Annual Homes & Design Issue
By Kristen Dee
This year, interior design is all about making your home look and feel like you. Personality shines with custom room designs, curated antique décor, and bold colors and wallpapers. Earth tones like deep greens, oranges, and even blues are trending, and organic elements and real wood are here to stay. Here, some of our area’s best interior designers and furnishers discuss interior design trends for 2025.
Lindsey FrostFrom rusty orange clay against bright sky blues to deep shadows of forest green wrapped around shades of brown, this year’s design trends are celebrating earth tones! Whether muted for relaxing softness or saturated for moody deep tones, the variation offered in the colors of the earth make for endless design opportunities. At Frost Designs, Inc., our clients are leaning into this trend and we are color-drenching dining rooms in ochre, master bedrooms in rich greens, and powder rooms in warm blues. The colors are amplified, impactful, and add depth to spaces, creating a sense of peace and joy found in nature. Accents in contrasting softer shades of sky blue, coral pink, and moss green bring a joyful balance and an opportunity to layer texture and fabrics collected or inherited. We especially like pairing antique and mid-century modern furniture with these color trends, creating spaces that will endure.
Dylan DudleyFurniture & Merchandise Outlet
The most exciting design trend I’m seeing on the ground selling furniture is an exciting move towards fun and comfort in home design. A few years ago, neutrals took the stage, and more recently texture has added some intrigue to neutral palettes, but I’m seeing clients get more excited by color, texture, natural materials, and thoughtfully mixing and matching concepts that used to be kept separate. We’re carrying more natural stone, types of wood, and colorful custom upholstery than ever before as our clients desire to design a space that fills them with joy. When choosing pieces, consider having as much fun as possible and embrace what feels personal and fun!
Danielle KyleWe’re seeing a shift toward soulful, layered interiors and homes that feel deeply personal. Homeowners are more open-minded than ever, embracing patterns, color, texture, and natural materials that age with grace. Finished spaces are more evolved and less staged, moving away from a decorating mentality and towards organically curated and collected interiors. We’re incorporating natural stone, hand-glazed tiles, marble mosaics, and unlacquered metals that develop a patina. Wallpapers are showing up in unexpected places like mudrooms, hallways, bedrooms, and stairwells, while millwork is being thoughtfully reintroduced, with real profiles replacing overly simplistic trim. There’s a push toward artisanal light fixtures, blown glass, handmade ceramics, and flush mount fixtures replacing standard can lighting. People are looking for authenticity that isn’t dictated by a price tag. They want homes that reflect who they are, with a desire to reconnect with history and create spaces that feel timeless, lived-in, and uniquely theirs.
Carter FowlerIn 2025, we’ve seen a strong trend toward a more natural, organic color palette in furniture design –
soft browns, neutrals, and cozy textures paired with materials like wood and stone. There’s also a noticeable shift toward American-made pieces, with consumers placing greater value on craftsmanship and quality. One of the brands we carry, Stickley, is known for its solid wood furniture, handcrafted in the U.S. Another important trend is the continued emphasis on wellness-focused design. This is furniture created not just to look good, but to make your life better. A great example is Stressless, a Norwegian brand we carry that focuses on comfort and ergonomic support in both mattresses and living room furniture.
Olivia TidwellWhile there are many different design trends thriving in 2025, they all accomplish the same goal: creating personalized spaces that provide maximum comfort for those occupying the space. For those that feel a deeper connection to nature, that might mean the incorporation of earthy tones, natural materials (such as wood, stone, and indoor plants), and an emphasis on natural light. The key to biophilic design is eliminating the barrier between indoor and outdoor whenever possible, so you feel all the benefits of being outdoors within the comfort of your home. For others, it might be layering bold colors and unique patterns that are a direct reflection of their personality. Mindful design starts with an understanding of the client’s personality and the intended use of the space. Starting with a clear vision for a space evolves into a design that is functional, comfortable, and reflective of the individual.
Will JonesTom’s Carpet & Flooring Outlet
At Tom’s Carpet & Flooring, we have noticed that this year is all about combining style with substance. More and more of our customers are loving nature-inspired looks – think wood-look vinyl, stone-style tiles, and moss-toned carpets. These choices don’t just look great – they’re practical too. Additionally, classic wood tones like honey oak and walnut are making a strong comeback, bringing that cozy, timeless feel into homes and businesses alike.
