Trends. Hands up, we all seem to find ourselves drawn to them in one way or another. Whether it’s the latest in interior design or fashion, we’re always curious about what’s in and what’s out. We like to think of ourselves as early adopters, ahead of the curve. That said, as designers, we all know the golden rule: never follow trends when designing for clients.
Trends are fleeting. They come and go. When we're working on a new project, we take a considerable amount of time with our client questionnaires. We seek to understand their preferences, lifestyle and values. Our design philosophy is rooted in research and timelessness, not trends.
We realise, however, that we still need to keep up with what’s happening around us. We don't mention the colour of the year or this season's trending pattern to clients, but we are most certainly aware of them.
Clients today are more informed than before. Platforms such as Pinterest and Instagram are awash with inspiration. The rise of the influencer means that trends can spread quickly. In fact 70% of consumer decisions are said to be influenced by social media, according to Retail Dive.
So if what is current, is to be taken with a pinch of salt, why do we need to attend design fairs such as Decorex London 2024?
Yes Colours sensory VIP area, Decorex 2024.
Trend forecasting companies work months, even years ahead to get a pulse on what’s next. They analyse a range of factors to identify trends that reflect the shift in our lifestyle and cultural dynamics. Some of these considerations include shifts in population, economic changes, social influences and new technology.
That’s a lot to consider. It seems staying current with interior design trends is more than just an exercise in aesthetics. For us, the last topic is a big one. In our technologically driven era, it’s no secret that the need for human connection and well-being is increasing rapidly.
So if consumer preferences shape design, it’s interesting to see how suppliers will respond in 2025. Rather than follow, the latest offerings from London should inspire.
The textures, shapes, and colours emerging are all about personality, celebrating individualism whilst nurturing our souls to strengthen our sense of belonging.
Decorex 2024 brought together over 300 major interior brands showcasing their 2025 launches. We wanted to see how they tackled the growing need for connection, arguably the defining theme of the entire event.
The organisers, of course know a thing or two about trends. Due to popular demand from last years event, there was a significant increase in individual makers and artisans. This demand for custom design and craftsmanship supports our longing for authenticity.
In partnership with Fromental, designers of hand painted and embroidered wall coverings and fabrics, weavers, printmakers and embroiderers showcased their skills and incredible talent. Incidentally, we asked them individually how they came up with new designs for 2025.
"What was popular 300 years ago, is still popular today."
James Randolph Rogers, courtesy of Carey Macarthur.
James Randolph Rogers, courtesy of Michelle Grant.
James Randolph Rogers displayed wallpaper, all of them based on historic designs, using blocks that he carved from pear wood and printing samples in distemper paints. The result was beautiful, and we felt that the overall tone felt like something out of a Wes Anderson film.
The pattern repeat had imperfections which only added to the charm and uniqueness that only true artisans can create. James looks to the past for his inspiration, “What was popular 300 years ago, is still popular today” he told us. Wise words indeed.
"If we followed trends, everything would end up looking the same"
Lara Pain is an award winning textile designer and hand weaver. Nature and the past is her constant inspiration, As an example, Lara showed us a beautiful piece of fabric. It was crafted on her loom machine, with colours and shapes drawn from a historic painting of a building along the Wapping shoreline. Lara told us she doesn’t follow trends, otherwise "everything would end up looking the same".
Lara Pain textiles, courtesy of Christopher Tirrell.
Lara Pain textiles, taken at Decorex 2024.
Artist Claire Coles specialises in the creation of mixed media artworks and couture wallpaper murals, seamlessly blending appliqué, embroidery and paint.
We first spotted Claire’s incredible ceiling artwork a few months ago when we visited the Maison Diptyque flagship store on London's Bond Street.
Claire also looks to the past, taking inspiration from dutch masters and impressionism, then adds her interpretation with a contemporary twist.
Claire Coles, courtesy of Captivate Imagery.
Claire Coles, courtesy of Captivate Imagery.
Stands
We were also instantly drawn to several supplier stands, where we noticed running themes that tied them all together.
Tori Murphy is an English textile brand with a commitment to English craftsmanship. Curtains flanked the stand in cheerful bold red and white stripes and sat next to Nottingham lace patterns. As we both originate from the midlands, this felt very close to our hearts.
Benjamin Moore showcased their paint colours with a vibrant ‘paint cellar’ and intimate dining nooks. They also featured an incredible stand-out pieces by artist Jack Penny, that drew us in immediately. Their rich bold colours and pattern resulted in an ‘eclectic British’ feel.
Courtesy of Kast Basins.
We don’t think we have ever been so enthusiastic about a wash basin. The return of coloured sanitary ware has been on the radar for a while, but Kast have taken this to the next level.
Concrete, blended with a curated palette of 28 colours, creates an organic stone-like finish across various styles, including the Wave collection and the contemporary Kast Canvas with its ribbed surface.
What we spotted
That leads us onto several recurring themes that we spotted this year, which we feel are important to be aware of, even if they don’t directly influence our designs.
Colours
Bold, rich edible colours made a strong statement this year. Deep burgundy, ochre, olive, and mid blue featured throughout. This contrasted against a palette of soft pink and peach tones, something that was also seen at Paris Fashion Week. From washbasins to textiles, bland it was not.
Textures and Finishes
The sensory experience of engaging with our surroundings was reflected in soft furnishings and carpets. We noticed nature-inspired rugs in geometric shapes, nodding to craftsmanship, alongside plush velvet and beautifully crafted wool blankets and throws in checkerboard patterns, destined to become heirlooms.
Natural materials with organic qualities were prevalent, featuring raw edges, undone finishes, statement marble, and aged brass with a vintage, layered finish.
A Rum Fellow, Decorex 2024.
Shapes and Forms
Biomimicry reappeared in organic shapes, from flower petal-shaped glass lamps reminiscent of those by René Lalique to free-flowing, sculpted forms with unexpected proportions.
Patterns
Biophilic designs with bold floral prints and organic shapes adorned fabrics and wallpapers, whilst heritage patterns were seamlessly blended with modern aesthetics, marrying the past with the present.
Checkerboard and square patterns made their mark, and stripes were everywhere. Bold red and white being particularly prominent, incorporated into collections in every imaginable colour and form
Image courtesy of Tori Murphy, Decorex 2024.
Overall, the trends for 2025 leaned towards timelessness, with a strong appreciation for the past. Classic influences were reimagined with fresh perspectives, and individualism with personality was celebrated and encouraged at Decorex London 2024.
Minimalism was definitely not the vibe in London and a eclectic collectors’ approach to designing individually was widely encouraged.
"Today's consumer's are becoming collectors of craftsmanship rather than followers of trends."
The world is shifting away from uniform aesthetics and the constant need to refresh. Instead, today’s consumers are embracing longevity, seeking out unique pieces and antiques that reflect their personal style, becoming collectors of craftsmanship rather than followers.
