Hint: Timeless is always in, but you might want to step up your color game!
HECTOR MANUEL SANCHEZ; STYLING: CHRISTINA WRESSELL
When it comes to home design trends, it can often feel like we’re constantly being kept on our toes and told to change this or that. It can be hard to follow the constant shift of what’s ‘in’ and ‘out’, but if there is one thing we Southerners know, it’s that timeless is always in—like the formal dining room which has made a resurgence in recent years. From paint colors and furniture trends to materials and floor plan layouts, here are ten home decor trends Southern interior designers say will be making an appearance in 2025.
Related: 10 Kitchen Design Trends You’re About To See Everywhere In 2025
Statement Rugs
“More is more in design right now,” says Anna Still and Marguerite Johnson of Still Johnson in Birmingham, Alabama. “From wallpaper to upholstery and drapery, our clients are loving bold patterns and we expect this trend will extend to rugs in 2025.” The design duo notes their love especially for a dramatic geometric silk rug or one made from natural fibers woven in a pattern. “For our clients craving pattern, using a statement rug is an easy way to add personality to a room without starting over.”
Related: How To Choose The Right Area Rug
Color Drenching
“Our clients can’t get enough bold color right now so we see more taking the plunge into color drenching,” says Still Johnson. “This is when we take one color and use it on the walls, upholstery, drapery and accessories. We keep it from being too stagnant by using different shades of the chosen color on each element.”
Deco-Inspired Details
Christine Carney, the Director of Design for Blackberry Farm Design in Walland, Tennessee, says details like hand-rubbed, moody Venetian plaster treatments on shower walls and ceilings, suede or parchment paneled walls, and stone-cased doorways and baseboards are making their way into 2025. “Deco inspired elegance never left but will continue to inspire,” she says.
Photographer: James Ransom; Styling: Christina Wressell
Pops of Red
Have you heard of the unexpected red theory? While there’s nothing inherently new about incorporating hints of red into a room or outfit, the concept was more recently coined as ‘The Unexpected Red Theory’ on social media. “The trend says that using a pop of red, large or small, instantly makes a space look better and there must be something to the theory, so we look forward to seeing pops of red in interiors in the year to come,” says the Still Johnson design duo.
Casual Dining
Now, we’re not saying formal dining rooms are in or out, but rather the idea of making gathering together for a meal easier is becoming more of a focus. “We’ll see more designs that make sitting down and eating as a family a more casual everyday affair—like breakfast rooms and tables in kitchens in the place of islands,” says Atlanta designer Mallory Mathison.
Related: These Are The Dining Room Trends Designers Are Excited For In 2025
ANTONIS ACHILLEOS; STYLING: MATTHEW GLEASON
Honest Materials
Wood, stone, and brick accents have always been a part of Southern home interiors and though trends have moved away from natural textures in more recent years, there is now a shift back towards artisanal materials and finishes. “Handmade tiles, oxidized metals, and richly grained woods are thoughtfully combined to create layered, tactile environments,” says designer Jen Stevens of Fonde Interiors in Dallas, Texas. “This celebration of honest materials moves away from synthetic imitations toward surfaces that age gracefully and tell a story through their patina.”
The use of stone and raw materials will also extend beyond expected places. “Heavily patterned stone will continue to be the rage and mixing these exotic pieces in unconventional ways will definitely take center stage,” says Atlanta-based designer DuVäl Reynolds. “No longer will we only see this exclusively on countertops and fireplaces.”
Unexpected Frame Colors
Not ready to paint that wall? Consider swapping out a drab frame instead. “When clients are craving color, we don’t neglect the frames on artwork or photos!” says Still Johnson. “Choosing a colored frame is a surprising way to add character and pops of color to a home.”
DANE TASHIMA; Styling: PAGE MULLINS
Cooper cloaked the pantry in Farrow & Ball’s Brinjal (No. 222)
Leaning All-In on Color
“People are really going for it more now than ever before when it comes to color—which I love seeing!” says Dallas, Texas, designer Lisa Henderson. “Color is a simple yet powerful way to personalize a space or freshen up a room (yes, even a pink sofa!).”
Related: The 6 Interior Paint Colors You’ll See Everywhere In 2025
Playing with Tones
And for those who aren’t quite ready to embrace statement-making hues, there are other ways to lean more into color. Stevens notes the importance of saturation. “Color is being deployed with newfound confidence through a technique of tonal saturation,” she explains. “Single, sophisticated hues are applied across walls, trim, and architectural details, creating enveloping environments that feel both bold and serene. The monochromatic approach brings unexpected depth to spaces while maintaining architectural cohesion.” Reynolds foresees the base color palette trending towards ivory and wood tones then laying in color. “From this foundation I think we’ll see deeper tones of blues, mahogany, browns, and greens,” he says.
Dedicated Spaces
“The notion of designated spaces has returned, marking a shift from the ubiquitous open plan,” explained Stevens. The designer notes this includes areas like secondary work kitchens, intimate seating nooks, and dedicated wellness areas. “It reflects a more nuanced approach to modern living. These purposeful spaces maintain visual connection while offering acoustic and functional separation when desired.”
