San Francisco Bay Area designer Jasmine Wang predicts people will start to embrace hand-painted murals in their bedrooms because they add artistry, warmth, and a deeply personal touch.

She said this trend will take shape with nature-inspired scenes, statement accent walls, personalized artistry, and vintage motifs.

Ali Burgoon Nolan, the owner and principal designer of Studio Burgoon, said restorative hues like sage, clay, and soft taupe will help ground bedrooms with calming energy in 2025.

"Drawn from nature, these colors create harmony, offering a tranquil retreat within the home," she said.

Jordan Miranda, the founder and principal designer of JM Living Concepts, also thinks we'll see more muted-terracotta and warm-taupe tones. She also thinks natural materials like wood and linen will be popular.

The bedroom is a place to unwind, which is why Nolan predicts more people will "transform the bedroom into a space for reflection, rest, and rejuvenation from daily life."

She said clients might do this by incorporating relaxing design features like reading nooks or meditation corners into their bedrooms.

Celeste Robbins, the founder of Robbins Architecture, also sees built-in nooks being popular next year.

"There is something intimate and grounding about a built-in nook in a bedroom," she said. "It's a place to curl up, read, or recharge that is not your bed."

In the age of at-home work and smaller spaces, Miranda acknowledges that the bedroom often becomes a multi-use environment.

By visually and physically defining the bed as its own cozy sanctuary, a canopy bed reinforces the boundary between work or activity zones and restful sleep areas.

"A canopy bed is a way to keep the sleeping space sacred, creating thoughtful separation between the rest of the room where a desk or exercise equipment might also live," she said.

"One of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to enhance a bedroom without major construction is using wallpaper to create a feature wall," Kristin Christensen, the owner and principal designer of Mod Earth Studio, said.

She said wallpaper is "in" again because it's an easy way to add personality and flair to a bedroom for much cheaper than construction or custom pieces.

Wang and Nolan both told BI they think all-white, minimalist spaces are on their way out.

Nolan said, they can have a "sterile" look and more people are leaning toward "richer, layered designs that invite relaxation."

"The all-white, ultra-minimalist look is making way for spaces with more warmth, color, and texture," Wang said. "In its place, expect to see more accent-wall colors, layered neutrals, and earthy tones that create a cozy, inviting atmosphere."

Wang and Christensen predict the "bedroom in a box" look will be replaced with a more curated and eclectic approach.

"Designers are mixing and matching materials, finishes, and styles to create a unique, collected-over-time vibe," Wang said.

Christensen recognizes that matching furniture sets provide a convenient solution for creating a polished look, but individuality and self-expression are becoming highly valued by everyday consumers.

"People are increasingly seeking to create spaces that feel more authentic and lived-in," she told BI.

According to Wang, the ultra-industrial aesthetic will exit bedroom spaces next year.

"While industrial touches may still be popular in certain spaces, the overly rugged look with exposed brick, metal, and harsh edges is being traded for softer, nature-inspired designs," she said. "Organic textures, natural woods, and calming colors are now the go-to for a warmer feel."

Christensen predicts that recessed lighting, a round lighting fixture installed into the ceiling or wall, will be replaced for its lack of ambiance.

"For years, recessed lighting was the go-to choice for many bedrooms, promising a sleek, minimalist look and ample light without taking up visible space," she told BI. "However, in recent years, recessed lighting has started to feel outdated, especially in bedrooms."

Instead, she said, people may opt for alternative lighting solutions with things like smart ceiling lights and dimmable fixtures, table lamps, bedside lighting, wall sconces, or pendant lights.

Brad Smith, CEO and lead designer at Omni Home Ideas, told BI that neon lights, especially in excess, have no place in a bedroom.

"Although striking, neon lights can disrupt sleep patterns and create a jarring visual environment, which is less than ideal for a bedroom," he said. "Instead, opt for softer, layered lighting that enhances mood and function."

Smith told BI that fully carpeted rooms made a comeback in 2024, but that's not exactly a good thing.

Homeowners should be aware of the challenges that come with wall-to-wall carpeted floors before choosing to install them.

"They're not always practical because of maintenance challenges and allergen accumulation," he told BI. "A preferable alternative is using area rugs on hardwood floors, which can enhance the room's aesthetics while being easier to clean and swap out."

