A Year in Design

Written By IIDA New England Communications Committee
 
 

How 2025 Defined Style and Space

Interior design trends evolve like a story with many authors. They often begin as a quiet signal, a cultural shift, a fashion moment, a new material or technological advancement before designers and retailers shape it into something people can see, touch, and live with. As it circulates through social platforms, homes, and commercial spaces, trends gain rhythm, dip, and resurface, reflecting the changing needs and dreams of everyday life. In the end, each trend becomes a snapshot of what we crave from our surroundings in that moment.

So, let’s take a look back at what the design world predicted for 2025. We reviewed forecasts from major design publications and leading firms in the industry to understand what the most influential voices expected for both commercial and residential spaces. Some trends unfolded exactly as anticipated, while others surprised us in the best way, and may be worth holding onto for years to come.

At the start of 2025, predictions for commercial interiors centered on flexibility, wellness, and a more expressive use of materials. Designers anticipated that offices and public spaces would keep adapting to hybrid work through reconfigurable layouts, modular furniture, and tech-forward meeting zones. Wellness was expected to remain central, with biophilic elements, ergonomic support, and easy access to daylight and outdoor areas shaping how people felt in these environments. Forecasts also pointed toward sustainability and individuality; spaces defined by natural, eco-friendly materials, saturated color palettes, large-scale artwork, and personal details that created memorable, emotionally resonant experiences.

As the year unfolded, many of these expectations proved remarkably accurate. Commercial environments embraced modularity and material-conscious design wholeheartedly, relying on adaptable floor plans, hybrid meeting areas, and quiet focus zones to support a wide range of work styles. Biophilic design continued its upward trajectory, with greenery, natural light, and raw finishes becoming defining features of workplace culture. Color palettes shifted decisively as well, with deep blues, greens, and warm earth tones replacing the cool neutrals that dominated earlier years. Layered with smart technology, acoustic solutions, and residential-inspired comforts, 2025’s commercial spaces became more human-centered, emotionally supportive, and functionally agile than predicted.

On the residential front, early forecasts for 2025 painted a picture of interiors growing warmer, more expressive, and deeply connected to the natural world. Designers anticipated a shift toward softened forms and tactile richness; earthy palettes, rounded silhouettes, luxurious textures, and live-edge details that celebrated organic beauty while still feeling modern. Subtle early-modernist notes were expected to return as well, with sculptural shapes, geometric clarity, and tonal restraint offering a counterbalance to the year’s more sensuous, nature-led aesthetic. Homes were predicted to lean into individuality and immersion, embracing global textiles, fully saturated “head-to-toe” color, and spaces that felt personal, collected, and intentionally distinct. More so…authentic rather than algorithmic.

As the year unfolded, much of that vision materialized, and often with even more character than expected. Minimalism softened noticeably, giving way to expressive interiors defined by terracotta, rust, sand, olive, and other warm, grounded hues. Renewed maximalism emerged through layered textures, bold palettes, and personality-driven objects, while sustainable materials from raw woods and imperfect stone to reclaimed finishes reinforced the growing desire for authenticity and environmental responsibility. Style influences diversified, too: organic modern remained strong, joined by modern-cottage, modern-colonial, and nostalgic nods to the ’80s and ’90s that felt surprisingly fresh. Wellness-forward design only deepened its influence, bringing spa-like bathrooms, tactile surfaces, mood-enhancing lighting, and cocooning layouts into everyday living, ultimately making homes feel more intentional, comforting, and emotionally resonant than the predictions even hinted at.

Both commercial and residential design ultimately converged on the same truth: the spaces that resonated most were the ones that felt authentic rather than algorithmic. Across workplaces, homes, and hospitality settings, the predictions that held up were those rooted in humanity; natural materials, expressive color, personal detail, and environments crafted to feel lived-in, character-rich, and emotionally grounding, rather than digitally generated or overly polished.

Looking ahead to 2026, many of this year’s defining ideas are expected to deepen rather than fade; richer color, vintage accents, dark woods, and biophilic moments will continue shaping how spaces feel. But the most compelling forecast is the rise of “slow design,” a more mindful, sustainable, and deeply personal approach to creating interiors. If 2025 proved anything, it’s that we’re moving toward spaces that don’t just look beautiful, but feel meaningful, intentional, and undeniably human.

Interested in reading more about design predictions for 2026? Check out this article from Architectural Digest Magazine, titled "AD PRO’s 2026 Interior Design Forecast: The Unexpected Elements Shaping Luxury Interiors".

 
 

Designer Monologues the Podcast from IIDA New England with your host Brett Berry is officially LIVE! On this show, we share the stories behind the design of repurposing, developing, and reshaping our communities. Incubated from the minds and skills of New England’s talented design community, you’ll hear how visual inspiration can come from nature, our history, current trends, and more as we take you on a story-telling journey behind design. 

Check out all of the episodes here! 

Dear IIDA NE Community,

As we come to the close of another year, I find myself reflecting with deep appreciation on everything we have built together. Our Chapter thrives because of its people, and this year has been a powerful reminder of what community, collaboration, and a shared belief in the impact of design can accomplish.

Through our programming, advocacy efforts, and community engagement, you showed up with generosity, creativity, and purpose. You supported one another, exchanged ideas, welcomed emerging designers and students, and continued to elevate our profession in meaningful and inspiring ways. Whether gathering in person or connecting from afar, our collective energy shaped the success of this year.

Interior design touches every part of our lives, and your involvement in this community demonstrated how a thoughtful, intentional approach to our work can strengthen organizations, inspire change, and foster belonging. I am grateful to be surrounded by members who lead with heart and continually push the boundaries of what this profession can be.

This year also marked meaningful progress in our advocacy work. We remain hopeful for the passage of legislation in Massachusetts in 2026, and we are excited to be embarking on a new journey toward licensure in Rhode Island after securing funding from the Consortium for Interior Design. These milestones reflect years of dedication from volunteers, advocates, and partners who believe in creating a stronger, more recognized, and more empowered profession across New England.

As we look ahead to the new year, I am filled with excitement for what is to come. We have new initiatives on the horizon, new opportunities to grow our community, and new ways to support the next generation of designers. Most importantly, we have each other. With this community, there is no limit to what we can create.

Thank you for the time, passion, and spirit you bring to IIDA NE. It is an honor to serve as your President, and I look forward to seeing where the coming year takes us!

With gratitude,
Krista Easterly, IIDA, NCIDQ, WELL AP, LEED AP ID+C, Fitwel Ambassador
President, IIDA New England Chapter

 
 

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