This year, in my clients' homes and in my own home, I'm trying to buy fewer new things. Instead, I'm encouraging clients to shop their homes for pieces they already have that we could give new life to, either by sprucing it up or using it in a different space. For example a family heirloom dresser that's just catching dust in the basement could be repurposed as a bathroom vanity. I'm also sourcing more vintage and antique pieces because they add so much character to a space, are sustainable, and will continue to stand the test of time.
For 2025, I'm shying away from sourcing small decor items or mass market pieces. Instead, I'll be looking for more sustainable and multi- use items. For example, I'm interested in design materials made locally, like metal brackets and handmade vases. For larger furniture pieces, I'm interested in those that have dual purposes - like a modern, solid stool that can function as an end table, plant stand, or extra seating when needed. Overall, I'm focusing on a shift towards creating more authentic, functional spaces.
This year I will avoid fast furniture. This means planning for high-quality furniture in terms of construction and materials used. Why? I find that high quality item brings enduring benefits. One is resilience. The better the construction, durability ease of repair (solid wood vs. veneer, for example), the longer a piece lasts. Another reason is cost. Fast furniture is a design trap. What looks good today will likely only last a few years because it is designed that way. Replacing furniture when it breaks down or for upgrading to a latest trend costs more money in the long run. I also find that buying more expensive furniture results in more conscious choices, which brings its own benefits. For one, I don't exceed my budget. I find new ways of using or upcycling existing furniture to improve other areas of the home layer by layer, all while finding ways of enjoying the history behind a piece to further enrich my home. At the same time, I keep in mind my overall goals, defining what quality items I want so that my overall scheme works over time - and for decades to come. And I focus less on flash and trends and more on enduring design. I find that quality purchases also mean more to me. I am less prone to replace them because I devoted so much time and effort to them. - Ross Robinson was an interior designer for six years on high-end residential properties and worked another six years in marketing and sales for home products. He has covered interior design and architecture topics for magazine publications and runs Rosstopia.com, https://www.rosstopia.com ), a site focused on home office design.
This year I'm ditching open kitchen shelving, because of its tendency to collect grease and dust. Instead, I'm opting for closed cabinetry with unique hardware for a cleaner look, while still including some glass-front doors to display select items.
What I'm not buying this year are pieces that scream "look at me." I've noticed a shift - people aren't looking for furniture that dominates a room or feels too styled. They want something quieter, more adaptable, pieces that feel like they belong in their space without trying too hard. According to my experience, customers choose materials that appear cozy and organic, such softer woods and long-lasting textured textiles. They are also drawn to furniture that adapts to them, such modular sofas or dining tables that may be extended for different situations. It's not about following trends anymore; it's about creating rooms that feel personal and lived-in. I've learned that people want their furniture to support their lifestyle, not dictate it. That's changed how I stock my store - I'm focusing more on pieces that invite stories to be layered over time, rather than trying to tell the whole story right out of the box.
For me, as someone deeply involved in both real estate and interior design, this year is all about intentionality and value. I've noticed a shift away from overly trendy or disposable items that don't stand the test of time. In my opinion, it's not just about following fads; it's about creating spaces that feel both personal and enduring. What I'm not buying this year: 1. Fast Furniture While the convenience is tempting, fast furniture often lacks quality and durability. For homeowners or clients, these pieces end up being more of a short-term fix than a long-term investment. 2. Overly Thematic Decor For me, spaces should evolve with the homeowner, so I steer clear of decor that feels too niche or dated-like overly farmhouse or coastal themes that may not hold up in a few years. 3. Excessive Throw Pillows and Blankets While these can add a cozy touch, I'm finding that less is more. A curated look with a few high-quality, versatile pieces often creates a cleaner, more sophisticated aesthetic. What I'm focusing on instead: 1. Quality over Quantity I'm prioritizing timeless, well-crafted pieces, even if it means spending a little more upfront. For example, investing in a solid wood dining table or a sofa with performance fabric-something that works for both young families and high-end buyers. 2. Multifunctional Furniture In my opinion, this is key, especially for smaller spaces or condos in Vancouver. Pieces like ottomans with hidden storage or expandable dining tables are practical without sacrificing style. 3. Sustainable and Locally Sourced Items Sustainability is more than a buzzword-it's a commitment. I'm seeking out furniture and decor made from reclaimed or sustainable materials, ideally from local artisans. It not only supports the community but also creates unique, meaningful spaces. 4. Statement Lighting Lighting is the jewelry of the home. For me, swapping out generic fixtures for bold, sculptural designs can completely transform a space without a massive renovation budget. 5. Neutral Foundations with Pops of Color I'm loving warm neutrals paired with small, bold accents like a jewel-toned armchair or vibrant artwork. This approach makes it easier to refresh a space over time without redoing everything.
Chad Harmer Modern Organic Design Co-Founder http://ModernOrganic.ca This year, I'm steering clear of trendy, over-saturated niche decor items, like the mushroom motif that's taken over home decor retailers. While these pieces can be fun, they tend to feel dated quickly, which doesn't align with the timeless and enduring spaces I aim to create for my clients. Instead, I'm focusing on timeless pieces and classic designs that offer longevity and versatility. High-quality wood furniture, for example, has a natural warmth and charm that never goes out of style. These pieces act as anchors in a room and can adapt to evolving tastes. I'm also embracing decor that highlights organic and sustainable elements, like fresh flowers, dried arrangements, and natural materials such as stone, linen, and wicker. These elements not only ground a space in nature but also bring life and texture into the home. By prioritizing classics and organic materials, I'm creating spaces that feel fresh, personal, and enduring-avoiding the need to constantly chase fleeting trends.
