Allison Eden Studios and her fabulous glass mosaic pump that welcome visitors to BDNY

As someone who's spent decades understanding how our environments impact our well-being, I'm particularly excited about the design directions emerging for 2025. After walking miles of showrooms at High Point Market and BDNY, clear themes have emerged that will shape our spaces in the coming year.

The Rise of Organic Architecture

Nature's influence on design has never been stronger. At High Point Market, organic shapes dominated the showrooms. Caracole's latest chair collection was a stunning example, featuring sinuous curves and flowing lines defying gravity. These pieces transform furniture into sculpture, creating visual movement that draws the eye and soothes the spirit. This organic influence extends beyond furniture into lighting fixtures, accessories, and even architectural elements, suggesting a broader shift toward more natural and harmonious spaces.

Traditional Gets a Fresh Perspective

While modern design has dominated in recent years, traditional elements are making a sophisticated comeback. Eichholtz's showroom demonstrated this beautifully, displaying classic silhouettes updated with unexpected materials and finishes. Think bergère chairs in modern metals, wingbacks in bold geometric prints, and traditional case goods with contemporary hardware. This isn't your grandmother's traditional - it's heritage design reimagined for modern living.

Texture Takes Center Stage

If one message came through loud and clear at both shows, it's that texture is becoming as crucial as color in modern design. We're seeing it everywhere:

Rich, dimensional wallpaper treatments that beg to be touched
Intricate caning on furniture, bringing pattern and depth
Sumptuous bouclé upholstery on everything from sofas to dining chairs
Luxurious furs and mohairs add warmth
Buttery leathers in unexpected applications
Even cork finishes are making a surprising comeback

Designmaster's new chair collection exemplified this trend, masterfully combining multiple textures in single pieces. This layering of textures creates spaces that engage all our senses, making rooms feel more dynamic and inviting.

Color Makes a Bold Return

After years of neutral dominance, the trade shows were awash in confident color choices. Rich plums add drama and sophistication, ethereal lavenders bring serenity, and unexpected blues challenge our notion of what neutral can be. But the true star of the show? Green! We saw it in every possible iteration:

Deep emerald velvets on upholstery
Sage green leather on case goods
Forest green silks on window treatments
Celadon accessories and accent pieces

This embrace of green speaks to our continued desire to bring elements of nature indoors while adding rich visual interest to our spaces.

Luxury Meets Comfort

The finishing touches we saw reflect two distinct but complementary trends. On one side, there's a move toward high-gloss paints and finishes, often paired with organic materials like rich woods and dramatic marbles. These elements add sophistication and visual interest while reflecting light beautifully.

On the other hand, there's an undeniable embrace of hygge - that cozy, comfortable aesthetic that makes spaces feel lived-in and loved. Bernhardt's new buffet collection perfectly captured this duality, combining sleek, polished surfaces with warm, inviting elements. This balance of polish and comfort creates spaces that feel both elevated and welcoming.

Looking Ahead

What excites me most about these trends is their adaptability. Whether working with a grand space or a cozy apartment, these elements can be scaled and interpreted to suit your needs. Focusing on natural forms, rich textures, and balanced luxury creates endless possibilities for creating spaces that feel current and timeless.

Remember that the goal isn't to completely remake your space when incorporating these trends. Instead, consider how these elements enhance what you already love about your home. Perhaps it's adding textured wallpaper to create a focal point or introducing a piece of organically shaped furniture to soften a room's lines.

Making It Work in Your Space

The key to successfully incorporating these trends is understanding how they can serve your specific lifestyle and needs. Here are some practical ways to bring these elements into your home: