As a new year draws close, so too do fresh perspectives and innovative ideas that inspire us to transform our homes.
We asked some industry insiders for their hottest interior design trend predictions for 2025.
1. Monochromatic minimalism
Escape the clutter and chaos of everyday life by embracing monochromatic minimalism, says designer Matt Woods from Killing Matt Woods. “It provides respite from the visual bombardment we experience through social media and compared to maximalist trends that dominate much of contemporary design, it is calmer, more versatile, and timeless,” he says.
Characterised by clean lines and a tonal palette, monochromatic minimalism creates serene spaces that prioritise functionality and form. “It allows for subtle variations in texture, which add depth and interest without overwhelming a space,” says Woods. “I often embrace it to create calm and cohesion.”
2. Cool chrome
“Designers are looking for ways to add contrast, tension, texture and visual interest and one way to do this is with cooler metals,” says designer Lara Ette. “In 2025, we will see chrome become a prominent choice.”
Cool chrome was the go-to metal during the mid-century era for its gleaming, mirrored finish, durability and affordability and was used for chic furniture accents, tapware and decor. It’s glitzy and glamorous but can read as cold and sterile, so add contrasting elements such as pale timbers, buttery leathers, crisp white with pops of bold colour, organic forms and cosy textiles.
3. Moody mauve
Swathing your interiors in sensual tones impacts the feel of a space and how you experience it. “Next year, it’s about living with moody jewel-like colours that bring drama into the room,” says Bronwyn Riedel from Bauwerk Colour.
“Bauwerk Prun is a soft moody mauve and a new direction for a space where you may usually have considered a neutral.” Mauve is said to make us feel romantic and nostalgic so apply it in your more personal spaces. “It’s perfect for bedrooms and home offices,” says Riedel. “It works beautifully paired with warm linen and cool wood tones.”
4. Space saving
As working from home and intergenerational living becomes increasingly popular, more living space is required. It takes imagination to see the potential in empty or unused spaces, and designer Lily Goodwin from Pattern Studio predicts we will be channelling our creative sides more in 2025.
“We crafted an elevated haven in a recent home renovation for a Surry Hills couple, creating a master bedroom out of a formerly unused attic space (pictured),” she says. “We worked every square centimetre in this terrace refurbishment, challenging typically accepted spatial conventions, with delightful results”.
5. Elevated outdoor areas
Justine Hugh-Jones and Katrina Mackintosh, principals of Hugh-Jones Mackintosh, predict a stronger focus on creating indoor-outdoor connections next year.
“With advances in technology, outdoor furniture and fabrics are leading the way and we will look at how to furnish and elevate these spaces so they look as beautiful as our indoor living areas,” says Hugh-Jones, who gravitates to furniture in whimsical shapes and playful, colourful fabrics.
“We are embracing how to embellish and elevate our outdoor areas, especially with an outdoor kitchen, bar and entertaining area,” she adds. “Now people are focusing on much more than a backyard barbecue; we’re seeing outdoor bars, pizza ovens, Argentine open fire grills and smokers. The options are becoming more diverse.”
6. Get creative with colour
Designer Jase Sullivan is known for his love of vintage furnishings and imaginative use of colour and sees us adding more vibrant tones to our favourite pieces in 2025.
“Staining furniture like cabinets and wardrobes brings personality into interiors,” he says. “For my Byron Bay project (pictured) I stained the dining chairs blue for a Mediterranean look and the coffee table green to complement the pink tone in the sofa.”
Painting furniture shakes up a space’s aesthetic, and allows you to reimagine old or favourite furnishings. “Recently, I stained an entire timber ceiling blue and the wardrobes green. You can have so much fun with colour!“
