From Brown to Bold: The Must-Follow Design Trends from 2024 Extending into 2025
As we step into 2025, I hope everyone has enjoyed a delightful holiday season. In this blog, I'll delve into the interior design trends that captured our attention in 2024 and are poised to shape our spaces in 2025 and beyond. These insights aren't just plucked from social media or the latest films and TV shows; they're drawn from my firsthand experiences working with clients over the past year. From renewed color choices to evolving textures and styles, these trends reflect the real-world preferences and requests of homeowners looking to update their living environments. Join me as we explore the key design movements that are defining this new era in home decor.
This country eclectic-style living room, designed by virtual interior designer Joshua Jones of JJones Design Co., features brown tones. The 3D rendering was created by Stuccco.
Brown is No Longer a Least Favorite Color
For many years, I've observed numerous clients shying away from the color brown, deeming it unattractive for their spaces. However, there's been a notable shift recently. More and more people are beginning to embrace brown, integrating it into their homes. In a surprising yet welcome trend, Pantone has named 'Mocha Mousse'—a rich brown tone—as its Color of the Year for 2025. Benjamin Moore has followed suit with 'Cinnamon Slate,' another beautiful shade enriched with brown tones. Other industry giants like Behr and Dunn Edwards have also highlighted colors with brown undertones. This resurgence doesn't mean we'll see rooms drenched in brown; rather, the trend is leaning towards subtle incorporations. Think pops of color through decorative pillows, area rugs with hints of brown, and tasteful accessories. Even wall colors might feature understated brown tones, adding depth and warmth without overwhelming the senses.
This living room, designed by virtual interior designer Joshua Jones of JJones Design Co., blends modern organic, eclectic, and mountain lodge styles. It showcases layers of textures and was featured in Architectural Digest magazine.
More Layers of Textures
Over the past year, there's been a growing demand among my clients to incorporate multiple layers of textures into their spaces. Textures extend beyond fabrics to include elements like rugs, wall accents, tiles, built-ins, furniture, light fixtures, and accessories. These textured details add unique personality to any room, offering more diverse design options than just colors, patterns, and fabrics alone. I believe this trend of layering textures will not only continue into 2025 but also remain a timeless aspect of interior design. This approach allows for greater creativity and personalization, making spaces more engaging and visually interesting.
This primary bedroom, designed by virtual interior designer Joshua Jones of JJones Design Co., showcases an eclectic style. The 3D rendering was created by Stuccco.
Mixing New and Old
Over the past year, there's been an increasing demand from clients wanting to blend new and old elements to create spaces that are both unique and statement-making. This approach, often described as "mixing new and old," essentially embodies the eclectic style, a design philosophy that has been popular for many years. Many people are unfamiliar with the term "eclectic" and instead use "mixing new and old" to better articulate their desired aesthetic. Eclectic design involves combining items from different eras to craft a distinct and cohesive look. I believe this trend will continue to be a mainstay in design, as the eclectic style has proven its longevity and appeal through its ability to adapt and resonate across various tastes and time periods.
A modern organic style living room in a lake house, designed by virtual interior designer Joshua Jones of JJones Design Co. The 3D rendering was created by Stuccco.
Modern Organic Still Popular
Throughout the past year, more than half of my virtual clients have requested the Modern Organic style for their spaces. This approach to design has been gaining popularity for several years and shows no signs of slowing down. The Modern Organic style, which blends natural elements with contemporary design, appeals to those seeking a serene and sustainable aesthetic in their homes. Its enduring popularity is likely to extend well into 2025 and beyond, as more homeowners embrace the calm, earthy tones and textures that define this timeless design philosophy.
The formal dining room, designed by virtual interior designer Joshua Jones of JJones Design Co., featured in Architectural Digest magazine.
Formal Dining Room Comeback
As highlighted in my recent blog post, "The Formal Dining Room Revival: Why It’s Making a Stylish Comeback in Modern Homes," I've noticed an increasing number of virtual clients seeking assistance in designing their formal dining rooms. This resurgence indicates a renewed appreciation for dedicated dining spaces, a trend I anticipate will not only persist but grow into 2025 and beyond. After decades of casual dining trends, more people are now valuing the formal dining room for its ability to host elegant gatherings and create a sense of occasion in their homes.
A mid-century modern style TV room in a traditional floor plan layout, designed by virtual interior designer Joshua Jones of JJones Design Co. The 3D rendering was created by Stuccco.
Traditional Floor Plan Comeback
Lately, I've observed a growing preference for traditional floor plans, as opposed to the widely popular open concept layouts—some might even call it a "closed concept" layout. I've worked with several virtual clients who are either building new homes with traditional layouts or opting to remodel existing spaces by erecting walls to create more defined, enclosed areas. In my blog, "The Great Debate: Open Concept vs. Traditional Floor Plans," I discuss the pros and cons of both layout types. The trend towards traditional layouts appears to be a long-term shift, likely to persist well into the future. Just as traditional floor plans dominated for centuries before the rise of open concepts, it seems they are poised to make a significant comeback.
Scandinavian style kitchen and dining room designed by virtual interior designer Joshua Jones of JJones Design Co., featuring wallpaper on the dining room wall. The 3D rendering was created by Stuccco.
Wallpapers Are Here to Stay
Wallpapers have enjoyed a remarkable comeback over the past five years and continue to be wildly popular today. I don't foresee their popularity waning anytime soon. This enduring appeal can be attributed to the vast improvements in wallpaper designs, which are now more diverse, fun, and quirky, capable of elevating any space. Additionally, modern wallpapers are easier to remove compared to those from previous decades, such as the 1980s, making them a less daunting commitment. While some may still hesitate due to the effort involved in installation, I often encourage my virtual clients to consider wallpapers. I provide them with renderings to visualize the impact in their spaces before making any investment, helping to ensure they won’t regret their choice. Given the continuous influx of stunning new wallpaper designs, I anticipate that wallpapers will remain a staple in interior design for many years to come.
The Future of Home Design
As we move further into 2025, the trends we've seen gaining momentum in 2024 suggest a shift towards more personalized and thoughtful design choices. From the revival of brown tones and traditional floor plans to the enduring popularity of Modern Organic styles and wallpapers, it's clear that both nostalgia and innovation are shaping our living spaces. These trends highlight a collective desire to create environments that reflect individual tastes while respecting historical aesthetics. As an interior designer, I'm excited to continue exploring these trends with my clients, helping them craft spaces that not only look beautiful but also feel uniquely theirs. Remember, the best space is one that resonates with the people who inhabit it, blending functionality with personal flair. Let's embrace these evolving trends and make 2025 a year of memorable and stylish interiors.
