Header: Danist Soh
Design is always shifting, always evolving, and constantly being shaped by the challenges and changes of the world it serves. Right now, as we dive into what’s defining 2025, it’s clear that design isn’t just about looking good anymore—it’s also about solving problems. Across architecture, interiors, furniture, industrial design, and even lighting, the focus is now placed on sustainability, innovative technology, and the betterment of the human experience. These aren’t just buzzwords thrown around for effect; they are the base of a movement that seems to be rethinking how we build, decorate, and innovate our intimate spaces and the world around us.
So, where does that leave us? Somewhere between cutting-edge and a return to the basics, yes, but definitely heading in a more intentional direction. Whether it’s furniture made from recycled materials, interiors that mimic nature, or buildings that make you question whether you are truly indoors, everything seems to be connected by a need to balance progress with sustainability. But are these trends purely for the sake of trends? Where are they taking us, and what can this mean for our future? Well, the only way to know is to dive right in.
Trends per industry
Architecture
The architectural landscape is heavily influenced by sustainability, as reclaimed materials, solar-integrated facades, and passive design strategies have become standard practices to reduce environmental impact. Keeping nature in mind, biophilic design is another current trend, which we can see in the wide use of green roofs, living walls, and natural ventilation systems. Organic forms are also seen all over the place, as curved facades and open layouts that prioritize natural light and airflow help soften urban spaces. Multifunctional spaces are emerging as a response to urbanization, with layouts tailored to mixed-use purposes as a form of adaptation to constantly changing lifestyles and needs.
Interior Design
Interior spaces are now embracing smart technology, with app-controlled systems for lighting and temperature, voice-activated hubs, and smart mirrors placed throughout the homes of the World. Nature-inspired palettes are all the rage now, with earthy tones like terracotta, sage green, and oceanic blues bringing nature in and giving residents a sense of calm. Warm minimalism can be given a special focus here, as it combines minimalist principles with the warmth of textured rugs, layered lighting, and tactile materials like wood and stone. Biophilia has also moved indoors, with features such as indoor gardens, natural wood finishes, and water installations, allowing residents to live in eco-conscious environments no matter where they choose to reside.
Industrial Design
High-tech and ergonomic designs are the trends that currently define industrial products, with foldable displays and AI-driven features showing us that the future is already here. Sustainability is central, as recycled metals, biodegradable plastics, and carbon-neutral manufacturing processes are at the base of most designs, no matter the type. Retro aesthetics, particularly mid-century modern influences, seem to be returning, merging nostalgia with contemporary technologies – millennials can’t get enough of this. Portability and modularity are also key trends, as “compact” seems to be in almost every product description.
Furniture Design
Current furniture seems to be based on organic shapes, such as rounded edges and fluid forms, design elements that bring softness indoors and give residents the calm they need in this chaotic world. Multifunctionality is also a priority nowadays, which can be seen in modular sofas, extendable tables, and beds, all of which have storage space. Sustainable materials such as bamboo, cork, recycled plastics, and upcycled wood are all over the place, a design choice that stems from the current demand for eco-friendly options. Furthermore, furniture is now mixing vintage aesthetics with modern vibes, bringing some funkiness to our homes and making our intimate spaces a place where we genuinely want to hang out.
Lighting Design
Lighting is now trying to be noticed, as lighting fixtures have gotten more sculptural and unique, mixing functionality with art. Layered lighting strategies also cover the entire range of interior design, creating a depth and versatility never before seen in interiors. Technology and light are now in a relationship, and adaptive lighting systems appear in most modern designs. Eco-friendly solutions, such as LED lights and solar-powered systems, are also increasingly common, offering sustainable, visually appealing alternatives.
Connecting the dots
The design trends 2025 look cohesive across architecture, interior design, industrial design, furniture design, and lighting design, as all have sustainability, technology, and human-centered design at their core. Each field manages to adapt these elements to their unique priorities but also contributes to a larger narrative where environmental responsibility, technological progress, and the enhancement of human well-being are the main goals.
Sustainability
Sustainability has been recognized in every design discipline, shaping how materials are selected, systems are built, and products are created. Architectural practices, for example, adopt reclaimed materials, green roofs, and passive solar designs to reduce energy consumption and environmental footprints. These choices influence interior design, as they emphasize natural materials like bamboo, cork, and living plants, enhancing the spaces’ air quality and creating a connection to nature.
Furniture manufacturers contribute to this trend by crafting durable, multipurpose pieces from recycled or renewable resources, and industrial designers turn to biodegradable plastics and energy-efficient production methods as a way to show their respect. Even lighting design aligns with this principle, prioritizing eco-friendly LED fixtures and solar-powered systems.
Innovative technology
Technological advancements transform the functionality and adaptability of spaces and products, pushing each field to become smarter and more efficient. In architecture, new buildings are now equipped with IoT systems that manage energy use, optimize climate control, and enhance security. In turn, these smart buildings have interiors that feature app-controlled lighting, temperature adjustments, and even adaptive decor.
