At the helm of one of Australia's foremost design publications, est magazine and estliving.com editor Sophie Lewis
shares her global perspective on the themes shaping high-end residential interiors in 2025.
In 2025, residential interiors are embracing vibrant accents and
nostalgic hues. Orange, red, and brown—often paired together—have
emerged as recurring themes in furniture and rug design, alongside a
spectrum of purples, from deep eggplant to lilac, plum, and rhubarb.
Leather furniture brand Baxter has leaned into these tones for their
latest collection, as seen in their bed and armchair designs launched
at Milan Design Week 2024. Meanwhile, outdoor furniture is evolving
to mirror the quality and sophistication of interiors, with terracotta and
olive green anchoring modular sofa designs and plush sun loungers.
Silver, aluminium, mirror, and stainless steel continue to gain
momentum as key materials and finishes. We see this on different
scales in the home, from sculptural stainless steel kitchens to accent
aluminium table lamps. Travertine remains a popular choice, though
the trend has shifted from warmer tones to cooler silver-hued
variations, particularly in bathrooms and other functional spaces.
Coloured glass has made a striking comeback, with smoky glass
lighting and pastel blue and yellow glass furniture, such as shelving.
Lacquer and gloss finishes are also re-emerging, enhancing curved
forms in coffee table and cabinet design. Distinctive timber grains,
including burl and zebra-like Ettore Sottsass veneers, are being
employed to create evocative joinery, while gesso, plaster, and
limewash continue to frame interiors with textural warmth and
atmospheric calm.
Paris Apartment by Thiste | Photography by Thomas de Bruyne. Ettore Sottsass Veneer | Image Courtesy of Elton Group
Sophie Lewis
est living Editor
February 2025
In Focus Magazine
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