallest bedrooms. 

Customization Is Key 

One of the biggest shifts in bedroom design is the rise of personalization. Clients want spaces tailored to their specific sleep habits and aesthetic preferences. Homeowners are more confident in expressing their unique styles, seeking designs that reflect their personalities while supporting their wellness goals. 

For designers, that means listening closely to each client’s needs, whether that’s a pitch-black room for light-sensitive sleepers, a minimalist retreat free of distractions, or a layered, romantic space that feels like a personal sanctuary. The key is balancing functionality with aesthetic appeal to create bedrooms that are as beautiful as they are restful. 

Wellness-Driven Design is the Future 

The connection between sleep and our overall well-being is clear. It’s time bedroom design stepped up to the challenge, evolving from mere aesthetics to a holistic approach that prioritizes rest, relaxation, and rejuvenation. The time is now to create spaces for sleep that not only look stunning but also help clients sleep better, proving that good design truly does lead to better living. 

SOURCES: Architectural Digest 

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Inspired by the 1924 Surrealist Manifesto, which advocated for freeing the subconscious mind and rejecting rational thought to unleash creativity, Maison&Objet this year explored the power of the unreal with its “Sur/Reality” exhibition, offering a welcome escape from the often absurd reality of our daily lives.  

Designers, artists, and brands alike embraced the dreamlike ethos of surrealism at Maison&Objet 2025 to create objects and spaces that defy convention and inspire the imagination. Looking to infuse a sense of surrealist wonder into your next project? Let’s explore the key trends, designs, and ideas that defined the show.  

1. Breaking the Rules 

Surrealism’s penchant for illusory and hypnotic visuals was front and center. Patterns that played with optical effects—like checkerboards and distorted stripes—resonated strongly, offering an evocative way to energize spaces while challenging spatial perception. 

For interior designers, this trend suggests an opportunity to push boundaries. Whether it’s a rug that disrupts the geometry of a room or furniture with asymmetrical silhouettes, these elements add energy and intrigue. Beyond aesthetics, consider how these elements can shift the feel of a space—softening rigidity or adding depth to otherwise conventional layouts. 

How to Apply It: Maximalism isn’t going anywhere, and surrealist-inspired designs are ripe for experimentation. Experiment with patterns that evoke movement or optical effects. Mix contrasting materials—like glossy and matte finishes—to create tension that draws the eye. Focus on a few bold features to avoid overwhelming the design. 

2. Whimsy and Storytelling Through Objects 

Attendees also witnessed the power of objects to tell stories, with many designs drawing on humor, nostalgia, and the fantastical. Confectionery-inspired ceramics, anthropomorphic vases, and anatomical motifs were standout examples.  

These whimsical touches allow designers to infuse interiors with deeper narratives, referencing culture, history, and emotion. They can also balance the avant-garde with a sense of familiarity, making them versatile additions to both modern and eclectic spaces. 

How to Apply It: Source decorative pieces that evoke emotion or spark conversation. Look for designs that reinterpret familiar shapes, such as vases, lamps, or mirrors, in surprising ways. Use these pieces as focal points or to add character to less prominent areas like shelves, side tables, or entryways.  

Playful, food-inspired décor offers an opportunity to add personality and charm to kitchens, dining spaces, or retail projects, while human-inspired forms, used sparingly but strategically, can create focal points that provoke thought and conversation.  

3. Redefining Surrealist Palettes  

Color played a starring role this year, as designers embraced vibrant palettes to redefine the surrealist aesthetic with iridescence, transparency, and high-contrast primary hues. These bold palettes challenge the neutral tones dominating modern interiors, offering fresh ways to energize spaces. This move toward more adventurous color palettes signals a broader desire for interiors that evoke joy, excitement, and emotion.  

How to Apply It: Pair bold hues with neutrals for balance. Introduce reflective or layered surfaces to amplify color effects and create optical depth. Vibrant, oversized rugs or sculptural furniture can serve as statement pieces in an otherwise toned-down room. 

4. Play Big, Think Small 

Surrealism often manipulates proportions to evoke wonder, and this was a defining feature of the fair. Designers showcased oversized pendant lamps, scaled-up furnishings, and miniature, delicate objects in ways that balanced drama with intimacy. This juxtaposition of scales invites designers to reimagine proportions in their projects, whether through architectural elements or decorative details. 

Oversized pieces can anchor a room, providing a sense of grandeur or playfulness, while miniature accents offer moments of intimacy and whimsy. When used together, they create a dynamic interplay that keeps the eye engaged. 

How to Apply It: Scale is a tool to structure space and guide the eye. Use oversized or undersized elements intentionally to evoke surprise and wonder. Add one or two oversized elements, such as a dramatic light fixture or an extra-large coffee table, to command attention, and balance these with smaller, intricate details—like delicate ceramics or scaled-down sculptures—that encourage closer inspection. 

5. Accessible Collectible Design 

Maison&Objet highlighted the rise of accessible “collectible design,” offering limited-edition pieces that blend fantasy with utility. Tivoli’s Strikha Chair Lounge, with its oversized proportions and playful scalloped base, and Drugeot Manufacture’s expanded Organic Collection demonstrated that high-impact design doesn’t have to come at exorbitant costs. 

This trend is perfect for clients seeking unique, personal elements that feel curated and exclusive without alienating practicality. It also reinforces the importance of storytelling in design—giving pieces meaning and emotional resonance. 

How to Apply It: Seek out artisanal or limited-edition pieces that balance uniqueness with functionality. Integrate these elements as accents or key features in a room to emphasize their importance. Highlight their story to enhance the emotional connection for your clients. 

