Every year, we gather our panel of industry experts to discuss some of the latest and hottest design trends.
In 2025, expect to see natural-looking finishes, natural materials like wood, and more recycled and upcycled choices for the environmentally conscious. Comfort is the key for families. A “must-have” is gathering areas, where you can meet and converse — integrated living spaces that allow you to socialize comfortably.
As any good designer will tell you, trends come and go. The best advice for creating a timeless look is to choose based on quality, your personality and your lifestyle.
We’ve asked eight designers to weigh in on what new and returning trends they are seeing, and to share some advice on how to use these trends for fresh design ideas.
Nancy Finneson
DeMane DESIGN, LLC
Gig Harbor • 253-973-8442
nancy@demanedesign.com
demanedesign.com
Nancy Finneson, CKBD, CAPS, CLIPP, Allied ASID, is the founder and principal designer of DeMane Design. With a wide range of design aesthetics never conforming to one style, she has a diverse portfolio. She artfully balances client needs, form and color with mixed use of materials and textures to create personal spaces that inspire, entertain and function brilliantly. She is known for her eye for detail and creativity while solving design challenges and embraces an open exchange of ideas through collaboration and communication with her clients.
Finneson has been honored with numerous awards for her designs from the prestigious American Society of Interior Designers (ASID), Design of Excellence from the Master’s Builders Association, and NKBA National Kitchen and Bath Association as a national award winner.
After spending many years in the San Francisco Bay area, Finneson now makes her home on the beautiful Puget Sound. Giving back to her community is important to her and one of her favorite projects was creating a room for the YMCA Domestic Violence Shelter in Tacoma. She loves working with people and enriching their lives by helping create spaces that inspire, entertain and function brilliantly.
This year’s overall design trend is organic yet vibrant, curvy yet structured. I’m seeing it in everything from furniture, cabinetry and wallpaper to lighting fixtures, structures and color. There is a sense of ease and comfort in today’s design styles.
Open-concept floor plans are giving way to sectioned-off spaces, actual rooms. There can be excitement moving from room to room. Each with a different defined mood and atmosphere. Spaces can focus on work or relaxed meditation, or perhaps family and group activities. With walls for separation, each space has the option to add diversity — for example, bold wallpaper in a dining space, then subdued calming colors in a multiuse room.
Colors: Earthy hues are in, but dynamic bold colors are too. Earthy, quiet hues are replacing cool grays and whites with rich, warm, muted colors like olive green, soft browns and complex muddied yellows. Color is captivating and a fabulous way to express personalities and lifestyles.
Countersurfaces: Natural stone with striking veining is very desirable, especially when it is carried up the backsplash, making a fabulous statement. Engineered quartz is still the most popular for countertop surfaces with its ever-growing expansion of natural looking options. Its low maintenance and durability make it a favorite material. No matter what material you use, always see a full-size slab for the best representation.
New kitchen features: Some ideas:
- Charging your phone or tablet has never been easier: in a drawer or invisibly integrated into the countertop surface.
- Range hoods make a statement.
- The modern-day larder is now a well-organized devoted cabinet. It’s an option when space doesn’t allow for a walk-in pantry.
- Workstation sinks, with useful accessories; cutting board and strainer.
Fabrics: Patterns and more patterns; they’re bold, big, geometric, floral or plaid — try something new. Leather is wrapping everything. You will see it on tabletops, furniture legs, cabinet drawer fronts and cabinet pulls. High-performance fabrics are essential for our active lifestyles. They get better every year with more offerings in textures and patterns.
Floor coverings: For material, engineered wood flooring is the most desired flooring for the major expanse of a home. It’s stable, durable and easy to clean. Warm and lighter tones are in demand. Patterns are popular in chevron, herringbone and elongated wide planks.
Layering your wood floor with an area rug will add warmth and anchor a furniture grouping in a room. Statement area rugs can set the tone for a room. Materials like wool and jute are highly desired. A quality rug is a worthwhile investment. Size matters; make sure the carpet fits the area you want to place it in.
Furniture: Curves and soft edges dominate furniture design lately. Sofas and chairs are not squared off; instead, they are curvy with soft edges. Deep-seating sofas that you can relax on and lounge are very versatile; just add a lumbar cushion and it becomes more formal.
