New interior design trends sweep in every year, but not everyone can re-furnish or re-paint an entire home just to keep up. However, making small changes, like incorporating new colours, textures, or accent pieces, can spruce up your space and help you express your style and personality. 

Now that you know what colours are officially “in” this year, as chosen by the top paint companies and Pantone’s colour experts, how can you incorporate a bit of these trendy shades into your home? We spoke with designer Maria Killam from Chilliwack, British Columbia, for her view on how you can use design trends to update your space in 2025. Killam is an acclaimed decorator, stylist, and author of two best selling eBooks: How To Choose Paint Colours and White Is Complicated.

Trend 1: Use vibrant colours in accent walls and décor items

Move over, muted neutrals. Killam expects richer, more vibrant colours to take centre stage in 2025. While stark white was all the rage for walls and kitchen cabinets, beige is back, she says.

 “Things are warming up,” says Killam. “Brown is everywhere, and so is burgundy; we haven’t seen burgundy this big since the 1980s.”

Brown and burgundy can act either as a soft neutral or vibrant contrast. Consider bringing in these shades through accent pillows, cozy throws, or a new area rug to inject energy and inviting warmth into your living room. In the kitchen, install a few decorative wooden shelves for more storage and a pop of earthy colour.

Trend 2: Mix functional with decorative light fixtures

Lighting can double as functional art, so don’t be afraid to bring it into your home in less traditional ways. 

“We’ve been doing the black and white trend for eight years, and now people want to warm up all the white boxy spaces,” says Killam. “To add a glow and make any living room better instantly, bring in four lamps—one for each corner. Get a white shade, not an opaque shade, otherwise no light can come through.”

Organic and curved shapes are right on trend for 2025, so invest in sculptural gourd-shaped lamps – available in a wide variety of materials and colours—to add interest, she adds. 

“Buy them in a colour that matches your living room, and you’ll be so happy—you don’t even need any accessories on that end table if you have a beautiful gourd lamp,” she says.

Trend 3: Incorporate textures and natural elements into room designs

Biophilic design—bringing elements of nature into your living space—features plants, water features like fountains or aquariums, and natural materials like wood, rattan, jute, and more, to help transform your space into a soothing oasis. 

Incorporating new textures into your home adds depth, and you can combine different ones—try mixing linen, stone, and wool. Maximize natural light by swapping out heavy curtains in favour of breezy sheers to flood rooms with sunlight. You may also want to add a large potted plant as a statement piece or create a living wall with pretty succulents.

Trend 4: Balance comfort with elegance in your bedrooms

For the new year, think comfort—balancing elegance with a soft, relaxed space you can retreat to. Consider sprucing up your bed with a cozy throw, for example, or treat yourself to a bold area rug that will feel warm underfoot during the winter. 

In the market for a new duvet cover? Choose one in trendy jewel tones. You can also upgrade your bedside lamps here, too. Cool metallics like chrome, silver, and nickel will be huge in 2025, Killam notes, and are a great way to bring in some bling. But don’t skimp on the size. 

“You need bedside table lamps that are bigger than the 10-inch ones you’ll find at big box stores. Get a 30-inch lamp that coordinates with your bedding,” she says.

Trend 5: Personalize your space with art  

Using artwork to bring some life and depth to your walls isn’t a new concept. For 2025, we’re continuing to see gallery walls over single statement pieces. If you have a really large wall, you probably need six or seven pieces arranged in a gallery. 

Consider mixing old with new by incorporating one or more retro accent pieces such as a mid-century curvy armchair or coffee table. Or, arrange some  unique accessories like vintage books or vases when styling a shelf or fireplace mantel – these can add a splash of personality and nostalgia to any room. Try moving some of your existing pieces to another spot for a whole new look.   

Above all, have some fun with trends that resonate with you. Don’t worry about experimenting with different ideas to create your ideal sanctuary.

Looking for some more inspiration? Check out our REALTOR.ca Living Room Pinterest board!

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