Furniture and industrial designs also mirror this trend, as modular furniture that adapts to compact and high-tech spaces fosters a simpler daily routine. Lighting systems are also now capable of adjusting brightness and color temperatures to align with circadian rhythms, mixing technology with human well-being and coming closer to design’s main goal: catering to the wellness of humanity.
Human-centered design
The goal here is to create spaces and products that prioritise physical comfort, mental health, and long-term usability – forget materialism and consumerism, we are looking at durable and high-quality design that brings a sense of calm to the user. Architectural trends like biophilic design follow this trend by integrating natural elements such as green spaces and water features into the design to improve mental well-being. Interior designs, influenced by warm minimalism and nature-inspired palettes, create environments that reduce stress and encourage relaxation.
Ergonomic and multifunctional furniture enhances physical comfort, and high-quality materials and well-thought-through design allow users to keep the pieces for as long as they want. Industrial designs strive to simplify everyday life with user-friendly devices that do not feel like a cognitive burden, something to study, while sculptural lighting fixtures and layered lighting systems not only serve functional needs but also add art and culture to spaces.
So what does this all mean?
By fully incorporating sustainability, innovative technology, and human-centered elements into the design, these industries have successfully improved how we live and interact with our environment. Sustainable practices ensure the ecological viability of designs, technological advancements increase functionality and adaptability, and a focus on human needs enriches the overall experience of users worldwide. Together, these trends show us that design in 2025 will listen to our personal needs and give us what we want, and the best part is that this will evolve as we keep growing as a society.
Studios and designers leading the way
Architecture
Johannes Torpe Studios, led by Danish designer Johannes Torpe, has recently worked on the Red Mountain Resort in Iceland, and we couldn’t help but choose it as an example to follow. Located on the western peninsula of Snæfellsnes, the resort was placed at a point where the river and sea join, right in front of the impressing Snæfellsjökull, a glacier-covered stratovolcano deeply rooted in Icelandic folklore.
The resort’s design was curated to the environment, as its goal was to encourage deep self-reflection and exploration in the midst of a sense of awe: awe for the surrounding nature and for the local mythology, with the story of Barður Snæfellsás, a figure who chose solitude in nature over the chaotic world of men, right in the spotlight. Panoramic views, sky courtyards, and a lagoon that flows through the reception area almost make us question if there is any border between the resort and the outdoors. Regarding the architectural style, the designers were deeply inspired by Icelandic traditions, particularly the turf houses constructed by early Norwegian settlers. These historical structures are characterized by wooden frameworks insulated with turf, having been reimagined in the resort through the inversion of this method.
A heavy concrete base, made to match the red tones of the surrounding landscape, was layered and textured to resemble the patterns of traditional turf houses. Further showing the biophilic approach we’ve been noticing, the resort’s roof is covered in grass, and reflective glass was chosen for the exterior, creating a mirroring effect that allows the building to blend with its surroundings. The spa, located at the heart of the resort, is designed as a physical and emotional journey that mirrors the narrative arc of Barður Snæfellsás – a very “human-centered” approach from the designers. The space incorporates natural elements like steam, wind tunnels, fire baths, and ice pools, symbolizing the emotional and environmental extremes described in the saga. The outdoor lagoon, a key feature, is designed to appear as an extension of the nearby river as its layout includes shallow passages, currents, and still-water pools.
Interior Design
Biombo Architects is an international design studio established by Spanish designers Nacho Atienza and Bea Alejandre. The firm is known for creating spaces that blend natural elements with contemporary design principles, focusing on functionality and integrating architecture with its surroundings. The studio has recently worked on Cala Blanca, which is part of the Biombo Secrets villa collection in Pererenan, Bali.
The villa, located only 800 meters from the coastline, doesn’t occupy much space, so one of the design’s main challenges was dealing with spatial constraints. The solution was to make the villa a long, continuous structure that runs along the plot’s widest edge, creating a private and serene space where neighboring properties seem to disappear in the vegetation. The shared infrastructure of the complex includes a single parking area and a common entrance, with a zigzagging pathway leading to the individual villas. Framed by lush vegetation, this corridor is dressed in natural stone, guiding guests to their intimate spaces while giving them the sense of discovering a little oasis in the middle of the jungle.
The ground floor features a communal living area under a slanted wooden roof where the kitchen, dining, and lounge spaces are located. Indoor greenery is integrated into this area, including palm trees and plants surrounding the sunken seating and kitchen zones. Wood and stone are the main materials used, showing how sustainability and closeness with nature are important in the design. The villa’s layout spans three levels: the ground floor includes three bedrooms, two of which open directly to the garden and the pool area; the first floor is dedicated to a master suite that features a private terrace, and the basement functions as an entertainment space, containing a bar, a cinema room, and service areas. The outdoor area is home to a saltwater pool inspired by turquoise beaches, with custom marble pieces and coconut trees surrounding it.
Industrial Design
Stimulo is an industrial design agency that focuses on creating products that improve health, well-being, and productivity, with FastPay as the perfect example of their work. The product was born from the agency’s collaboration with Barcelona-based tech start-up Proppos, which allowed Stimulo to create a self-payment device that uses artificial intelligence and image recognition to automate retail transactions.