There is a focus on structure and craftsmanship, whether in wood or upholstered; chairs having three legs vs. four or complex puzzling is a good example of design diversity I’m seeing. Tiered, “layered” tables in organic shapes are very practical and inviting for living room settings. Sweet petite drink tables are perfect when you just need a spot to place a cup or book.
Lighting: Bold, exciting lighting can give a room focus. Add personality to a space with mixed metals and glass. Organic shapes and rattan are still in vogue, but don’t over do it.
Motion sensors for lighting are a major design element. Open a drawer or cabinet with instant on and off lighting function. Enter a room and undercabinet or toe-kick lighting is automatic, creating a pleasant glow and function.
Finishes: Natural stone and engineered quartz are not only for countertops. It’s in showers planking the walls, coffee tables, even used for cabinet doors. Mixed metals, especially in kitchens, can look fabulous when used in proportion, but don’t use more than two on one space.
Windows and doors: Still popular are black-framed windows; they are a design element that works with classic and modern styles. They create high contrast with light-colored homes, but also work well with dark hues.
In kitchens, we see more windows forgoing some wall cabinets, making sure storage is considered.
Tall and wide doors are in order. Wide, 36-inch door openings are preferred for accessibility and easy flow when space allows. Door heights have increased as room heights have increased. Arched doors and doorways are very prevalent in design now.
Window treatments: Keep your window treatments simple and clean looking. The use of power “motorization” to raise and lower your shades, blinds and drapes with a remote, your phone or iPad is becoming the new normal. It’s worth the investment. Note that power can be supplied with batteries or be hard-wired.
New green options: We are more concerned with keeping an “Earth-friendly” profile and have more choices. Even though we live in the Northwest with many gray days, solar energy options have been improved and more affordable, making it a viable option for energy efficiency.
Induction for cooking (cooktops and ranges) is a fantastic way to be greener and energy-efficient and is excellent to cook on. EnergyStar-certified appliances should always be considered when replacing older appliances.
Recycling and composting are effortless now in kitchens with smart cabinets and accessories.
Advice to homeowners: Create a “sense of place” — how you want to feel when you walk into a space. Consider what excites you, start with color, then try to incorporate it in small doses throughout your home. Start an idea book online and have fun.
Check with friends, architects or trusted contractors for referrals. Product showrooms are also a great place for referrals as they know local design professionals in the area and their work. NKBA.org will also list local professionals.
Don’t be afraid to seek assistance (start with a consultation); collaborating with a designer can help make your design dreams come to reality. My design theory is to enrich lives by creating uniquely personal spaces that inspire, entertain and function brilliantly.
Alinda Morris
Alinda Morris Interior Design, LLC
Gig Harbor • 253-579-8431
alindamorris@gmail.com
alindamorrisinteriordesign.com
Alinda Morris is a nationally published, award-winning interior design professional, habitual remodeler, adventurous creative, entrepreneur, wife and mom, specializing in full service, luxury residential interior design: Custom furnishings, unique kitchens and artfully designed bathrooms, attention to details, and clean, updated spaces are her specialties. She has the experience and talent to provide interior styling that includes furniture procurement and installation. She also offers thoughtful space planning, detailed floor plans, elevations, sketches, finish selections, cabinet drawings and furnishings to take your remodeling project from beginning to magazine-ready completion.
Every year, we visit Fall High Point Market to see the latest trends in furniture design. This year, we observed how the furniture industry is responding to changing lifestyles and the desire for more meaningful, sustainable and comfortable living spaces.
Nostalgia for past eras manifested in the form of retro and vintage-inspired designs. Colors, patterns and motifs from the ’70s and ’80s made a comeback, reflecting a desire to inject a sense of fun and personality into interiors.
Nature-inspired elements with materials such as reclaimed wood, stone and organic textiles are taking center stage. Biophilic design — living walls, indoor water features and expansive windows — will continue to be prominent features, bringing the outdoors in and creating a sense of harmony and tranquility.
Colors: We are expecting to see fashion colors as home colors: earthy hues and moody shades. We are seeing high-contrast neutral and black as a accent.
Rustic greens: rich, saturated greens inspired by moss and evergreen trees. Green will add depth to interiors and connect with our region’s natural landscape.
Earthy reds and clays: Warmer shades of rust, clay and brick bring a grounded, organic feel, balancing out cooler tones.
Peach in orangey-pink tones: Peach is considered a new “neutral,” ideal for conveying warmth, and is suddenly versatile for interior walls and furniture. This color has gained momentum since Pantone named Peach Fuzz its 2024 color of the year.
