HOME DECOR
I’m an interior designer and four trends are making your home feel cold
Plus tips on what colours are going to be on trend next year
WITH Christmas and the New Year looming, some of us might be thinking about giving our homes a freshen-up.
Every new year comes with a fresh start, so it's no wonder that many consider the festive period to be the perfect time to carry out little renovations.
3
3
3
Especially since certain design trends are beginning to fade now as we approach 2025.
And with that in mind, interior designers have revealed the trends to avoid next year to stop our homes from feeling "clinical".
The experts have also shared their top tips on what homeowners can do instead to create a cosy and timeless space.
Cosmin Musatescu, London-based bespoke furniture maker at C-Made said: "The coming year calls for designs that prioritise comfort, versatility, and bold, cohesive choices, setting the stage for spaces that feel both fresh and enduring."
READ MORE FABULOUS
The first thing to avoid in our homes next year is over-the-top minimalism, as this can "drain" your house of any personality.
The experts explained: "Minimalism has its moments, but when taken to extremes, it can drain a space of personality.
The coming year calls for designs that prioritise comfort, versatility, and bold, cohesive choices, setting the stage for spaces that feel both fresh and enduring
Cosmin Musatescu
"Instead of stripping everything down, try incorporating layers with textures and colour accents. Minimalism should be about simplicity, not sterility.”
This also applies to homes that have all-white rooms, with Cosmin saying that this can create a "clinical" feel.
Most read in Fabulous
They added: "All-white rooms are tricky to pull off without feeling clinical. For 2025, move away from plain white and explore earthy neutrals or deeper tones.
"Colours have a transformative power, making a space feel more inviting and tailored.”
I'm an interior designer - Gen Z's trends are different so your decor is aging you, fairy lights and mason jars are out
It's also bad news if you like combining multiple trends in one space, as the experts say this can make your home look "overloaded".
Cosmin explained: “Mixing every trend leads to a lack of cohesion and a crowded aesthetic.
"Instead, choose one or two elements that truly resonate with you, and build from there. Timeless design is about balance, not overload.”
Most of us want a perfect house, but experts say that if it looks too much like a showroom home then it won't feel very genuine.
They added: "Themed rooms can feel like a set rather than a lived-in space.
Comfort is finally being prioritised in design, and rightly so. In 2025, it’s about creating a sanctuary, a place where you can unwind and truly feel at home
Cosmin Musatescu
"For a sophisticated look, take subtle inspiration from a theme rather than creating a ‘showroom effect’. This way, the space still feels genuine and connected to the rest of the home".
Trends to embrace instead
If you are looking to spruce up your home as we head into 2025, then you might want to take note.
Cosmin has shared four trends to embrace instead that are predicted to hit our homes - and it's all about colour and comfort.
The first thing to try is colour drenching, which involves painting walls, trim, and even ceilings in one bold shade.
The experts say this creates an enveloping effect that’s both dramatic and cosy.
They added: "For 2025, I see rich greens, warm terracottas, and metallics becoming favourites.
"This approach brings a room to life and lets the architecture speak for itself.”
Opting for a multifunctional design is also growing more and more popular - especially for those of us who need more from our homes.
Cosmin explains: "Furniture that adapts, like extendable tables or sofa beds, makes a home more versatile without sacrificing style. Each piece should serve multiple purposes, especially in urban spaces.”
7 design choices that help avoid stress
WHILE some people decide to decorate their homes in classic and timeless styles, others prefer something a little more eccentric.
But whatever the choices, what many don't know is that the design of your home can actually have an impact on your mental health. Here are seven design choices to help avoid stress.
- Add some floral flair - not only does it create a more calming environment, but houseplants also act as natural air filters, reducing allergens and improving air quality.
- Indulge in your favourite aromas - the smells in your home can really affect your stress levels, so try scents associated with nature or flowers or linked to happy memories.
- Let the sunlight in - maximising natural light in your home will improve your sleep patterns, motivation, mood and happiness.
- Embrace calming colours - opt for softer colours in the rooms where you want to relax.
- Create a memory corner - filling your home with memories can make you feel happy and cosy and bring a smile to your face.
- Invest in your sleep - investing in things that help you have a good sleep is one way to lower your stress levels like buying blackout curtains or cotton bedding.
- Organise everything - a cluttered home is a stressful home, so organising your space can do wonders for your mental health.
Another way to add more personality to our homes is through pattern play - this adds dimension and boldness if used thoughtfully.
The experts say: "Mixing patterns can be bold but stick to complementary tones to avoid chaos.
"This year, I see a lot of interest in geometric and organic patterns that lend texture and interest without overwhelming.”
And finally, to make your home a comfort haven, adding super comfortable furnishings is on trend for 2025.
Cosmin revealed: "Comfort is finally being prioritised in design, and rightly so.
"In 2025, soft textures, deep-seated sofas, and layered materials are coming in strong.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
"It’s about creating a sanctuary, a place where you can unwind and truly feel at home.”
Topics