Shiva Samiei, interior designer and CEO of Shiva Samiei & Co., told BI that bedrooms aren't the best place in a home for single-tone or all-white color schemes.

"Overly minimalist bedrooms are more like hospital rooms than sanctuaries," Samiei said, adding they can often lack warmth and coziness.

Instead, she said, layer textures and utilize accent pieces to work more personality and color into a space.

Samiei also told BI that although edgy industrial designs with exposed brick and metal finishes look cool, they can make a bedroom feel uninviting.

If you're going to lean into an industrial style, she said, balance out the "toughness" of it by adding warm wood tones, bedding with soft textures, and thoughtful mood lighting.

A bed with a low frame (or none at all) can look really minimal, but Lucy Harrison, senior interior designer at SouthPark Interiors, said this look is rarely ideal and often inconvenient.

"If you place this bed in a large room, it also makes the bedroom very disproportional, which can mess with the overall look and feel of the space," she told BI.

Plus, a low-to-the-ground mattress means missing out on the opportunity to have under-bed storage space.

"Your bedroom does not have to be perfectly curated, and every piece of furniture does not need to match," Harrison said.

She isn't the first designer to tell BI they dislike a matching bedroom set and that a space looks better when the nightstands, dressers, and headboard aren't the same material and finish.

After all, Harrison said, mixing various pieces can make a bedroom feel more interesting and relaxing.

Joyce Huston, the lead interior designer at Decorilla, told BI she's done with chunky, oversized furniture. The designer hopes people will stop buying it next year because it almost always overwhelms spaces.

"For 2025, I'm all about choosing furniture with visual lightness, elegant silhouettes, and dainty details that make a space feel curated rather than weighed down," she said.

Hudson thinks the bouclé fad has gotten a little out of hand.

The woven fabric made from looped yarn is used on everything from throw pillows to accent chairs.

"I know bouclé has been everywhere, but the sophistication level of mohair velvet over bouclé is incomparable," she said. "Plus, mohair ages like fine wine, while bouclé looks tired after just a few years."

Viscose rugs may seem like an affordable luxury, but Jennifer Jones, the principal designer at Niche Interiors, said the semi-synthetic fabric isn't worth the hassle.

"Unfortunately, viscose area rugs are impossible to clean, and one spill can be their downfall," she told BI. "Instead, look for wool area rugs, which are the most durable and long-lasting."

Jones told BI that fiddle-leaf figs are out.

The popular houseplant is known for its height and lush leaves, but it's become a little too ubiquitous for the designer's liking.

"Fiddle-leaf fig trees had their moment, and that moment has passed," Jones said. "Instead, consider its equally beautiful cousin, the ficus Audrey, which also grows very tall and provides a lot of visual interest and texture to a space."

Luis Carmona, the owner and interior designer at Verde Interior Design, is ditching disposable, plastic kitchen items like storage containers, utensils, and drinkware.

"Investing in great, quality alternatives will not only save you money in the long run, but it will also help your kitchen be more green," he said.

Instead, he recommends glass storage containers, beeswax sheets to cover food and leftovers, and glass or stainless steel drinkware to upgrade your kitchen.

When in a pinch, it's easy to opt for inexpensive and accessible bedsheets, towels, and other home linens. However, you may want to reconsider that strategy.

These cheap linens, especially those made with synthetic fabrics, tend to fall apart quicker and need to be replaced more often — costing you in the long run.

"Investing in quality and comfortable towels, bedding, and even napkins makes such a difference," Carmona told BI. "Not only are they comfortable to the touch and perfectly functional, which is imperative, but you can usually tell the difference in quality just by looking at the fabric."

In the last few years, people have been drawing attention upward toward their ceilings with bright paint and bold wallpapers. However, Havard Cooper, an interior designer and architect, said it doesn't always transform a room how we expect it to

"I love a bold design moment, but wallpapering a ceiling does not fix a boring room," he told BI. "A room should feel cohesive, and focusing too heavily on the ceiling often disrupts the balance."

Instead, invest your time and money in the design and decor elements in the main area of the room.

Cooper said monochrome and beige rooms tend to "feel too safe and lack personality."

The fad was on the rise, partially because of the popular Japandi trend, which combines Scandinavian and Japanese influences.

