Renew, refresh, renovate. Every New Year is a chance to redefine your life and style, and the simplest way to do that is through a home renovation or decor update. This can be as simple as adding an area rug or as elaborate as a complete re-do of the kitchen, but any way you slice it, a change can be what you need in the new year.
For 2025, the trend is to personalize, a home refresh that reflects your own taste, traits and style. Two up-and-coming Calgary-based designers, Brittany McNab and Abby Richards who will be at the Calgary Home + Garden Show Feb. 27- March 2, share their ideas on what the home design landscape will look like in 2025.
“If you turn to social media, you will be inundated with all manner of lists of ‘this year’s trends,’” says Richards, owner of White House on the Prairie Designs. “But rather than having an ever-evolving list of ‘do’s’ and ‘do nots’, I like to instead think of the decor trends as design directions.”
She says she does not follow trends and instead, leans into neutrals, natural materials and personal authentic spaces to create timeless elegance. Then she’ll pepper in trendier pieces through paint, decor and accessories.
McNab, owner of Fifteen Twelve Home Co., says a successful home renovation doesn’t depend entirely on trends, but rather on careful planning.
“The old saying goes, ‘if you fail to plan, you plan to fail,’” she says. “Careful consideration and planning make for fewer mistakes, and less budget-creep overall.”
Key indicators
With inflation and rising costs still top-of-mind for many homeowners, affordability is probably a key trend in 2025. Drawing up a budget – and sticking to it – will be the pathway to a successful project.
“So many people leave out considering the budget,” says McNab. “Inflation has made it so that materials we once thought were affordable and attainable simply aren’t. Knowing how much things cost and making that fit into the budget or having a back-up plan for how you will substitute instead for a similar look, is a really good idea and something to keep in mind with the overall plan.”
As for for specifics, she notes that popular choices are warm tones, lots of woods and the durability and beauty of tile and stone.
Creative endeavours
“In 2025, interior design is all about making spaces your own,” says Richards. “Gone are the days of cookie-cutter homes filled with mass-produced pieces. I think you can use big box pieces but use them in creative ways to make them your own. Think painting it with a new hue or swapping out hardware.”
She also encourages people to embrace personal expression through custom furniture, unique artwork and meaningful decor. Whether it’s incorporating a family heirloom, showcasing travel mementos, or commissioning a one-of-a-kind art piece, the focus is on creating a home that truly reflects who you are. She suggests that a good design direction to take blends rich textures, moody colours and sustainable practices.
What’s in
One of the standout trends for 2025 is the resurgence of natural, warm materials. “Rich wood tones, stone surfaces and earthy textures are being used in abundance to create spaces that feel grounded, welcoming and timeless,” says Richards.
“The new year will embrace bold, moody colours to create immersive, dramatic interiors.” She suggests deep greens, midnight blues and burnt oranges will be prominent throughout homes, giving spaces a sense of warmth and depth, and adds that these colours are especially popular for accent walls, bedrooms and statement furniture pieces.
Paint is one of the most budget-friendly ways to transform a room. “A fresh coat of paint in one of these rich tones can completely change the atmosphere of a space,” she says. “Deciding to paint an entire room a bold shade of green when you currently have white walls may be a bit daunting. Instead, incorporate these colours through accessories such as throw pillows, art, rugs and curtains to give your room a luxe feel without the heavy cost and commitment.”