6. Lighting as Functional Art 

Lighting design emerged as a hero category, with brands like Masiero and Veronese creating fixtures that doubled as sculptures. Masiero’s Nappe Collection transformed tassels into vividly colored pendant lights, while Veronese’s ANÉMONE Collection drew on the organic forms of underwater life. These imaginative designs elevate lighting from a supporting role to a starring feature. 

How to Apply It: Don’t underestimate the power of lighting to redefine a space. Choose lighting fixtures with sculptural qualities or unexpected forms. Experiment with colored or textured glass, reflective surfaces, or layered materials to create dynamic lighting effects. Use these bold, sculptural fixtures to anchor dining areas, entryways, or other focal points. 

Maison & Objet 2025 showcased a powerful message: design is an escape, a dream, and an act of rebellion against the mundane. Embracing surrealist influences—be it through bold patterns, playful forms, or meaningful interior details—can help craft spaces that inspire and delight. 

SOURCES: Maison&Objet, Houzz, Design-milk 

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Cottagecore, a design movement inspired by idyllic rural life, has taken the design world by storm. A celebration of simplicity, comfort, and a connection to nature, the style is an appealing choice for designers seeking to create warm and inviting spaces for clients who crave a simpler slice of life.  

Cottagecore blends traditional aesthetics with a modern sensibility, incorporating elements such as floral patterns, rustic materials, antiques, and homey textures. Let’s explore how you can embrace this trending style by selecting art, furniture, and styling that embodies its cozy essence. 

The Foundations of Cottagecore 

At its heart, cottagecore channels a sentimental vision of rural living grounded in nostalgia and domestic simplicity, an all-too-precious respite from today’s fast-paced chaos. A style known for avoiding overly sophisticated designs, cottagecore focuses instead on practical and decorative pieces that promote pause. 

Furniture crafted from sturdy indigenous woods like walnut, oak, and pine that is, above all else, “comfy” is a hallmark of this style. Seek out functional yet decorative items, such as Windsor chairs, linen presses, and blanket chests, to evoke that cozy, lived-in feeling. The rich patina of these time-tested materials will bring a sense of history and intimacy to the space, key elements of cottagecore’s charm. 

Art Inspired By Nature 

Art plays a pivotal role in defining a cottagecore interior. The style favors pieces that reflect a connection to nature, rural life, and the simplicity of bygone eras. To truly evoke the cottagecore vibe, we recommend still life, botanical illustrations, and impressionist landscapes, particularly works that capture the realism of the 19th century or the En Plein Air painting movement. 

Some specific ideas for integrating art into cottagecore interiors: 

• Pastoral paintings of rolling hills, farm animals, or blooming gardens create a direct link to the rural life cottagecore romanticizes. 

• Framed illustrations of plants or flowers can add a fresh, natural element to walls. 

• Pairing vintage oil paintings with modern photography can introduce contrast while maintaining a cohesive aesthetic. 

• Framing sentimental pieces, such as vintage wallpaper, pages from old books, or collected memorabilia, can personalize the space. 

• Contemporary photography that captures rural themes with soft focuses and muted tones offer a modern twist on the trend, honoring the roots of cottagecore while refreshing its traditional leanings. 

Timeless Style 

Incorporating art and furniture into a cohesive cottagecore design requires thoughtful placement and layering to achieve a polished yet relaxed aesthetic. Let your design school principles guide the way here. Mixing and matching textures and styles, such as pairing antique oil paintings with sculptural modern pieces, creates eclectic visual layers that bridge traditional and contemporary elements. The contrast between the rough texture of a hand-woven rug and the smooth, polished surface of a modern coffee table, for example, adds tactile depth and visual interest. Explore materiality and use of color and pattern to create rich layers of sensory experience that call on classic principles of design. 

Nonchalantly arranged gallery walls pack a curated but casual charm into spaces like narrow hallways, bathrooms, or areas above kitchen counters. Art itself can also serve functional purposes, displayed on bookshelves, leaned against a credenza, or integrated into tabletop vignettes to enhance versatility and breathe personality to the space. For wall art, neutral tones with occasional vibrant pops of color help maintain cottagecore’s calm aesthetic. And never forget to focus on the negative space to ensure each piece stands out and contributes to the room’s overall harmony. 

Sourcing Cottagecore Gems 

Finding the right pieces to achieve a cottagecore look can be an adventure. Online platforms such as 1stDibs, Chairish, and Artsy offer curated collections of vintage and contemporary art that align with the aesthetic. Local auction houses, estate sales, and smaller art fairs around major events are treasure troves for discovering unique items and art as well. The Antiques and Garden Show of Nashville (January 31–February 2, 2025) is a Southern tradition that combines antiques with gardening inspiration, making it a prime destination for cottagecore enthusiasts in the south this winter. In-person sourcing at wholesale shows like Atlanta Market (January 14–20, 2025, and July 15–21, 2025), Las Vegas Market (January 26–30, 2025, and July 27–31, 2025) and even the international Maison&Objet (September 2025) allows designers to connect with artisans and suppliers directly, providing access to limited-edition or handcrafted items that bring an authentic touch to a space. For more events that offer possible sourcing or inspiration for your next big project, check out our top interior design events for 2025. 

Cottagecore is more than a trend—it’s a celebration of a lifestyle rooted in warmth, beauty, and authenticity. By focusing on durable furniture pieces, evocative art, and thoughtful styling, you can bring this enchanting aesthetic to life in your next project no matter the design. Whether or not you take inspiration from the trend, cottagecore invites us all to slow down and savor the charm of simpler times… How will you incorporate this cottagecore charm into your next project?