Designers have shared the top 17 living room trends everyone will be talking about in 2025
From intentional personalization to color confidence, embrace the new era of living room ideas with these 17 transformative trends
- 1. Intentional personalization
- 2. Custom upholstery
- 3. Folk-inspired decor
- 4. Color layering
- 5. Cocooning seating plans
- 6. Eclectic mix of vintage pieces
- 7. A considered lighting scheme
- 8. Biophilic design
- 9. Hidden TV's prevail
- 10. Nod to nostalgia
- 11. Creative and decorative storage
- 12. Pops of animal print
- 13. A color-confident palette
- 14. Deep, dark wood tones
- 15. Factor in florals
- 16. Play with pattern
- 17. Introduce unexpected color combinations
Knowing the latest living room trends will set you up with everything you need for a successful redesign of your space; from the best colors to use, to styles of furniture, lighting, accessories, and more.
As a central hub of your home, your living room ideas need to work hard to be both comfortable and multifunctional. From the resurgence of deep wood tones to the rise of folk-inspired decor, living rooms are embracing rich textures, bold choices, and layers of history in 2025.
To help you know what's really 'on trend' rather than focusing on fading fads, we've spoken to interior designers to give us their thoughts on the latest living room trends that will endure. Timeless, cozy, and inviting, here are the 17 living room trends taking over in 2025.
17 Living Room Trends Dominating In 2025
When harnessing the latest interior design trends to design a living room, ensure to establish a space that is welcoming, beautiful, and practical. There is always room to add trending pieces in the way of accessories that can be easily swapped out, but to create space that will never date you're going to want to start with a timeless foundation.
'Crafting a welcoming living space entails various elements: from snug throws and plush pillows to suitable lighting and decor that mirrors your unique taste while fostering a tranquil and cohesive ambiance,' suggests Christine Carney, director of design at Blackberry Farm Design.
There is always room for improvement and inspiring change with the latest living room trends. So, to leave you suitably inspired to upgrade your living room with confidence, here are our top 17 living room trends designers have picked for the coming year.
1. Intentional personalization
'Going into the year ahead, we are going to see a shift away from the super-minimal, pared-back, and understated look that’s been popular for a while now, in favor of a move toward a more intentionally personal, individualized style of decoration and design, alongside unique bespoke solutions,' observes Laura Hammett, creative director and founder of luxury homeware brand Laura Hammett Living.
Sign up to the Homes & Gardens newsletter
Design expertise in your inbox – from inspiring decorating ideas and beautiful celebrity homes to practical gardening advice and shopping round-ups.
'It’s all about evoking a feeling over achieving a look,' says Laura. 'A trend I’ve noticed more and more from our clients is that they want unique conversation pieces with a story behind them. In a world of following trends, we still crave something distinctive and unrepeatable because our homes are a reflection of who we are and how we live,' she adds.
The key is to curate a space over time with pieces that you love and bring you a nostalgic sense of joy – perhaps that is items you've bought on travels or family heirlooms layered together with more contemporary pieces.
2. Custom upholstery
In another nod to individualism, designer Kathy Kuo is predicting a move toward custom furniture in the living room in 2025. While off-the-shelf pieces offer convenience and a budget-friendly approach, custom upholstery allows for unparalleled personalization and quality.
'I think more and more people are going to be investing in custom upholstery for their living room furniture in the year to come,' Kathy tells us. 'A big anchor piece – like a sofa, sectional, chaise, or armchair – is always going to be a significant piece of your living room budget if you want furnishings that are expertly crafted and built to last... so why not go the final extra mile to ensure you're totally in love with the item?'
'Custom upholstery is more accessible than ever (we launched a custom line last year at Kathy Kuo Home) and it's never been easier to order swatches or meet with an expert to get your questions answered,' she advises. 'As a result of this trend in custom pieces, living rooms will be looking both more upscale and more original!'
3. Folk-inspired decor
Rooted in traditional motifs and hand-crafted techniques, folk-inspired decor adds a layer of warmth and authenticity to living rooms that we have perhaps missed in previous years.
David Harris, design director at design house Andrew Martin, says: 'The world of design is taking an exciting turn towards embracing warmth, comfort, and a rich tapestry of colors and textures. The color palette for 2025 is all about evoking a sense of warmth.'
'In terms of fabrics and textures, trends for 2025 are showcasing a vibrant blend of cultural influences and artistic expressions, with a notable emphasis on folk-inspired embroidery and South American textiles,' adds David. 'Embroidery techniques such as chain stitch and crewelwork will be used to add texture and dimension to fabrics, creating a handcrafted look that stands out in any space.'
Designed in collaboration with Irish ceramics designer Andrew Ludick this folk sham is designed with rich modern hues for a contemporary twist on traditional prints.
