Typically, the most common goal for a showhome is to attract a widespread audience. So with the New Year marking a great time for change, housebuilders looking to brief new showhomes or refresh existing ones should be aware of upcoming interior design trends. Our resident expert, Steve Hird, director of showhome interior design specialists, Edward Thomas Interiors, highlights what to watch in 2025…
“The big benefit of many of the trends we expect to be popular this year is they are not age specific, meaning they can be used as boldly or subtly as necessary, from small styling details through to bespoke furniture, statement wall treatments or full explosions of colour.
“Speaking of colour, this is the question we’re asked most when it comes to new trends. Shades we expect to take centre stage are those from the rich, earthy, autumnal family. Think burnt orange, rust, plum, and any of the wine reds. Plus not forgetting Mocha Mousse, a rich, warming brown that was recently announced as the Pantone Colour of the Year.
“How colour is used can make a showhome more distinctive, and one of our favourite emerging paint trends is colour drenching. This is all about being confident, bold and unapologetic about colour. Choose a single colour and “drench” the room, including the ceiling, furniture, woodwork and floor, or create a tonal room. By this I mean use shades of the same colour across the room. It’s equally playful but creates a more elevated, sophisticated look, and would work well in a luxury house that is ideal for families with older children.
“Patterns and texture are other common queries. Stripes made a comeback last summer and look set to grow in popularity. We don’t expect these to remain limited to accessories, instead they’ll take over upholstery, curtains and wallpapers. So in a downsizer home we might use elegant ticking stripes but in a first-time buyer property, these could be bolder, block or candy versions.
“When it comes to texture, be advised to expect the unexpected! Textured wallpapers, decorative plaster finishes, dado and picture rails, even concrete wall. art can help make an eye-catching feature so don’t be afraid of briefing your design team to think out of the ordinary. A statement piece makes a great conversation starter, especially for social media content.
“Finally, Arts & Crafts is a style enjoying a resurgence right now, following Habitat’s collaboration with Morris & Co that was unveiled last autumn. How we might incorporate this style will vary depending on the demographic. For example, in retirement living or downsizer properties, we could use these prints in fabrics or statement wallpapers, but in a first-time buyer or young family home, they could be seen in detailing such as turned wood table legs, floor lamps or plant pot holders.
“With the goal of a showhome to be both memorable and inspirational, considering these design trends as part of your next brief could help set your development apart.”