However, the designer hopes people will stop reaching for the same bland couches, rugs, and decor accents and instead choose a more balanced mix of tones and textures. The latter adds character to a space, making it more unique.

It seems like there's always a new tile trend — whether it's an intricate pattern, bold color choice, or surprising texture — but remember that trends come and go.

"Before you splurge on the latest 'it' tile, consider its longevity," Jan Odesanya, the principal interior designer at Mondän & Co Interiors, told BI.

Instead, she'll be opting for classic choices, like subway tile, natural stone, and timeless geometric patterns, to prevent her clients from starting over again in a few years.

If the rug in your room is too small, it can seem like all of your furniture is floating around without something to ground each piece. A small rug can also make a room feel cramped since it's essentially at the center of a furniture cluster.

Think of a rug as a place mat rather than a centerpiece for your furniture. Extending beyond the furniture a bit expands the living-room area and makes the room feel more spacious.

As a general rule, choose a rug large enough to measure 6 to 8 inches beyond your sofa on either side and have at least two legs from each furniture item sit comfortably on the rug. 

Due to their functional, lightweight construction, futons are usually smaller, with narrower seats and firmer cushions than regular couches.

Since the living room is one of the most-used spaces in the home, I wouldn't sacrifice comfort or style for the occasional guest. Utilize a futon in the home office or flex space instead.

If you need to double your living room as a guest space, consider buying a more comfortable sleeper sofa that can transform from a couch to a bed instead.

Thin, vertical plastic blinds tend to bend and tear easily, and the strings and locking gears can be frustrating to operate.

Window treatments are crucial for privacy, light, and temperature control, but they can also elevate your interior decor. As an everyday-use item, quality blinds are an investment that can actually add value to your home.

Instead of settling with a plastic vertical version, opt for 2-inch wooden or shutter blinds or light-filtering shades. Adding quality curtains can also help with temperature control and incorporate personality.

If your living room is littered with paperwork and looming to-do lists, it might be hard to get out of the work mindset and into chill mode, especially if they both take place at your coffee table.

As more people work from home, it's important to create a comfortable work environment while maintaining separation between the workspace and living areas. If space is limited, split the room into separate zones for work and living so that when you clock out, you can move away from the workspace.

For example, you can set up a workstation with a dedicated desk that faces away from the wall and an open shelving unit or a set of drawers that divide the room.

Solely relying on overhead light fixtures can make your space feel dark and small. Conversely, if the room only has recessed lighting or white bulbs, it can feel too harsh.

To create a relaxing living room, spread the light around with a variety of fixtures at varying heights, control brightness with dimmer switches, and use light bulbs with a warmer color temperature to create an inviting glow.

Mounting your TV or installing plug-in wall sconces can elevate the living room, but exposed wires create visual clutter and can make a space look unfinished.

If you're unable to run your wires through the wall, installing a cord-concealing track that matches your wall color is a quick and easy option.

But more often than not, I recommend just keeping your electronics off the walls and using the opportunity to invest in a nice TV stand. There are a lot of cable organizer options that are attractive and inexpensive.

A beautiful piece, like a white leather tuxedo couch, can make your living room look like a magazine spread, but it may not invite people to get comfortable in your space. 

When investing in furniture, look at your lifestyle and family. For example, if you want guests to lounge in your living room, avoid couches with high-sided armrests and narrow cushion depth 0r rigid accent chairs with wooden arms and firm seats.  

Gallery walls are a scattering of framed posters, small artworks, and family photos typically placed on those huge walls you're not quite sure what to do with. Though it certainly fills the space, a gallery wall can appear as visual clutter if not mindfully curated.

I always recommend keeping small-scale art on table tops and bookshelves and opting for large-scale pieces for the wall to fill the space and make a bolder design statement.

If you love the gallery look, use the same kind of frame for all your pieces and try to incorporate repeating colors and patterns to create the effect that they're all one body of work.

Loose back cushions aren't attached to the couch and are often made with removable covers. Though they can be a good selling point for some individuals who want to regularly wash their covers, others will find that they create a frustrating maintenance routine.