In 2022, I'm avoiding anything that I consider to be mass production such as synthetic rugs, generic wall decorations, and fashionable pieces of furniture that get old quickly. Such items lead to overconsumption while offering the clients what they seek the most - style that is timeless. Instead, I am purchasing items made by artisans, which include handwoven textiles, unique ceramics, or vintage furniture. These types not only enhance the style of the space but also aid local firms while maintaining cultural traditions. To elaborate, the last job used a local master's hand carving wood panels which became the breath of the designing. Such a stance guarantees an unusual image while allowing for an adequate emphasis on durability, quality and context. Readers can utilize this approach by contacting local crafts or minimizing the inclination to buy trendy but meaningless items.
Fast Furniture: Cheap, mass-produced furniture that lacks quality and durability is falling out of favor. These pieces are often made with non-sustainable materials and tend to wear out quickly. Designers are moving away from this in favor of investments in long-lasting, higher-quality pieces. Excessive Decorative Items: Over-styled spaces filled with unnecessary trinkets and decor are being replaced by more intentional, meaningful pieces. Cluttered spaces can detract from the overall design, and many designers are focusing on clean lines and purposeful decor. I'm focusing on buying the following: Vintage and Antique Pieces: There's a resurgence in sourcing vintage or antique furniture. These pieces are often higher in quality, unique, and contribute to a sense of history and authenticity in a space. Custom, Handcrafted Items: Designers are increasingly investing in custom pieces or items made by artisans. These provide a unique touch, support local craftsmanship, and align with sustainable practices by reducing mass production and waste.
This year, I'll avoid oversized furniture and viscose rugs. Oversized pieces, while trendy in the past, often overwhelm spaces and make rooms feel cluttered. There is a growing demand for furniture with "visual lightness" and elegant silhouettes in 2025. Similarly, viscose rugs, though affordable, are impractical due to their high maintenance and poor durability-one spill can ruin them entirely. Instead, I'm prioritizing sustainable and multifunctional furniture. Modular sofas with hidden storage or extendable dining tables are perfect for maximizing functionality in smaller spaces. Also, I'm focusing on reclaimed wood furniture and organic textiles, which align with eco-friendly interiors. Sustainable Design Trends 2025 recommends these choices because they reduce environmental impact as well as add timeless character to homes.
I am skipping certain items this year to keep spaces fresh and timeless. Crushed velvet furniture, while once trendy, feels dated and less sophisticated. Overly themed decor, like coastal or farmhouse styles, can come off as contrived and limit design flexibility, and the all-gray interior trend is being replaced by warmer, more inviting tones. Instead, I'm focusing on sustainable materials like reclaimed wood and natural fibers to align with the growing emphasis on eco-conscious design. Bold color palettes, especially rich and earthy tones, are adding depth and personality to spaces, while multifunctional furniture is becoming a go-to for creating adaptable, efficient living areas.
This year, I'm avoiding mass-produced furniture that lacks uniqueness and character. I've realized these pieces often blend into the background, making spaces feel impersonal. Instead, I'm prioritizing artisanal and vintage finds that bring a sense of history and craftsmanship to the designs. These one-of-a-kind items add depth to a space. I'm also moving away from faux materials that mimic natural textures but lack authenticity. Instead, I'm prioritizing genuine materials like solid wood, stone, and natural fibers, which elevate the aesthetic and contribute to a more sustainable approach. These choices create a tactile experience that resonates with clients and adds a layer of warmth and sophistication to their homes.
Drawing from my expertise managing LinkedIn's design marketplace analytics with data from 12,000+ interior design professionals in 2024, here's what's definitively trending down and up: Not Buying in 2024: - All-white/grey everything (engagement down 78% from peak) - Fast furniture from major retailers - Oversized sectionals that dominate rooms - Word art and mass-produced wall signs - Single-purpose furniture pieces Major Focus Areas: - Multi-functional furniture with storage integration - Warm, earthy color palettes through textiles and paint - Vintage and antique statement pieces - Artisanal lighting fixtures and hardware - Performance fabrics that blend durability with luxury The shift reflects a deeper industry move toward sustainability and authenticity, with our transaction data showing a 165% increase in vintage/antique purchases and a 43% decline in mass-produced furniture sales among professional designers. These trends are particularly pronounced in urban markets where space optimization and durability are paramount considerations.
This year, the majority of folks are turning off from uber-fashionable or very disposable decorative bits that just fail to stand the test of time-such as fast furniture or even far too boldly daring and niche pieces of design likely to fall out of fashion within mere months. That is, an accent on crafting a space that is as usable as it is timeless, say converting basements to four-in-one living spaces. Instead, designers are investing in high-quality, timeless materials and versatile furnishings. There's a significant focus on durable flooring options, such as luxury vinyl plank or engineered hardwood, which perform well in basements. Additionally, there's growing interest in modular furniture that adapts to various needs, such as sectional sofas or multipurpose built-ins serving as both storage and display. Designers are looking for pieces that bring warmth and practicality to spaces, ensuring that they're both aesthetically pleasing and long-lasting.