4. Color layering
By now, you'll be more than familiar with the idea of color drenching – aka the paint technique of taking your wall color up and over your ceiling, window trims, molding, skirtings, doors, etc. You name it, we're drenching it. But have you heard of color layering?
'Color drenching remains a strong trend in living rooms, but to give that trend extra depth and stay powder, turn it up a notch and try color layering,' suggests interior designer Bethany Adams. 'Color layering is when you take several shades, hues, or tones of the same rich color and layer them in different applications. Think walls, furnishings, artworks, etc. to achieve a more sophisticated and nuanced color story than the single color palettes we're used to seeing.'
By layering colors thoughtfully, homeowners can create spaces that feel luxurious, sophisticated, and multi-dimensional. Start with a base color that sets the mood, then layer in complementary hues through paint, textiles, or accessories and consider incorporating different textures and finishes to further enhance the color story – from matte to glossy, smooth to textured.
5. Cocooning seating plans
'Gone are the uptight cocktail sofas that offer a stiff perch, replaced by deep, slouchy seating designed to make you kick up your feet and sprawl out. The importance of curating a space to re-connect with friends and loved ones has been brought into focus,' notes Martin Waller, founder of Andrew Martin.
'Comfortable seating requires pieces big enough to lounge on however many guests you are entertaining,' says Martin. 'A mix of both sofas and chairs is key to making sure everyone gets a seat, extra depth means these remain relaxing even with lots of people, and an array of floor cushions are essential for both comfort and providing additional seating when necessary,' Martin advises.
As we continue to find new ways to make our homes even more comfortable, cozy, and relaxing, many designers are moving away from harsh and strict straight lines and incorporating more curvaceous, free-flowing forms across furniture trends.
Juliette Thomas, founder and director of Juliettes Interiors says, 'Curved furniture, especially sofas and armchairs, will be popular in 2025 – bringing a welcome softness to living spaces. These will be adorned in light colors and textured fabrics like shades of white and cream,' Juliette adds.
With a retro print and fringe detailing, this small ottoman feels like a modern take on the 1970s style. The perfect statement piece to put your feet up on at the end of the day.
6. Eclectic mix of vintage pieces
There is a growing appreciation for the careful curation of vintage furniture and antique pieces in interiors right now. Mixing modern pieces with vintage finds adds layers of interest and creates a sense of personality within a space.
The key to successfully incorporating an eclectic mix lies in striking a balance between contrasting elements while maintaining cohesion. 'Usually, I will instinctively start with one object, art piece, or piece of furniture that appeals to me and that will become the living room's focal point,' advises interior designer Victoria Maria.
Select pieces that speak to you personally and resonate with the overall aesthetic of the space. Whether it's a mid-century modern armchair or a quirky vintage lamp, each antique furniture piece should contribute to the story you're telling. 'I also try to embrace a rich tapestry of warm colors and tones, as their ability to infuse any room with energy, vibrancy, and coziness is something everyone desires in their living spaces,' Victoria adds.
7. A considered lighting scheme
A living room often serves multiple functions, therefore, your living room lighting ideas need to be carefully thought through so each zone of the space is perfectly illuminated.
Gone are the days of simply turning on the 'big light', a living room should instead have many welcoming pools of light, and a mix of both practical, task lighting and ambient, decorative light sources. Scarlett Hampton, co-founder of lights&lamps says, 'Don’t just rely on just a single overhead light. Layer lighting levels from several sources, with a mix of table lamps on surfaces, floor lamps, and wall lights to cast a cozy glow. Also, highlight any focal point features or architectural details with accent lighting.' This is a technique known as 'lampscaping'.
To create a cozy reading nook, use picture lights in combination with artwork to establish a striking gallery wall. Finding the right living room lighting will ensure that your space is both functional, inviting, and of course, nice and cozy.
Designed by Joanna Gaines, this 'build your own lamp' from Magnolia can be mixed and matched with different shades to complement the on-trend burgundy base.
8. Biophilic design
Biophilic design seeks to integrate natural elements and patterns into the built environment, fostering a sense of harmony, well-being, and vitality. 'I love the idea of biophilic design, which encompasses an abundance of natural light and incorporates plants, florals, and natural materials, like wood, stone, wool, linen, and sheepskin,' explains Molly Torres Portnof of DATE Interiors.
‘Green wallpapers with botanical or leafy motifs sit comfortably in any interior scheme because of their relationship with the natural environment and our longing to bring the outdoors inside,' says Ruther Mottershead, creative director at Little Greene.
Moreover, the biophilic design style encompasses the use of natural materials and textures to evoke the experiences of nature. 'We feel soothed by green and its neutral base – it is neither too warm, nor too cool. Adding green to your living room will help to create a restful, positive space that will harness the calming effects of nature indoors. Even greens at the brighter and bolder end of the spectrum such as emerald or forest green will provide a serene sense of calm alongside their energizing impact on an interior,' she adds.
