1. Curvy and Sculptural Furniture
Vanessa Murray, founder of Narrative Oakland, says interiors are evolving from the rigid lines once favored to softer, more sculptural silhouettes. “Curved armchairs, rounded coffee tables, and sculptural consoles paired with textured rugs and layered textiles are really resonating,” she says.
Mike Bowman, designer, furniture industry expert, and director of marketing for Harmonia Living, says this trend relies on furnishings to bring artfulness to a space—rather than just functionality. “Sculptural furniture showcases a departure from clean and boxy minimalistic design and transitions towards something much friendlier and organic.”
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Read McKendree
2. 1970s-Inspired Palettes and Materials
Look for earthy, saturated tones like moss green, clay, burnt orange, and browns, says Murray. Homeowners are looking to reconnect their homes to nature, and the palettes and materials they’re currently gravitating toward are proof. “Vintage wood furniture, warm-toned accessories, thrifted pottery, and natural fiber textiles all fit beautifully into this direction,” she says.
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Lisa Romerein
3. Tableware and Serving Pieces
“There is a huge interest in connecting with family and loved ones, sharing a meal together and creating a one-of-a-kind experience versus going out to a restaurant,” says Jane Morgan, founder of Chicago-based R. Jane Morgan Interior + Design. The result is an emphasis on all the elements of a well-set table. “Think aubergine glass goblets, fabulous hand-blocked linens that complement the ambience of the table as well as the experience that is being created.” Also look for mismatched ceramics and interesting flatware that can help create a one-of-a-kind dining experience, she says.
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Edmund Barr
4. Maximalist Patterns
Minimalism is falling out of favor as we gravitate toward pattern, personality, and even collections. “This style advocates for a blend of various textures, colors, and patterns together,” he says. This comes as consumers look for ways to add layers and individuality to their spaces, forgoing the cookie-cutter look of mass-manufactured items, he says. “They are doing this with vintage fabric for upholstery or layering a heavily patterned vintage rug with more calm modern furniture and even utilizing wallpaper in unexpected spots, such as ceilings.”
While minimalism marches out the door, in comes a new appreciation for a bit of quirk, says Lognion. In addition to mixing florals and stripes, interesting objects like brass animals, souvenirs, and paperweights are now acting as eye candy on every surface. “Why not display your collection of brass dachshunds on top of your coffee table books?” he says.
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Courtesy of Sarah Stacey / Avery Nicole
5. Lighting That Says More
“When vintage shopping, one fun thing to be on the lookout for is a really interesting pair of lamps,” says Jennifer Lehr, founder of Oxford House Projects, specializing in interior design, vintage furniture, and contemporary art. “If they feel a bit dated, you can modernize them with an unexpected lampshade—like those from Pooky—and add a colored finial for a subtle twist.”
Kemp agrees, saying art lights lend a classic, purposeful element to a space, while small lamps should be sought out equally. “Petite lamps allow for flexibility—on shelves, consoles, nightstands—without the bulk of oversized lamps that dominate a room instead of enhancing it.”
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Brie Williams
6. The Color Red
Now is the time to seek out all the crimson-colored things, says Kemp. “Whether it’s a Persian rug, a lacquered side table, or an entire room painted floor to ceiling, red is having a major moment,” he says. “It’s bold and unapologetic—and people are craving statement-making interiors that feel confident rather than neutral.”
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7. Storage-Forward Furnishings
Hit the brakes when you spot a hutch or armoire on your next vintage or antique hunt. While built-in storage space in homes might be diminishing, Kemp has seen a comeback in furnishings that offer functionality, such as storage. “They’re practical, beautiful, and incredibly versatile—perfect for clothing, linens, books, or even displaying thrifted collections,” he says.
Thrifted and Antique Trends on Their Way Out
- Painted furniture. Kemp says the surge in painted furniture that we saw during the pandemic has certainly played out. “There’s a renewed respect for original finishes and patina, and an understanding that timeless pieces don’t need to be ‘updated’ to be relevant.”
- Midcentury modern and minimalism pieces. While there’s certainly a place for these aesthetics, consumers are now forgoing this less-is-more POV and embracing warmth, color, and a decidedly live-in look. “Homes are becoming places of personality again, not showrooms,” says Lognion.
- Desert chic. Rooms that seem overtly themed with Moroccan pillows and 1970s wall hangings need a breather. “All of these elements can be beautiful in their own right, but when they’re mixed together in the same predictable way, you stop seeing the individual pieces,” explains Lehr. “Instead, you’re left with a tired facsimile of someone else’s style.”