When purchasing couches with loose back cushions, consider the weight and density of the cushions and what appeals to you visually. Lightweight cushions can be interior-design mistakes, as they will fall down and be easily pushed around the couch. On the other hand, heavy feather cushions will get squished and need regular fluffing.

If you don't want to deal with constant maintenance and fluffing, consider buying a couch with back cushions that are attached to the piece of furniture.

Nothing is more disappointing than cuddling under a fuzzy blanket just to have your toes poke out. Though typical throws are usually about 40 by 60 inches so they won't take up too much space draped over your couch, the size also means you probably won't be able to stretch out underneath.

Instead, find a blanket that's marked as a twin-size or oversized throw blanket. A good throw blanket, especially in a knit fabric, can add a gorgeous cozy texture to your space, fold up tightly, and serve as a versatile piece for you and your overnight guests.

This story was originally published on July 3, 2023, and most recently updated on December 6, 2024.

Alice Moszczynski, an interior designer at Planner 5D, told BI we'll likely start to see more seamless connections between interior and outdoor spaces.

"This goes beyond just large glass doors as designers are integrating retractable walls, natural ventilation systems, and materials that age beautifully in indoor and outdoor environments," she said.

Moszczynski predicts materials like stone, reclaimed wood, linen, and other natural materials that bring warmth, textural richness, and authenticity to a space will become even more popular in 2025.

As people prioritize having unique, personalized spaces, we'll likely see more consumers rejecting mass-produced finishes, too.

"Expect a resurgence of materials that show imperfections, like handmade tiles and unpolished marble," she told BI.

Lucinda Loya, founder and principal designer at Lucinda Loya Interiors, expects to see a resurgence of the art-deco style next year.

The style, which has roots in Europe and boomed throughout the 1920s and 1930s, is characterized by opulence and modern, geometric patterns.

"The updated trend blends the movement's iconic chevron patterns, zigzags, and sunburst motifs with opulent materials like marble, glass, and polished metal," Loya said.

She predicts we'll see neutrals like black, white, gold, and silver paired with luxe textures like velvet to create "vintage and fresh spaces."

In line with the art-deco revival, Loya told BI, mirrored, reflective surfaces will also make a comeback to give spaces a touch of glamour.

"Mirrored surfaces reflect natural and artificial light, adding depth and brightness, which is especially valuable in smaller or darker spaces," she said.

Loya also said we'll see mirrored accents paired with matte textures to create elegant designs that balance drama and restraint.

"More people are leaning into saturated colors — deep greens, dramatic blues, and spicy oranges and golds," Matthew Coates, owner of Coates Design Architects + Interiors, told BI.

Coates expects to see more rooms telling bold, colorful stories as homeowners search for a refreshing break from all-beige interiors.

He anticipates this trend will stick around for a while as more find comfort in creating spaces that reflect themselves.

In previous years, mixed-metal finishes might have been considered mismatched. Now, Coates said, they're becoming a popular option for a versatile look.

"Mixing metals gives a room personality and dimension, and it feels more collected over time rather than overly coordinated," he said. "It's perfect for people who want their spaces to feel relaxed but still elevated."

Biophilic design, which emphasizes connection with nature, has been a popular trend in recent years, but Moszczynski believes the days of faux plants are behind us.

"The trend of artificial plants and green walls to emulate biophilia is losing appeal as people realize these elements fail to deliver the wellness benefits of genuine nature," she said.

Instead, she said, we'll likely see more living plants throughout interior spaces.

"Gray-dominated palettes have overstayed their welcome and feel cold, monotonous, and impersonal — particularly in high-end spaces," Moszczynski said.

She predicts that earthy tones like terracotta, clay, ochre, and sage will continue to replace "millennial" gray.

The battle between maximalism and minimalism in the home continues, but Moszczynski predicts the pendulum will swing back toward a refined level of minimalism next year.

Maximalism was pretty big throughout 2024, but people may not be looking to buy a ton of items and decor in the year ahead.

"People are craving more visual calm and functional flow in their homes," she told BI. "Excessive decor often means unnecessary consumerism, which conflicts with the growing interest in sustainability."

Over the last few years, open floor plans have become less popular, and Coates predicts we homeowners will usher in a new chapter of balancing openness and privacy in 2025.

After all, closing off part of an open space can be really impactful.

