Trends vs Style
As we enter a new year you will start to be bombarded with trends for 2025
But what are trends? Should we follow them or is knowing your own style more important? Grab yourself a cuppa and we can explore the difference and look at how to avoid blindly following trends!
What are trends?
The word trend refers to the general direction in which something is developing or changing. Trends used to fairly naturally evolve over time as a response to society and world events but in our tech savvy and consumer led world trends are more frequently set by “experts” who have a vested interest in you buying their product.
It would certainly be true that social media has accelerated the speed of trends coming in and out and made it much easier to receive conflicting advice on what is on trend and what is not.
When I’m working with a client I alway try to steer them away from trends if I know it doesn’t fit their core values, style or personality. Trends often dilute the look you are trying to achieve and don’t always help you to deliver a design with longevitiy.
How do I know if I am being influenced by a trend?
They key to knowing whether you genuinely like something or are being influenced (which lets be clear, happens to us all!) is to ask your self these two questions :
1) Will I like it in 5 years?
2) Would I have liked it 5 years ago?
There are obviously no right or wrong answers here so get interested in what your feelings are in response to the questions.
Finding your style to help you convey your story is they key to creating a space that is truly personal to you and those with whom you live.
2024 Trends
Colour, Colour Drenching & Maximilism
Now I can’t pretend to be upset about these 2024 trends because they 100% are my style!
Colour was everywhere in 2024 and it is here to stay for 2025. Gone are the days where grey was the default now pink is a neutral and I am here for it. I always encourage my clients to be braver with colour because I truly believe that colour is synonymous with happiness.
Colours don’t have to be bright to bring you joy but do try taking a step away from white and see where it takes you.
Colour drenching was popular in fashion and interiors through 2024 (interior trends often follow fashion). Colour drenching involves painting all elements of a room a single hue — from the ceiling to the floor, including skirting boards, doors, light fixtures, and even window treatments in some cases. Colour drenching creates a cocooning impact and removes any need for cutting in which is always a win in my book!
We also saw many more maximilist interiors which encourage a celebration of vibrancy and unabashed self-expression. Maximilist trends often occur during unsettled political times as people seek solice in items that bring them joy. You are a maximilist if you believe in you home that more is more!
Image Credit : Brenty Darby
Curves
Curves were everywhere in 2025, architecturally in rounded windows and arched entryways to curved furniture, sofas and cushions. Curves bring softness to any space in which they are used, they also add a sense of luxury (they are more expensive to produce and usually involve more skill).
Using straight lines and sharp edges can be monotonous and curves, when used smartly can enhance natural lighting and encourage flow from one room to another. Curves are also increasingly being used in gardens to blur the distinction between indoor and outdoor spaces.
2025 Trends
The Unfitted Kitchen
There is a move away from coordinated units and having everything built-in to an unfitted kitchen, this is directly linked to the increase in people’s interest in using vintage items in their home. The benefit of this look is that if you move you can take it with you but if you are buying a house that has a freestanding kitchen, be warned it may not be there when you move in!
The Statement Hallway
Having a statement hallway is always something I encourage my clients to do so I am thrilled to see it being predicted as a trend for 2025. Your hallway is an excellent space in which to be brave with your designs as it is an area of your home you will see multiple times every day but rarely one is which you will linger. This, along with the downstairs loo makes it the best place to go a little wild with pattern and colour.
The below hallway is so full personality and belongs to Ms Pink & Mrs Black, not created in 2024 as they have a clear personal style that they have embraced throughout their wonderful home.
Hallway of Ms Pink & Mr Black Image Credit: Anna Stathaki /The Observer
Wall lamps
There is a growing number of videos on social media showing a dislike for the ‘big light’ (I think this is also linked to increased awareness of neurodiversity and related sensory design) But this means that wall lamps are being given their moment. Aided by the fact that an increasing number of suppliers (note what I said earlier about who drives trends) are making battery powered wall lights removing the need for electricians channelling cables into your walls.
Wall lights are brilliant as they provide the same soft and romantic glow as table lamps but don’t rely on needing a surface to sit on.
Beat the January Blues!
Do you desire a home that supports you? That brings you joy? That you are proud to invite friends and family into?
Do you wish you had design that flowed effortlessly through your home?
It’s not easy, but by working with me it is entirely possible.