Countersurfaces: Dark marble and quartzite are popular: Darker, dramatic stones with white veining will provide a bold, natural statement, especially in open kitchens. Textured stone finishes: Honed and leathered finishes on stone surfaces add tactile interest and an organic feel that’s growing in popularity.
New kitchen features: Hood designs will become more streamlined and interesting.
Cabinetry: Painted cabinets will remain popular, but we are seeing much more interesting color stories mixed with deeper wood tones like walnut and chestnut, bringing a cozy, sophisticated feel and making spaces look rich and warm.
Hidden storage and paneling: Integrated, seamless designs with touch-latch mechanisms allow for clean lines and a minimalist look.
Floor coverings: Herringbone and chevron patterns: Patterned wood flooring adds a layer of sophistication and visual texture to the home.
Textured carpets and area rugs: Textures like woven wool and subtle patterns in area rugs provide softness, warmth and depth to wood or stone floors.
Handmade tile in earthy hues and moody shades: Rich, warm tones like forest green, terracotta, deep burgundy and indigo will continue to dominate the scene.
Furniture: Mixing and matching historical eras — we saw a lot of botanical print on furniture at High Point Market this fall.
Curved and sinuous lines in furniture design continue to make waves. Sofas, chairs and tables with rounded edges and graceful contours bring a sense of softness and fluidity to interiors. This trend evokes a sense of comfort and approachability.
Quiet luxury: luxurious, soft, textured fabrics, rich warm woods and quieter patterns for large furniture.
Bold jewel tones: Deep blues, emeralds and rich burgundy are making a comeback in upholstery, adding elegance and contrast to neutral backdrops. They give furniture and accent pieces a sense of velvety mystery.
Layered neutral patterns: Subtle patterns in upholstery with tonal variations bring in visual interest while maintaining a cohesive and understated look.
Lighting: Technical lighting has really changed the way we design interiors in the past few years. It’s easier than ever to use lighting to highlight artwork, cabinetry and architectural details.
Statement and decorative lighting: Vintage inspired and artful lighting fixtures remain a focal point in interior design.
Sculptural chandeliers, hand-blown glass pendants and innovative lighting concepts are used to create stunning focal points in rooms.
Finishes: We will continue to see mixed-metal finishes for plumbing fixtures, interior hardware and lighting fixtures, blending metals to add sophistication, warmth and contrast and create harmony and depth.
In the Pacific Northwest, mixing metals complements our region’s preference for warmth, inviting interiors that also feel fresh and modern. This trend pairs beautifully with natural wood tones, which are a staple in Pacific Northwest design and can enhance both rustic and contemporary aesthetics.
We love mixing warm, aged brass with cooler tones like brushed nickel or polished chrome to create a balanced look. The brass adds a touch of luxury, while nickel and black stainless keep things modern and clean.
Windows and doors: Black windows, a modernized grid, and modern doors are the most desired.
Window treatments: Roller shades work well with a minimalist design aesthetic. They are versatile and are getting smarter with more integrated motorization and home automation compatibility.
Layering with roller shades: Combining drapery with roller shades will create versatile looks, allowing rooms to adapt from casual daylight to cozy privacy.
Full-length panels and soft pleats: Drapery styles are moving toward soft pleats and minimalistic hardware, keeping the look contemporary yet relaxed, ideal for the Pacific Northwest’s understated aesthetic.
Advice for homeowners: Start with the end in mind — what is your goal? It’s important to remember that your selections are working together to create a story. Collect images for inspiration and keep them in one place, such as a notebook, a pin board or even taped to a wall.
Be flexible because your ideas may change over time. As you select potential color schemes, surface materials and furnishings, look at them in groups to make sure that they all work together.
All your decisions should be well-thought-out and finalized before any construction begins or anything is ordered. This is also very helpful when interviewing and selecting a contractor because the contractor can give you an accurate bid and projected schedule.
Natalie Collins
Kitsap Kitchen & Bath Co.