"Adding a half-wall and a vintage room divider changed the whole vibe of a friend's open-concept living room, making it cozier and more intentional," Coates said.

Electric lights replaced the long-held tradition of attaching lit candles to branches.

Tinsel added sparkle to the tree, while candy canes could be used as both holiday snacks and festive decorations.

Tinsel, which was often made with metallic materials, had to be rationed for the war effort.

People still use similar stockings today, hung by the fireside with care.

There were tinsel garlands or long strands of metallic tinsel called icicles, like on the tree shown above.

Menorahs could also be simple or ornate to match the tablescape.

Trees became centerpieces of the home for holiday entertaining, and fashionable sets of ornaments were sold to replace more homemade or collected ornament collections.

Taper candles are still commonly used in holiday table settings.

"Silver and Gold," a famous Christmas song performed by Burl Ives in the 1964 film "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer," embodied the Christmas tree-decorating trends of the time.

White House Christmas decorations are now even more extravagant.

People DIY-ed the look by dipping their tree branches in laundry starch.

Inflatable versions of these vintage-looking lawn ornaments are still commonly seen today.

Some holiday decorating trends never go out of style.

The lights were often multicolored and in the shape of miniature birds.

People would often add cotton wool or sparkly white felt to create a snowy environment for their miniature Christmas villages. This decorating trend is still popular today, either new or secondhand.

However, elaborate light displays are one trend that probably would have seemed out of place 100 years ago.

I'm terrible with a tape measure, know nothing about piecing together cabinets into a cohesive and functional layout, and didn't have the time or eye to pick out the perfect tile — so I hired an interior designer.

We worked together to bring my vision to fruition and she to planned all the details of my remodel. I paid $525 for an initial consultation and $5,250 for the design development.

I have no doubt that if I'd tried to do this myself, I would've wasted a ton of time at stores being indecisive and I probably wouldn't have liked the end result.

This project was supposed to take about three weeks, but it actually went on for about three months.

My contractor had forewarned me just how messy and loud the demolition phase would be and that I wouldn't have access to a kitchen the entire time — so I booked three weeks of hotel stays to avoid the chaos.

Although it would've been easier, logistically, to stay in one hotel the entire time, I chased specials and discounted rates at some of the most luxurious resorts in Phoenix (the triple-digit summer heat means massive sales each year).

I work from home, so being able to work in peace at these hotels for a few weeks at the start of the project was priceless. I definitely had a tough time once I went back to living in my house during the rest of the remodel.

I knew I wanted quartz countertops, and my designer helpfully chose some options within my budget. The problem? I hated how cheap and flat they looked.

So, she showed me some upgraded samples — and, of course, I fell in love with how much more depth and richness they had.

I ended up paying about $11,000 for countertops, which was several thousand dollars over budget. I don't regret it because they have the "wow" factor I wanted.

One of my requested design features was a display area for my collection of colorful Le Creuset enameled cast-iron cookware — but each piece is so heavy and large that we weren't sure how to accommodate it.

My designer engaged a local millworker to custom-create three floating white-oak shelves that would enhance the overall design while providing functional storage space.

The project cost over $2,200, but the shelves are the focal point of the room — and I can see their beauty from my living room, too.

At first, I thought I might keep my 19-year-old stove and fridge for another year or two until I saved up for replacements.

However, once you design a kitchen around appliance measurements, it's not as easy to swap them out down the road.

So, I spent over $5,000 on a gorgeous LG stove and LG fridge I'd had my eye on. It was the right call — they look sleeker and more modern and are far superior to my old appliances.

The new fridge is enormous, and my new induction-style stove heats up twice as fast as the old electric one.

I'll admit that a slew of TikTok videos about task and mood lighting convinced me to install trendy under-cabinet lights.

Although I dig the vibe they give off, I just don't use them as often as I expected. One of the reasons is that I didn't spend even more money to have them put on a dimmer switch, so they're just too bright at night.

I could've saved a few thousand dollars if I hadn't bothered with them at all.

I added shower niches for storage and was thrilled with my design choices until I had my first shower and noticed water pooling in both shelves.

After a quick Google search, I realized the tiling at the bottom of a niche should be angled to let the water drain. I hadn't thought of this, and my contractor apparently hadn't either.

