Our five-pronged approach focuses on your individual strengths to develop your unique qualities towards making you an exemplary pi- designer.
Sukanya Bhattacharjee
11/11/2024
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SUMMARY:
The interior design trends in 2025 builds on established trends such as sustainability, biophilic design, and wellness, taking them to new heights. Materials are evolving for greater environmental impact, and energy efficiency is becoming a standard expectation. The biophilic approach is deepening, blending nature seamlessly into urban spaces for improved well-being. Smart technology continues to integrate into homes, advancing convenience and functionality. As design education evolves, students are being prepared to create spaces that balance these innovations, ensuring designs remain forward-thinking while still addressing the core needs of users.
Table of contents
Have you ever walked into a room and felt an instant change in your mood? Our surroundings impact us more than we realise, shaping our daily experiences and emotions. Recently, we've come to see how our interiors can be a reflection of our personalities. This shift has led homeowners and designers to choose elements that are both functional and uplifting. It’s no surprise, then, that the latest interior design trends are all about creating spaces that feel personal, joyful and well-suited to modern life.
There is a growing desire for personalising spaces that match their tastes and preferences. Based on the Mordor Intelligence report, the interior design services market size is estimated to reach USD 178 billion by 2029, with an annual growth rate of 5.13%. As our approach to interiors evolves, forward-thinking design schools like the Indian Institute of Art & Design (IIAD), MIT ADT University, and Sushant School of Architecture are preparing future designers to create spaces where functionality, aesthetics and personal taste correlate harmoniously.
As consumer preferences evolve, interior designers are increasingly sought after to create spaces that reflect individual personalities and lifestyles. Whether you’re revamping your space or starting with a brand new interior design project, take a look at the latest interior design trends in 2025 that will shape our home interiors and working environments:
Driven by environmental awareness and consumer demand, sustainability in interior design has become a prominent trend in 2025. However, when it comes to sustainable practices, it is important to identify what’s relevant in everyday life. Interior designers can turn to recycling, upcycling, and repurposing as effective methods to minimise the unwanted waste produced by complete renovation and ensure the need for new materials is kept to a minimum.
Choosing materials and products that are responsibly sourced and have low environmental impact, such as wood, wool, and natural stone, further supports this approach. Additionally, incorporating advanced insulation, energy-efficient window coverings or wallpapers, HVAC systems and solar panels can reduce energy consumption, a major contributor to climate change. These designs reduce utility bills and also minimise the carbon footprint of residential and commercial buildings.
As our lives become more disconnected from nature, there's a rising trend to bring natural elements indoors. Biophilic design, which draws on nature-inspired elements and highlights our innate connection to nature, has been growing in popularity for years. This design approach is expected to remain a leading trend in 2025.
- One of the foremost benefits of incorporating biophilic designs in interior spaces is improved mental health and well-being. Exposure to ample sunlight, fresh air, water features, and greenery has been linked to improved mood, reduced stress levels, enhanced cognitive function, and better workplace performance. - Biophilic designs also endorse design elements such as living walls and vertical gardens, which promote eco-consciousness without compromising on practicality. - Designers can also experiment with organic materials, textures, nature-inspired fittings and hardware that add subtle notes of visual intrigue to a space. - Earthen architecture has emerged as a natural extension of biophilic design, incorporating sustainable materials like clay, adobe and natural fibres to create structures that harmonise with the environment. - By blurring the boundaries between indoors and outdoors, biophilic elements can potentially convert built environments into healthier, more vibrant living spaces for urban dwellers.
In our fast-paced lives, it has become increasingly important for spaces to help us unwind and focus on our mental and physical wellness. With a growing emphasis on mindfulness and self-care, this year is all about looking at designs as a means to nourish and replenish our body and soul, i.e. human centred design.
Architects and designers can include wellness elements and principles in interior architecture and design of a space to give users a much-needed mental boost. Indoor spaces can be thoughtfully crafted to be uplifting and restorative, using natural materials that bring nature indoors and calming colour palettes that provide a soothing backdrop.
- Adaptive lighting can help regulate the body’s circadian rhythm, while the use of air-purifying materials can improve indoor air quality. - The spatial layout and design forms also have a huge impact on our subconscious mind. - Free-flowing spaces encourage natural movement, while open layouts allow users to adapt and connect more easily. - All these factors help declutter the mind, reduce anxiety levels and enable rejuvenation through design.
The colours and patterns we surround ourselves with have the ability to affect our mood and well-being. In 2025, another popular emerging interior design trend is the use of bold colours and vibrant palettes. The tone-on-tone layering of colours from the same family adds a sense of effortless elegance to spaces. Designers who want to dive into maximalism can upgrade spaces by layering and experimenting with patterns, finishes and textures. Warm earthy tones like creams, browns, rusts and muted greens remain popular, as they bring a sense of calmness to indoor spaces and create a visual and sensory link to the outdoors.
On the other hand, the emerging trend of incorporating fresh tones in interiors is also gaining attention. With Peach Fuzz named Pantone’s Colour of 2024, alluring shades of pink have been making a strong comeback since last year. While vibrant hues can feel overwhelming, designers can introduce freshness to spaces through pops of colour in statement furniture, wall decor, tapestries and lighting fixtures. Another approach is where designers can balance saturated deep tones by introducing midrange light and fresh hues.
The increasing affinity towards tactile elements can be attributed to the innate desire for sensory experiences in our built environment. As we are drifting towards the digital age, the use of natural materials like stone or wood creates a sense of comfort, making the occupants feel grounded and closer to nature. Moreover, tactile surfaces go beyond visual appeal and enhance how we interact with our living spaces. This trend surpasses the minimalist approach of surface treatments while making way for better tactile experiences and allowing designers to explore textures, materials, plaster finishes and innovative 3D panels.