Poulsbo • 360-697-5616
kitsapkitchenandbath.com
Natalie Collins was born and raised on Bainbridge Island and has known her path in the kitchen and bath industry from a very young age. Growing up on jobsites with her father, Jim Collins, who was a custom home builder in the Kitsap area, made her fall in love with not only the beautiful finished products, but every phase of the project and everyone involved to make the client’s dreams become a reality. Collins has been working at Kitsap Kitchen & Bath Co., her family business, since 2015 and is the company’s lead designer. Whether the project is big or small, balancing aesthetically pleasing elements with functionality is the key to good design. Her style stems around timeless design, creating a look that will last decades. Her goal is to provide each and every one of her clients with an experience that is comfortable, energizing and ultimately a newfound love for their home.
The trends that I have been observing overall incorporate natural looks, lightness, airy flowy movement and soft color palettes paired with a grounding element.
Colors: Desired colors gaining popularity are muted teals and greens, dusty terracotta, soft gold and the ever-classic off-whites. Of course, there are always the bold and saturated color options for those who are a little more daring. Where we live, we see a lot of blues and greens in designs.
Countersurfaces: Quartz designs released annually continue to amaze and set the bar higher and higher for natural stones to compete with. The porcelain slabs have also stepped up their game and have more depth to their designs than ever before.
Natural stones are still the ideal choice for select clients; however, it’s a rarity. I’ve been seeing clients shy away from the polished, bold marble looks and ease into the lighter, flowy options or ground out with a medium or dark gray soapstone look-alike with matte or honed finishes.
New kitchen features: Some new or unique kitchen features clients may not know about are:
- Glass rinsers at the sink area — similar to what you may see at restaurant bars but made for residential installation. This fixture quickly and efficiently rinses residue and particles with a simple push to activate the water burst.
- Toe-kick lighting is another option for layering light in your home. Place on an occupancy sensor to automatically come on when you enter the room or on a dimmer switch and leave on as a night light.
- Appliance garages offer a functional, easily accessible and sleek way to store small appliances that tend to take up counterspace.
- Mixer lifts, though they take their own 15-inch cabinet, are an innovative accessory for the kitchen. These units help save your back when trying to lift that heavy mixer and saves valuable countertop space. (Tip: Zip-tie or find another way to secure the mixer to the lift surface itself, as sometimes when mixing, those appliances can get a little squirrelly.)
- Corner optimizers take that dead space in your corner and transform it into a super functional, two-tiered, swiveled pull-out. It’s one of the preferred options for kitchen designs that have the blind corners.
Floor coverings: I generally recommend porcelain tile for bathrooms and other heavily trafficked or wet areas. Porcelain tiles come in an array of sizes, shapes and patterns or colors. Whether you want a stone, wood, concrete or a fusion look, you can bet on porcelain tile to deliver the most options to fit your aesthetic.
I’m also thoroughly impressed with LVP and LVT (luxury vinyl planks or tiles) — you will mostly find wood looks in this type of flooring, but there are some stone or concrete looks as well. This material is great for the entire home, including wet locations. If you want a seamless look with zero to minimal transitions, this may be the way to go.
Lighting: Lots of layering with light, always! This is the use of ambient, accent and task lighting to create the best quality of lighting in any space. When it comes to fixtures in the marketplace, there is a wide spectrum depending on design style.
This is an area where you as the homeowner can really make a statement or select options that may not stand out quite as much. The beauty is, your space can be designed to perfectly match your needs and styling with the array of options we are blessed with today in the industry.
Finishes: The matte black finish has risen to the top and I don’t think it’s going anywhere for a long time. Pair this finish with a gold or a nickel and you can do no wrong. Have fun mixing your finishes!
Windows and doors: Barn doors have continued to stick around; however, there’s an increase in different patterns, materials and hardware choices available. You can almost treat a barn door like a movable piece of art. I have also seen charming Dutch doors make a stunning appearance with wide variety of options available.
New green options: The major manufacturers are implementing and adhering to green procedures and guidelines in their business process. This allows trade professionals and consumers to have more options available with “thinking green” in mind.
Natural materials: More clients want to use natural flat pebbles in their shower pans and niches to provide a grounding element. Mother of pearl has also been trending in different mosaic shapes and is very fitting for where we live. There has been popular use of black walnut, rift-cut white pak and alder for cabinetry, both in kitchen and bathrooms, giving gentle warmth to spaces that can sometimes feel too chilly.
Advice for homeowners: Always contact your local National Kitchen & Bath Association chapter or home builders association. There are directories for any professional in the industry you may be seeking. Make sure to do your research and read reviews.
Take an opportunity to make an appointment and get to know the personality of the professional you are looking to work with, too. You’re going to be spending a lot of time planning your project together.
