The interior design industry is constantly changing and evolving which is why staying up to date with interior design industry trends is imperative. Interior design as a profession is a relatively young field that began with architecture, followed by the emergence of interior design, decorating, styling, and staging.  As the industry continues to evolve, it’s crucial to stay informed and adapt to interior design trends and changes. 

My analysis of the industry this past year after not only working with hundreds of mentees but also running my own global interior architecture studio, I’ve noticed that there are five key trends that are shaping the future of interior design.

The first and most obvious trend is how technology is impacting the work of interior designers. It’s not just about improving efficiency or workflows, it’s introducing new tools and transforming previously essential skills. For example, AI technology in rendering is advancing so rapidly that traditional rendering methods may soon become obsolete. Skills like lighting and photography knowledge, combined with high-spec computers and software, were once critical for creating photo-realistic imagery. However, with AI, you can now upload an image and render it using simple prompts, requiring minimal skill beyond knowing how to prompt effectively.

In my opinion, if you’re an interior designer who provides rendering services, this will become a much more affordable process and if you’ve not been able to include these services in the past, it will now become an essential part of the process (and clients will start to expect it!) So, if you haven’t already started using AI for interior design and architecture have a look at our AI course (as part of our mentorship) because it’s vital to understand and leverage these tools to remain competitive and relevant in the industry.

The second trend is the growth of virtual design and the globalisation of interior design. This started during 2020-2022 with the pandemic but has really started to become the norm in the industry, where it was still seen as something that only some designers did. Digital design is no longer limited to E-Designers and interior designers are no longer limited by location. Also, the impact of virtual design (or e-design) has meant that interior design has become accessible to a broader market because it’s become more affordable.

The second trend is the growth of virtual design and the globalisation of interior design. This started during 2020-2022 with the pandemic but has really started to become the norm in the industry, where it was still seen as something that only some designers did. Digital design is no longer limited to E-Designers and interior designers are no longer limited by location. Also, the impact of virtual design (or e-design) has meant that interior design has become accessible to a broader market because it’s become more affordable.

The expansion of sustainable design is the third significant trend I’m seeing because it has evolved beyond just specifying sustainable materials. It now encompasses ethical sourcing, biophilic design, and wellness. This deeper connection with nature and focus on health and well-being impacts how we live, work, spend our free time and even vacation.

Interior designers must incorporate sustainable principles into their projects as a standard practice, even if it’s not a primary marketing tool. Moving forward, sustainable design will grow to include these broader concepts, and understanding them is critical to meeting client expectations, but know that it’s no longer acceptable to ignore sustainable design. It’s here to stay and it’s going to become the minimum standard. I teach sustainable principles as part of my mentorship curriculum too as this is something I’ve been very passionate about since I started my career over twenty years ago!

The fourth interior design career trend is the rising importance of interior styling. In the past, interior styling was a very commercial service, where stylists specifically worked for magazines styling catalogues or editorials and was more closely linked with merchandising rather than interior design, but interior styling is gaining traction in residential spaces.

For full-service designers who handle everything from concept to final installation, styling may already be part of the process. However, for many designers, styling is becoming a critical element that clients now expect. Styling transforms a house into a home and brings emotional resonance to a space.

It’s no longer just about functional placement but about creating a cohesive and inviting environment. It’s also a skill that many interior designers are divided on, you’re either good at it or not! That’s why I’ve created a course on the science of interior styling to help designers master this essential skill – because you’re going to need it (and if you’re a natural stylist, you’ll finally be able to understand why it comes naturally to you!)

Finally, the fifth trend is the separation of interior architecture and interior design into distinct professions. While these terms were often used interchangeably, they are now diverging into specialised roles. Interior architecture is becoming more technical, much like the distinction between architects and interior designers, or interior designers and decorators. For example, in areas where title acts are prevalent, interior designers try to separate themselves from interior decorators, well you’ll see the same thing happening here with interior architects separating themselves from interior designers into their own profession.

It’s exciting to see this evolution, but it’s essential to understand how this impacts you professionally. For instance, the term “architect” is legally protected in most parts of the world, so calling yourself an “interior architect” without proper credentials may not be allowed. It’s important to be aware of the regulations and how they might affect your branding and career. If you’d like to read more about this topic, have a look at this article: Why Can’t I Call Myself An Interior Designer? Interior Design Title Act Explained!

The interior design trends for 2025 will significantly shape the industry. Technology, virtual design, sustainable design, interior styling, and the separation of interior architecture and design are all areas to watch. Adapting to these trends is imperative and will ensure you remain competitive in a rapidly evolving field.

Have you come across any of these in your work as a designer or have any of these been impacting the way you work? Has this article helped you to make decisions about your design process or decisions? Let me know below!