Designers Say These Trends Will Go Out of Style in 2025

Instead of a Round Rug, Choose a Less Traditional Shape

According to Nadia Watts of Nadia Watts Interior Design, round rugs are on the way out. Instead, try something a little more unique, she says. “Rugs of all shapes and sizes, and especially custom-designed rugs specifically for your room, are on the rise. Think oblongs, infinity loops, animal shapes, and other less traditional options.” The above is a custom rug designed for her space at the Kips Bay Decorator Show House in Palm Beach, Florida. Fun!

Instead of Light Woods, Opt for Richer Tones

We all love lighter toned wood, but Christine Vroom of Christine Vroom Interiors says to try richer, warmer, moodier woods that add depth and sophistication to your space. “Instead of contrast, try monochromatic dark woods,” she says. “A seamless blend of similar tones creates harmony, making the space feel cohesive and serene while adding depth without overwhelming the space. Instead of a light white oak, go warmer and richer. Richer tones, like walnut or mahogany, add depth and create a more inviting, luxurious atmosphere, while still allowing the natural beauty of the wood to shine.” 

Instead of Textured Tiles, Choose Hand-Crafted Ones

Watts says that in lieu of textured and 3D tiles, you should consider hand-crafted tiles. “With everything happening in the world, clients want peace and comfort in their homes. Hand-crafted tiles in warm, comforting colors will make your space feel like a big, cozy hug.” Bonus: She says they feel nice underfoot and create a beautiful statement when applied to walls and backsplashes. 

Instead of Cool White Paint, Select a Warmer White

Kim Gordon of Kim Gordon Designs says it’s time to phase out colder, gray-whites on your walls. “Color is a simple way to change the feeling you get in a room. I suggest choosing a warmer white for your walls. A cool and grayish white could look even cooler with today’s LED bulbs, which you don’t necessarily want.” Warmer, neutral tones will make you feel warmer and cozier!

Instead of All Brand-New Furniture, Mix in Some Vintage

All new everything doesn’t quite have the same charm as mixing things up. Instead, Watts suggests upcycling older pieces by renewing antique furniture, using old items in new ways (for example, a thoroughly cleaned vintage ashtray as a catchall), and recovering upholstered pieces with special vintage fabrics.

Instead of an All-White Palette, Add in Earthy Neutrals

“Instead of defaulting to an all-white palette, consider incorporating softer tones like cream and earthy colors inspired by nature, such as sage green,” says designer Mary Patton. “These hues add warmth and depth to a space while still maintaining a serene and timeless feel. Pairing these shades with natural materials like wood or stone can create a balanced, inviting environment that feels both fresh and grounded.”

Instead of Plant Walls, Choose a Statement Plant

While we all love our plant babies, Watts says that instead of an excessive amount of smaller and medium-sized plants in a space, oversized is the way to go for 2025. “Large-scale plants and trees are having a moment. [Try] huge pots filled with bold plants that make a statement and reach for the ceilings, and plants and trees as a focal point—the bigger, the better!”

Instead of Sticking to One Style, Go Eclectic

“Because minimalism and modernism have been such significant trends for so many years, I think we will see a shift in the other direction for 2025, which will include a transitional design trend of incorporating traditional design elements mixed with some modern ones,” says designer Grey Joyner. “We are all, inherently, more than one thing and typically are drawn to more than one type of design style, so why not reflect that in your own space?”

Remember that the most important decorating rule is loving what you’re putting into your home. If you’re excited by every piece, you’ll be happy with how they mix together.

Instead of Minimalist Interiors, Embrace the Lived-In Look

“One trend I think it’s time to retire in 2025 is ultra-minimalist interiors that lean overly stark and feel impersonal,” says Jonah Kilday of MK Workshop. “While clean lines and simplicity have their place, these spaces can often lack warmth and livability,” the designer explains.

Instead, try this: “For 2025, embrace a layered, lived-in look that celebrates personal touches and cozy textures. Think curated, not cluttered—layering materials like natural woods, soft linens, and handmade ceramics to create a welcoming and unique home. This approach balances practicality with personality, making it both timeless and adaptable to your lifestyle.” Well put—and we couldn’t agree more!

Instead of Monochromatic Kitchens, Use a Mix of Colors

Instead of monochrome, Watts says mixed material kitchens will be huge in 2025. “Let’s face it, we spend a lot of time in our kitchens. Your kitchen is the heart of the home, so make sure it’s not boring. Mixing materials is in for 2025, think color mixing, material mixing, and metal mixing!” 

Instead of Traditional Marble, Try 3D Stone

Sarah Kowalski of J. Banks Design says that marble is getting a modern makeover. “While we’ve seen a return to classic shapes and neutral palettes in recent years, I’m noticing several companies exploring three-dimensional surfaces in tile, with marble at the forefront. Taking the inherently organic movement of the veining and juxtaposing that with the rigid architecture of fluting adds additional dimensionality and highlights the play of light and shadow that dimension creates.” 

Instead of Matchy-Matchy Rooms, Mix It Up

Jessika Gatewood of Gatewood Designs says it’s time to retire super matchy rooms. “When everything from the pillows to the rug is the exact same color, it feels more like a showroom than a home,” Gatewood explains. Instead, she suggests mixing it up—even if the room is all based around the same palette, adding layers of tones and textures, like above, makes a space feel lived-in and loved rather than sad and sterile.

Instead of Brass, Try Polished Nickel

Sarah Malek Barney from BANDD/DESIGN isn’t suggesting retiring brass (we love brass!), but she says it’s not a bad idea to branch out and try a new finish. Instead of brass everything, try polished nickel. “No, I’m not saying brass is going away,” she assures us, “but polished nickel is the elevated cousin to brass and adds such a fresh touch that no one expects.”

Instead of Small Pops of Color, Choose Colorful Statement Pieces

“Small pops of color via throw pillows and decor can appear as an afterthought,” say Dani Flax and Katara Cade, interior designers at Pearson Design Group. Instead, they suggest committing to color: “It will be much more impactful and intentional. This can be through plumbing fixtures, wallpaper, colored plaster, appliances, and furniture.”