The niches aren't angled at all. Worse, they're in a part of the shower that gets especially wet.

They don't always dry between showers so, over time, water could seep through the tile and into the framing behind — which might eventually cause another mold problem.

During the design process, I had to select a grout to accompany my beautiful white-gray Carrara marble tiles.

At the time, I chose a light color thinking it would seamlessly match the tiles — it did. Unfortunately, it's also a dirt magnet in the high-foot-traffic area around the sink.

No amount of scrubbing has helped thus far and comparing it to the pristine tile under the vanity hurts my heart a bit. Next time, I'll go at least two shades darker with floor grout to help mask the unavoidable grime of this busy zone.

It took forever to find the perfect floating vanity with drawers and space for two sinks. At last, I imported a beautiful fluted piece from Italy.

While awaiting its arrival, my contractor roughed in the plumbing based on the standard height for vanities. It turns out my piece was not standard — its cutouts for pipes didn't match up with the now-installed plumbing lines.

Fortunately, we were able to cut out a notch in the back of each of the drawers to accommodate pipes. This was better than buying a new piece, but it added another 400 Canadian dollars to my budget.

Next time, I'd ensure my contractor had all the specs before mounting or installing anything.

Although I'd put a lot of thought into the placement of pot lights in the ceiling, I neglected to do the same with vanity lighting.

Instead of, say, three lights placed at eye level or two over the mirrors, I settled on just one placed between the two mirrors. This was, in part, to save money.

But one light doesn't provide nearly enough illumination when you're using the mirrors. (Just ask my teens!)

I don't really have enough room for three sconces, but I wish I 'd at least placed one above each mirror. I'm now sourcing new (hopefully cheap) sconces, which I'll also have to pay an electrician to install. Ouch.

When I discovered my existing window had to go, I knew I wanted to replace it with an industrial-style one complete with grilles running in a grid on the outside.

I could already picture the adorable piles of snow that would collect in the corners come December. Since I was so certain and so busy I ordered my window over the phone.

When the window arrived, I was shocked to find the grilles were between the sheets of glass. I'd never seen this design before, and it was definitely not my intended vibe.

It was a custom piece, so I couldn't return it. Instead, I focused on the positives: This was much cheaper and way easier to clean than the ones with grilles on the outside.

Since it's a small window, I've gotten used to it and even come to like it. But if ever I'm in a position to add windows to another room in my house, I'll spend more time and money to ensure I order the grilles on the outside.

This might sound odd, but some clients insist on incorporating seemingly random, vintage (and, in my opinion, extremely overpriced) items into their homes.

These pieces have ranged from a salvaged fireplace from a 17th-century home in France to a weathered wooden door from an abandoned Italian villa. But honestly, I'm all for it.

Having something interesting to talk about when people walk in never hurts. Imagine someone complimenting your fireplace and casually replying, "Thanks, I shipped it from France." Talk about a conversation starter.

I recently worked with clients who wanted art pieces that reflected their personalities.

Instead of picking something off the shelf, I made custom art that fit my clients' visions. Many of these pieces, which required large paintings or paper canvases, were very expensive to make.

Still, my clients loved being part of the creative journey, tweaking and perfecting their masterpieces until they felt just right. As a designer, seeing someone light up when they look at a one-of-a-kind piece hanging on their wall is fulfilling. 

Many of my affluent clients search for materials that look stunning and are made with sustainability in mind — think energy-efficient lighting, reclaimed wood, and renewable-energy sources.

For example, I've recently sourced sustainably made mattresses for a bedroom and salvaged boards from a barn for a kitchen backsplash.

I believe the future of interior design, especially in luxury homes, will revolve around sustainability. Over the next few years, I expect more designers to ask questions like, "How can we reuse marble to give it a second life?"

Gone are the days of plain countertops and all-white rooms that lack personality. Many of my high-end clients embrace bold statement stones like onyx and exotic marbles that showcase rich lines in the stone and make a striking impact.

Picture a kitchen with a stunning onyx backsplash or a bathroom countertop that elicits a "wow." Statement stones can elevate an ordinary space into something truly unique.

Custom-made furniture can be a game changer. I love the satisfaction of perfectly sizing a sofa to fit into a tricky corner or coordinating the trim on dining-room chairs with the fabric on a living-room couch.

