1. The End of Excess
In 2025, the design world is all about letting go of excess. Gone are the sterile, automated environments filled with cold digitalia. According to Elle Gerdeman, principal of Boston architecture firm CO-G, design is moving toward a more balanced, playful approach, blending tech functionality with aesthetic warmth with elements that prioritize human connection. While built-in tech is still essential, interiors that embrace earthy materials like warm woods are taking center stage. It’s all about creating spaces that encourage a respite from our overly online lives.
This shift reflects a broader societal trend: the desire to unplug. While technology remains integral to our lives, Santa Barbara homeowners are becoming more discerning about how and where it's integrated.
2. A Return to the Handmade
Imperfect textures, playful forms, and handmade elements are very in vogue among home design trends. Today’s designers favor locally sourced, non-toxic, and plant-based materials that reduce the carbon footprint and imbue spaces with a sense of individuality. Mass timber construction, celebrated for its sustainability and health benefits, continues to gain traction. By rejecting faux finishes like luxury vinyl and thin brick laminates, designers aim to create healthier, more authentic homes, celebrating the organic over synthetic. Think handcrafted pieces, from pottery to textiles.
This trend speaks to a growing appreciation for craftsmanship and the story behind each item. A hand-thrown vase or a woven wall hanging doesn’t just decorate a space; it adds soul. These objects invite us to slow down and savor the beauty of imperfection.
3. Combining Color with Playful Details
While 2025 is moving away from sterile environments, it isn’t shying away from color. We already see vibrant hues like earthy terracotta, rich burgundies, and surprising accents that bring wit and personality to spaces. And I hear designers are exploring creative ways to integrate color, from brightly colored grout to richly stained wood and unexpected trims. These small yet powerful details add depth and character, making every space feel unique and thoughtful.
4. Sustainability Takes Center Stage
Sustainability is no longer just a design trend; it’s a necessity. Architects and designers are doubling down on adaptive reuse and the use of upcycled materials, finding innovative ways to create without over-consuming the Earth’s resources.
"Cellulose-based materials have a lighter carbon footprint than steel or concrete, and the spaces made with them are healthier for their inhabitants," explains Jack Becker and Andrew Linn, cofounders of Washington D.D., based BLDUS.
Locally sourced materials and products are becoming standard practice, combating the homogeneity that has crept into global design. By working with local artisans and embracing the patina of existing structures, designers are crafting homes that tell stories while minimizing environmental impact.
Moreover, homes are being designed to be energy-efficient and adaptable to future needs. Solar panels, green roofs, and rainwater harvesting systems are becoming common features. Interior layouts are also evolving to include multipurpose spaces, ensuring that homes can adapt to changing lifestyles and reducing the need for constant renovations.
5. Textured, Earthy Aesthetics
Earth tones and natural palettes continue to dominate residential design. Textures create a sense of well-being and calm, consciously and subconsciously connecting inhabitants to nature. The juxtaposition of earthy materials with playful forms offers an antidote to the pressures of modern life, creating spaces that feel grounding yet inspiring. Another key trend is textural layering. This approach celebrates the tactile, encouraging us to experience our homes visually and physically.
6. Goodbye to Overwrought Trends
Certain design staples of the past are being left behind in 2025. For instance, excessive use of marble and large-chip terrazzo tiles is on the outs, with critics labeling these choices as wasteful and unnecessary. Instead, designers are focusing on meaningful, intentional choices that prioritize substance over style.
This shift is also evident in furniture design. Bulky, oversized pieces are giving way to streamlined silhouettes that balance form and function. Furniture is being designed to be timeless rather than trendy, ensuring longevity and reducing waste.
7. Embracing Simplicity and Comfort
Comfort and simplicity are this year's guiding principles. Santa Barbara leads the way with interiors that favor relaxed spaces with standout elements like collectible designer pieces or vintage finds. Homes should feel personal and grounding rather than extravagant or ostentatious. By embracing sensory experiences and tactile materials, designers aim to create spaces that foster reflection, empathy, and a connection to the past.
A key aspect of this trend is the rise of "slow design"—a philosophy emphasizing quality over quantity. Homes are being curated over time, with homeowners investing in pieces that resonate with them rather than following fleeting design trends. This approach not only results in more meaningful spaces but also reduces the environmental impact of constant redecorating.
8. The Rise of Sensory Design
Sensory design is set to redefine interiors in 2025. Spaces will prioritize textures, scents, and lighting that create a calming and immersive atmosphere. This approach emphasizes the importance of designing homes that promote well-being and crafting environments that feel both grounding and inviting. Warm woods, muted palettes, and thoughtful details will work together to create a sense of harmony and peace.
Lighting, in particular, is crucial in sensory design. Designers are finding ways to enhance mood and functionality from dimmable fixtures to natural light optimization. Similarly, incorporating elements like indoor plants and water features adds a biophilic touch, further connecting homes to nature.
9. The Power of Local Craftsmanship
“It is possible we can navigate the design of a project using materials, products, and artisans local to the project itself," explains Gerdeman.
Designers are increasingly turning to local artisans and craftsmen to bring authenticity and uniqueness to their projects. By integrating locally made furniture, tiles, and textiles, they celebrate the heritage and character of each location. This approach not only supports local economies but also ensures that each home feels connected to its surroundings. And we have an abundance of artisans and craftsmen here in Santa Barbara.
Local craftsmanship also fosters a sense of community. By collaborating with nearby artisans, designers are creating homes that reflect the cultural and historical context of their regions. This practice enriches the design process and results in spaces that feel profoundly rooted and meaningful.
As you can see from this blog post, the world of design trends is embracing change with purpose and intentionality. If you’re embracing change in 2025 by finding a new home in any of the upscale Santa Barbara neighborhoods, call (805) 886-9378 or email me at Cristal@montecito-estate.com. In an often overwhelming world, homeowners across the globe are taking a cue from those of us who live in Santa Barbara by creating sanctuaries of warmth, authenticity, and care—places where we can reconnect with ourselves and the world around us.
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