2025 Interior Design Trends
By Erin Aquilino – Office Manager & Executive Assistant | February 27, 2025
2025 is well underway, and my Pinterest boards are already filling up with interior design inspo. Here’s what I’m loving (and not loving) this year so far!
Disclaimer: I have no interior design experience—this is all just my opinion, intended as a lighthearted and fun discussion about this year’s design trends!
Going All Natural
There’s nothing I love more than natural elements incorporated into a space. Whether it’s materials, colors, textures, or lighting, embracing nature makes a space feel calm and inviting. Soft, organic shapes in furniture and architecture—rather than sharp, harsh lines—give rooms a more natural flow. Bonus points for sustainable and eco-friendly materials!
Wood Paneling—But Make It Chic
Let’s get one thing straight: I am not talking about grey-toned farmhouse shiplap. What I am talking about is rich, warm wood paneling that feels like mid-century modern met Soho House and had a beautifully designed love child.
Think vertical slats, dark walnut tones, or even a sleek, matte oak finish. Whether it’s on the walls or the ceiling, wood paneling adds depth, texture, and just the right amount of drama to a space. It’s giving elevated, it’s giving intentional, it’s giving expensive.
I love it in a moody study, a cozy bedroom, or as a statement ceiling in a dining area. Bonus points if it’s paired with soft, ambient lighting (see: my ongoing war with The Big Light).
The Controversial ‘Big Light’
There have been whispers of the Big Light making a comeback after being declared dead, but from what I’ve seen, it’s less of a full revival and more of a strategic rebrand.
That said, this time around, my issue isn’t the dreaded rental-grade boob light situation. Instead, it’s that some of these new fixtures feel more like abstract art installations in the SF MOMA than functional lighting I’d actually use. They look cool, sure—but do they actually work? I don’t know.
At the end of the day (or I guess the beginning? This idiom gets confusing here.), I will always choose natural light whenever possible—it’s refreshing, motivating, and just feels better. And at the end of the day (literally), give me a mix of little lamps and scattered light sources. Warm, cozy, moody? De-light-ful.
That’s not to say overhead lighting can never be done well. It’s the single-source, overly concentrated lights that I take issue with. The key, in my opinion, is dimmable or diffused lighting if you’re going that route. Interior designers, feel free to send me your best overhead lighting picks and change my mind—I can be reasoned with.
Two-Toned Cabinets and Open Shelving
If you’re incorporating open shelving into your kitchen, your organizational skills must be superior. This style works best when everything has a place—so if you’re the type to shove mismatched Tupperware into a cabinet and pray the door stays closed, you might want to reconsider.
That being said, I love the light, streamlined feel of having minimal or even no upper cabinets at all. Traditional cabinetry can often feel bulky and overcrowded, and when everything is the same color? It just turns into one giant, featureless blob.
Two-toned cabinets, on the other hand, break things up, adding contrast and dimension without overwhelming the space – and the possibilities are endless. Mixing it up makes the design feel so much more dynamic and interesting than the usual monochromatic cabinets.
Wallpaper Accent Walls
My project managers despise wallpaper—apparently, it’s a hassle to install and remove or whatever. And sure, there are some truly hideous options out there.
But just one wall? So fun and not too much work. You could even break it up with some wainscoting if you have commitment issues and don’t want floor-to-ceiling wallpaper.
Statement Stone and Bold Marble
Marble and stone surfaces are taking a dramatic turn in 2025. Instead of the classic (and, let’s be honest, slightly overdone) white and gray veining, homeowners are embracing bold, stone slabs with deep veining in rich tones. But it’s not just the colors that are getting more interesting—it’s how they’re being used.
I’ve seen marble incorporated in ways that are unique and unexpected. From marble toe-kicks that extend seamlessly from countertop to floor, to marble-wrapped archways, I love how these applications subtly enhance and complement the countertops. I came across some photos of these ideas a few weeks ago, and I haven’t stopped thinking about them since.
Dark and Moody Kitchens
White kitchens are taking a step back (thank goodness) as darker, moodier tones rise in popularity. Deep navy, decadent green, and even black cabinetry paired with warm metal accents like brass or bronze give kitchens a sophisticated and dramatic edge.
