I Hate to Burst Your Bubble, But I’m a Home Editor, And These Five Trends Are Officially Done for 2025

To the untrained eye, design trends can feel as random as a Jackson Pollock painting—one minute it’s all about rattan and rustic, and the next, it’s gleaming brass and big slabs of marble. Yet, as someone who spends (far too much) time wandering through art galleries and museums, I can tell you this: You don’t need a crystal ball to predict what’s next. History has always held the blueprint for where interiors are headed—because design is as cyclical as the cultural moods, economic shifts and technological breakthroughs of the times.

After the ‘70s—when lava lamps, wooden panels, Cesca chairs and avocado kitchens made every home feel like the set of That ’70s Show—we pivoted ‘80s maximalism, featuring Studio 54 disco, high-shine metallics and an obsession with gloss and glass. Then came the ‘90s, a retreat into traditional rustic: dark wood, Ralph Lauren plaid, and country club styling at its height. We then saw the pendulum swing back to in-your-face opulence in the aughts—Gossip Girl maximalism, Jonathan Adler lacquer and Kardashian-approved black and white. And finally, as if on cue, Joanna Gaines swept in with rural modern farmhouse; a trend so pervasive it practically became a cultural uniform. (See where I’m going with this?)

Design is the ultimate storyteller of the times. The back-and-forth between warm, wooden comfort and high-shine glamour is as predictable—and as dramatic—as the rise and fall of NASDAQ. So now, after cocooning ourselves in cozy, COVID-era cottagecore, we’re emerging with a reclaimed appetite for glitz, glam and unapologetic flair. So welcome back, disco queens, and xoxo, Gossip Girl to cottagecore fans. (Don’t worry, your stoneware teapot’s time will come again.) Here’s what’s out for 2024 and what you can expect to see in 2025.

First, let’s start with the rise (and predictable fall) of blonde oak. For a minute, its pale, airy aesthetic promised to transform every kitchen into a Pinterest-worthy Scandinavian retreat. Designers hailed its ability to strike a balance between sleek minimalism and rustic charm, but somewhere along the way, it started to feel…well, stale. The clean, blonde finishes that once felt fresh now come across as flat and one-dimensional, creating spaces that lack warmth, depth and—frankly—character. (And don’t get me started on the maintenance; the lighter the wood, the more it shows scratches, scuffs and stains—a detail many homeowners realized far too late.)

My sister works for a modeling agency, and when they recently redid their gorgeous Chelsea office, one design element stole the show: lacquer and glass. (And let’s be real—if Kendall Jenner’s agent is embracing it, you know he’s onto something.) Think glossy lacquer cabinets, metal-framed glass panels and reflective surfaces that bounce light while adding a sense of drama. Walnut wood and deep jewel tones—emerald, aubergine, even midnight blue—paired with brass hardware can also create a bold statement. (Just be sure to add a touch of smoked or antique glass to ground the look and keep it from feeling too trendy.) It’s a mix of materials strikes the perfect balance between contemporary glam and old-world sophistication.

I’ll admit: For a while, I was a tone-on-tone devotee. There’s something undeniably serene about layering different shades of cream, beige or white—soft boucle headboards, linen curtains swaying gently in the breeze, shag rugs so plush they feel like clouds underfoot. But here’s the thing: At some point, you step back and realize your bedroom is starting to look like a luxury marshmallow—soft, monochromatic and entirely too safe. The idea behind tonal textures was to create understated elegance, but when everything from your throw pillows to your accent chair exists in the same narrow spectrum of neutrals, the result feels more showroom than sanctuary. What once felt refined now comes across as overly curated, leaving spaces flat and predictable instead of inviting or memorable.

If tone-on-tone texture is the shy sibling of design, pattern drenching is the bold cousin who steals the spotlight. This theme is all about unapologetic layering—florals over stripes, geometrics paired with chinoiserie, burlwood accented by brass. Think of a moody, velvet armchair nestled under a striped silk canopy or a wallpapered bedroom where the drapery matches the walls in a “so wrong it’s right” kind of way. To that end, when done right, pattern drenching adds depth, energy and an undeniable sense of personality. It’s about curating unexpected combinations that tell a story, not creating chaos. The key here is balance—pair large-scale patterns with smaller prints to keep the look intentional and stick to a complementary color palette to avoid sensory overload. It’s dramatic, yes, but in the best way possible: a room that feels alive, layered and entirely unforgettable.

