2025 Design and Renovation Trends

Renovation trends are more than fleeting aesthetics—they reflect broader cultural shifts, evolving technology, and changes in how we live. For renovators in 2025, the key lies in understanding why these trends resonate and how to incorporate them into a home thoughtfully and effectively. Here’s a comprehensive analysis of this year’s leading trends, their origins, and the practical considerations behind them.

1. Earthy Tones & Natural Materials

The Context As wellness and sustainability dominate design conversations, earthy tones like terracotta, olive green, and taupe are finding their place in interiors. These colours, combined with materials like timber, stone, and clay, create a grounded aesthetic that reflects our desire to reconnect with nature.

Key Insights

• Advantages: These tones and materials exude warmth and timelessness, making them a solid choice for creating calm, inviting spaces. The texture of natural materials enhances depth and interest.
• Challenges: High-quality natural materials often come at a premium, both in cost and maintenance. Overuse can lead to spaces that feel overly heavy; pairing with light accents or modern touches is crucial.

2. Flexible Living Spaces

The Context The shift toward hybrid work and evolving family needs has made flexible design a cornerstone of renovations. Homes now require spaces that seamlessly adapt to roles like offices, play areas, or guest rooms.

Key Insights

• Advantages: Flexible layouts maximise utility and future-proof homes for changing needs. Thoughtful zoning can make even open-plan spaces feel functional and intentional.
• Challenges: Poor execution—like inadequate soundproofing or impractical layouts—can lead to frustration. A strategic approach to space planning is essential for success.

3. Sustainable Choices

The Context Eco-consciousness is no longer optional. Rising energy costs and increased awareness of environmental impact are driving the demand for sustainable materials, energy-efficient systems, and passive design principles.

Key Insights

• Advantages: Sustainable renovations reduce long-term costs through energy efficiency and often qualify for incentives. Materials like reclaimed wood or recycled composites can bring unique character to a space.
• Challenges: Upfront investment can be significant, and verifying the true sustainability credentials of suppliers requires diligence.

4. Curves & Organic Shapes

The Context In a departure from hard minimalism, curved forms and organic shapes are being embraced for their ability to soften spaces and introduce movement. Inspired by 1970s design and nature’s inherent fluidity, this trend brings elegance and warmth.

Key Insights

• Advantages: Curved architectural details, such as arched doorways and rounded furniture, create a welcoming and contemporary feel. These elements can also enhance the flow of open-plan spaces.
• Challenges: Custom curved features can be costly and require specialised craftsmanship. Overuse can lead to a space feeling overly stylised rather than cohesive.

5. Bespoke Features

The Context Mass-produced design is giving way to the rise of bespoke craftsmanship. Homeowners are prioritising individuality, incorporating custom cabinetry, artisanal tiles, and handcrafted furniture to create one-of-a-kind spaces.

Key Insights

• Advantages: Bespoke elements offer an unmatched level of personalisation and support local artisans. They can become signature features that elevate the overall design.
• Challenges: Bespoke options often come with higher costs and longer timelines. A cohesive approach is critical to ensure these elements integrate seamlessly into the broader design.

6. Statement Lighting

The Context Lighting has evolved into a defining element of interior design. Beyond function, it now plays a central role in creating ambiance and showcasing architectural features. Advances in technology have also made customisable and energy-efficient lighting more accessible.

Key Insights

• Advantages: Layered lighting plans enhance both functionality and mood, while bold fixtures can serve as art pieces. Thoughtfully placed lighting highlights key areas and adds dimension.
• Challenges: Poorly chosen or placed lighting can detract from the design. Collaboration with lighting designers can ensure balance and integration.

Design Trends & The Designers Behind Them

When exploring renovation trends, it’s not just about the broad ideas—it’s also about knowing where to look for inspiration and the designers or studios who bring these concepts to life. By referencing the work of leading creators, renovators can discover both statement pieces and timeless designs to incorporate into their spaces.

