2025 Interior Design Trends: What I Saw at Milan Design Week

This month, I attended Milan Design Week, a true celebration of contrasts, craftsmanship, and innovation. As a designer based in this vibrant city, it's always a pleasure to explore the exhibitions and share the interior design trends that stood out the most.

Bold Color Stories

Spotted at: Romantic Brutalism. Un viaggio in Polonia attraverso design e artigianato, alcova, henrytimi

From reds and cobalt blues to unexpected acid greens, color wasn’t random it was intentional. These accents acted like visual punctuation marks, often paired with sculptural furniture and dramatic lighting to express character. Even in more neutral interiors, a bold color was often used to draw attention and create a striking focal point.

Curated Maximalism

Spotted at: Casaornella, L’Appartamento by Artemest, Appartamento Spagnolo, Elle Decor Alchemica, Romantic Brutalism

Maximalism is back! And it’s not chaotic. It’s layered, intentional, and deeply personal. Expect rooms that tell stories through contrasting textures, statement pieces, and symbolic decor. Often fusing past and future objects, it adds a lot of character to a space. More is more!

Light Play

Spotted at: Google’s “Making the Invisible Visible”, Elle Decor Alchemica, Maurice Roucel

Light was not just a medium, but a design material. From interactive reflections to layered transparencies, lighting design evolved into storytelling. LED lights both colored and neutral were widely used, giving spaces a smart yet poetic sensibility.

Metal Moments

Spotted at:  Romantic Brutalism. Un viaggio in Polonia attraverso design e artigianato, alcova, Marie Claire Maison

Metallics aren’t going anywhere. Brushed silver, burnished brass, and polished chrome showed up in everything from fixtures to furniture. Rather than cold, these finishes added elegance, acting as highlights that elevated the surrounding materials.

Glossy and Iridescent Finishes

Spotted at: Romantic  Elle Decor Alchemica, Casa dell’Architetto

From high-shine surfaces to iridescent panels that shift color with the light, 2025 is embracing reflective materials. These finishes add depth and playfulness, combined with a futuristic vibe especially when contrasted with matte textures or natural materials.

Softness as a Priority

Spotted at: alcova

Comfort is central to 2025 interiors. Expect plush upholstery, bouclé, wool, and raw linen, all contributing to spaces that feel serene and livable. These soft textures are often paired with matte finishes and earthy tones, creating a soothing visual and tactile experience.

Natural Textures

Spotted at: Romantic Brutalism. Un viaggio in Polonia attraverso design e artigianato, henrytimi

Nature continues to inspire interiors but now with a more sculptural approach. Using materials like stone, wood, and clay dominate. These spaces flow rather than box in, evoking a calm that feels rooted in the environment. It’s biophilia meets contemporary design.

Organic Forms

Spotted at: L’Appartamento by Artemest, Elle Decor Alchemica, Casa dell’Architetto, Alcova, Appartamento Spagnolo

Curves, asymmetry, and soft silhouettes replaced rigid lines. Furniture and decor embraced natural shapes from pebble-like seats to undulating light fixtures inviting comfort and a connection to nature. It’s design that feels alive.

Artisanal Heritage Reinterpreted

Spotted at: L’Appartamento by Artemest, Romantic Brutalism (Poland), Casaornella. Alcova

Craftsmanship was everywhere not as a nostalgic throwback, but reimagined in bold, modern ways. My favorites this year were the Italian design masterpieces, while Polish and Japanese designs offered a deep cultural narrative, allowing us to understand their heritage through form and material.

Iconic & Eclectic Statements

Spotted at:  L’Appartamento by Artemest, Alcova

Rather than sticking to one aesthetic, designers boldly mixed iconic pieces from different eras and styles. Creatimg a dynamic, layered interior that celebrates identity and contrasts. Celebrates identity, individuality, and the beauty of combining the unexpected.

If you’d like to implement these trends in your own home or store, feel free to contact our Milan-based studio at www.studioyaku.com, email us at info@studioyaku.com, or send us a DM on Instagram @studioyaku.

I’m also sharing below a selection of products you can shop online to bring these 2025 trends into your space stylish, easy, and right on trend.

Some of my Selections from Amazon

If you need professional guidance, please don't hesitate to contact us. We will be happy to work with you and help you create spaces that reflect your personality and desired style.