The
Design
Brief
A column by Steve Hird of Edward Thomas Interiors
NEW YEAR MAKEOVERS
The New Year makes a great time for change. We re-evaluate, we reset and we go again. But if your resolution is to refresh or redecorate your home office, what interior design trends should you watch out for? Our resident expert, Steve Hird, director of
interior design specialists, Edward Thomas Interiors shares his five top trends for 2025…
1. Earthy & Autumnal Shades
Colour is the question we’re asked about most when it comes to new trends. Shades we expect to take centre stage this year are those from the rich, autumnal family. Think burnt orange, rust, plum, and any of the wine reds. These warming shades are known for invoking feelings of energy, positivity and happiness – all qualities you want at work!
Earthy, natural colours will also trend. Dark chocolate brown will offer a contrast to black when it comes to furniture, shelving and framing, and is an interesting new take on drawing inspiration from nature that doesn’t rely on green. Plus not forgetting that Mocha Mousse, a rich, warming brown, was recently announced as the Pantone Colour of the Year.
2. Colour Drenching
This is one of our favourite emerging paint trends and is all about being confident, bold and unapologetic about colour. You can opt for a single colour and “drench” the room, including the ceiling, furniture, woodwork (skirting boards, window and door frames) and floor, or create a tonal room. By this I mean using shades of the same colour across the room. It’s equally playful but creates a more elevated, sophisticated look.
3. Stripes
Stripes made a comeback in the summer and have only grown in popularity. One of the most
versatile patterns, stripes are a fun interior trend for your home office. They can be used playfully or classically and offer a super-effective illusion for making rooms look longer, taller and more spacious. Perfect for home offices that occupy the smallest room in the house or are part of an open plan design. Stripes also won’t be limited to accessories. We expect to see them take over upholstery, curtains and
wallpapers, from elegant ticking stripes to bolder, block or candy versions.
Stripes can be used playfully or classically and offer a super-effective illusion for making rooms look longer, taller and more spacious.
Steve Hird
4. Sensorial Design
This trend links to self-care and wellbeing and focuses on styling to appeal to all the senses, not just sight. The idea is to create an immersive environment, somewhere that makes you feel safe yet motivated. Texture, scent, sound and lighting are key, so introduce fabrics with boucle or chunky wool blends, add diffusers or aromatic candles with a citrus or peppermint scent to increase alertness, and consider lighting such as wicker or woven raffia lamps that will create interesting and soft light patterns.
Texture, scent, sound and lighting are key for a sensory, immersive environment while a portable light is ideal in a room with limited sockets and offer a versatile option.
5. Portable Lighting
In rooms or spaces with limited sockets, portable rechargeable lights are a game changer. Not only are they more sustainable but they can help create different lighting to suit any task, and are especially useful while the shorter days are still here. High street shops including Dunelm, Ikea, Next Home and John Lewis have great portable options.
About the author
Steve Hird is the co-founder and director of Edward Thomas Interiors. He established the company in 2015 with fellow director, Andy Richardson. They ares based in Birmingham, West Midlands. Together the pair has over 50 years’ experience in new homes, working with and for some of the UK’s best-known housebuilders. The business designs, creates and installs bespoke show homes, marketing suites and retirement living spaces nationwide. With an ethos centred around customer service, Edward Thomas Interiors has a thriving reputation for delivering innovative, imaginative and inspirational schemes. For more information, please visit www.edwardthomasinteriors.com
For any media enquiries: Natalie Keene, Roar PR: natalie.keene@roarpr.co.uk
