Minimalism is out. Color drenching is in. Luxury should be livable. Farmhouse has fallen out of favor. The interior design trends of this year were anything but restrained, and, in many ways, it’s been the comeback year for bold design—the year of “more.” To get a fuller picture of 2025’s trends—and those we expect to carry into 2026—we polled designers across the country for their reflections on the year’s biggest design moments, and what makes a trend truly stick. Here, we’ve compiled the top contenders: the trends that captured designers’ attention, filled mood boards and floor plans, and reshaped the spaces we call home.
Color drenching
Resoundingly, color drenching was the trend cited most by designers—some love it, some are ready to see it go, but wherever they fall, designers agree it’s made a centerstage appearance. Color drenching is the technique of coating a space in a single hue, creating a bold, monochromatic, and often maximalist effect. This year, it was part of the departure from neutrals, back into deep, rich color: “We’re moving into color-drenched rooms and away from white-on-white everything,” says Jade Joyner, cofounder and principal designer at Metal + Petal. “Color blocking and color drenching are especially strong for the winter months, bringing depth and coziness to interiors,” adds Danielle Chiprut, founder and principal designer at Danielle Rose Design Co.
Moody color palettes
Moody color palettes have also been in large demand this year, which designers argue correlates with the overall appetite for maximalism. “We are seeing a shift into color,” says Marianne Jones, founder and principal designer at Marianne Jones Interior Design. “[We’re] moving away from off-white and quiet walls to the use of saturated colors such as aubergine, greens, and yellows, leaning into color drenching on walls.” Joyner is in agreement, adding “Burgundy, olive, ochre, and tobacco are defining this era of color confidence,” she adds. Bold color, and its luxe aesthetic, is here to stay.
Livable luxury
This year, livable luxury was as buzzy as it sounds. “Clients are craving homes that feel timeless but still personal…performance fabrics that don’t look performance, natural materials that age gracefully, and lighting that feels both functional and artistic,” says Diana Wagenbach, principal and founder at Studio W Interiors. “They want practicality like smart storage, efficient space planning, and family-friendly fabrics, but they don’t want to compromise on beauty,” Danielle Chiprut, founder and principal Designer at Danielle Rose Design Co., concurs.
In general, liveable luxury is part of a shift towards a desire for longevity. “Clients want designs that endure, not just aesthetically but in quality and craft,” says Lexie Saine, principal designer at Lexie Saine Design. “For years, we saw beautiful San Francisco Victorians gutted into ultra-modern shells, stripped of their soul. Now, there’s a conscious return to honoring that original character, preserving the craftsmanship and layering in modern moments that create a thoughtful juxtaposition between old and new.”
Sustainability through vintage touches
Sustainability has long been a core pillar for many designers, but this year in particular, there’s been a movement towards shopping second-hand pieces as a focal practice. “There’s a raised level of consciousness around sustainability,” says Jones, “the integration and selection of vintage of antique pieces reimagined in a space, leaning into the integrity of the old revitalized with new fabrics or an updated finish.” As a furniture and decor trend, it’s on the rise, and as a sustainable design solution, it doesn’t seem to be going anywhere. “We expect to see a rise in reclaimed furniture and vintage finds over mass-produced pieces, fostering a timeless approach to design,” adds Reanna Channer, founder and principal designer at Design to Elevate.
Dark wood
“Darker woods like walnut, mahogany, and smoked oak have taken center stage in 2025,” says Lauren Saab, founder and principal designer at Saab Studios. “Designers are moving away from pale oak toward finishes that feel richer and more architectural. These deeper stains bring weight and warmth to a room and pair naturally with textured plaster and warm stone.” The move towards dark wood is just one part of a broader shift towards warm interiors—another design trend that’s made noise this year.
Warmth and comfort
“I’m seeing a continued move toward warmth in general,” says Wagenbach. “Furniture and case goods are leaning sculptural and tactile, with curves, soft edges, and artisanal detailing.” Designers concur: homeowners are shifting from sterile spaces and looking for interiors that look and feel lived-in. “Anything that provides comfort is trending, such as earth tones, wood, antiques, and rugs,” says Molly O’Neil, founder and creative director at Molly O Interior Design Studio. Many designers have been embracing this return to warmth: “After years of clean, modern—and void of personality, in my opinion—design, we love the warmth, textural, and organic feeling traditional vibes bring to a home,” says Allison Handler, principal owner at Allison Handler Design.
Wallpaper, everywhere
Wallpaper, once nothing more than an outdated choice in your great-aunt’s living room, has come back with a vengeance. “Wallpaper is huge,” says O’Neil. “We thought wallpaper was having a moment, but it’s gaining momentum. The most popular choices are floral prints and anything with texture, such as sisal.” And it’s not just wallpaper: “Drapery is also back,” adds Colleen Bennett, founder and lead designer of CBB Design Firm. “Drapery, wallpaper, all the extras are back.”
Slow design
“In the age of fast fashion, people are craving environments that are more personal and emotionally resonant, rather than mass produced,” explains Kati Curtis, principal at Kati Curtis Design. Slow design embraces a more intentional, sustainable approach to creating spaces—prioritizing craftsmanship and longevity over speed. The shift in demand has materialized in client requests: “My clients are seeking objects with a soul—hand-embroidered panels from Japan, glasswork from Murano, bespoke furniture from American makers,” says Curtis. “Provenance matters more than ever, even with tariffs!”
Biophilic design
