With 2025 finally here and fresh starts and resolutions on the brain, we asked eight designers—Joni Burden, Gabriela Gargano, Mindy Kelson O’Connor, Stephanie Martin, Blair Moore, Susie Novak, Rachel Sherman and Kelly Zerbini—what of-the-moment styles they want to embrace in the new year.
‘Quiet Opulence’
“The design trends of 2025 that resonate with us strike a balance between restraint and richness—a concept we describe as ‘quiet opulence.’ This approach expresses luxury through thoughtful, understated details. Materials like Venetian plaster, burnished metals and hand-carved stone elevate spaces with depth and timelessness, while soft textures such as tactile wools and buttery leathers add warmth and a sense of lived-in elegance. Pattern and heritage are also coming to the forefront, offering opportunities to infuse spaces with deeper meaning. Hand-painted murals, intricate tilework and globally inspired textiles add layers of storytelling that celebrate craftsmanship and cultural richness. We like to think we’re always a step ahead of the trends, as we find these design elements most inspiring when they foster a sense of connection—whether to the history of a home, the natural environment surrounding it, or the lives and stories of the people who inhabit the space.” —Blair Moore, Moore House Design, Fall River, Massachusetts
Yes to Color
“In 2025, I’m excited to embrace warmer tones like rust, blush, mauve, mustard and cream, as well as the growing trend of incorporating more color overall. There’s something refreshing about moving away from super white, minimal spaces and embracing a bit of eclecticism and imperfection. I recently heard a designer celebrate the beauty of spaces that aren’t overly perfect, and I loved it—those layers of character and charm are what make a home. This year, I’m ready to experiment with bolder palettes, unexpected combinations, and designs that tell a unique and personal story.” —Susie Novak, Susie Novak Interiors, Oakland, California
Eco-Conscious New Year
“A trend I am enthusiastic to join is the selection of appliances that are healthier and more efficient for our homes and the environment. Induction cooking is healthier [than gas] because of reduced toxic emissions; it’s also safer, faster and more precise to cook with, plus easy to clean. The American market is finally seeing expanded options in this energy-efficient space that are comparable in size to their popular 48-inch gas professional range counterparts‚ which was formerly a real sticking point for many of my clients with professional-size ranges. These larger options, which were not available even a couple of years ago, are popping up in great colors and configurations. Bertazzoni, Fisher & Paykel, Ilve, Aga, and BlueStar, among other brands, have delved into this space, and the selections, sizes and palettes continue to grow.” —Mindy Kelson O’Connor, Melinda Kelson O’Connor Architecture and Interiors, Philadelphia
Less Tech, More Art
“My clients are shifting away from [choosing] showstopping art pieces ‘just because’ and turning toward pieces that resonate emotionally with the people living in the space. Art is an essential part of creating spaces that feel uplifting, personal and vibrant. Rather than focusing on blue-chip value, we are aiming to find art with an emotional resonance, ensuring the home is visually striking but also meaningful and uplifting. We are [also] moving in the direction of a growing trend of tech-free zones in homes. Clients are seeking a balance between the increasing use of technology and the need for mindfulness, relaxation and genuine connection. In our hyper-connected world, constant information from devices can lead to burnout, stress and distraction. Tech-free zones in bedrooms and lounging areas of the home are designed to help clients disconnect from technology and reconnect with themselves and their families.” —Kelly Zerbini, Dunnam Zerbini Design, New York
Celebrate Imperfection
“As we embrace the new year, I’m leaning into a more vibrant, eclectic approach that celebrates the beauty of imperfection and encourages a sense of playfulness and whimsy. I am delving into maximalism, mixing styles without hesitation and infusing spaces with bold colors, organic lines and unexpected elements. I’m particularly drawn to the balance between quiet and energetic spaces and the power of juxtaposition. Our environments profoundly influence how we feel, and I am excited to create interiors that evoke emotion. I hope to design spaces that feel artful, inviting, and reflective of the complexities of our emotions and experiences. Ultimately, this year I hope to follow the trends of eclecticism, exploration, risk-taking and play.” —Stephanie Martin, Stephanie Martin Interior Design, Calgary, Alberta
Hidden Amenities
“We’re kicking off a project in Florida involving a kitchen renovation, and we’re excited to add in a ‘back kitchen’ that’s less of butler’s pantry and more of a hidden appliance kitchen where the less attractive gadgets and such go. This allows for the main kitchen to feel less crowded and create a functional zone that’s more tucked away. In a renovation project in New York, we’re saturating the walls and ceiling of the living space in a gorgeous shade of pink. I’m excited to do this, as I’ve only played with this concept in bedrooms, never in a main space.” —Rachel Sherman, Rachel Sloane Interiors, New York
Experiment With Lighting
“I love a lemon color that creates a pop in a room that is otherwise more neutral or full of blues. The same effect can occur when orange is injected into a room. I love oversize light fixtures in a living area. It can actually make the room feel larger. I am working on some large fixtures, which I hope to photograph in place once produced, with my new line with Better Designed Lighting! Playing with the juxtaposition of the outdoor/indoor space so that it is seamless even with windows and doors closed is one of my favorite scenarios. You have to think about how that room reads at night with large window openings. The window treatments and outdoor lighting and other elements make a tremendous difference!” —Joni Burden, J. Banks Design, Hilton Head, South Carolina
History Repeats
“We’ve been seeing [art nouveau] coming up over the last year and are excited to employ the sinuous organic motifs, particularly in bronze. We have a beautiful duplex renovation we’re beginning in the Flatiron neighborhood that integrated this motif into the exterior architectural design of the terraces. [Lacquer] has [also] been gaining in popularity, from furniture to walls. We’re excited to bring this into our work, as it adds a dramatic elegance, especially when paired with midcentury and contemporary pieces. We are currently using this finish in a deep green tone to envelope a library, as well as for a modernist-style bar in a creamy tone.” —Gabriela Gargano, Grisoro Studio, New York