Erin Stafford
Elea Interiors
Port Orchard • 360-620-3240
erinstafford@eleainteriors.com
eleainteriors.com
Erin Stafford is an interior designer specializing in home remodels and workspaces, with over 20 years of experience. By promoting harmony between people, process and place, Elea Interiors, LLC creates dynamic spaces that promote healthy connections between home, office and nature. She personalizes each space to maximize comfort and functionality.
Overall, I am observing more color and clients asking for nostalgia from a favorite place from their childhood or combining styles from the past. Individualized and playful styles or features are also popular.
Colors: Darker and bolder colors are at the forefront — even neutrals have more color.
Countersurfaces: White quartz with beautiful veining is dominating and is also being used on backsplashes.
New kitchen features: There are so many creative ways to customize a kitchen now; it really depends on the client. I like the workstation sinks, more pantry space for secondary storage items and organized storage details without going overboard. Flexibility is important as cooking styles, cooks and lifestyles change over time.
Fabrics: High-performance fabrics are the most popular.
Floor coverings: I recommend wood or wood-look luxury vinyl plank.
Furniture: Comfortable and curvy furniture is trending, as well as feature pieces such as antiques or vintage furniture.
Lighting: I am seeing more lighting details for cabinets and toe kicks.
Finishes: There are some really fun, playful color and pattern opportunities with tiles.
Windows and doors: Lots of glass and openness are desired. We want to blur the barriers between inside and outside and let that natural light in.
Window treatments: Simple, minimalist solutions are recommended.
New green options: Purposeful design — any time we can maximize efficiency or reduce environmental impacts, this is good for the environment and busy homeowners. This is why I love remodels.
Natural materials: I am seeing more warm woods and windows to see nature.
Advice for homeowners: An interior designer is an invaluable guide on projects. While we are there to extract and translate your vision, we are also there to advocate for you, ask the right questions and help you find the solution that works best for you.
I’ve had many people ask me, “Do you like this paint color?” and my response is typically, “Yes and no.” I usually get a weird look until I explain that it depends on what you pair it with — it could be beautiful, or it could be hideous. When I educate my clients as to why something works, they don’t have to wonder if it is good or bad advice — they know because I gave them the tools to answer their own question.
Sylvia Stanchina
Signature Design and Cabinetry
Gig Harbor • 253-432-0855
sylvia@signature-dc.com
Sylvia Stanchina, an Interior Designer with Signature Design & Cabinetry believes that the heart of good design lies in understanding the unique personality and lifestyle of each homeowner. Sylvis’s approach is about making the design journey enjoyable and rewarding, resulting and ensuring that every space is not only beautiful but also functional.
Stanchina has been actively involved as a board member on the NKBA Olympic West Sound Chapter connecting the related trades through informative engaging series of events scheduled throughout the year.
I am seeing the stark, sterile, white kitchen being personalized by adding warm woods and tones, making the space feel cozier and more comfortable. By adding warm tones with wood and different textures, you create depth and interest. Small features of boldness — whether it be paint on the walls, a bold light selection or a colorful fabric on your counter stools — can make a difference.
Colors: Deep, rich and bold colors are being incorporated with neutrals.
Countersurfaces: Quartz is dominate but people are also looking at warmer tones vs. an almost all-white surface.
New kitchen features: I recommend a mix of textures such as different woods and bolder colors for cabinets and tiles.
Fabrics: The indoor/outdoor fabric is moving to the forefront because of its durability and versatility.
Floor coverings: I recommended having original wood flooring refinished in most cases for sustainability purposes and the beauty of wood. Refinishing in a warmer tone helps to add a sense of comfort and an emotion of contentment and well-being. For tile, I recommended warmer tones.
Lighting: Large, bold lighting seems to be what clients are leaning toward for individuality. Lighting that is not the standard — something different.
Finishes: I feel we are moving away from gray wood tones to warmer tones throughout, even with furniture finishes.
Windows and doors: I see more transitional design to modern design in both windows and doors here in the Pacific Northwest.
Window treatments: I am recommending motorized roller blinds for functionality, ease of cleaning and just a great aesthetic. They sit inside the window trim, look clean and add simplicity to the overall design.
Natural materials: I definitely see more wood, more wood stain in the kitchen, getting away from painted options. Tile that looks like wood is also popular. Even blue and green that are being used a lot lately have a connection to nature.