Textured walls are redefining how we treat walls, and with the resurgence of raw design, they are gaining more popularity. While exposed concrete is a popular choice for giving a rugged industrial finish to the interiors, marble can be a more sophisticated alternative.
Marble walls with metallic accents are set to become more prominent in 2025. Designers can also explore fresh approaches for wall surface treatment. Textured wallpapers, intricate patterns and murals are in high demand for accentuating the indoors and adding more depth and character to a space. For example, the already trending biophilic design wallpapers for bedroom interiors have extended into workplace aesthetics as an effort to reduce stress and improve productivity.
Dopamine decor, as intriguing as it sounds, can make your interiors feel like a celebration. This trend introduces elements that spark happiness through the use of bold colours, whimsical patterns, and playful elements. It taps into the human desire for joyful experiences and positivity in daily mundane lives. Quirky statement decor pieces, elaborative artworks, and unique furnishings take centre stage by adding a touch of playfulness without the need for any structural changes. Incorporating such pieces can help you showcase your personality and character in your living space.
Vintage pieces are also making a huge comeback this year. They offer a tangible connection to the past, evoke a sense of nostalgia and bring a timeless aesthetic to any space. Additionally, they promote sustainability by reducing the need to constantly update your home furniture. However, don’t hold yourself back from pairing vintage elements with a contemporary setting. This combination of old and new creates an eclectic and inviting environment.
Designers are also paying attention to the use of sustainable decor elements and strategies like durable materials, renewable resources, eco-friendly textiles, recycled or upcycled furniture and decor pieces. Consider exploring sustainable homegrown decor brands like Woody Grass, Sirohi, Fermoscpaes and Amala Earth, which bring in pieces crafted by local artisans, upcycled furniture and organic furnishings.
One of the key trends in contemporary furniture design is the significance of multipurpose utility. These furniture pieces are renowned for their adaptability and versatility, making them a perfect fit for tiny houses and compact living spaces. They can be personalised to suit any space, maximising functionality while maintaining a chic aesthetic.
- The contemporary open-plan layout is undergoing a significant evolution, with a demanding preference for defined spaces. This shift presents an opportunity for home renovators to create dedicated areas such as reading nooks, workstations, and defined dining areas. - These spaces are more appealing to users and offer greater flexibility in working with a home’s existing structure. - In addition to defined spaces, curvilinear layouts and furniture are poised to make a bold statement in 2025, complementing defined spaces with free-flowing forms that soften sharp edges and create a calming environment. - This trend is gaining traction as designers focus on enhancing movement and flow within indoor spaces. Pieces like round sofas, wavy mirrors and oval rugs can be used as featured decor elements, perfectly embodying the curvilinear design trend.
As the digital age is taking over, we are stepping into the era of technologically upgraded smart interiors. Future fantasy has become a reality and it is seamlessly integrating with our living spaces. While we are all familiar with Alexa assisting us with house chores, the new technology has stepped up the occupant’s luxury by introducing touch-sensitive surfaces and voice-automated features.
- Automation features in smart homes can customise lighting, temperature and entertainment settings to match individual preferences, facilitating both comfort and convenience. - Clients are readily investing in silent ventilation and noise cancelling features to maintain focus and retain a peaceful environment. Disappearing devices that become visually invisible when not in use also help in decluttering the living space, making the design more fluid while adding a tinge of intrigue to the interiors. - Security in tech-integrated homes is a major advancement. - Smart locks, video doorbells, and cameras provide real-time alerts and much-needed peace of mind. - Motion sensors and facial recognition further enhance the system, creating a more secure living environment. ,
Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) are revolutionising interior design with real-world applications. IKEA’s AR app, IKEA Place, allows users to visualise furniture and décor in their own spaces, helping test colour schemes and layouts through their smartphone. Lowe’s Holoroom took it a step ahead by letting customers virtually place appliances and fixtures to preview renovations in-store, reducing design errors and improving satisfaction.
Top design firms like Gensler also leverage VR for immersive client walkthroughs, enhancing feedback loops and reducing costly revisions. These examples highlight how VR and AR interior design tools are making project visualisation more accurate and engaging for customers.
Everyone wants their space to reflect their personality and character. With innovative tools like 3D printing and customisation, interiors can be personalised, giving occupants more agency over their decor choices. This combination of automation, material innovation, and cutting-edge technology allows for unparalleled creative expression.
For architects and designers, these advancements open up new possibilities to explore intricate styles and forms that are otherwise difficult to achieve with traditional methods. This approach is also more sustainable as it encourages the use of upcycled materials and enables production on demand or in small quantities, reducing resource waste. Additionally, they shorten construction time and lower energy consumption.
Future of Interior Design Trends
The latest design trends present an exciting opportunity for both homeowners and designers to amplify the varied experiences in a living environment. Designers need to adapt to emerging technologies, design trends, and concepts to create spaces that exude convenience, comfort, and well-being. In the world we live in, it’s equally important to focus on implementing sustainable and eco-conscious solutions to ensure interiors are both functional and durable.
Moreover, the interior spaces are radically evolving into a canvas for expressing individual personality and character. Inspired by the 2025 interior design trends, homeowners can collaborate with designers to go the extra mile and experiment with elements that reflect their style, making their living spaces truly one-of-a-kind.
Explore More About Interior Architecture and Design
- Enjoyed this piece by author Saili Sawant? Check out her article on building brandscapes in architecture, an insightful look at how architecture and design influence branding, advertisement and visualisation.
- Interested in a career in interior, architecture, or design? Explore these 9 alternative design career options that might be perfect for you.
- Explore how India’s 10 most visionary architects are shaping the future of design.
- Wanting to become an interior designer? Here’s a list of best interior design colleges in Delhi.
About The Author
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