All of our trend posts got pushed back a bit because well, January was an extremely difficult month for many reasons. However, we LOVE talking about trends and decor trends are extra special to my heart because they are inherently more user-friendly. They are the kind of trends that don’t require a big renovation which is great considering like a lot of people, I will not be renovating a home in 2025 (I mean who knows but it’s unlikely:)). So with my very mathematical and strategic formulas (ha), I am very confident that these 7 trends/great design ideas are going to be popping up all over our magazines, Instagram, Pinterest feeds, and hopefully some of your homes which makes me very happy. Ok, let’s go!
Curtains As “Doors”
While conducting my research I was kind of taken aback by how many rooms I saw that were using curtains to “separate” adjoining rooms. And no, this is not a new idea as also shown by the opening photo (my living room in 2019) and from general history, but let’s just say they are having a moment and are being done in BEAUIFUL ways. Also, this made me extra happy because I just installed a curtain in my friend’s apartment to give her vanity area a little more privacy. So yes, it’s renter-friendly too!
Who doesn’t love a little home decor drama right? The photo on the left, a home by the incredible Arent&Pyke, gave its entrance a moment to remember. Those warm velvet drapes are perfection. But what’s even more special and detailed is that the arch was made to house them meaning the rod is completely hidden. This method is definitely more “custom renovation” than installing a renter-friendly curtain rod. Regardless it’s such a stunning example of this reemerged design idea. Then the photo on the right is a retail shop but another Australian designer we love, Tamsin Johnson. The shape of the doorway is so beautiful and the added detail of that fringe is not only so pretty but also immediately draws your eye up.
These next two examples actually show the rods which would be more standard for those of us adding them into existing homes and doorways:) Of course, the rods in these two homes are very special and likely very expensive but are inspirational nonetheless. The exaggerated curve of the one on the left looks like a sculpture in and of itself and the thick brass rods in the bathroom only add to the luxe and glamour of that space. Love both of these.
Finally, this space is a hotel but I love the softness that the drape brings to that fairly large doorway. I don’t see why you couldn’t do that in a home as well. Plus, I’m sure it helps with draftiness!
The Droopy Roman
Maybe I’ve missed something but another design detail I’ve noticed a lot more lately is relaxed Roman shades. And this is across many different styles which is what feels different to me. Let me show you what I mean…
I think I have associated that type of Roman shade with more classic/traditional-style homes. I could be off on that but that was what I put them with. Now, as you can see from the examples above, a relaxed Roman is spreading its wings. I love the added softness it brings to the very calm and simple room on the left. Then for the room on the right, it feels like a nice little style contrast to all the straight lines in the space.
Also, you don’t have to do a plain neutral linen, you can add something like a stripe! Just kidding you can do way more than that, but I do love this example and how much soft sweetness this window treatment brings to this little office space. So if you love a Roman but want some soft romance…go relaxed.
Oversized Lighting
This is another one close to my heart because not only has my love of lighting been very well documented on this site, but I also really love it when people go BIG with their lamps. I really want this trend to stick hard this year/forever. Let me show you some pretty awesome examples.
Look, I know that huge fringed floor lamp is pretty specific but it’s also AMAZING!!! What a find. I always think of lighting as art pieces (or have the potential to be) but this one really takes that idea to the next. In the other room, the floor lamp is nearly as large but much more neutral so a little less “in your face,” but in terms of scale just as impactful. Playing with scale in a really purposeful way is such a surefire way to make your home have that designer touch:)
But it’s of course not just floor lamps, it’s all lights! I love that this works with every style too. Both that stunning vintage sconce and incredibly fun table lamp add just the right amount of “cool” to these spaces. They are oversized but in a more manageable way if this idea makes you a little nervous but you want to try:)
What’s also pretty great about this trend is that it really encourages vintage sourcing. There are definitely new options on the market but it seems to really nail this trend it’s all about that thrift hunt (plus the deals tend to be better too).