Advice to homeowners: Ask neighbors, local contractors and friends for recommendations for an interior designer who specializes in space planning, design, material and light specification. Having someone who is trained and can guide you through all the selections you will have to make will keep the process of remodeling smoother.
Jill Peyton
Jill Peyton Design, LLC
Port Orchard • 253-495-9293
designpeyton@gmail.com
jillpeytondesign.com
Jill Peyton has a passion for what she does and hopes to bring the joy of creating special spaces to her clients and their loved ones. She’s been collaborating with clients and contractors for more than 15 years and each project brings its own challenges. With each challenge comes growth and in the last two years, she’s opened her own office and brought on three new cabinet lines. She invites anyone ready to renovate their entire home, work on their dream kitchen or perhaps create a fresh powder bath to reach out and create something beautiful together with her.
I’m seeing a trend with a focus on traditional design, mixing timeless, well-made antique pieces with new box-store finds to cozy up spaces while using warm colors and textiles that will stand the test of time. This is a more intimate approach than previously seen, as rooms are more defined spaces.
Gold hardware is big right now, but don’t worry — you can mix in other hardware finishes if they complement each other. Mixing hardware finishes will make your house an interesting home to love and live in.
Colors: We are moving away from gray walls, gray floors and gray everything and bringing in bright and cheery paint hues. I see bold, saturated paint colors such as orange and cobalt blue, and people are gravitating toward pops of color with paint, wallpaper or tile.
If color on the walls is not your thing, use a nice neutral wall color and focus on bringing in color and pattern with decorative pillows. Perhaps using wallpaper in the foyer, the pantry or the powder bath would be stylish. I love the idea of antique furniture pieces painted in a vibrant red or orange.
For folks who prefer a neutral palette, shades of browns and khaki greens will be a good choice.
Countersurfaces: I continue to see quartz dominating because it’s so easy to maintain and does not require sealing. I do see people moving toward natural stone such as quartzite, marble and granite due to the natural beauty of the stone. Nothing is more beautiful than nature. Educating yourself on each surface is important so that you will be familiar with the upkeep and limitations of the stone.
New kitchen features: If you have the budget, I recommend extending the quartzite or countersurface to serve as a backsplash. This is easy to maintain and extends the life of your kitchen.
Built-in hoods are beautiful and provide a nice focal point in the kitchen and I’m always recommending kitchen pull-outs, tray accessories and spice pull-outs for organizing your space. And please don’t forget the undercounter lighting.
Floor coverings: Recyclable cores and PVC-free, allergy-certified and biobased properties are starting to dominate the language of engineered wood, vinyl and laminate flooring. We see many alternatives to engineered flooring that are better for the environment and people have more alternatives than in years past.
Furniture: Wooden furniture pieces always provide warmth to a space and continue to provide character to your home. Darker stains and woods such as cherry or walnut look fantastic on blonde wood or lighter flooring.
Mixing wood tones to add interest is key, and the most exciting thing about the upcoming design trends are that anything goes — so choose timeless furniture pieces that you will love for years to come.
Lighting: I believe layers of lighting work best. Cove, task and ambient layers of lighting are impactful, such as a full-spectrum fixture like Ketra from Lutron, which can mimic the natural color temperature of the sun following your circadian rhythm. Using a lighting designer is always a great idea if the budget allows.
Finishes: I’m happy to see a mixture of all finishes, but I’m still seeing light oak or blond finishes prevail.
Windows and doors: Energy-efficiency and innovative, soundproof windows and doors are key for new construction and renovating homes. Densely populated communities will benefit from soundproofing and contractors are looking for companies that have innovative technologies that help them deliver cost-effective, energy-efficient and sustainable products.
Floor-to-ceiling windows are an architectural feature that inspires all homes. There is a growing trend for the use of natural materials. Wooden windows and doors are becoming more prevalent and offer a timeless appeal to the consumer. Choosing wood or natural materials is an eco-friendly and wise choice for homeowners.
Don’t forget smart technology. Homeowners are demanding smart home technology and security features in 2025. For example, smart windows can be scheduled to open and close at specific times, allowing for natural ventilation and decreasing the need for air conditioning.
Window treatments: Draperies and window treatments are making a comeback, and the consensus is that color and details like trims and pleats are replacing the neutral colors and simplicity of the past. I love that window treatments can be motorized and also be connected to our home’s smart technology.