Fun fact: The very first article I wrote for PureWow (circa 2021) was about the organic modern trend that took over Instagram shortly thereafter. It was all about utilizing hard surface materials—or raw-edge stones—like travertine and cement, creating a look that was equal parts natural and minimal. Back then, it felt groundbreaking: a way to merge sleek minimalism with earthy textures. But fast forward to 2024, and organic modern has become a bit overplayed, leaving spaces feeling cold, hard and almost…unfinished. In practice, it has too many smooth surfaces and hard edges without enough softness to balance them out. Neutral tones, which were meant to feel calming, now teeter on lifeless when paired with nothing but bare cement, slate or raw travertine tables. What was once an homage to Frank Lloyd Wright’s seamless blend of architecture and nature has veered dangerously close to resembling a high-end spa lobby—beautiful, but hardly cozy or inviting.

Instead of leaning into stone and cement, it’s time to introduce the rich, textured beauty of burlwood—a material that’s having a major comeback right now. With its unique, swirling grain patterns—almost like a Rorschach test for design lovers—it brings a level of depth and texture that’s impossible to replicate. Formed as an outgrowth on trees, each piece is one of a kind, making it the antithesis of mass-produced furniture. The honeyed tones and intricate patterns instantly elevate any space, creating a rustic yet refined feel. And the best part? Burlwood doesn’t require a huge commitment. Sure, a built-in desk or vanity will stop you in your tracks (I, for one, can’t stop swooning over the stunning Soho Home vanity above), but you can also dip your toe in the trend with smaller accents. Think: side tables, gallery frames or even coasters to add a hint of character without overwhelming the room. It’s the perfect material to replace the flat sterility of stone-heavy interiors.

Another trend I called four years ago? That fluted details would be huge in 2021—and they were. Hailed as the ultimate way to add texture and depth, fluted grooves have been everywhere—from bathroom vanities to kitchen islands to sideboards that seemed to grace every home tour on Instagram. And while those ribbed, vertical lines promised to inject a touch of elegance with an edge, they’ve now crossed into overexposed territory. Not only do flutes have a tendency to feel repetitive and, at times, overly structured but what initially felt like a thoughtful nod to midcentury modern sleek now reads as a design crutch—especially when entire spaces are covered in ridges. Let’s face it: When a trend starts popping up on every DIY TikTok, it’s time to rethink.

If there’s one trend I’ve been *begging* to see more of, it’s bubble stacks. Formally known in the design world as Hemsworth legs, this millwork detail is all about rounded, stacked forms that add a sense of whimsy and eclecticism. They create visual interest without feeling overly fussy, thanks to their smooth curves and dimensionality, and it’s the perfect compromise between playful architecture and polished living. Plus, while you’ve likely seen these sculptural shapes pop up on custom kitchen islands, their real beauty is their versatility. They’re just as stunning in smaller, non-committal pieces like bedpost frames, side tables and even statement lamps. You can lean into the look with a major statement piece or simply accessorize with it; a win-win for anyone who’s craving sculptural elegance without the spend.

Ah, bouclé—the cozy fabric that made us all feel like we were living inside a chic cloud. For a while, sculptural bouclé chairs and sofas dominated interiors, offering soft curves wrapped in textured, tactile bliss. Lately, however, the look has become so ubiquitous that it’s starting to feel less like a design statement and more like a shortcut. Those chunky, curvilinear forms, once renowned for their softness, now feel bulky, impractical, and, dare I say, cheugy (even using the word cheugy feels cheugy now). Plus, the issue isn’t just the design’s omnipresence—it’s the lack of versatility. Its distinct shape doesn’t always play nicely with other pieces in a room, and the fabric, while inviting, is notoriously difficult to clean. It’s a style that screams “sink into me” but in reality, it doesn’t deliver on comfort or practicality.

Why settle for a bouclé armchair that everyone has when you can have a seat that tells a story? Enter one-of-a-kind statement seating—pieces that double as functional art. The hanging daybed above, crafted by Thomas Hayes Studio, is the perfect example of how a single design element can elevate a room. With its leather and sheepskin details suspended on gleaming brass chains, it’s equal parts cozy and sculptural—a showstopper that feels personal and bold. And of course, if a swing isn’t your style, you can find plenty of unique seating options to make your space unforgettable. Try sourcing from 1stDibs or Chairish for high-end vintage finds or hunting through your local Sunday flea (a true New Yorker’s pastime). Even Facebook Marketplace can yield some great finds if you’re willing to dig. Just keep an eye out for pieces with unconventional shapes, unexpected materials or artisanal craftsmanship—like a restored leather armchair, a carved wood bench or a reupholstered midcentury gem.