5 design trends shaping work and hospitality in 2025
The top interior trends shaping 2025
In 2025, the interiors we work, play and rest in aren’t just spaces – they’re solutions. Offices are no longer about desks, and hotels aren’t just for sleeping. This year, design is stepping up to solve real-world challenges: sustainability, well-being and the demand for creativity.
Through our work with forward-thinking clients in hospitality and workspaces, we’ve identified five bold trends reshaping interiors in 2025. These are the key macro and micro shifts shaping the future.
Photography by Escandi, Bolon, Dusty Deco, Montana, Fritz Hansen and Dux
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The future will be about creating environments that make you stop, look around and say, “this is interesting”.
1. The vibe of 2025
In 2025, we’re leaving sterile, over-curated spaces behind. This year’s look is bold, layered and full of personality.
From workplaces to hotels, interiors are mixing history, rich textures and statement pieces to create spaces that feel alive and memorable. The future will be about creating environments that make you stop, look around and say, “this is interesting”.
History makes a comeback
Let’s start with the past – because it’s having a moment. Art Deco is back (did it ever really leave?), celebrating its centenary with geometric lines, sculptural furniture and intricate wood inlays. Think elegance without ego: a sleek desk with just enough detail to catch your eye or a patterned rug that anchors the room in timeless style.
And it’s not just Art Deco. Patterns like 17th-century flame stitch are making their way into textiles and walls, adding a touch of drama and depth. These historical nods make spaces feel grounded – like they have a story to tell, even if it’s a modern one.
Textures that demand attention
Velvet has officially replaced boucle as the fabric of the year. It’s lush, it’s inviting and it looks fantastic in jewel tones. Deep yellows, garnet reds and rich cognac shades are popping up everywhere, adding a little hint of drama to interiors.
Designers are also having fun with contrasts, throwing in touches of dark wood, playful animal prints and vintage-inspired accents. It’s confident without being overwhelming – like The Godfather meets a boutique hotel.
Drapery and wallpaper steal the show
Drapes and wallpaper are no longer just supporting characters but fully in the spotlight. Wallpaper is going everywhere, including the ceiling, creating bold immersive spaces. Drapery, meanwhile, is being used as a design statement, with flowing, layered fabrics adding movement and elegance to rooms.
And here’s a surprise: lace and macramé are having a quiet comeback. Whether it’s a delicately set table in a cool hotel restaurant or soft touches in a meeting room, these handcrafted details bring a subtle, nostalgic charm to modern spaces, in an uber-modern way.
Mix it up with materials
One material is boring. Mixing them is where the magic happens. In 2025, expect to see wood, metal, stone and leather living in harmony. Imagine a brass light fixture paired with a raw oak table, or a marble reception desk softened by warm leather seating. It’s about creating balance – spaces that feel layered and human, not sterile.
Lighting that makes a statement
Lighting in 2025 is part function, part art. Think sculptural pieces that double as focal points – pendant lights that twist and turn or playful fixtures that spark conversation. Good lighting transforms a space.
Goodbye minimalism, hello layers
All-white interiors? Black kitchens? Over-curated everything? Done. The look of 2025 is personal and layered. It’s about mixing colours, textures and pieces. A hotel lobby might pair a vintage rug with contemporary art, while a workspace could feature a mix of bold furniture and playful accents. The result? Spaces that feel lived-in, not staged.
This year’s design philosophy is simple: stop playing it safe. Mix the old with the new, the bold with the understated and the luxurious with the handmade. The goal is to create spaces that make people feel something – awe, comfort, curiosity. Because in 2025, good design isn’t just about how it looks. It’s about how it makes you feel.
But today, the focus is firmly on how people interact.
2. The rise of the ‘nexus’ office
The office is transforming into a ‘nexus’ – a word that means a central connection point. Offices used to be where work happens; now it’s about creating a space where people come together to collaborate, recharge and feel part of something meaningful.
This mentality shift is reshaping everything – from layouts to technology to the overall atmosphere. Let’s explore how workplaces are becoming places that support well-being, adaptability and deeper human interaction.
Spaces designed for connection
Offices once prioritised efficiency: rows of desks, meeting rooms booked on the hour and environments that felt transactional. But today, the focus is firmly on how people interact. Design now incorporates zones for brainstorming, private areas for focus work and social spaces where organic conversations can happen.
