2025 Interior Design "Trend" Review- Why we are loving marble, color washing, polished nickel and hand-made tile.

Every new year brings a fresh wave of design inspiration—and 2025 is already shaping up to be bold, beautiful, and refreshingly cozy. I’ve been eyeing some of this year’s standout design threads, and I have to say: I’m here for it. There’s a richness and depth returning to interiors that feels like a long overdue exhale.

Here’s a look at the 2025 interior design themes I’m currently loving—and some explanation of why the trend, for lack of a better word, works and how to do it in a classic, timeless way so that your home can stand the test of time and your investment lasts.

In the broadest sense, these "trends" or let's call them themes... trend is not the right word, signify a return to what is authentic and classic. If applied in a way that reflects your personality, you are sure to not tire of your choices in the years to come.

These design elements signify a return to what is timeless, real, from the earth. They bring warmth and texture. As consumers have more access to the images and design elements once only used by the world's top interior designers, the entire notion of "trend" can fade away. When we return to handmade materials or materials that come from the earth, we rest assured that our home's design schemes will be beloved for as long as possible. Think terra cotta tile, marble, linen and cotton, sisal and jute, wood. These design elements are here to stay. So let's dig in and discuss how these elements are being used.

✨ Themes I’m Loving

1. Wood Is Back in the Kitchen and I believe it's here to stay

After years of painted cabinets and the all-white kitchen being the only kitchen, wood is making a serious comeback—and it’s about time. From warm white oak to rich walnut, natural wood cabinetry is bringing organic texture and soul back to kitchens. The look is timeless, earthy, and full of character. Bonus: it plays beautifully with both modern and traditional styles.

Why do I think it's here to stay? Well, let's see... in the 90s, it was the "Tuscan kitchen." Think cherry cabinets. We got sick of it. We shifted in the opposite direction to the all-white kitchen. Okay... now we are worn out of that trend. (Having said that, I do think there is always a place for the all-white kitchen. I just don't think it's the ONLY kitchen.) Finally, enter the 2020s and beyond, and we have finally found a balance. We are using color, wood, and whites and taupes in our kitchens. It's so refreshing and so personal to each client and each space. Everything is possible as long as it's done well, with acknowledgment of the surrounding architecture and with overall balance. We are seeing wood base cabinets with painted tops, wood islands with painted perimeters, or all painted, and all wood as well. It's all up to you and what your space dictates. If your kitchen has a ton of light streaming in all day, you can go for a bold color paired with wood. If your kitchen lacks light, maybe a creamy painted cabinet is called for. Do what you like to look at, live with, and what your space requires.

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2. Long Live Marble Countertops

Marble is far from new, but its staying power in 2025 feels more intentional. The timeless elegance and luxurious appeal of veined marble countertops are increasingly evident as they make their way into various spaces, including kitchens, bathrooms, and even unique furniture pieces. This resurgence can be attributed to a growing appreciation for natural materials and a desire to incorporate elements that convey sophistication and style. In the past the marble market was dominated by the white Italian Marbles like Carrera and Calcutta gold, however with the acceptance of bold color in the design world along come some stunning bold marble choices as well.

Marble is equally comfortable in contemporary kitchen designs, as well as the most traditional settings. Marble countertops serve not only as functional surfaces but also as stunning focal points that elevate the overall aesthetic of the space. Homeowners and designers alike are embracing the rich textures and intricate patterns found in marble, which can vary dramatically from piece to piece, making each installation unique. Marble creates an inviting atmosphere, enhancing the overall experience of relaxation and indulgence.

The timeless quality of marble means that it can withstand changing trends, making it a sound investment for homeowners looking to create enduring spaces that remain stylish for years to come.

Hot Tip - if your marble is active or "busy", balance it will quieter elements that let the marble shine. Conversely, if your marble is quieter with less variation you can punch it up with bolder paint choices and more varied design elements surrounding it.

False Marble: Quartz and Porcelain

False marble, often designed to mimic the appearance of natural stones like quartz and porcelain, offers an attractive and cost-effective alternative for various applications. This material is crafted using advanced techniques that replicate the intricate veining and color variations found in authentic marble. The result is a surface that not only captures the elegance and sophistication of marble, but also boasts the durability and low maintenance of engineered materials.

For purists who love natural materials from the earth that patina over time, quartz and porcelain will not suffice. That said, the makers of quartz have come a long way in their ability to mimic the texture and look of natural stone. In years past, the pattern was easily picked up by the eye, and you could tell quickly it was not natural stone. Currently, there are a few varieties that offer full slabs in which no patterning can be detected. The texture, while an impressive dupe, will not satisfy the customer who wants real stone. The texture, temperature, and weight are simply not the same. Yet, they offer a fantastic design solution for customers on a budget or who want something that will not stain or etch over time and does not require sealing. The options are useful, neutral, and pretty. While they may not make your heart go pitter-patter, they get the job done.

