Featured Photo: Design by April Tomlin | Photography by Joseph Bradshaw

A Note from Jesse Bodine, Founder & Lead Designer

Rich Colors Make Their Mark

You know how we used to reserve bold colors just for accent walls? Well, I'm thrilled to see that changing. In my recent projects and in the work of designers I admire, I'm seeing deep, saturated hues taking center stage in entirely new ways – from upholstered furniture to built-in cabinetry. I'm talking about warm burgundies, classic navy, deep forest greens, and rich chocolate browns. These colors aren't just making statements; they're creating environments that feel both grounding and sophisticated.

I've been particularly inspired by designers like April Tomlin and Sean Anderson, who are doing incredible things with these deeper tones. What I love about their approach is how they balance these rich colors with warm wood tones, adding natural texture and visual warmth to create rooms that feel both current and timeless.

Explore these rich-colored styles your space:

The Rise of "Quiet Luxury"

If there's one trend that I believe perfectly captures where interior design is heading in 2025, it's what I'm calling "quiet luxury." Think of it as the design equivalent of a perfectly tailored blazer – it's not about flashy labels or trendy pieces, but rather about quality, craftsmanship, and enduring style.

I often tell my clients to think of it like building a capsule wardrobe – you invest in that classic blazer or timeless leather bag because you know it will serve you well for years to come. The same principle applies to your home. Yes, investing in a beautifully crafted armoire or classic arm chair might seem like a bigger commitment upfront, but these pieces will evolve with your space and stand the test of time.

This approach celebrates materials that get better with age – I'm seeing a lot of burl wood, richly veined marble, mahogany, and sumptuous textiles. For beautiful examples of this aesthetic, I love looking to the work of Jason Arnold Interiors and Blank Slate Studio. What strikes me about their spaces is how every element feels considered and refined without being overstated.

Here are some of my favorite “quiet luxury” looks:

Traditional Elements, Modern Context

One of the most exciting shifts I'm witnessing is a significant revival of traditional design elements, but with such a fresh, contemporary perspective. The "Nancy Meyers aesthetic" is having a moment, and I'm here for it! I'm particularly inspired by the work of J Young Design House, Mark D. Sikes, and Katie Davis Design.

But here's what I find really special about this style: it's not about recreating a movie set – it's about curating spaces that feel deeply personal and lived-in. This is something I'm passionate about when working with my own clients.

Pleats & Patterns

I'm also thrilled to see the charming revival of pleated fabrics being used in fresh, unexpected ways. Designers like Heidi Caillier and Anna Hewitson are reimagining these traditional details in ways that feel completely current.

We're seeing delicately pleated skirts on powder room vanities, gathered fabric concealing kitchen sink cabinets, and ruched panels behind glass doors. These thoughtful touches add layers of sophistication while providing practical solutions for privacy and storage. It's exactly the kind of detail you'd spot in a Nancy Meyers film – both beautiful and purposeful.

Not a fan of pleated fabrics? Let's talk about patterns on your walls instead. I'm seeing wallpaper used in such exciting ways right now – from wrapping entire rooms in rich patterns to adding unexpected touches inside glass cabinets.

This renewed embrace of wallpaper speaks to something I've always believed: our spaces should have personality and depth, moving beyond the stark minimalism we've seen in recent years.

Explore some of my favorite patterned wallpapers:

When I work with clients, I always emphasize that the most compelling spaces tell the story of the people who live there. Think bookshelves filled with volumes that reflect your interests, art that reminds you of your travels, and collections that spark joy. This isn't a look that happens overnight – it's thoughtfully curated over time, allowing your space to evolve as you discover pieces that speak to you.

Embracing Dedicated Spaces

Perhaps the most significant shift I'm seeing (and one I'm particularly excited about) is the return to more defined, purpose-driven rooms. The era of completely open floor plans is evolving into something more nuanced, with formal dining rooms reclaiming their status as centers for hospitality and connection.

In the kitchen, I'm loving how designers are embracing beautiful closed designs that incorporate elements like plate racks and butler's pantries. If you're looking for inspiration, I highly recommend checking out the work of Basic Projects and deVOL Kitchens. Their designs perfectly showcase one of my favorite aspects of this trend – how to display inherited china patterns or vintage finds that tell your family's story.

Embrace the plate rack look for your home with this Four Hands favorite:

Pocket Offices

One of the more charming trends of the upcoming year is the "pocket office" – these efficient workspaces near the kitchen that serve as command centers for daily life. Here's a designer tip I often share with clients: opt for a side chair or dining chair rather than a traditional office chair. This way, your workspace can easily transform when you need extra seating for company.

This movement toward defined spaces extends to storage as well, and I'm seeing closed closets evolving into proper dressing rooms. These intimate spaces often do double duty with a vanity or desk, creating yet another opportunity for a pocket office that seamlessly blends function with beauty – it's a perfect example of how modern homes can maintain separation between spaces while maximizing functionality.

Explore some of my go-to "pocket" office pieces:

The Art of Living Well in Any Space

Perhaps this most inspiring trend for 2025 isn't about specific design elements at all – it's about embracing and elevating the space you have right now. Whether you're working with a cozy galley kitchen or a compact primary suite, I'm seeing (and loving) a growing movement toward making thoughtful design choices that enhance your daily life, rather than waiting for that "someday" dream home.

It's about creating spaces that tell your story and feel lived-in rather than staged. I'm consistently inspired by designers like Steven Gambrel and Anna Hewitson, who excel at creating rooms that feel both polished and personal – spaces that are beautiful precisely because they reflect the lives lived within them.

Looking Ahead

As we move into 2025, I'm incredibly excited about this return to design principles that prioritize longevity over trends, quality over quantity, and personal expression over perfection. It's about creating spaces that not only look beautiful but feel authentic to how we live today.

What inspires me most about these trends is their staying power. These aren't fleeting fads but rather thoughtful approaches to design that will likely influence how we think about our homes for years to come. The key is finding ways to incorporate these elements that feel true to your style and enhance your daily life.

Ready to bring some of these trends into your own space? Remember what I always tell my clients: good design is about evolution, not revolution. Start small, focus on quality, and most importantly, create spaces that make you happy to come home to every day.