- New research reveals interior trends Brits want to make a comeback
- Interior experts share tips for creating the top interior trends on a budget
New research from bed specialists, Time4Sleep, sheds insight into just that. Asking 2,000 UK adults, the survey revealed the top seven interior trends Brits want to make a comeback in 2025:
- Art Deco (16%)
- Minimalism (13%)
- Scandinavian (13%)
- Coastal style (11%)
- Feature walls (10%)
- Pastels (9%)
- Bohemian (9%)
These findings indicate that when it comes to home design, we’re looking to create two types of spaces; a peaceful sanctuary and a space that represents our creativity and individuality.
Whichever best suits you, Time4Sleep has teamed up with interior designers, Tracey Lester and Lisa Samuels from Propaganda UK, to share their top tips for creating the trends on a budget.
Calming interiors
1. Minimalism
While maximalism was coined a popular trend of 2024, it can quickly make a space feel cluttered and small… which is where minimalism comes in. A minimalist style strips back distractions, creating the ‘clean and organised aesthetic’ many people find relaxing at the end of a long day.
Tracey explains: “This trend is all about peace, making it perfect for bedrooms in particular thanks to helping create a relaxing sleep environment. However, for those working from home, it also offers the ability to create a ‘no distraction’ work zone.
“One of – if not the – most important thing with minimalism, is home storage. Opting for furniture that gives you hidden storage solutions is a relatively low-cost option. Look for Ottoman beds and children’s beds with drawers underneath to store toys or additional bedding.”
“When it comes to a colour-scheme, stick to a monochromatic palette with white as your base colour. Using a monochromatic palette essentially means sticking to one main colour, but incorporating different shades, tones and tints for more depth. While you want to avoid too many nick-nacks, sculptures and artwork presenting clean lines are stunning minimalistic additions that you can personalise to your style.”
2. Scandinavian
Characterised by its functionality and use of natural elements, Scandinavian interiors saw a huge increase in the mid-late 2010, thanks to the rise in popularity of the ‘hygge’ concept. In a post-pandemic world then, as people continue to spend more time at home, it’s unsurprising we’re wanting to turn to this trend to create a cosy and comforting sanctuary.
Tracey comments: “Scandinavian design is great for those who want the minimalist feel, but want to incorporate a little more depth and natural elements. Similar to when working towards minimalism then, a bright, airy feel with the use of clean lines is essential here.
“Work with unfinished or pale woods to keep that airy feel, and style furniture with soft texture such as faux fur throws, chunky knits and linens. Contemporary art and tan leathers can add extra depth to this look, while also working well with greenery which is commonly associated with Scandinavian design.”
3. Coastal style
Research shows that being in nature has huge benefits on our mental health and helps us feel balanced, joyful and calm². It’s unsurprising then that Brits are keen to see the return of coastal interiors, a style that was popular back in the 2010s and incorporates natural tones and materials to create a peaceful environment.
Lisa advises: “Working with a soft colour palette inspired by the ocean is a great place to start with this trend – think greens, blues, light browns and beige tones. When it comes to furniture, opt for driftwood or light brown wood over darker tones.
“A great way of tying in other trends is by white-washing your walls to create a textured effect – something we’re seeing a lot of at the moment. When selecting accessories, consider coastal artwork and striped linen furnishings to tie this all together.”
Bold, creative interiors
1. Art Deco
Originally popular in the 1930s and again in the 80s, 90s and 2010, Art Deco creates a glamorous space while bringing a touch of nostalgia to its inhabitants. Nostalgia is a really powerful emotion that consumers are turning to more than ever amidst the concerns surrounding modern day technology³ and more turbulent times, which could be why we’re not ready to let this trend go anytime soon.
Lisa explains: “The great thing about the Art Deco trend is it can easily be brought to life with just a few subtle elements. For example, something we’re seeing a lot of people do in line with this trend is installing panelled walls. Not only is it budget friendly (packs start from as low as £18.99), but it’s easily customisable depending on how bold you want to be.
“For example, if you’re into bold colours, why not paint your panelling a rich hue such as deep green, black or honey, while keeping the rest of your walls neutral? Similarly, if you’re looking to incorporate zigzags, sunbursts and chevrons that come with this trend, being creative with your panelling design can achieve this.
“When it comes to choosing hardware and accessories, opt for symmetrical and geometric patterns on soft furnishings as well as velvet materials and brass or chrome accents. Woods should ideally be black or a rich walnut.”
2. Pastels
From modern design to retro interiors, pastels are a versatile trend that can work with a variety of styles. While really popular a few years ago, pastels have taken a bit of a backseat in recent years. However, the rise of dopamine decor (designed to boost serotonin and wellbeing), could be a reason we’re seeing their popularity return.
Tracey comments: “Those looking to use pastels in the home are generally looking to create a pretty, delicate space that leaves them feeling tranquil and calm. It’s vital then that the chosen colours work together in harmony, as this can be the difference between creating a sophisticated feel over a potentially chaotic space.
“Start with a base colour and look for others with similar tones i.e. warm or cool tones. If you’re new to creating colour palettes, stick to the 60-30-10 rule which essentially means 60% of the room will be your base colour, 30% will be a secondary colour and 10% is for your accent shade.
“If you’re someone who loves to upcycle or you’re working to a budget, painting vases and other ornaments in pastel shades can quickly revamp a space in line with this trend.”
3. Feature walls
A great and cost-effective way to give a room a new lease of life, is with a feature wall. It’s this that has likely led to the trend coming around a few times since the 1990s. In 2024 then, as trends start to lend themselves to creativity and individualism but budgets remain tight, feature walls are making a comeback.
Tracey comments: “In recent years, a feature wall consisted of one single wall contrasting with the rest of the room, either with a different colour paint or wallpaper. More recently however, people are opting for a feature wall focusing on different art work, or one large piece such as a mural style painting or wallpaper design. Not only is this less time consuming than completely redecorating, it allows you to show off your individual style and can really bring your uniqueness to a space.
“Another popular option is creating a textured wall, whether that’s from paint washing, utilising tiles and panelling, or hanging tapestry. Whatever your poison, this trend is relatively quick to turn around and can be as bold as you want.”
4. Bohemian design
Perfect for those who love so many different styles and periods, bohemian interiors blend modern, vintage and global influences to build a creative and inviting space.
Lisa advises: “Bohemian design is a carefree mix of cultural styles including painted furniture and rattan style furniture. What’s great about this trend is that the rulebook really does go out of the window, and there’s freedom to be as creative as you like.
“Don’t be afraid to step outside the norm, rugs don’t need to be on the floor for example, they can be hung on the wall as a piece of art if you prefer. If you are keeping them on the ground, be sure to layer with different colours, textures and patterns and aim for eclectic mismatched design on your textiles and in your accessories to create the boho feel.”
For more bedroom inspiration, visit https://www.time4sleep.co.uk/blog.