Though custom pieces aren't essential — many of my favorite couches come from Ikea and other big-box stores — customizing furniture provides a chance to create unique items that reflect personal style and needs.

Clients who choose the custom-furniture route can select their preferred styles, source unique fabrics, and find ideal cushion fillings.

Have you ever walked into a nice restaurant and noticed a cozy vibe from the lighting? Ambient lighting — soft, glowing light that usually serves as a room's primary source of illumination — instantly makes everything feel more inviting.

Lately, my clients with big budgets are asking for custom ambient lighting in every corner of their homes. These fixtures, which range from LED strips tucked away in architectural details to beautifully designed lamps that cast a warm glow, create a luxurious, relaxing atmosphere.

Some mattresses contain polyurethane foam, which can emit chemicals known as volatile organic compounds. Some of these chemicals can be harmful, so lately, I've been furnishing my client's bedrooms with organic mattresses instead.

I recently stumbled upon Avocado Green Mattress, a company specializing in organic mattresses and luxury bedding. So far, I've used the brand's mattresses and furniture in two of my projects, and they've been a hit.

Luxurious linens are popping up everywhere, and honestly, I couldn't be more excited about it.

Linen has proved to be so much more than just a bedding essential. The fabric has an effortlessly luxurious aesthetic, has great breathability, and is versatile enough for furniture, bedding, and window treatments.

Imagine draping your windows with stunning linen curtains that filter light and add a chic touch to your living space. Or how about reupholstering an old chair with some high-quality linen? This fabric can easily give your space a fresh new personality.

Kasandra Rafter, interior designer and founder of Canyon Creative, told BI she has noticed an uptick in all-white kitchens, which she finds cold and sterile.

If you're going to do an all-white kitchen, consider steering clear of cool-toned whites. Warmer off-whites and soft taupes still allow your other design elements to shine but create a more inviting atmosphere.

"It's a simple shift that brings warmth and depth to a monochromatic palette," she said.

Andy Yates, principal designer of Andy Yates Design, told BI that open shelving has the potential to make kitchens more airy and accessible.

But for many people, they actually ended up making a cluttered mess.

"Keeping them looking styled is a chore, and they can be impractical for everyday use in a lot of homes," he said. "Instead, consider glass-front cabinets, which offer the same airy look without the pressure to keep everything so picture-perfect."

Joyce Huston, lead interior designer and cofounder at Decorilla Online Interior Design, said smart gadgets have infiltrated kitchens.

"I've noticed homeowners are opting to fill their kitchens with every smart gadget available, from AI-powered fridges to voice-activated faucets," she told BI. "While tech can improve the functionality, too much of it can make a kitchen feel cold — plus it will be outdated in a few years."

Instead, she suggested only incorporating smart features that actually improve your daily routines or opting for ones that can be easily swapped out.

Diana Viera, design expert and the managing partner of interior-design firm ITALKRAFT, told BI she doesn't like the current tiled-backsplash trends.

"Tiled backsplashes have been incredibly popular this year, but their elaborate design combined with other patterns or colors in the room can lead to a cluttered or overwhelming look," she said.

She recommended opting for a solid-marble backsplash for a more luxurious and seamless touch.

Jane Lockhart, the principal designer at Jane Lockhart Design, said this year's uptick in clear lighting over kitchen islands was a misfire.

"They often require regular cleaning and extra attention to avoid streaks," she told BI. "Seeing the actual bulb can also be a harsh addition to an otherwise polished design."

If you want your kitchen to feel clean and polished, try matching your lighting fixtures to your appliances or decor instead. This can create a seamless look without the extra hassle.

Although it was popular this year, Raftner said, mixed cabinet hardware in the kitchen was not a successful trend.

"While mixing hardware can be playful, it can often lead to a chaotic, disjointed look that lacks longevity," she said. "Focus on statement pieces like a freestanding console where unique hardware can be a standout feature without overwhelming the space."

Lockhart said deep pantry cabinets aren't as effective as many people hoped they'd be.

"Small items like soup cans and jars can be difficult to find in a deep cabinet and sometimes never end up seeing the light of day," she told BI.

If you're going to go for deep cabinets, consider adding pullout drawers and shelves that can keep them organized and make items more accessible.