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Minimalism fades as 'livable luxury' transforms home design this spring

Your home just got an upgrade—warmer, bolder, and full of personality. Designers reveal why comfort and individuality are the new must-haves.

The image shows a drawing of a room with a lot of windows, decorated with intricate designs and...
The image shows a drawing of a room with a lot of windows, decorated with intricate designs and plants. At the bottom of the image, there is some text which reads "The interior of a house in the 19th century". The room is filled with a variety of furniture and decorations, including a large window with a view of a garden outside. The walls are painted in a light color, and the floor is covered with a patterned rug. The plants are lush and green, adding a touch of nature to the room.

Minimalism fades as 'livable luxury' transforms home design this spring

We asked three interior designers which trends are in this spring—and which are on their way out.

According to the experts, more and more people are incorporating natural and personal elements into their homes.

However, minimalist designs and light wood tones are set to decline in popularity.

Expressive, Personalized Design Elements

Jessica Davis, interior designer and founder of Atelier Davis, says people are increasingly opting for playful touches—bold patterns and cheerful accent colors—to make their living spaces feel more individual.

"I've always loved playing with patterns like checks, stripes, and gingham, but with a modern twist," Davis told Business Insider.

She noted that this could be as simple as swapping out textiles like throw pillows or adding a patterned blanket.

Nature-Inspired Elements

Also known as biophilic design, nature-inspired interiors bring natural materials and soothing textures indoors, evoking the outdoors.

Anita Yokota, interior designer and author of Grounded Living, says this trend goes beyond houseplants and can include "elements like wood, stone, or natural fibers."

Everyday Objects as Décor

"We're seeing more everyday items becoming part of home decor—whether it's kitchen tools or personal belongings arranged in a way that looks beautiful," Leah Hook, founder and lead designer of Gray Oak Studio, told Business Insider.

The designer explained that this could mean displaying kitchen utensils or intentionally styling items like a stand mixer or measuring cup on the countertop.

Warmer Hues Are Gaining Traction

All three designers agreed that warm tones are taking center stage this season. From terracotta and tan to mauve and sage green, earthy palettes are having a moment.

"We've had a phase of very light, airy, and simple styles, and now we're seeing a shift toward something warmer and more layered," Hook said.

Minimalism Is Falling Out of Favor

While minimalism has dominated interior design in recent years, Hook noted that many are now embracing a style defined by "livable luxury."

"We're seeing a very layered approach emerge, where people want their homes to feel full of personality," she told Business Insider. The designer added that gallery walls, stacked books, and curated collections are trending as people gravitate toward spaces that feel cozier and more lived-in.

Fast Furniture Gives Way to Quality Pieces

Davis observed that people are moving away from mass-produced items and instead choosing pieces that feel more durable and personal. As a result, they're investing in higher-quality products that can be reused or refreshed over time.

"I think people want things that feel more like heirlooms—pieces they can keep for a long time," the designer told Business Insider. "If you buy a really sturdy sofa, you can reupholster it later."

Light Wood Tones Replaced by Richer Shades

For years, lighter woods have dominated, but Hook says there's been a recent shift toward deeper, richer tones.

"For a long time, we saw very light, bleached woods, but now we're seeing a resurgence of deeper shades like walnut and espresso," she told Business Insider. These darker finishes can add depth and contrast, especially when paired with warmer color palettes.

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