9. Hidden TV's prevail
While we all use and love them, there is no denying that a large television is an eyesore in your carefully designed living room. So, concealing the TV when not in use with options such as motorized lifts, sliding panels, or custom cabinetry allows for a more versatile and visually cohesive space. It's about finding that delicate balance between function and design.
Alternatively, you might favor a living room design that loses the TV entirely. 'This is more of a timeless design choice than a trend, but I've been seeing a lot of living rooms (including my own!) lately that are designed without a television,' says designer Kathy Kuo. 'I love the idea of designing your living room around gathering and connection, maybe you have a bar cabinet or a game table instead of a TV cabinet, rather than media viewing.'
'I like the fact that I have my TV tucked away in a separate media room so that I don't need to consider it every time I want to rearrange my living room furniture and decor.'
10. Nod to nostalgia
From the rapid rise of 1970's-inspired decor to an eclectic mix of new furniture and second-hand or antique buys, this year will see a beautiful blend of the old and new in interior design, paying homage to designs and crafts of the past with styles of the present.
This retro living room trend does not follow a set of design rules or a strict theme, it instead focuses on our spaces becoming true expressions of who we are, through a more individual and 'collected' look.
Vinterior's brand director, Lucy Ward, refers to this style as the 'Hipstoric Home' trend, she explains, 'Homeowners will marry vintage and modern to embrace a truly maximalist feel. Key ways to do this include:
- Spread out where you shop – diversify how you obtain your furniture for that truly eclectic look and feel.
- Mix textures and finishes – the ‘hipstoric’ trend is all about being eclectic and unique with your style, so a one layer landscape will stop any chance of achieving this.
- Stick to 3 decades a room – sticking to 3 decades a room can ensure you avoid the space feeling confused and cluttered, rather than characterful and quirky.
- Clashing colors – although there are certain things to avoid to ensure you get the right balance in your space, clashing colors are nothing to be afraid of.
- Draw inspiration – starting from scratch with a big project can be overwhelming, and often leads to us playing it safe with our interiors. Instead of shying away, turn to other people's work to give you the confidence you need.
11. Creative and decorative storage
Living room shelving is a great feature in your lounge space as it provides somewhere to display your most prized possessions and lean further into the design story of the space.
‘I love a wraparound book storage idea – it makes a room feel so cozy, and in a painted finish it isn’t as heavy or traditional as a natural wood finish can feel,’ says interior designer Elizabeth Hay, who designed this scheme seen above. This wonderfully bright blue colorway is also broken up by the textured wallcovering behind the living room sofa, allowing the space and artwork to breathe.
To create a cohesive scheme with your living room storage ideas, link the paint to the upholstery, perhaps by adding cushions, throws, and trimmings in similar shades. It’s worth selecting a second or third ‘lead’ color – done with red and green here – so that you can link in more elements of the space without it seeming too ‘done’ and overly coordinated.
12. Pops of animal print
When used thoughtfully, pops of animal print can infuse a room with a sense of playfulness and sophistication. While they seem a little bold and brash, decorating with animal prints is a focal point that injects personality and ties the entire space together.
The key is to exercise restraint with this one. Rather than overwhelming a space with animal prints, opt for subtle accents that create a sense of intrigue. Consider incorporating animal prints in smaller accessories such as throw pillows, rugs, or upholstered chairs. This allows for flexibility in experimenting with different patterns and textures while maintaining harmony within the space.
From the understated elegance of a leopard print (leopard print is a neutral!) to the bold statement of zebra stripes, there's a print to suit every aesthetic. Whether used in a traditional, eclectic, or modern setting, they add a layer of richness and complexity to the design.
13. A color-confident palette
When you typically consider using paint trends to create impact in a room, the first thought tends to be drenching the walls in a bright hue. While this is a tried and tested way of creating a statement, there are more delicate ways to achieve just as much of an impact.
In this scheme, seen above, by interior designer Anna Spiro, a high-gloss white paint on the walls bounces around light, making the surfaces nearly appear liquid with shine. Plus, it's worth noting that yellow and all its buttery iterations will continue to be popular in 2025.
'We're also seeing a resurgence of rich and earthy tones – think warm reds, deep browns, rustic bricks, lush greens, calming blues, and timeless naturals. These hues not only add a touch of sophistication to a space but also create an inviting atmosphere,' adds David from Andrew Martin.
14. Deep, dark wood tones
'2025 will see the return of rustic, dark woods in rich chocolatey tones,' notes Neel Bradham from Parador.
Deep, warm, and dark wood tones are making a dramatic comeback in living room design, offering a rich and sophisticated alternative to the lighter wood finishes that have dominated in recent years. These moody finishes – think walnut, mahogany, or ebony – bring a sense of luxury and timelessness to a living room.
