In the ever-evolving world of interior design, trends come and go, often making a comeback after a period of dormancy. This cyclical nature of design is highlighted in the recent discussions among industry experts, who reveal that several once-outdated styles are now making a resurgence, bringing warmth and personality back into homes.
Published on May 9, 2025, an article in House Beautiful explores how monotony in home decor can lead to a desire for change. Alexandra Peck, owner and principal of Alexandra Peck Design, emphasizes that "monotony in our spaces gets boring over time, and we are called to shake things up to breathe new life into the space." This sentiment resonates with many homeowners who seek to revitalize their living environments.
Peck notes that design trends are cyclical, stating, "Just as in fashion, there is a cyclical nature to design. We find comfort in looking back through history to reconnect with ideas." This perspective sets the stage for a revival of ten design trends that were once deemed outdated but are now considered cool again.
One of the most significant shifts in home decor is the transition away from the ubiquitous millennial gray that has dominated the palette for nearly a decade. Mary Peters, founder and CEO of Sasquatch Contracting, argues that this color has become stale, saying, "Millennial gray became the go-to neutral for nearly a decade because it felt modern and safe. But now it's beginning to feel a little sterile. It doesn't bring a lot of warmth or personality into a space, which is something people are really craving." This realization has prompted a movement towards warmer, earthy color schemes.
Peters advocates for embracing the Japandi style, a fusion of Japanese minimalism and Scandinavian coziness, as a remedy for the dullness of gray. She explains, "The trend helps us get away from 'showroom perfect' and staged real estate listings, and more towards spaces that feel like a personal sanctuary." The key to achieving this look lies in selecting the right color palette and textures.
According to Peters, Pantone's 2025 Color of the Year, a moody brown hue called Mocha Mousse, reflects this shift towards warmth. She suggests replacing cool grays with earth tones such as beiges, taupes, rich browns, and soft terracottas. "Instead of cool grays that can feel flat or cold, earth tones ... make a home feel lived-in and soothing," she advises, highlighting the emotional benefits of these colors.
To effectively transition from millennial gray to a warmer aesthetic, Peters recommends starting with wall colors. She favors shades like Shoji White, Fawn Brindle, Urbane Bronze, Weimaraner, and Revere Pewter, which have low or mid-range light reflectance values (LRV) to balance light and warmth in a space. Additionally, she emphasizes the importance of lighting, suggesting that homeowners swap out cool white light bulbs for soft white ones to eliminate harsh shadows and cold tones.
Textiles also play a crucial role in enhancing the warmth of a room. Peters suggests incorporating natural fabrics like wool and recommends the SAFAVIEH Natura Collection Handmade Premium Wool Rugs as a cozy option. These rugs, available in beige and brown, add both texture and warmth to any room, helping to create an inviting atmosphere.
While the move towards a warm, earthy palette is largely seen as positive, Peters acknowledges that it comes with its challenges. "A warm, earthy palette can feel calm and grounding," she notes, but warns that if one tone is overused without enough contrast, a room can start to feel flat. Therefore, she encourages homeowners to experiment with layering textures and incorporating natural materials like wood or stone to maintain visual interest.
The holistic approach to design is essential in achieving the Japandi style. Peters stresses that thoughtful design can have mental and emotional benefits, stating, "I think this palette is both timely and timeless. It's having a moment right now because it's such a visual palate cleanser after years of gray, but the reason it's catching on is because it makes people feel good in their space." This emphasis on personal comfort and aesthetic satisfaction is resonating with many homeowners looking to refresh their interiors.
As these trends continue to evolve, the interplay between past and present remains a central theme in interior design. Homeowners are encouraged to embrace their personal tastes while incorporating elements that reflect current trends. Whether it's through the revival of vintage styles or the adoption of new palettes, the goal is to create spaces that are not only stylish but also deeply personal.
In conclusion, the current design landscape is witnessing a significant shift away from the sterile millennial gray towards warmer, more inviting color schemes. With experts like Mary Peters leading the charge, homeowners are finding inspiration in the Japandi style and other cyclical trends that promise to breathe new life into their spaces. As the world of design continues to change, one thing is clear: what was once old may very well be new again.