New green options: They’re endless right now. Whether you are planning to replace windows, doors or flooring; painting interiors or exteriors; replacing appliances, etc., there is a green option. Look to the experts in this area.
Natural materials: Wood is everywhere this year. I’m excited to see more of it.
Advice to homeowners: Write down your goals and the items you wish to achieve and the timeline you hope for, and interview people who have been recommended by others.
Catherine Shively
Designs By Envision
Gig Harbor • 253-225-3180
designsbycs@hotmail.com
As an interior designer, Catherine Shively is passionate about the interior spaces of residential, commercial and even exteriors. Her love of design started as a very young girl and continues today. Being creative and working with clients to see their desire happen is exciting and satisfying. Her background and education is ongoing so she can provide the latest trends and products to her clients.
Interiors are more functional and comfortable, with splashes of color, and more personal. A modern casual look with modern technology for simple and easy living. Less maintenance overall so your home can be turnkey and you’re ready to leave for activities and adventure. Less stuff and clutter so you’re free from the burden of having to take care of it or store it.
With more people entertaining in their homes, it’s important for the home to be ready for entertaining at a moment’s notice. This means having it easy to tidy up and comfortable for your family and friends.
Colors: People are looking for base colors that are neutral so other items of color work, such as furniture and accessories that can be added to the interior without clashing.
Neutrals such as crèmes blended with dark browns for accent. Along with this gray, forest green is popular in fabrics and paints. Used in the right interior, it adds a bit of elegance but is still casual.
Countersurfaces: Choice of countertop depends on cabinet, floor and wall color choices. Dark or black cabinets are a trend with a modern spin of wood countertops, a very rich organic style with a more dramatic look.
On the other hand, the choice of a lighter countertop to complement light-colored cabinets provides for a clean, simple look. With so many options of colors and patterns, you can choose what you desire as long as it works in the interior (whether it’s a kitchen or bathroom).
New kitchen features: People are looking for kitchens that have a pantry for their countertop appliances for easy access when preparing meals or special dishes and that won’t take up counter space for food prepping. Double ovens seem to be a request more and more for convenience and not having to jockey what goes into the oven first.
A two-tone kitchen such as wall cabinets that are a different color than the base cabinets add interest and definition in the kitchen cabinet.
Open shelving seems to be on its way out. Standard wall cabinets with glass doors seem to be a preference. It’s a cleaner and simpler look. Cabinet styles are simpler, with fewer lines for easy cleaning and a modern look vs. traditional detailed cabinets.
Fabrics: Fabrics that are versatile and suitable for everyday wear are at the forefront. Exploration of new, clean, pure colors and textures such as velvet, linen and wool are preferred. Also, textiles with a pattern to accent the room and furniture for a personal touch.
Floor coverings: Luxury vinyl continues to be popular due to its versatility and design patterns such as wood grain and tile. I recommend these for heavily used areas such as great rooms and into the kitchen. Having the same flooring throughout the living and kitchen areas is an open and streamlined feel that adds a more modern look.
Hardwood flooring is also what clients are looking for. Hardwood floors have long been a symbol of sophistication and durability, representing a timeless option that continues to evolve with modern design trends.
Large tiles such as 12-by-24 or 24-by-24 are popular and recommended. This look is modern, simple and minimal for interiors such as the bathroom and kitchen.
Furniture: Comfortable and functional furniture is trending, with the sofa being the centerpiece of the living area. It’s important to have a sofa that is easy to sit back in, comfortable yet firm for support. There are many sofa styles to fit varying spaces for large or small areas. Depending if it’s a small apartment or a great room, there are sofas in many sizes and colors to choose from. Once the sofa is chosen, the rest of the furniture will fall into place.
Lighting: Lighting is an important factor in any home. There are three different lighting needs: ambient, task and accent. Based on what is needed in the different interiors of your home, recessed lighting is still used for the general areas, along with pendant chandeliers or flush lighting fixtures to add a design perspective to the room. All switch lighting should be on dimmers to set the mood of the room and allow light based on what’s needed.
Finishes: Wood finishes are popular, especially dining tables. Tables with simple lines and a matte finish that highlights the wood grains.
Wallpaper has been making a comeback and is not your “grandmother’s wallpaper.” There are so many textures, colors and patterns that can add to a space such as an accent wall, powder room and bathroom. It’s time to really consider these as an option for certain spaces. It can be exciting to see the results.
