Designers have thrown out the old rulebook for 2025. They’re mixing natural materials with smart technology, breaking color “rules” that once seemed untouchable, and transforming simple spaces into multifunctional rooms that adapt to our lives. After interviewing 25 top designers about their upcoming projects, clear patterns emerged. Some trends build on familiar ideas while others push into fresh territory, with electronic glass walls that shift from clear to opaque at a touch.
1. Mixed Materials Create Fresh Interest
Sheryl McLean combines unexpected materials in striking ways. Her latest projects mix metallic finishes with cork walls, woven metals alongside natural fibers. “Each surface needs to play off the others,” she explains. Fine silver threads weave through golden wallpapers, while hammered copper catches light from smooth marble surfaces. Custom millwork incorporates metal inlays with natural wood grain. The combinations create depth without relying on bold colors. Textural contrasts define spaces and draw eyes to architectural details.