Luxury Interiors Meet High Fashion: The Trends You Need to Know
Both you and I have made it through January 2025—always the same, isn’t it? January drags on forever, and then February just flies by.
But let’s get straight to the point. I don’t want to wrap up the month without talking about trends, though with a bit of a twist. I’m going to explore fashion trends—something I find incredibly visual—and how they seamlessly translate into interiors.
I’m absolutely convinced that fashion always takes the lead, setting the tone a few steps ahead of interior design. It’s fascinating how, with social media and the internet, we now have immediate access to runways and trend forecasts from the world’s top designers. So, I’m here to distil those influences and show you exactly how they can be integrated into an interior design scheme.
By the end of this post, you won’t just have a crystal-clear idea of this year’s fashion trends—you’ll also understand how to apply them to your home. And what’s exciting about this is that fashion, in my opinion, always moves a few years ahead in concept, trend, and execution compared to interiors.
Understanding Trends: A Balanced Perspective
Before we dive in, I want to touch on the nature of trends and how I view them. If a trend excites you, embrace it! But if you suspect you’ll tire of it in a couple of weeks, then best to skip it. My ultimate goal is always to create timeless spaces, and leaning too heavily into micro-trends can sometimes push a design away from that enduring quality.
That being said, trends each year are a reflection of our desires, emotions, and needs. The runway dictates how we dress, but its influence echoes into the way we shape our living spaces. Trends are always tied to social shifts, but for today, I’ll focus purely on the aesthetic aspects.
Utility Dressing: Beauty Meets Functionality
One of the most prominent fashion trends right now is Utility Dressing—think cargo trousers with oversized pockets, and similar details on shirts and jackets. This trend champions practical, adaptable design, and the same principle applies beautifully to interiors.
In home design, this translates into multifunctional furniture: modular sofas, concealed desks, and smart storage solutions. A perfect example is Flexform’s sofa designs, which often integrate shelving into the backrest, creating a seamless blend of comfort and practicality. It’s a feature I frequently use in projects where a sofa sits in the middle of a room—having a functional element behind it adds depth and usability to the space.
Classic Meets Contemporary: Pencil Skirts & Checks
Another standout trend is the pencil skirt, often paired with the timeless check print—a striking balance between sleek minimalism and structured classicism. Translating this into interiors means embracing geometric structures with a retro nod, but in an enduring way. Think statement tiling, wallpaper, or textiles that subtly reference vintage patterns without feeling outdated.
A perfect example? A Christian Liaigre round bronze table, its smooth curves offset by bold check-patterned upholstery—perhaps from Ralph Lauren’s iconic collection. The interplay between crisp structure and soft tradition creates a harmonious, layered look.
The Colour Palette: Chocolate Brown & Pastels
You’ve likely noticed the rise of chocolate brown in fashion—this colour isn’t going anywhere soon. But alongside it, pastels are making a comeback, a combination that may seem unexpected at first but works beautifully.
Imagine a living room with a deep brown sofa, exuding richness and warmth. Now, add in touches of pastel—perhaps a blush pink throw or a soft blue cushion. The contrast creates an elegant tension: the chocolate brown grounds the space with depth, while pastels introduce a sense of lightness and charm. It’s all about balance, and this pairing does it effortlessly.
Statement Pieces: Power Dressing & Oversized Accessories
The resurgence of masculine tailoring and oversized bags in fashion speaks to confidence and presence. In interiors, this translates to furniture and décor that command attention without trying too hard.
Floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, sculptural lighting fixtures, or an oversized sofa—these pieces bring gravitas and personality to a space, much like a well-tailored suit. Meanwhile, the trend of large handbags finds its equivalent in decorative storage—think luxury trunks, oversized woven baskets, or even sleek leather storage solutions. They add both function and style, elevating everyday organisation.
Texture Play: Suede, Sheer Layers & Transparency
Another key fashion trend is suede loafers and sheer fabrics—a duality of softness and translucency. This contrast is striking when applied to interiors.
The warmth of suede-like materials (such as nubuck leather upholstery, seen in brands like Baxter) adds a tactile luxury, while elements like smoked glass or acrylic furniture introduce a sense of airiness. It’s all about juxtaposition—balancing rich textures with elements of lightness for a layered, intriguing space.
Layering & Dimension: Skirts Over Trousers
The concept of layering—seen on the runways with skirts worn over trousers—is just as impactful in interiors. One way this manifests is through layered rugs.
Picture a large jute rug covering the majority of a room, topped with a smaller Persian or wool rug to define a seating area. This approach adds depth and visual interest, making the space feel curated and warm. Similarly, wall panels or layered drapery can create an inviting sense of depth and movement within a space.
The Floral Revival
Finally, let’s talk about florals. After years of minimalism, florals are back in a big way—seen in collections by Loewe, Prada, and Chloé. The same question arises: will florals make a return in interiors?
Once a staple, floral patterns had all but disappeared from contemporary design. But could they be making a comeback? The idea of a statement floral sofa is growing on me—perhaps not in my own home, but in the right space, like a drawing room or playful guest lounge, it could be utterly spectacular. Even damask patterns, long associated with classic décor, are making a subtle resurgence.