'A smoked walnut flooring, for example, adds the perfect amount of drama and contrast to what is otherwise a bright, airy space,' suggests Neel. 'This is especially great for creating an inviting, warm ambiance and embracing the Scandinavian concept of ‘hygge’ – a term which describes a mood of coziness, defined by feelings of wellness and contentment. Scandinavian-style interiors often call to mind pale, whitewashed wood floors, but don’t be afraid to draw on darker woods as well.'
15. Factor in florals
A classic spring decor trend, nothing signifies the start of the new season like a floral. The delicate but impactful nature of florals can add a new dimension to any scheme, whether traditional or contemporary.
In recent years, we’ve seen wallpaper trends dominated with tropical and painterly florals, chintz, and oversized blooms dominant, but this year will also see many ditsy, delicate designs emerging. Think poppies, buttercups, and foxgloves growing wild across your walls for a classic English cottagecore feel.
And don't overlook the beauty of a pop of floral in a cushion or fresh flowers and foliage in a vase arrangement to breathe new life into your living room this new year.
16. Play with pattern
Decorating with pattern is a great way to introduce color and character into a room. 'Pattern can be used to define a space and change the tone of different areas,’ advises Bunny Turner, interior designer at Turner Pocock. ‘For example, you might want a bolder pattern on upholstery in a formal living area, with a contrasting pattern in an adjacent snug.’
The key is to start with a fabric that has a striking pattern featuring more than three colors. From that fabric, choose the colors to be used in the scheme, then select a combination of designs in that palette – perhaps a stripe, a geometric, a floral, and a textural option such as a coarse linen or herringbone.
‘Consider, too, the amount of pattern on show,’ she says. ‘If you have a large patterned sofa, let it breathe by opting for plain curtains or ones lined with a fine design.’
17. Introduce unexpected color combinations
A carefully considered clashing color combination can create a living room that truly sings with joy. This is a space for both socializing and retreat, so you want shades that both enliven and comfort you. Color confidence is bringing an impactful new energy into interiors in 2025.
‘Pink and green is one of my favorite unexpected color combinations – they play really well off each other and it’s a great way to cheer up a room,’ says Lucy Barlow, founder, Barlow & Barlow.
Balance is key, especially as many people are still working from home. Integrating more neutral tones to offset your bold hues can help bring calm when you need to focus, but then you can turn around and be energized when it’s time to switch off for the day and allow the room to return to its primary function.
What are the color trends for living rooms in 2025?
Juliette Thomas of Juliettes Interiors says, 'Providing a rich and moodier feel to spaces, homeowners will look towards darker and warm color palettes for their interiors. From furniture to wall color to soft furnishings, pair sumptuous tones with rich accents and materials such as brass and velvet.'
2025 will also see grounding palettes with inspiration from the natural world remain popular, with a heavy focus on rich greens, deep blues, muddy browns, and rich chocolate hues.
As we have discussed in this piece, many of us are also becoming increasingly confident with using color in the home. From bold-painted accent walls and even an accent ceiling to unexpected color combinations, this is the year for a more adventurous and daring color palette in the home.
What living room trends are out for 2025?
Of course, as is the nature of trends, some will remain ever-enduring year after year, and others, unfortunately, will fall flat.
Some of the most outdated living room trends include decorating with gray and beige – instead we are choosing warmer neutrals such as pink and yellow and or opting for bolder colors rich in character. Additionally, we're leaning away from things that are making a home look dated like matching furniture sets and heavy carpeting.
As discussed, open-plan living has been pushed to one side in favor of more cozy, broken-plan spaces, and minimalism is taking a back seat whilst maximalist decor, with spaces full of eclectic finds and a unique union of styles, takes center stage.
Jennifer is the Digital Editor at Homes & Gardens. Having worked in the interiors industry for a number of years, spanning many publications, she now hones her digital prowess on the 'best interiors website' in the world. Multi-skilled, Jennifer has worked in PR and marketing, and the occasional dabble in the social media, commercial and e-commerce space. Over the years, she has written about every area of the home, from compiling design houses from some of the best interior designers in the world to sourcing celebrity homes, reviewing appliances and even the odd news story or two.
- Charlotte OlbyStyle & Trends Editor
-
Jon Bon Jovi's former living room celebrates the color that 'captures the essence of modern interiors' – he uses the trendiest shade of 2025 to perfection
A range of brown and beige shades define Jon Bon Jovi's SoHo living room, perfectly embodying modern elegance, style and trends for this year
By Sophie Edwards Published
-
H&G's ultimate guide for a tidy home
The desire for a beautifully designed, clutter-free space has never been more relevant
By Punteha van Terheyden Published