False marble is particularly popular in interior design, where it can be used for countertops, flooring, and wall cladding, providing a luxurious look without the associated upkeep of natural stone. With a wide range of styles and finishes available, false marble can seamlessly blend into both modern and traditional aesthetics, making it a versatile choice for homeowners and designers alike.

3. Don’t Dismiss Brass—But Hello, Polished Nickel

Brass is still very much a staple (and still stunning when done right), but I’m seeing polished nickel sneak back in—and I’m not mad about it. It offers a quieter, more refined take on metallics. It pairs beautifully with both warm and cool palettes and feels like a subtle nod to traditional elegance with a modern edge. The thing to think about when selecting a finish is not just whether it reads "gold" or "silver"—but is it pretty? There are brushed, satin, matte, and polished versions of brass and chrome. If you want to keep it timeless and beautiful forever, opt for a living finish like polished nickel. It has a warmth to it and it patinas over time, making it a perfect choice for plumbing or for cabinet colors that just don't look right with a yellow finish. In the early 2000s, everything was shown in a silver finish. Then, starting in the 2010s, brass made a comeback. We are now seeing polished nickel creeping back, and I LOVE it! But don't throw out the baby! Pretty brass will remain used and beautiful if the quality of the finish is high. I forecast in the future designers will continue to use both in various settings and mix and match strategically to create a collected-over-time feel in a home.

4. Zellige Tile Magic

Zellige tiles continue to shine in 2025, and for good reason. The handmade, imperfect surface adds dimension, depth, and authenticity to any space. Whether it’s a softly gleaming backsplash or a bathroom wall full of texture, these Moroccan-inspired tiles bring a sense of history and craftsmanship that feels just right. These tiles are hand-glazed terra cotta. They come in a limited selection of traditional colors that are all stunning. There is so much color variation that you need to lay out the pattern to ensure an even balance of the various lighter and darker tiles... even though they are all the "same color." Think mother of pearl vs. flat white tile.

Using Zellige is not for the faint of heart. You need to bring your A-team tile installer on board. They are delicate and can chip. The edges are variable. The tiles are thick. There are no trim tiles available, and mitering them is a nightmare. So, you need to know what you are dealing with and use them in the right applications with some thought in advance about grout thickness and how things will be trimmed—but in the right place, they are absolutely stunning!

HOT TIP: Where to get authentic Zellige Tile from Moracco

My favorite manufacturers of Zellige tile are Zia Tile and Otto Tile. I have not found a tile vendor locally that offers real terra cotta Zellige tile. Most offer a similar look, but not the real deal.

5. Saturated Colors Are Having a Moment and we are in love with color washing

Soft neutrals will always have their place, but saturated tones are definitely taking center stage this year. Think deep olive, ochre, merlot, and marine blue. These colors feel moody, cozy, and surprisingly versatile. They create rooms that feel enveloping and expressive—and I’m all in. For the best inspiration, go to Farrow and Ball. Farrow and Ball is a storied paint maker from England that is the world leader in color creation and color theory. Their paints, which are made up of 30% pigment (compared to roughly 5% for your typical American paint manufacturer), are outstanding in terms of depth and luminosity. Think velvet vs. cotton? A can of Farrow and Ball can cost almost double that of a standard can of high-quality paint... but once you "know," you "know".

Use bold colors to color wash a smaller confined room such as a dining room, study, or a den. You can also go for a bold color in a walk-in pantry or mud hall cabinetry if you don't want to commit to bold cabinets in your kitchen.

You can also achieve a stunning and sophisticated textural color washed look with sisal wallpaper, as illustrated in the image below. This type of wallpaper is made from natural fibers, specifically the sisal plant, which is known for its durability and unique texture. The intricate weave of the sisal creates a tactile surface that adds depth and character to any room. The color washed effect can be achieved by applying a subtle wash of color over the natural tones of the sisal, enhancing its organic appearance while providing a contemporary twist. This combination not only brings warmth to your space but also introduces an element of sophistication that is both inviting and stylish. The versatility of sisal wallpaper means it can complement various design styles, from rustic to modern, ensuring that it can fit seamlessly into your decor scheme.

Final Thoughts

2025 is all about embracing warmth, authenticity, and materials that tell a story. Whether it’s a slab of marble or a hand-glazed tile, the spaces we create this year are meant to feel intentional and full of soul. Out with the cold, in with the cozy—I'm excited to see where this new chapter takes us.

Which trends are you loving (or leaving) this year?