A new year brings fresh trends for many industries, especially in the world of interior design. Several Pittsburgh-area interior designers shared what home and office trends are on the rise—and how to integrate them into your own space.
Spring Colors In, Grays Out
It’s the return of warm colors in 2025. Kacie Cope, founder of Kacie Cope Interiors, is thrilled to see a shift toward richer, earthier tones after years of grays, cool blues, and other neutral colors. “People are craving more warmth and personality in their spaces,” she said. Color palettes that are making a big comeback include terra-cotta hues, soft mauves, deep maroons, and warm browns.
Founder and Principal Designer of Montague Design Catherine Montague agreed that moving away from gray is a good thing. She’s seeing more earth tones with accents of greens and blues that feel grounded and soothing.
Make Your Home Feel Like You
Montague described how to enhance living spaces with style and personality. Bold, textured ceilings are in, as is using wallpaper to wrap ceilings or simply painting them another color. She’s also seeing more rounded and curved accent furniture pieces in homes. Lately, her clients are opting for a luxury feel in their yards as well, such as building an outdoor space that feels like an extension of the home.
Melissa Ferrari, principal owner of M. Ferrari and Company, said adding color to kitchens is taking off. “I am a tried and true ‘all-white-kitchen gal’ (white marble counters and all), but we have been encouraging clients to add a little personality to the hub of the home,” she said. Make your kitchen pop with items like a blue range from La Cornue, antique green lanterns over the island, or sleek modern yellow bar stools. Ferrari noted that “pattern drenching” (which means using the same pattern on the walls in wallpaper, on the drapery, sometimes on the upholstery, or even on a lampshade) is enjoying a resurgence.
Cope encouraged homeowners to embrace their individuality in 2025. More than ever, people are recognizing that their homes should be uniquely reflective of those who live in them. “I want your home to look like you—not like me (your decorator) or a Pinterest board,” she said. “I’ve felt firsthand how redemptive and healing it is to have a soft spot to land, and I’m glad that this trend is encouraging more people to make their homes the place they want to be.”
As for home offices, they’re all about versatility and style, according to Molly Lucas, owner and principal designer of Maison de Molly. Traditional executive desks are on the way out, and compact laptop stations paired with cozy lounge seating are more ideal for balancing work, virtual meetings, and creative brainstorming. For homes where space is at a premium, dual-purpose rooms are the stars of the show. “Think office-meets-guest-bedroom setups or a sleek console table in the living room that doubles as a desk. It’s all about blending functionality with aesthetics seamlessly,” she said.
Bright and Light Traditional Office Spaces
“Traditional offices in 2025 are all about creating spaces that feel good to work in,” said Lucas. Flexible layouts are on the rise, with open lounge areas for conversation, phone booths for private calls, and hot-desking stations for flexibility.
Additionally, inclusivity efforts will increase for ADA accessibility, allowing individuals to control their environment (such as sound, light, sit-and-stand desks, meditation rooms, and prayer rooms). Montague mentioned the use of light colors and natural materials as another rising trend. “This approach makes a space feel larger and provides a natural foundation, allowing companies to personalize it to their liking.”
All of the experts agreed that spaces with ample natural light and indoor plants make a significant difference in today’s offices.
Following Trends on a Limited Budget
While trends are exciting, it’s often smarter to invest in timeless pieces that will stand the test of time, especially if you are on a budget. Cope advised homeowners to focus on foundational elements that won’t need replacing when trends inevitably shift. For example, avoid committing to bold, trendy changes like painting your kitchen cabinets in the latest “color of the year.” Instead, look at classic design elements that will last, such as white subway tiles, simple cabinetry, or neutral-colored flooring. These reliable choices won’t feel dated in a few years.
Montague added that paint is an affordable and easy way to change your environment. Painting an accent wall, for example, adds visual interest.
“Best doesn’t always mean most expensive,” said Ferrari. “Educate yourself on the frame construction, cushion composition, spring system, and fabric of the piece you want to buy. Since trends are constantly evolving, we advise our clients to allocate the bulk of their budget to classic furniture pieces—like good upholstery.” This tactic helps homeowners incorporate less expensive, trendy items as accents without overspending—or feeling remorse when those trends inevitably fade.