FastPay is designed to identify products and execute transactions without requiring intervention from other people or devices. To achieve this, it uses AI, deep learning algorithms, and image recognition technology to scan barcodes or specific markers in retail environments, changing how we view shopping. By working with local suppliers and using standard profiles and sheet metal bending techniques to produce FastPay, the team managed to minimize both the production costs and their ecological footprint, showing how this product embraces the trends we have been seeing all over the industry.
Lighting played a great role in the design process, as it needed to capture customer attention and align with Proppos’ branding, but finding the perfect one proved challenging. Finally, after exploring multiple LED configurations, Stimulo contacted LED and PCB manufacturers directly and managed to create a tailored solution that became a defining feature of the FastPay terminal. By combining advanced technology with a functional design language, Stimulo created something that addresses the practical requirements of developing such a product and the user experience, showing how industrial design can cater to both without losing on the quality of the product.
Lighting Design
SAGA Space Architects is an architecture studio co-founded by Sebastian Aristotelis and Karl-Johan Sørensen that normally explores how architectural design can address human needs. Initially focused on creating human habitats in extraterrestrial environments, the studio now uses the complexities of space design as a framework to improve living conditions on Earth. One of their key projects, the Circadian Light Panel, is a lighting system designed to support astronauts’ biological rhythms when on the International Space Station (ISS). Still, it can also have practical applications in our daily life right here on Earth.
The Circadian Light Panel simulates natural daylight, helping astronauts maintain healthy circadian rhythms while living in space. To achieve this, it uses seven types of LEDs to emit a customized light spectrum that aligns with the natural progression of daylight over a 24-hour period. The panel automatically modifies its brightness and color temperature based on the sleep schedule of the astronauts, a feature that contrasts with traditional lighting systems on the ISS, which have a hard time adapting to the astronauts’ natural rhythms. The Circadian Light Panel helps reduce the negative effects of disrupted light exposure commonly experienced in space by providing the perfect lighting conditions during waking hours and promoting relaxation before sleep. Beyond its application in space, the Circadian Light Panel shows great potential for use in spaces where natural light is limited, such as in submarines, hospitals, or urban interiors.
Furniture Design
We meet Johannes Torpe Studio again, now in a collaboration with Italian furniture brand Moroso that led to the creation of two furniture collections, the “Heartbreaker” and the “Precious“. The collections are inspired by the designer’s personal experiences and emotions, specifically a past relationship and its eventual breakup.
The Heartbreaker sofa incorporates modular elements that reflect the pain of separation and the hope for reconciliation: the armrests are designed as half-heart shapes, appearing broken when viewed separately but forming a complete heart when pushed together. This design shows how furniture can be a medium for emotional storytelling, connecting users to the product through its narrative. The modular design also makes the Heartbreaker sofa adaptable for different spaces, suitable to enhance the ambiance of homes, hotels, and offices alike. The Precious chairs and stools were designed during a period of happiness and optimism in Torpe’s life when he was planning to propose marriage. These pieces feature a metal band encircling the base of the seat cushion, resembling a wedding ring.
Torpe’s design philosophy, influenced by a childhood spent in a Danish hippie commune and a career spanning architecture, industrial design, and branding, seems to defend the integration of emotional narratives in functional designs. By using his experiences as inspiration, Torpe challenges conventional approaches to furniture design, advocating for authenticity in the products we choose to use in our daily lives.
What might come next?
The design will surely evolve in response to technological advancements, global challenges, and shifting human needs, as we have seen happening up until now. Post-sustainability design may become a dominant trend, which would entail moving beyond minimizing environmental harm to actively regenerating ecosystems. For example, buildings could incorporate algae-based facades capable of producing energy and oxygen while improving air quality and fostering biodiversity. Furthermore, biomimetic and bio-integrated design, inspired by natural systems, could one day foster the creation of new materials and structures: self-healing concrete or furniture grown from mycelium, for instance.
Another potential direction is the development of symbiotic AI-driven design, where artificial intelligence transitions from a supportive tool to a more collaborative partner in the creative process – AI can start co-creating highly personalized products, predict emerging needs, and create solutions for complex challenges. As technologies like augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) advance, immersive and spatial design will probably redefine how people interact with their surroundings. Future spaces could become interactive and multisensory, merging physical and digital elements – for example, interiors enhanced with AR might allow users to modify textures, colors, and lighting in real-time.
Regarding concerns about waste and resource efficiency, we can expect the design to maintain its focus on longevity and repairability, with furniture being designed to be rebuilt or electronics produced with replaceable components, for instance. The trend toward radical inclusivity in design is also expected to expand. It could lead to creating products optimized for neurodiverse individuals, for example, or public spaces designed with universal accessibility as a central goal.
While we are unsure of the future, it seems like design will keep doing what it has done up until now: adapting to human and environmental needs. This time, technology will definitely become an intrinsic component of living spaces, so we can only hope that everything is done right and that the accountability we as a society have been striving to place upon the public and designers alike will keep being upheld.