Windows and doors: Windows or doors first and foremost should be energy-efficient when selecting style. Styles that are minimal and simple with frames featuring sleek, thin profiles maximize natural light and create a clean, modern aesthetic.
Window treatments: I recommend window shades to fit within the window frame, along with a cornice at the top of the window to provide design and warmth to the space. This will provide privacy and an interior design element to accent the room.
If drapes are desired, they should be ceiling to floor to make the room feel larger and add depth. Color and patterns are a must for both the cornice and drapes to work with the base color and furniture.
New green options: So many green options are being used and continue, too. This hasn’t changed. Bamboo recycled wood, quality second-hand items are still choices people consider. Along with this, it’s important to keep in mind what can be donated for others to use and what is on the second-hand sites that the client may be open to consider as a choice. These markets are a growing resource for items such as side tables, lighting and area rugs, as long as they are still in quality shape.
Natural materials: Natural materials to be on the lookout for are wood products for coffee tables, countertops and furniture; and organic fabrics that are soft and comfortable. These materials bring an organic feel and look to a space, along with a feeling of being part of what nature brings to the interior of our homes.
Advice to homeowners: Consulting with an interior designer for professional advice is best. A professional who has been in the business and has experience can assess a room fairly quickly and provide you with ideas (based on your desires) of what will work and where to find quality products and quality workmanship, as well as put a plan together.
Connie LaMont
LaMont Design, Inc.
Poulsbo • 360-779-7227
connie@lamontdesigninc.com
lamontdesigninc.com
Connie LaMont has been an interior designer and colorist in the Pacific Northwest since 1993. She holds a bachelor’s degree in arts from the University of California in Irvine and a second bachelor’s from the Interior Designers Institute in Newport Beach, Calif. LaMont and her architect husband, Wayne, own LaMont Design Inc. in Poulsbo. Some of their joint projects include Austin Towers in Poulsbo and Elkhorn Place in Sequim.
I’ve always loved creating a small butler’s pantry off the kitchen, and now I’m loving to implement large sculleries in my clients’ homes. The larger (sometimes louder) messes can be in the scullery while we’re keeping the kitchen as the center of our homes for family and friends, with less mess.
Colors: All the white-on-white has kind of cleared out of our minds. Grounding our interiors with black framework, like black windows and doors, has opened our minds to the notion that dark details within our homes does not mean that we live in dark homes.
Now we’re able to bring in some truly saturated hues. Deep hunter green or saturated moss greens for our sofas and comfy club chairs. Rich-toned bedding to bring in a sultry or moody feeling into our bedrooms. Even dark-toned wallpapers are coming back into vogue.
Countersurfaces: Quartz is still extremely important within our homes. Its durability is phenomenal.
New kitchen features: I love drawers. Deep drawers in your base cabinets, of course, but drawer dishwashers, drawer microwave ovens and drawer beverage units are wonderful uses of space in kitchens and butler pantries.
Fabrics: For a few years now, I have gravitated toward “performance” fabrics. Perennials Fabric is incredible and is the fabric that you’ll see at Pottery Barn, Restoration Hardware and other high-end furniture showrooms.
Floor coverings: I recommend luxury plank vinyl and porcelain tile.
Furniture: Comfort and easy maintenance are the most popular. If you’ve got the space, sectional sofas are the best use of space. And whenever there is a gorgeous outdoor view, I love to bring in swivel club chairs.
Lighting: Vintage fixtures are everywhere. And vintage can mean from the 1920s with a more traditional feel, from the 1940s with an art nouveau European styling or from the 1950s with a midcentury postmodern industrial look.
Finishes: Matte finishes are prevalent. I love a luxe gold paired with a matte black in light fixtures and plumbing fixtures.
Window treatments: Roller shades with texture are recommended. This way when they’re down, you get the beauty of what looks like a natural fiber, and when they’re up, they are tucked away in a slim cassette and are out of our view.
Natural materials: I see lots of shells — mosaic tiles, lamp shades, tabletops, hearths, all with the use of shells.
Advice for homeowners: Connecting with an interior designer is the best idea. I would suggest you talk to your friends and family to get a good referral. Everyone’s style is so different. Style is very personal and relevant, so finding someone who will listen to you and your needs is extremely important. In my interactions with clients, I always want to listen to them, and then go the extra mile to create interiors that they didn’t realize they were able to have and that they could live within.
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