Earthy Tones & Natural Materials

Trend Insight: The shift toward natural palettes and materials reflects a desire for wellness and connection to the environment. Designer Reference:

• Ilse Crawford: Known for her focus on human centered design, Crawford’s work often emphasises warmth and tactility, perfect for spaces inspired by earthy tones and organic materials.
• John Pawson: Master of minimalism, Pawson’s projects use natural stone and timber in a way that feels restrained yet deeply inviting.

Curves & Organic Shapes

Trend Insight: Soft forms and flowing lines are redefining interiors, adding warmth and elegance. Designer Reference:

• Kelly Wearstler: Wearstler’s bold use of curves and sculptural furniture pieces creates dynamic, luxurious spaces that embrace this trend.
• Gubi: This Danish design brand is celebrated for its curved, mid-century-inspired furniture and lighting, ideal for both contemporary and classic spaces.

Statement Lighting

Trend Insight: Lighting has moved beyond function to become a defining design element. Designer Reference:

• Tom Dixon: Renowned for his industrial-inspired yet artistic lighting designs, Dixon’s collections are perfect for creating visual impact.
• Apparatus Studio: With a focus on sculptural and textural elements, Apparatus Studio’s lighting acts as functional art.

Bespoke Features

Trend Insight: Homeowners are leaning toward custom designs to create individuality and luxury. Designer Reference:

• Studiopepe: This Italian duo specialises in designing custom furniture and art installations, making them a go-to for unique and inspiring pieces.
• Faye Toogood: Toogood’s experimental approach to furniture design offers one-of-a-kind elements that add depth and character to any home.

Flexible Living Spaces

Trend Insight: Multi-functional spaces require thoughtful design to balance versatility with comfort. Designer Reference:

• Neri&Hu: Their architecture and product design merge functionality and storytelling, ideal for creating flexible and cohesive spaces.
• Patricia Urquiola: Urquiola’s work often blends innovative forms with practical features, making her designs adaptable for a range of uses.

Bringing It Together

Referencing the work of these designers and studios isn’t just about sourcing statement pieces—it’s about understanding how these elements align with broader trends and how they can elevate a renovation project. Whether you’re considering curved furniture, earthy tones, or bespoke lighting, these creators offer a wealth of inspiration to transform your space into something extraordinary. The Context Design trends are often shaped by visionary creators whose work influences not only aesthetics but also functionality and innovation. In 2025, several product designers and studios are making waves in the renovation and interior design space. Highlighting their contributions can provide renovators with inspiration and an understanding of where the industry is heading.

Key Designers to Watch:

• Patricia Urquiola: Renowned for her ability to blend soft forms with bold textures, Urquiola’s work in furniture and lighting design brings a unique balance of modernity and warmth.
• Tom Dixon: A leader in industrial-inspired lighting and furniture, Dixon’s designs are both sculptural and highly functional, making them a popular choice for statement pieces.
• Neri&Hu: This Shanghai-based studio focuses on merging architecture and design, with an emphasis on storytelling through materials and form.
• Faye Toogood: Known for her experimental approach to furniture design, Toogood’s pieces often double as art, creating focal points in contemporary interiors.
• Studiopepe: An Italian design duo known for blending bold patterns and colours with elegant forms, Studiopepe’s work inspires spaces that feel both daring and cohesive.

Why It Matters: Incorporating pieces or design principles from leading product designers can elevate a renovation by adding layers of thoughtfulness and innovation. These designs often introduce new materials, unexpected forms, and a sense of sophistication that can transform a space.

Balancing Trends with Timeless Design

While trends can inspire, the most successful renovations consider how those trends align with a home’s architecture, environment, and the needs of its inhabitants. Earthy tones might suit one space while overwhelming another, and bespoke features must be planned carefully to avoid overcapitalising. Thoughtful design is about creating harmony—balancing innovation with enduring style.

By understanding not just what is popular but why it matters, renovators can make informed choices that result in spaces that are as functional as they are beautiful.