Ryan Kirk KopetThere’s a movement to reintroduce the casual ambience of a keeping room. Adjacent to the kitchen, a keeping room serves as a space for guests, family, and friends to relax and socialize. The advantages of an open-concept kitchen, such as the host’s accessibility and the casual atmosphere, are replicated in a keeping room. This space offers comfortable seating, warm prints and colors, family photos, TVs, and a less formal appearance, all while being separate from the kitchen’s hustle and bustle. It’s an ideal spot to unwind with a cup of coffee and a book or enjoy a glass of wine with a friend while dinner is in the oven. By incorporating meaningful collections, colors, textures, and patterns, you can create a space that reflects your personal style and is enjoyable for everyone, from your children to your closest friends.
Ashley McCaulInterior design continues to evolve by drawing from the past, reinterpreting classic elements through a modern lens – especially in the renewed focus on color and texture. Today’s homeowners are seeking spaces that feel deeply personal, expressive, and intentionally layered. The trend is shifting toward richly saturated hues – think deep yellows, earthy browns, wine reds, and luxurious jewel tones – paired with a mix of wood finishes, metals, and tactile textures. Layering these colors and textures with antiques, custom-designed furniture, and art collections bring warmth, depth, and a sense of collected elegance to interiors that feel curated over time rather than staged.
Frank NolzeSoutheastern Salvage Home Emporium
At the heart of today’s design trends is a growing emphasis on creating spaces that feel cozy, earthy, and intentionally warm. Individuals are curating environments that offer a sense of calming and timelessness in their space. As we get deeper into 2025, the coldness of modern and metal-forward design is depleting, and warm-toned, natural homes are skyrocketing in popularity. We see individuals gravitating towards products like our natural solid-wood butcher block countertops and shelving, patterned tiles and backsplashes, natural wood furniture and lighting, as well as animal skin rugs for décor. These thoughtful choices reflect a desire for authenticity, comfort, and beauty. Using products like these, you can turn everyday spaces into meaningful retreats that nourish, inspire, and truly feel like home.
Megan BondA standout trend for 2025 is the use of plaster, limewash, and Roman clay finishes – not just on walls, but also fireplaces, range hoods, and even showers. These hand-applied surfaces offer a depth and warmth that paint and tile often lack. With their subtle texture and soft, matte sheen, they catch light in a way that brings quiet movement to a space and a custom, artisanal quality. No two applications are exactly alike. Whether surrounding a hearth or lining a minimalist shower, plaster lends a sculptural elegance that feels both timeless and fresh. It’s a tactile kind of luxury – felt as much as seen – that’s reshaping how we define sophistication in the home.
Piper StromattOrganic shapes and curved elements with soft edges create a comfortable feel in any space. Working pantries and sculleries are becoming increasingly popular as people bake and cook more at home. Earth tones and moody jewel tones are replacing cool neutrals for accenting and color drenching. Unique patterns and applications of marble or quartzite are transforming showers, kitchens, and bathrooms, with exotic, one-of-a-kind stones making a lasting impact. Timeless design is in, and layering metals is key. Unlacquered brass adds an old-world feel that ages with the home. The days of using only one metal color per room are over! Limewash, wallpaper, and trim details add visual character to walls without being distracting, and antiques and vintage pieces create a soul for the home that allows for personality. Finally, there is a focus on health seen in the addition of oversized showers, cold plunges, saunas, and home gyms.
Parrish WalkerI am seeing customers searching for American-made furniture, especially pieces that are handcrafted. As far as designs go, I am noticing more interest in walnut and rich earth tones. With younger customers, I am seeing them drawn to lighter stains, like golden and blonde colors.
Cassie CourtneyWe’ve always known that multi-use spaces have been in higher demand since 2020, but the practical need for designing spaces like this has become the new normal. Spaces like home gyms or saunas and areas for gatherings, such as a small golf simulator, are all things we are seeing clients request in their remodels and new construction projects. It’s always good to consider how design ideas will age when planning for an area in your home that could be used for many purposes, and if you are able to maximize more than one function in an area, you will be getting the most value out of your investment.
Chanda ChambersChambers Welding & Fabrication, Corp.
In 2025, we are seeing people embrace industrial aesthetics and refined craftsmanship. Sculptural and artistic staircases and handrails with unique shapes and mixed metals add visual interest while being lightweight and sturdy. Bold wall panels and dividers are adding modern elegance, often featuring textured, geometric, or free-form patterns. Homeowners are moving away from traditional stone and brick around the fireplace, instead opting for custom metal surrounds with a handcrafted look. Metal is also showing up in kitchens and bathrooms, fabricated from stainless steel, copper, and zinc. Mixed metals produce a layered and curated feel, and professional welding and fabrication allow for a seamless finish.
