An interior design trend that everyone can embrace.Homebuyers are enjoying smaller, cozier spaces that fulfill a specialized function.

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Finally, an interior design trend that everyone can embrace. While many people have returned to an in-person office, many more continue to work from home—and with more time indoors comes a yearning for cozier, warmer spaces.

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Builder Magazine noted that Zillow listings referencing “cozy” have climbed by 35% since last year. Homebuyers are enjoying smaller, cozier spaces while rejecting the pandemic-era demand for greater space. The great room may soon be replaced by smaller, color-coordinated spaces that fulfill a specialized function, such as dens and dining rooms.

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In a world dominated by digital screens, analog pursuits like reading are gaining popularity again, with comfortable reading nooks offering a perfect haven for relaxation and mental refreshment. These cozy spaces often feature comfortable seating, adequate lighting, and personal touches such as bookshelves and decorative accents. A well-designed reading nook can be as simple as a soft armchair and a floor light in a quiet corner, providing a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. By 2025, these nooks will evolve with designs that combine functionality and style to create immersive, inviting settings. Deep, moody hues like purple will set an intimate atmosphere, while plush seating with textured materials ensures comfort. Curated books, sculptural objects, and framed artwork will add personality and elegance, making these spaces ideal for disconnecting from the digital world.

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Get Drenched

While neutral tones have long been a staple in interior design, 2025 is seeing a resurgence of rich, saturated hues like deep forest greens, navy blues, and burgundy shades, which are being used to create cozy, intimate spaces. These bold colors can be applied through wall paint, upholstery, or accent pieces to add depth and character to any room.

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For example, a living room with a deep green accent wall and complementary furnishings can evoke tranquility and sophistication. Color-drenched rooms, featuring a single hue in varying shades, create a cohesive and impactful look, making a statement for those who love playful interiors or want to infuse their space with personality. This trend, which first emerged in 2023, isn’t going anywhere.

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Known as color drenching, it involves painting a whole room—including the walls, ceilings, and trim—in the same color, and has evolved into “double drenching,” where two complementary colors are used throughout the room. This trend is gaining momentum as static, neutral palettes are swapped for more vibrant tones, and 2025 is shaping up to be a year that focuses on patterns, textures and rich colors.

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Throwback Styles

No matter what era you are in, you can look back and find things to like and want to bring back. From nostalgia to practicality, there is always something to be reimagined and reinvented from the past.

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According to House Beautiful, the glamour and elegance of the Art Deco period are experiencing a revival. Incorporating antiques from the 1920s and 1930s adds a touch of luxury and historical significance to interiors. Elements such as mirrored surfaces, bold geometric patterns, and rich materials like marble and brass are characteristic of this style. A living room featuring a vintage mirrored coffee table, a geometric patterned rug, and brass light fixtures can capture the essence of Art Deco sophistication.

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Retro styles are back in vogue, but with a modern twist according to Essential Home. Vintage furniture, bold patterns, and nostalgic decor items can add a touch of history and personality to contemporary homes. Mix and match old and new elements to create unique and eclectic interiors that tell a story.

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According to Zillow, “2025 is set to go full granny, with floral patterns, tapestries, antique furnishings, and chintz making a strong return.” Nostalgia is a growing trend, appearing in 14% more of the site’s listings than in 2023, while “vintage” mentions are up by 9%. The Victorian-era scullery, or second kitchen, is also making a 21st- century comeback.

 

Good Housekeeping notes that In textiles, there is a resurgence of fabrics that look hand-blocked, whether they are or not. Polished cotton prints are also coming around again. Additionally, ‘80s flame stitch is making a comeback, with many companies offering stunning options at a range of price points.

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Lighting and Furniture as Art

In today’s world, it appears that nearly everyone has a collection of some sort, whether that be coins, pocket watches, or furniture. Art is another category that typically ranks high on a collector’s priority list—but it’s a dynamic field. Many envision art as a painting that can be displayed on the wall of a gallery or as a small sculpture placed on a pedestal.

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However, art is increasingly evolving within the realm of interior design. Designers have realized that functional items such as light fixtures, furniture, and even water fixtures can be art themselves that contributes to the beauty of a home.

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With that, more fixtures are starting to look like sculptures and artistic displays on their own.

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House Beautiful agrees, stating that lighting is adopting a more artistic function in the realm of interior design. Sculptural lighting fixtures act as statement pieces, merging practicality with visual allure. Designs that feature geometric shapes, organic forms, and innovative materials are being utilized to enhance sophistication and intrigue in spaces.

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Lighting transcends mere functionality; it is a crucial design component that can transform the mood of a room. Modern lighting fixtures, ranging from oversized pendants to sculptural lamps, can be both practical and visually captivating. Incorporate striking light sources that align with your space’s aesthetic. Furthermore, utilize dimmable lighting to adjust the ambiance of the room throughout the day.