- The Design Edit by ARI
- Posts
- The Bold Type
The Bold Type
Trends are changing for 2025 and I'm liking what I'm seeing.
If you’re feeling uninspired in your space, 2025 is the year for you. In this edition of The Design Edit, our monthly newsletter, we dive into what’s to come in furniture and interiors for the new year. It’s your time to shine with bold colors and a nod to the past. Plus, learn from our tips on how to make sure your furniture is the right size for your space!
Ever wondered how to make your home feel both effortlessly chic and timeless, without looking like a museum or a show home? Creating a space that feels both timeless and fresh is not just about choosing between the old and the new, it’s about blending them in a way that feels effortless and inviting. In this article, Timeless vs. Trendy: Striking the Perfect Balance in Luxury Interiors, I’ll walk you through how to integrate the best of both worlds, creating a home that feels both sophisticated and up-to-date. Whether you're drawn to the elegance of classic design or the excitement of current trends, this guide will help you create a space that feels forever stylish.
The countdown to 2025 is on, and with it comes a fresh wave of design trends that are ready to shake things up. So, what’s hot for the new year? It’s all about personality, bold moves, and the kind of home vibes that make you say, “This is so me!”
First up we have a nostalgic revival with a modern twist. Say goodbye to stark minimalism and hello to detail. Art Deco-inspired designs are making their way back into the spotlight, but they’re sleeker and more contemporary than ever. Picture bold geometric patterns paired with just the right amount of glam, it’s vintage elegance with a 2025 glow-up. And for you MCM lovers, midcentury modern materials like glass blocks and grasscloth wallcoverings are enjoying a much-deserved revival. These nostalgic touches bring warmth and charm to any room, updated with a modern edge. 2025 is a maximalists’ time to rejoice! The bold, daring vibes of the 1990s are back, with patterned rooms, skirted furniture, and a celebration of all things decorative. It’s time to let your creativity shine.
Color that packs a punch is here to stay. If your space has been looking a little... neutral, it’s time to turn up the saturation! Vibrant jewel tones like magenta and tangerine are bringing energy and excitement to home décor. These colors are like a burst of joy, perfect for livening up any room. And those pale woods you’ve been seeing everywhere? Move over! Darker, richer tones are stepping in, adding a layer of drama and depth that feels effortlessly chic. Oh, and silver tones? They're on the rise too, sneaking into everything from furniture finishes to hardware for a touch of sleek sophistication.
Textures are going to steal the show. 2025 is all about the feels, literally. Layered rugs, throw pillows in contrasting fabrics, and a mix of soft and hard surfaces are here to give your home that “I want to touch everything” vibe. Mixing textures like rough and smooth or soft and shiny creates a sensory feast that feels luxe and inviting. Texture is no longer just an accent; it’s the star of the show.
Curves that hug you back. This year’s furniture trends are embracing curves like never before. From rounded sofas and chairs to nesting tables that practically invite you to stay a while, soft shapes are creating spaces that feel cozy and welcoming. Romantic, fluid silhouettes with thoughtful details (think fringe, embroidery, or soft embellishments) are adding personality to every piece. These aren’t just furniture items; they’re statement pieces that turn your house into a home.
Have you ever fallen in love with a piece of furniture only to realize it doesn’t fit through the door, or worse, it looks like it shrank once it’s in your room? Let’s save you from those oops moments with some foolproof tips to get your measurements and proportions just right.
Measure First, Dream Later: Before you even hit “add to cart” or swipe your card, grab a tape measure and jot down a few key dimensions:
Doorways and Hallways: Measure the width and height of every doorway, hallway, and staircase the piece will pass through. Don’t forget tight corners!
The Room Itself: Note the length, width, and height of the space where your furniture will live.
Pro Tip: Use painter’s tape to outline the furniture's footprint on your floor. It’s a simple way to visualize how much space it’ll take up.
Get the Scale Right: No one wants a sofa that eats the room or a chair that looks like dollhouse furniture. Here's how to find the sweet spot:
Stick to the Two-Thirds Rule: Your furniture should take up about two-thirds of the wall it’s placed against. For example, if you have an 8-foot wall, aim for a sofa that’s about 5–6 feet long.
Balance Proportions: Pair large, bulky furniture with lighter, airier pieces (like a glass coffee table or slim accent chairs) to keep the room feeling balanced.
Don’t Forget Vertical Space: Tall ceilings? Consider higher-backed sofas or a tall bookshelf to draw the eye upward. Cozy room? Low-profile furniture helps keep the space feeling open.
Test the Flow: You need space to move! Leave at least 3 feet for the main walkways and about 18 inches between a coffee table and seating for easy access.
When in Doubt, Mock It Out: Got a big cardboard box? Perfect! Cut it down to mimic the dimensions of your dream furniture. Move it around the room to see how it fits—and if it doesn’t, adjust before you buy.
These two bedrooms have the same elements (accent pillows, nightstands, lamps, channel tufted headboards) but the one on the right is more visually pleasing. Here’s why.
The lamp and nightstand on the left are too low for the height of the mattress. Aim to make your tabletop surface the same height as the mattress for a better user experience.
The accent pillows are too small in proportion to the headboard height and the sham pillow. Use the larger patterned pillow in front, or opt for 3 instead of 2 to fill the horizontal space better.
Fill the space with artwork to elongate the eye rather than a massive headboard. This will be more layered and cozy.
Layer bedding with various textures and sizes for an extra lush look.
Getting your furniture’s fit and scale just right will not only make your space functional but also give it that effortless, magazine-worthy feel. Ready to measure up? Let’s make sure every piece fits like it was made just for you.
The right color transforms your space and sets the mood. I choose shades that inspire and uplift you.
Reader’s Question: What are some unique ideas for incorporating my Christmas tree into the overall design of my space?