Unframed Art
A trend that makes things “more affordable”?? Yes! We love a beautifully framed piece but we also know that especially if it’s a large piece of art that big frame isn’t going to be cheap. So let’s talk more about the good news…
This particular trend does focus on large-scale art as you can see in the two examples above. The paper or fabric should have a solid texture of its own to visually hold up without a frame. I’ve done this before with medium-sized pieces and loved how it looked. It gives such a fun and unexpected dimension.
Modern tapestries are another type of unframed art that’s having a very chic rebirth. It’s drapier like in the space above. I’m excited to see a lot of this too because it’s high-impact and can be done for a super affordable price if you find the right piece of fabric. Another reason to go vintage shopping!
Retro-Inspired Graphic Fabric Prints
This trend one is really cool and I’ve been trying to get a piece of the action myself – I’m talking Euro (?) Retro-inspired geometric fabric prints. These high-impact, colorful but cool fabrics are becoming more and more popular. In my searches, they tend to be pricey but I haven’t given up hope yet. Ok, on to the beautiful examples…
Same fabric (Limpopo by Pierre Frey), different orientation, both awesome. When you have such a stunning fabric like that one you really don’t need much else and these bedrooms are testaments to that. And actually, if you scroll on the post on the left you’ll see a lot more examples of this trend! I didn’t even realize that’s what the carousel was until I added it here.
All you need is a little too. I mean yes, in the bedroom on the left the bolster and an entire bench seat are covered but if it was only the bolster it still would have looked great and packed a fun-sized punch. And that bench cushion on the right is perfection. I love that the thinness of the cushion quiets down the visual impact of the pattern so it’s a great accent instead of taking over the space.
I also love that they come in different fabric types – some are embroidered while others, like this one above, is stamped. It still holds the essence but in a more casual way.
The Romantic Drape
I’m realizing a lot of these trends are fabric-focused but I’m not made about it:) Now, I’m a little embarrassed to say I don’t know the name of this hanging/draping style but it is here to play decor trend ball, people. It’s old world, it’s romantic, and with some beginner DIY skills, not hard to achieve.
I first took notice of this accent from the beautiful home of Emily Bode and Aaron Signh Aujla a couple of years ago. Also, THAT BLUE! It’s a beautiful and very romantic way to “make a headboard” so I was immediately onboard.
Then I started to notice it more on my feeds and continued to love it. What is fun about these two examples is that since their fabrics are solid, they added art and a mirror to them for more dimension. This trend has such a high impact and is also super renter-friendly which is another reason to love it. I think the key is for the rest of the room to feel relaxed, a little mismatched, and full of other old-world vintage.
Here is a different kind of example that I LOVED too (and another stunning space by Tamsin Johnson). She took this draped look and created a very special corner banquette. It’s just so cool and the tassels make it even better.
Light Blue
This was a trend I called last year and it’s only gotten bigger so we can’t ignore it! Also, Arlyn declared it a 2025 paint color last week so let’s talk about it again. Plus, as I was writing this post I may have purchased a linen curtain panel as a potential option for my bedroom. I too may have finally given in (not that I was ever opposed:)).
I mean if these don’t make a case for using light blue in your home I’m not sure what will. Especially when paired with medium-toned woods and reds, light blue is both happy and wildly chic. I am so in. Plus, paint is always a fairly affordable way to try something new!
But you can also go for the banquette cushion or stand-alone bathtub route (!). These spaces are also so dreamy I could cry. But for options that are a little more “tip your toe in” vibes, you can get light blue taper candles, a throw blanket or pillow, or yes, even…linen curtains;)
So that’s where we stand on the 2025 decor trends and we can see what blossoms/the new ones that pop up. Got a favorite?
Love you, mean it.
Opening Image Credits: Design by Jess Bunge | Photo by Sara Ligorria-Tramp | From: Jess’ Studio Apartment Living Room
