The living room is the heart of the home. It’s the place where we settle in, relax with family and friends, and recharge our batteries. It follows, then, that a living room should be a reflection of one’s personal style. “People want something that speaks to their personality instead of looking like everyone else’s home,” says Sarah Tiedeken, partner and designer at Vertical Arts. “All-white, cookie-cutter living rooms are trending out.”
Planning a living room refresh in the new year? We spoke to interior designers about where décor trends are headed for 2025—read on to make your set of sofas and lounge chairs feel of-the-moment.
Personality Via Patina
Interior Design by Storie Collective, Photography by Stacy Zarin Goldberg
In 2025, rooms with character and personality will be everywhere. These coveted spaces all have something in common: a curated collection of furnishings, accessories, and collectibles that carry meaning. To achieve this layered, lived-in look, you’ll need a curated mix of old and new pieces. If you haven’t been lucky enough to inherit a few antiques, then you can always shop for vintage pieces with a beautiful patina.
“We tend to be drawn to items that have a sense of history—whether that’s a leather chair with worn-in charm or a collection of mismatched, artful frames,” says Jessika Gatewood, owner and principal of Gatewood Designs. “Vintage design brings warmth and character, lending personality to living rooms. The result is a space that tells a story and feels truly one-of-a-kind. ”
Bold and Moody Colors
Michelle Zacks Designs
As collective tastes forego white minimalist rooms, there’s a newfound emphasis on color. “People are starting to embrace their personality and color in fun and unique ways,” says Tiedeken. “I really think that’s the root of the maximalism trends that have taken hold recently.”
The trend in living rooms next year will be toward darker, cozier spaces—and colors will be much bolder. “We’re seeing bold and moody color palettes, like a green velvet sectional or a peacock blue sofa,” says Sydney Levy, an interior designer at Anthony Wilder.
Color and Pattern Drenching
Heather Talbert / Jenami Designs
Next year, many designers will lean into color through techniques like color drenching. “This approach involves enveloping a room in the same hue across the walls, trim, ceiling, and sometimes even cabinetry or built-ins,” says Sara Swabb, founder and creative director at Storie Collective. “When done thoughtfully, it creates an immersive, cocoon-like effect that brings a unique depth and cohesion to the space.”
Color choice is important with drenching, too. “Soft, muted greens can transform a room into a serene retreat,” she adds. “Deeper, saturated blues or burgundies can make it feel luxurious and intimate.”
In a similar way, you’ll see wallpaper covering all surfaces next year—a technique called pattern drenching. It’s a method that can make your living room feel very cozy, which is perfect for a movie night with friends.
Bold Ceilings
Decorative ceilings are back. “From intricate moldings and coffered designs to vibrant colors and bold patterns, an eye-catching ceiling can elevate a room’s design,” says Swabb. “It draws the eye upward, and adds a unique focal point that differentiates the space.”
Some common approaches include painting the ceiling the same color as the surrounding walls, or adorning it with wallpaper. You can also keep it simple and let the architectural details speak for themselves.
Blending Vintage and Modern Lighting
Interior Design by Anthony Wilder, Photography by John Cole
Next year, expect to see vintage and modern lighting coexisting in the same room. “By mixing these two distinct styles, designers are creating spaces that are both dynamic and timeless,” says Swabb. “Imagine pairing a sleek, minimalist pendant with a vintage Murano glass lamp or delicate plug-in shaded sconce. This juxtaposition brings character and depth to interiors.”
The key, she says, is achieving harmony between old and new elements through complementary finishes, shapes, or hues. The fixtures should enhance one another—without competing—to achieve a sophisticated, layered look.
Nature-Infused Design
James Merrell
Nature continues to be a driving force in interior design. Biophilic décor is carrying over into next year, and will be a prominent design trend for 2025. “It’s evolving into more refined, intentional spaces that integrate nature not only through greenery, but also through organic materials like reclaimed wood, stone, and natural fibers,” says Gatewood. “It’s about creating a space that feels like a natural extension of the outdoors.”
Shapely, Comfortable Furniture
Marco Ricca
When it comes to furniture, soft lines are in. In 2025, we’ll see these softer silhouettes in everything from curvaceous couches to rounded side tables. “Think plush sofas and chairs with organic lines that invite you to relax,” says Gatewood. “This softer silhouette also contrasts beautifully with more structured pieces, adding dimension and visual interest.”
The lack of sharp, pointed edges is an especially welcome trend for families with younger children. “Our team is seeing a lot of clients request durable, family-friendly furniture that’s forgiving,” says Levy. “Younger clients frequently ask for vintage items that can embrace the wear and tear of their family.”
