One interior design trend for 2025 is quietly gaining traction – and it may not be what you’d expect…
It’s not a colour palette. It’s not a new ‘it’ material or styling rule. It’s a shift in mindset.
Have you ever found yourself mindlessly scrolling through social media, fascinated by endless images of pristine, camera-ready interiors?
Perfect lighting. Crisp linens. Immaculately styled bookshelves that somehow remain untouched by daily life.
We double-tap, we save, we aspire. And yet… we quietly wonder if we’re falling behind for not having a boucle armchair or a colour-coded pantry.
Picture-perfect spaces flood our feeds, subtly shaping our perceptions of what a ‘beautiful’ home should look like. But the deeper question is: Is that what we truly want our homes to feel like?
The reality is, social media’s glossy depiction of interiors can distort our expectations. Algorithms propel trendy aesthetics – from stark minimalism to elaborate maximalism – often overlooking day-to-day practicality.
For instance, minimalist home designs can look clean and sleek, but may leave you scrambling for storage or feeling cold in a space stripped of personality. On the flipside, a maximalist home can be vibrant and photograph beautifully, but it can also be an overwhelming space to live in – think open shelving packed with décor that needs constant dusting, or a dining space crowded with so many statement pieces there’s no room to gather comfortably.
Interior designer Abigail Ahern suggests that the perfectionism perpetuated by social media isn’t just unrealistic – it can actively diminish our enjoyment of our own homes.
“Design shouldn’t be about perfect spaces. It’s about creating spaces that reflect how we live, not just how they photograph,” she explains in an interview with House Beautiful.
Research supports this, highlighting the unintended stress and dissatisfaction that can come from striving for these often unattainable ideals. According to a recent survey conducted in Australia, nearly 40% of renovators experience decision fatigue and regret – primarily influenced by the pressure to replicate styles popularised on social media.
This is where a more human-first interior design trend for 2025 is beginning to stand out – one that favours function, comfort, and longevity over fleeting aesthetic perfection.
What if, instead, we shifted our focus from building homes that photograph well, to creating homes that feel good?
Comfort should always come first – and we’re not just talking about plush cushions or cosy throws (though they’re lovely too). Genuine comfort speaks to a home’s ease of use, functionality, and personal resonance.
Psychologist Dr Sally Augustin emphasises this in Architectural Digest, stating:
“Homes that nurture our well-being are those aligned with our personal values, habits, and daily routines.”
A comfort-first approach aligns with the growing embrace of slower living and a deep prioritisation of personal well-being. Australian homeowners are increasingly gravitating towards designs that promise longevity and emotional resonance, rather than fleeting trends on their Pinterest boards.
This approach favours materials and layouts that support authentic, daily life – spaces that can gracefully handle a big family dinner as easily as a quiet afternoon reading.
Practically speaking, how can you renovate for comfort over Instagram likes?
Start with the materials. Opt for surfaces that age gracefully – like natural wood or stone – which can add warmth and character over time.
Functional layouts are also crucial: prioritise open spaces that flow logically, rather than arrangements designed solely for visual impact.
Clever storage solutions, thoughtfully integrated into your living spaces, help reduce clutter and support calm and clarity in your daily routine.
Lighting, often overlooked, can dramatically shift a home’s atmosphere. Layers of soft lighting – floor lamps, wall sconces, dimmable LEDs – make spaces more adaptable and soothing, giving you exactly the mood you need, exactly when you need it.
These choices don’t have to be grand or expensive. Sometimes the smallest decisions – like placing a comfortable armchair beside a window, or incorporating personalised, sentimental objects into a design – can transform a house into a home.
It’s important to define what you view as beautiful for your home. ‘Beauty’ can often lie in authenticity and imperfection. There’s real charm in spaces that reveal life’s traces – children’s artwork pinned casually on the fridge, a stack of favourite books by a well-worn couch, or a kitchen counter that proudly bears the marks of regular, joyful use.
Of course, trends can inspire – but they shouldn’t dictate your choices. Instead, let them inform your personal style, shaping a home that feels deeply aligned with who you are and how you live.
If you’re feeling unsure about taking this comfort-led approach alone, remember: you don’t have to. Many homeowners find support in working with professionals who genuinely understand their lifestyle and priorities – helping them create spaces that are as functional and comforting as they are visually appealing.
Ultimately, our homes should be places that nurture and uplift us, beyond just looking good in photos. If you’re ready to prioritise comfort and authenticity, start gently. Reflect on what actually makes you feel at home, and let those insights guide your renovation journey.
After all, if there’s one interior design trend for 2025 worth leaning into – it’s the kind that feels good to live in. Because the best homes? They’re built for people, not just for the feed.
If you’d like support creating a space that truly feels like you, myhomehavn can help you match with trusted professionals who respect your vision and values.
