Colour and texture is back on trend to provide ‘lived-in’ feel

HOME décor in 2025 has been all about celebrating personality — bold colours, tactile textures and styles that bring everyday joy into living spaces.

From kitchen cabinets painted in warm olive tones to playful “Portuguese girl” patterns and nostalgic butter yellow accents, this summer it’s clear — people are leaning into interiors that feel lived-in, expressive and full of character.

To explore how homeowners are embracing these shifting tastes, some of the region’s top interior designers share their observations.

Hannah Dean, from Henley, says: “This year, I’m seeing a move towards softer, more lived-in interiors.

“Gone are the days of grey minimalist spaces, people want to feel like they live in a real home.

“Among my clients, colour, pattern and texture are more in demand than ever before. There’s definitely a shift to embracing spaces that feel personal and comfortable.

“My design philosophy is all about creating homes with heart, so I am loving this newfound bravery.

“Colour-wise, interiors are reflecting the trends we are seeing in fashion, lots of soft pinks, greens, blues and yellows, plus a real interest in grown-up earthy neutrals such as terracotta, brown and ochre.

“Everything is warmer and has a bit of charm and people feel much more open to mix layers of colour together rather than staying within a limited palette.

“But it is pattern and texture that is really having a moment. My clients are embracing everything from florals to stripes, in tactile natural fabrics like linen, bouclé and raw cotton. It is once we start layering these patterns and textures together that the real design magic happens.”

Hannah Dean Interiors was established eight years ago and is award-winning. Her studio provides bespoke curtains, two-hour colour and interiors consultations, as well as full interior design services for revamping single rooms or large-scale renovation projects. For more information, visit www.hannah
deaninteriors.com

Sara Copeland is embracing a clean, contemporary approach to interiors that prioritises freshness, simplicity, and the “quiet sophistication of neutral palettes”.

She says: “Neutral colour schemes are leading the way, with shades of ivory, sand, soft taupe and warm greys creating versatile backdrops. These hues reflect natural light beautifully, giving even compact spaces an expansive feel.

“This summer, the trend is clear — out with heavy textures and ornate details and in with airy spaces that feel both modern and timeless, accessories are being used sparingly but deliberately.

“A statement ceramic vase, an abstract canvas in muted tones, or a single sculptural lamp can create a focal point without overwhelming the senses. The result is a style that feels purposeful yet effortless — a retreat from the chaos of everyday life into an environment that is clear, contemporary and refreshingly serene for this season.”

Established more than 25 years ago, Sara Copeland Interiors offers the full range of interior design services for residential, commercial, hotel, yachts and holiday homes.

Sara, who studied fine art and design, says: “I see a house as a blank canvas, by slowly building on the shape, colour, texture and light, you can help people create an individual design and space, a home that they can enjoy looking at and living in for years to come.

“Changing the interior of a house should not be seen as a cosmetic exercise, it can affect the way you move around your home, how you use your space and ultimately the way you live your life.”

For more information, visit www.saracopelandinteriors
.co.uk

Niki Schäfer of Niki Schäfer Interior Design is “relieved” that grey has been put to one side in favour of “real colours”. She says: “Yellow has been a strong favourite this year and we have used it in a variety of places — from exterior walls, soft and buttery, to stronger pops in cushions and very bold on statement walls.

“Powder pinks are also on trend and we designed a stunning dressing room for a client in this soft, feminine colour.

Earthy tones, rich reds, terracotta, yellows and greens have also played a role these past few years and these are strong enough to take on board bold patterns and organic shapes.

“We have also brought back more details in our work — bobbles, fringes, appliquéd braid and tassels around lampshades. These are playful and fun or can hint at the history of a place if done with some research and care.”

Niki Schäfer and Sarah McLean at NSID have been designing, refurbishing and renovating homes in and around Henley for 15 years.

They provide design, sourcing and professional project management from beginning to end.

For more information, visit www.nikischaferinteriordesign
.co.uk