Sonja Sartin-KozelichkiRechargeable portable lamps are trending – LED lamps in fun colors are a great option for lighting up inaccessible spaces or areas without an outlet, especially outdoors. The cordless feature is a big plus, and these lamps add a stylish note. Organic materials are also trending. The paper light fixtures of mid-century designer Isamu Noguchi are classics for a reason. Their simplicity and raw texture look great with the lights on or off, and the natural materials that compose the lights cast a captivating, warm glow when illuminated. Lighting manufacturers use this organic design principle today as they use fabric, woven materials, and paper to create interesting fixtures that double as sculptures. Artisan glass with texture or colors to evoke stained glass elevates lighting. Choosing a unique type of glass in your lighting is an easy way to have your personality show through your décor and add a distinctive touch to any room.
Kristy SteeleIn an age when clutter and complexity can overwhelm our spaces and lives, the modern minimalist approach to interior design emerges as a refreshing and elegant antidote. Minimalism with a cozy twist is a centerpiece of trends in 2025. It’s ushering in a comeback of bold colors and rich jewel tones such as amber, emerald green, and sapphire blue, which pair well with the style and design of dark mid-century style furniture. This is perfect for those looking to add a dramatic flair while keeping warmth and comfort. Our favorite trend of 2025 is quality. As interior design returns to mid-century American style, so does the desire for real wood furniture that will last. Hardwoods lend a better look to this mid-century modernesque trend. A clean-looking coffee table with a nice natural curve, topped with a solo large accessory, will grab the eye of every beholder and stir envy.
Kimberly Varner Kimberly Varner Interior Design
We are seeing a resurgence in brown-toned furniture in many categories, from stained wood to upholstered pieces that bring design to life. These designs and modern takes on the classics update the look. There is a big push into color-drenched designs with whole areas bathed in a single hue, creating bold spaces of color – paint, wallpaper, tile, and applied wood accents – just to name a few. Design keys also focus on statement lighting, rugs, and greenery. Larger scaled light fixtures add warmth, dimension, and elevated architecture. Unique rugs anchor rooms and add visual interest. Finally, greenery statement pieces including trees and floral creations bring the outdoors in, adding touches of nature.
Kathie Penland and Kyle Ferrin5090 South The Furniture Store
Today’s interior design has become a reflection of personal expression. For individuals, design is cultivated from interests, hobbies, and family life. More people are gravitating towards maximalism, bringing in color-drenched rooms, gold finishes, and wonderful textures. This bold shift allows for layered storytelling through art, books, and heirlooms that fill a space with meaning. Patterns are also making a strong comeback. Homeowners are moving away from the once-popular neutral-on-neutral palette and embracing bold prints, textured fabrics, and statement wallpapers. This return to pattern adds depth, warmth, and a sense of personality to each room, making spaces feel more curated and cozy. Whether it’s vintage-inspired patterns, statement lighting, or sustainable furnishings, the common thread is authenticity. Homeowners are less interested in perfection and more drawn to spaces that feel lived-in and uniquely their own. Interior design today isn’t just about trends – it’s about creating a space that tells your story.
Jason FlahertyRiver Valley Blinds, Shades & Shutters
In 2025, window coverings are blending function with style like never before. Smart shades continue to rise in popularity, offering app-controlled convenience, voice integration, and energy efficiency. These features are now more affordable, making high-tech options more accessible. Eco-friendly materials, such as bamboo, organic cotton, and recycled fabrics, are leading the charge in sustainable design. Minimalist aesthetics dominate – think clean lines, soft neutrals, and layered sheers that diffuse light beautifully. Bold statements aren’t out, though. Expect to see patterned drapes and vibrant color blocks making a comeback, especially in eclectic and maximalist interiors. Additionally, retractable screens enhance exterior spaces, providing relief from the sun as well as an insect barrier. Whether upgrading for aesthetics or energy savings, the key trend for 2025 is customization – tailoring window treatments to both lifestyle and design preferences.
Nancy WhaleyI am so excited about the latest design trend – wallpaper! I know some will cringe when they read this, likely because they have tried to remove an old wallpaper. If the walls are not properly prepared for wallpaper, it can be a royal pain to remove it, so preparation is crucial! Wallpaper brings color and warmth into a room and makes the space much more interesting and inviting. Many professional paper hangers do not want to hang the new “peel and stick” papers, so this should be kept in mind when shopping for new wallpaper. One way to bring a little bit of wallpaper into a room is to hang paper on the ceiling. In a small powder bath or any small room, wallpaper on the ceiling adds interest and personality. Designing with wallpaper gives so many more options!
Matt JefferyFinished concrete floors are back, and today’s homeowners and business owners are leaning into tailor-made flooring solutions – whether it’s custom flake colors, terrazzo inlays, or polished concrete finishes that make a statement. It’s no longer about simple and crowd-pleasing design; it’s about creating spaces as unique as the people who live in them.
