What's Out, What's In

Elle Decor (photo by David Mitchell): vintage pieces, warm colors, authentic materials, layered textures, well curated items

Looking for some trends to hold onto from 2025 to carry you into the New Year? Would you like to avoid turning your home into a series of Instagram pages that your friends and family continually bombard you with (“You HAVE to have this in your kitchen!”)? The Internet has spoken, and these are considered the interior design trends that are out for 2025.

  • Maximalism excesses

    • Overly cluttered spaces, saturated color palettes, and heavy layering of patterns are falling out of favor. Clean, intentional curation is preferred over “more is more” accumulation.

  • Matchy-matchy furniture sets

    • Fully coordinated living-room suites and bedroom sets that create a manufactured uniform look feel dated. Mix-and-match, purpose-driven selections with varied textures and scales are now favored.

  • Ultra-polished, showroom finishes

    • Gleaming lacquer, mirror-polished surfaces, and hyper-reflective materials that read as staged are being replaced by softer, lived-in textures and organic finishes that show subtle imperfection and warmth.

  • All-white interiors

    • Monochrome white-as-a-default schemes are losing ground. People are choosing layered tones, warmer neutrals, and restrained color accents to add depth and personality.

  • Fast-fashion trends in decor

    • Disposable, trend-chasing décor—cheaply made pieces meant for one season—no longer appeal to buyers focused on longevity. Investment in quality, repairable, and timeless items is preferred. Note: “brown furniture” is back in style when carefully layered in with more contemporary pieces; look for authentic design and default to antique pieces that add sculptural interest.

  • Plastic and synthetic-looking materials

    • Low-cost plastics and synthetic finishes that mimic wood or stone without authenticity are being phased out in favor of real materials or high-quality, sustainable alternatives.

  • Oversized open-plan everything

    • The era of removing all walls to create cavernous, endlessly open spaces is softening. Clients want purposeful zones, acoustic privacy, and defined rooms that support different activities and better comfort. Good examples: a butler’s pantry and scullery kitchen off the main kitchen.

  • Trendy statement ceilings and walls as mandatory

    • Forced “feature walls” or over-the-top ceiling treatments done solely for Instagram impact are declining. Subtle, integrated architectural details that enhance function and feel are preferred.

  • Ultra-minimal tech-free design

    • Complete rejection of visible technology in interiors—where all tech is hidden and functionality is sacrificed for minimalism—is becoming impractical. Thoughtful tech integration that balances aesthetics and usability is the direction forward.

  • Cold, industrial modernism without warmth

    • Stark concrete, exposed ductwork, and solely industrial palettes that ignore comfort are less popular. Designs that combine clean modern lines with tactile, warm materials perform better.

AD (photo by William Jess Laird): color drenching is a warmer approach to all-gray or all-white interiors

Here’s why these shifts matter to IWI. Clients increasingly seek interiors that feel personal, durable, and comfortable rather than strictly fashionable. We strive to offer design choices for longevity, sustainability, and everyday livability. The move away from extremes—whether maximal or hyper-minimal—reflects a desire for balanced, human-centered spaces.

Ask existing IWI clients why we’re considered above and beyond current design fashion trends. Irwin Weiner Interiors has always prioritized curated, layered design that blends timeless materials with thoughtful modern comforts. Our approach emphasizes:

  • Durable, high-quality furnishings and finishes

  • Mix of textures and finishes rather than one-style suites

  • Purposeful spatial planning with flexible, defined zones

  • Sustainable material choices and longevity-focused sourcing

  • Honest, organic surfaces that age gracefully

  • Integrated technology that enhances daily life without dominating it

If you want a home that avoids the 2025 missteps and instead feels timeless, comfortable, and purposeful, we can work with you to create a design strategy tailored to your lifestyle and lasting value. See our Connect page for more details. We look forward to hearing from you.

Jay JohnsonComment