In 2025, zoning is even more refined. Collaborative spaces encourage teamwork, quiet zones allow for deep focus and mixed-use areas adapt to different activities throughout the day.
Smarter, more intuitive spaces
Technology is making offices smarter, but in ways that feel practical and human. AI is being used to optimise layouts, adjust lighting and even tailor sensory elements like sound and temperature to individual preferences. Imagine a meeting room that automatically adjusts its brightness and sound levels based on how many people are in it, or desks that remember your favourite height.
This isn’t about flashy gadgets; it’s about creating workplaces that respond to the people using them. Smart technology enhances comfort and productivity without adding unnecessary complexity.
The connections made in coworking spaces often extend beyond work, creating a broader sense of belonging.
3. The coworking renaissance
In 2025, coworking spaces have evolved into dynamic environments where professionals from diverse industries connect, create and thrive. Designed to meet the needs of freelancers, startups, remote workers and small teams, these spaces offer flexibility and resources that traditional offices often lack.
The global coworking market is projected to reach just shy of €12 billion by 2025, reflecting their growing significance in the modern work landscape.
Designed for diverse needs
Coworking spaces are no longer generic setups. Today, they cater to specific industries and work styles, creating environments that feel purpose-built for their users. From soundproof studios for podcasters to open workshop areas for designers, coworking spaces now serve as tailored creative and collaborative environments.
These spaces also prioritise flexibility, offering adaptable layouts to accommodate shifting needs. One coworking space might feature quiet zones for focused tasks alongside buzzing hubs for networking, while another might include wellness spaces for yoga or meditation. This diversity makes them ideal for professionals seeking options beyond the traditional desk.
Overcoming challenges
Shared spaces present unique challenges, from balancing diverse working styles to ensuring data security. Coworking spaces tackle these issues with thoughtful design and robust infrastructure. For example, zoning is used to separate quiet areas from social hubs, ensuring that everyone can find a space that suits their preferences.
Data security is addressed through measures like private networks, secure connections and increased staff training. As more businesses and professionals use coworking spaces, providers are investing heavily in technology and protocols to keep sensitive information safe.
Creating communities that matter
One of the most significant benefits of coworking spaces is the sense of community they create. For remote workers and freelancers, isolation is a common challenge. Coworking spaces counter this by fostering environments where relationships develop naturally – whether through casual conversations at shared coffee bars, networking events or collaboration on projects.
These spaces are built around diversity, bringing together people from different industries and expertise. This mix often leads to unexpected collaborations, such as a writer connecting with a tech entrepreneur or a designer sparking ideas with a sustainability expert. The connections made in coworking spaces often extend beyond work, creating a broader sense of belonging.
Hotels that incorporate calming, multi-sensory environments gain a competitive edge.
4. Restorative hospitality
In 2025, wellness is no longer confined to gyms or spas; it’s woven into every part of the hospitality experience. Guests now seek spaces that promote physical and mental rejuvenation while connecting them to authentic, enriching experiences.
For hotels, resorts and other hospitality businesses, meeting these expectations means integrating wellness into design, services and experiences in innovative ways.
Sleep as a cornerstone
Better sleep tops the list of priorities for health-conscious consumers. For hospitality providers, this translates into investing in sleep-enhancing features such as soundproof rooms, circadian lighting and high-quality bedding. Emerging trends like ‘sleep suites’ and tailored in-room wellness packages – including aromatherapy and AI-powered sleep trackers – are becoming expected luxuries.
Some hotels are introducing ‘sleep-focused’ accommodations, prioritising noise control, air quality and blackout blinds. These features resonate with guests seeking respite from busy urban lives or travel fatigue.
Restorative recreation
Travelers are increasingly prioritising activities that combine movement with mindfulness. Think guided nature walks, yoga under the stars or perhaps breathwork sessions.
According to recent studies, 56% of Swedes regularly engage in hiking, and another 31% express a desire to do so. Hospitality brands can capitalise on this by incorporating curated outdoor activities into their offerings, encouraging guests to connect with nature while improving their physical and mental well-being.
Holistic design
The physical environment plays a crucial role in wellness. Guests are looking for spaces that feel serene, natural and balanced. This has led to the rise of biophilic design – integrating greenery, natural materials and light-filled spaces into interiors. Wellness architecture now extends beyond spas and offices into hospitality via dining areas, lounges and even lobbies.
