The New Design Era : What's Trending in 2025
Category Property Trends
As we step into 2025, the world of interior design is brimming with fresh ideas and perspectives that reflect a shift towards individuality, sustainability, and cultural resonance. With insights from Garreth van Niekerk and Alan Hayward, the newly appointed Executive Creative Directors of Decorex Africa, and industry experts from Vogue and HouseBeautiful, we've highlighted some of the transformative trends set to shape this year.
Let's dive into these trends, with a special focus on South African influences, to inspire and guide your design journey in 2025.
Celebrating Cultural Specificity
The era of generic, globalised design is being replaced by a focus on cultural authenticity and personal heritage. Garreth van Niekerk shares, "The trend will be towards cultural specificity, with designs reflecting local traditions and stories."
This approach transforms interiors into narratives, celebrating the essence of their origins. Alan Hayward adds, "We're seeing a move toward spaces that blend personal heritage with global influences, turning them into true reflections of their owners' roots."
In South Africa, this trend is particularly poignant. With a rich blend of cultures, designers are drawing inspiration from indigenous crafts, patterns, and materials. Think Ndebele-inspired motifs, Zulu beadwork, or the earthy textures of clay and stone used in contemporary settings.
Texture Takes Centre Stage
Handcrafted materials like bouclé, felt, and natural woods are key players in 2025. These tactile elements bring depth and warmth to spaces, creating environments that feel personal and inviting.
Top designers emphasise the importance of reflective surfaces paired with traditional materials to balance modernity and tradition. The design community highlights the narrative quality of textures, with the belief that it's about telling a story through fabrics and finishes, creating lived-in, personal spaces.
South African artisans are contributing beautifully to this trend. From handwoven textiles by local cooperatives to ceramics that celebrate our natural landscapes, there's an opportunity to integrate uniquely South African textures into any space.
Bold and Tailored Colour Palettes
Say goodbye to muted tones and hello to vibrant, curated colour schemes. Trend forecasting predicts a maximalist approach, featuring bold hues complemented by earthy neutrals like warm taupes and browns.
We will also see a rise in tailored palettes designed for specific environments, making spaces feel purpose-driven and unique.
The new neutrals of 2025 embody this trend. A sophisticated brown with comforting warmth, it pairs beautifully with South African-inspired palettes. Consider combining Mocha Mousse with the shades of deep green inspired by the Cape's fynbos or the sunburnt oranges reflecting sunsets of the Karoo.
Redefining Workspaces
Hybrid work models continue to shape the design of professional spaces. Flexible layouts, modular furniture, and a balance of function with style are becoming the norm. There is a continuing shift towards shared, collaborative environments with the importance of creating aesthetically pleasing yet dynamic spaces.
South Africa's design community is innovating in this sphere, with companies like Dokter and Misses leading the charge. Their sleek, modular furniture pieces are perfect for modern workspaces that demand both versatility and visual appeal.
Durable and Adaptable Outdoor Furniture
With climate change reshaping weather patterns, outdoor furniture needs to be both durable and stylish. Key areas of focus for designers and homemakers are materials that withstand extreme conditions and designs that are adaptable and low-maintenance.
South African brands like Weylandts and Malabar Design are pioneering in this area, offering outdoor collections that merge practicality with elegance, often inspired by the country's breathtaking natural surroundings.
The Pantone Colour of the Year: Mocha Mousse
A warming brown hue, PANTONE 17-1230 Mocha Mousse captures the mood of thoughtful indulgence for 2025. Its versatility makes it ideal for minimalist and richly detailed designs alike. Whether used as a statement colour or a neutral base, it embodies sophistication and comfort.
South Africa's Influence on Global Design
South African designers, artists, and architects continue to make waves on the international stage. From the sustainable innovations of Greg Truen to the artistic brilliance of Andile Dyalvane, the country is a hub of creativity. Local influences - such as the use of raw, natural materials and a commitment to storytelling - are shaping global trends.
Interior design in 2025 is a celebration of individuality, culture, and sustainability. Whether you're embracing bold colours, tactile textures, or culturally specific details, the trends of this year invite you to create spaces that are as unique as you are.
Author: The Agency Property Group
