Some trends are destined to have their moment and quietly bow out, while others linger a little longer than they should (looking at you, millennial pink). In 2024, unexpected red theory, bookshelf wealth, and color drenching were just a few of the more viral moments. But as we step into 2025, designers are ready to say goodbye to certain decorating staples that once ruled Pinterest boards and Instagram feeds. It’s not about following the latest fad but making room for ideas that feel fresher, more authentic, and, frankly, more exciting. From overly curated spaces to the domination of gray color palettes, we asked the experts what they’re ready to retire—and what they’re embracing instead. Spoiler: It’s time to stop trying so hard.
Out: Too-Curated Interiors
In: Personal Spaces
This might not be a trend exactly, but I would say that for me the prevailing idea of a “look” is on its way out. Or at least I hope it is. How flat and boring it is to pick out an entire house of furniture and lights and objects from one showroom or one catalog and plop them all into a room and call it style! People should not be that one-dimensional. Their rooms should say something about who lives there. Of course, the selections should be considered and put together in a harmonious way. But the “rules” become a problem when the room is pulled together so tightly that one slight outlier could throw everything off. —Ryan Lawson, designer
Out: Overly Styled Beds
In: Simple Bedscapes
I’m excited to move on from overstyled beds. Not only do they feel stuffy and outdated, but a bed with too many perfectly placed pillows and blankets doesn’t exactly feel inviting. We don’t need mountains of pillows; a single interesting pillow can do the work of five. Or keep it simple with a cozy bedspread draping the entire bed. —Carmen Javier, Carmen Javier Co.
Out: Scalloped Everything
In: An Element of Surprise.
I’m all for a good scallop, but let’s be honest—we’ve taken it a little too far lately. What was once a playful, unexpected design touch has turned into a trend that’s everywhere, from furniture edges and accessories to pillows and beyond. I don’t think scallops should be completely off-limits, but it’s time to rein them in and bring back the element of surprise. —Alex Adamson, designer
Out: Gray-Green Hues
In: Yellow or Blue Undertones
For the past several years we have seen gray-green as a go-to “color,” whether on upholstery, kitchen cabinetry, or throw pillows—it was everywhere. It’s an easy color to get along with, as it doesn’t say too much and feels anchored. But that said, it errs cool and may be just a bit too void of personality. Looking ahead, I see us leaning more toward greens with stronger yellow or blue undertones. Think: verdant spring and deep ocean. These have more depth to them and appear fresh and exciting. Pair with a bit of cherry red and you have something that feels totally now. —Anne McDonald, Anne McDonald Design
Out: White Plaster Accents
In: New Takes on Texture
A moment I think we’ll be moving on from in 2025 is the overuse of white plaster accessories. While we have loved these ourselves and used them in many projects, I think the market has become oversaturated. Though they stand out individually, I think overaccessorizing these objects can start to make a space feel flat. —Susana Simonpietri, creative director of Chango
Out: Styling for Aesthetics
In: Not-Too-Precious Spaces
Our homes are meant to be lived in and enjoyed. I believe the days of stark white walls, uncomfortable furniture, and nonfunctional spaces created solely for aesthetics are coming to an end. You should feel at home…at home. Couches should be comfortable, art should make you feel something, and throw blankets should actually be used. Try incorporating vintage pieces—they’ve stood the test of time, have some wear, and don’t feel too precious. —Drew Michael Scott of Lone Fox
Out: Cookie-Cutter Staleness
In: A More Layered Look
I’m on a quest to design fewer perfect-looking spaces—they need to look done, and clients always want them to look done, but super-stiff-looking spaces just don’t look good and don’t feel great. It’s honestly hard to do when you’re designing spaces for clients in one fell swoop. You obviously need cohesion and flow for spaces to work together, but there’s probably 15% to 20% that need to be found later, or styled differently, or brought in at the last minute so you get that degree of “off.” It needs to be just off enough so the rooms feel relaxed, inviting, and different in some way: What’s memorable about them? What looks like something you haven’t seen before? Cookie-cutter staleness is just boring. —Colleen Simonds, Colleen Simonds Design
Out: An Overly Saturated Gray Palette
In: Prints and Patina
As we look ahead to 2025, we are loving vintage storied rooms filled with unique printed linens and one-of-a-kind furnishings and objects. Bring on all the layers, patina, and texture. We are happy to see the uninspired, overly saturated gray palette on its way out. Gray often looks flat, especially when it’s drenching a room from the oak floors to the wood tones to monochromatic furniture. The trend of polished gold accents on hardware and lighting also already feels dated, and we’re gravitating toward patina. —Christine Markatos Lowe, Christine Markatos Design