Hotels that incorporate calming, multi-sensory environments gain a competitive edge. For example, warm lighting, natural wood finishes and water features can create spaces that instantly put guests at ease.
Mental well-being in focus
Stress reduction and mental clarity are at the forefront of wellness trends. Hospitality providers are responding with services like mindfulness sessions, digital detox programs and even ‘wellness concierges’ to help curate personalised experiences.
This ties into a broader shift toward preventive health, with 34% of Swedes now viewing mental well-being as their top health priority. Providing services that allow guests to unplug and recharge – such as silent retreats or calming soundscapes in rooms – can create standout moments.
Wellness drinks and mindful menus
Food and beverage offerings are also evolving to support wellness. The rise of non-alcoholic ‘sleep cocktails’ infused with functional ingredients like tart cherry juice and melatonin is one example. Additionally, nutrient-dense, locally sourced menus cater to guests who value health-conscious dining.
Hotels are partnering with nutritionists to offer dishes that not only satisfy but also energise and nourish. A simple addition like a ‘mindful breakfast menu’ can elevate the dining experience while aligning with modern wellness priorities.
As the wellness economy continues to expand, hospitality businesses must stay attuned to these shifts. Guests now expect wellness to be an integral part of their travel experience, whether it’s through curated activities, serene environments or health-focused amenities.
Flexibility is the secret weapon of sustainable design.
5. Sustainability, redefined
Sustainability in 2025 isn’t just about swapping plastics for bamboo or ticking off the ‘eco-friendly’ box. Instead, it’s about rethinking the entire design process and making real, measurable commitments. For hospitality and workplaces, this means looking beyond materials to embrace transparency, adaptability and accountability in every detail.
Circular design wins
Why replace when you can reuse? Circular design is the mantra for 2025, with furniture and interiors built to be disassembled, refurbished and reused. Instead of tossing out old chairs, imagine sending them back for an upgrade. Designers are ditching permanent adhesives for modular systems that make updates effortless, cutting waste and keeping materials in circulation.
Hotels and offices are leaning in. Today’s modular desk could be tomorrow’s reimagined lounge table. It’s design that plans for the future – less landfill, more longevity.
Carbon-positive ambition
Net-zero is yesterday’s goal. The new ambition is carbon-positive interiors that don’t just minimise harm but actively absorb CO₂. Materials like hempcrete and mycelium are leading the charge, turning walls and furniture into tools for a cleaner planet.
Some hotels are even experimenting with algae walls that purify air and look fantastic while doing it. It’s where functionality and art meet to do some good.
Transparency matters
Guests and employees are paying attention, and brands are stepping up. Take Bob W, the Finnish climate-neutral aparthotel brand. They’ve laid it all out with their ‘Show Us Your Numbers’ campaign, revealing exactly how much CO₂ they emit per guest night (a commendable 29 kg). And encouraging others to do the same. This initiative goes far beyond transparency – it’s accountability.
We hope to see more businesses following suit, proving that going green isn’t just a marketing ploy. These reports build trust, and let’s face it, who doesn’t appreciate a company that’s honest about its impact?
Smarter, adaptable spaces
Flexibility is the secret weapon of sustainable design. Spaces that can evolve – think movable walls, modular furniture and multi-use areas – last longer and work harder. Hotels are turning lobbies into event venues after hours, while workplaces are creating rooms that can transform from collaboration hubs to quiet zones with a few adjustments. It’s sustainability in action: fewer renovations, less waste and more functionality.
The new sensory sustainability
Sustainability isn’t just about what you see – it’s about what you feel, touch and even smell. Interiors in 2025 are focusing on sensory experiences, with soft fabrics made from recycled materials, tactile finishes and carefully curated scents.
Imagine walking into a hotel lobby and feeling instantly grounded by the combination of warm lighting, textured walls and the gentle scent of cedarwood. It’s subtle, but it’s unforgettable – and it’s sustainable, when done right.
A shared responsibility
The biggest shift in 2025 is seeing sustainability as a shared journey. Hospitality spaces are becoming community hubs, opening their doors to local events, gardens and co-working spaces. Offices are inviting neighbourhoods to use their rooftop gardens or host events in green spaces. Sustainability creates places where guests, employees and communities all thrive.
Ready to design spaces that inspire and sustain? Let Escandi help you craft interiors that leave a lasting impact – on people, the planet and your brand. Reach out to us at info@escandi.se to start the conversation.
