2025 Interior Design Don’ts: What to Avoid & What We’re Seeing in Modern Shops

As we step into 2025, interior design continues to evolve, and with it, some trends that once seemed groundbreaking are beginning to show their age. The design world is becoming more self-aware and consumer-driven, and while some old styles still hold charm, many have lost their relevance. In today’s post, we’re going to explore what to leave behind this year in your designs and what’s trending now—particularly from the perspectives of modern commercial spaces like boba tea shops, beauty salons, and bars. Whether you’re sprucing up your living room or transforming a boutique shop, it’s essential to know what works and what doesn’t in the world of interior design.

Outdated Trends to Avoid

1. Oversized Open-Plan Layouts

The open-plan layout has been a go-to for modern homes for the past two decades, often touted for its ability to make spaces feel larger and more airy. While open layouts can be great for family interaction and entertaining, they often fail to offer the functional zoning that people crave in their homes. Overly large, undefined spaces can feel impersonal and make it difficult to create a sense of privacy and comfort.

The trend toward multi-functional spaces with clearly defined boundaries has gained momentum. Smaller, more intimate areas like cozy reading nooks, home offices, and private lounges are becoming popular. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by wide, open spaces, people are designing their homes with a focus on creating pockets of space for relaxation and functionality.

For commercial spaces, such as small coffee shops , we’re also seeing a shift. These spaces often benefit from intimate, comfortable settings where customers can feel like they belong. Designers are opting for layouts that encourage interaction and comfort rather than simply maximizing space.

2. Overly Matched Furniture

Once upon a time, the idea of a perfectly coordinated living room—matching furniture, accessories, and color schemes—was the epitome of good taste. But this is one trend that has aged quickly. The current design climate favors individuality, creativity, and a mix of styles that reflect the personality of the homeowner or business owner.

Modern coffee shops interiors are a prime example of how eclecticism works. These spaces often feature mismatched furniture, blending contemporary, industrial, and vintage elements to create a bold, unique atmosphere. This mix-and-match approach is now highly encouraged for home design as well.

Whether you’re furnishing a jewelry shop or your living room, it’s more about picking pieces that have personal significance, rather than conforming to a rigid matching scheme. Combining textures, colors, and styles that may seem odd at first glance creates an inviting and eclectic vibe.

3. Cold Industrial Aesthetic

The industrial design trend, characterized by exposed brick walls, raw metal finishes, and unfinished concrete floors, has been very popular for a long time. While it still has its place in some spaces, many people are now seeking warmth and comfort, particularly in residential spaces. The starkness of industrial designs can sometimes feel cold and impersonal.

To replace this, more designers are opting for warmer materials, such as natural wood, soft fabrics, and ambient lighting, that add a sense of homeliness and comfort. For example, small bakery shops and ice cream parlors often use wood accents, soft lighting, and warm tones to create a cozy atmosphere that encourages people to linger.

People are moving away from the harshness of metal and concrete, instead preferring natural, tactile materials that enhance the sensory experience of a space. Consider swapping out your cold, industrial fixtures for more inviting pieces that speak to warmth and coziness.

Emerging Trends to Embrace: Inspiration from Modern Shops

Modern shops, particularly those in the food and beauty industries, are setting the tone for how interior design should evolve in 2025. These spaces focus on the customer experience, balancing functionality with a design aesthetic that is both welcoming and reflective of contemporary tastes.

1. Functional and Aesthetic Harmony

Gone are the days when practicality and style were seen as separate entities. In today’s design world, every choice—from furniture to lighting—is made with functionality in mind. Small bakery shop interiors offer excellent examples of this balance. These spaces combine beautiful design with clever use of space, optimizing layout while maintaining an inviting aesthetic.

Consider furniture that can double as storage or tables that adjust in height. Such flexibility works in both residential and commercial spaces. For example, a small coffee shop may opt for collapsible tables and modular seating that can adapt to different customer needs, from individual workspaces to group seating. These designs demonstrate that functionality doesn’t have to come at the expense of beauty.

2. Eclectic Design and Personal Expression

The trend of matching everything perfectly is now being replaced by a more personalized, eclectic approach. Customers now crave spaces that feel uniquely theirs. The modern coffee shop exemplifies this trend. These shops mix different furniture styles, colors, and textures, creating an atmosphere that feels organic and alive.

This kind of design has transcended commercial spaces and is now influencing home decor. The emphasis is now on curating furniture and decor items that tell a story, whether it's vintage finds, custom pieces, or decor that reflects one’s interests and personal history. The key is to mix materials and finishes—think of combining leather chairs with reclaimed wood tables or vintage light fixtures with contemporary art.

Incorporating personal objects into your home or business design, such as family heirlooms or unique thrift store finds, can help create a space with meaning and depth. By carefully blending these elements, you can create a truly personalized environment that tells a story about who you are.

3. Intentional Use of Color

Color is making a strong comeback in 2025. While minimalist neutrals dominated the previous decade, this year’s trend is all about using color purposefully. Retail spaces, especially jewelry shops and wine shops, are using bold colors to evoke emotion and create focal points. For example, rich jewel tones or deep, sophisticated hues are used to create a sense of luxury and intrigue.

In your home, consider making a statement with a deep blue accent wall or choosing furniture in bold hues. Color can also be introduced through smaller accessories—think vibrant throw pillows, rugs, or artwork that inject personality and vibrancy into the room.

While it’s important not to overwhelm a space with too many colors, using a thoughtful mix of shades can transform a dull space into something dynamic and full of life. The key is balance—selecting colors that complement one another while serving a functional purpose, such as creating a cozy reading nook or setting a relaxing mood in the bedroom.

4. Sustainable and Thoughtful Material Selection

Sustainability is no longer a trend but a necessity. Whether you’re designing a small boutique shop or updating your home, people are more conscious than ever about the materials they choose. The demand for eco-friendly materials is increasing, and shops like optical stores and bridal boutiques are leading the charge with their use of reclaimed wood, bamboo, and organic textiles.

If you're updating your home, consider incorporating sustainable materials like bamboo flooring, recycled glass tiles, or low-VOC paints. Not only are these options better for the environment, but they also contribute to a healthier indoor air quality. Designers are now focusing on how materials can contribute to both the beauty of a space and its sustainability.

In addition to using sustainable materials, it’s also essential to consider energy-efficient lighting and appliances that help reduce a home’s or shop’s carbon footprint. As more people are becoming environmentally conscious, these sustainable design elements will continue to be important in the coming years.

5. Comfort and Coziness

In 2025, comfort is the top priority. Whether you're designing a tattoo shop, coffee shop, or donut store, the focus is on creating a warm, inviting environment. Customers want to feel comfortable, whether they're enjoying a drink or browsing products. Designers are increasingly focusing on comfort through the use of soft seating, plush textiles, and well-placed lighting.

For homes, this means opting for comfortable furniture that encourages relaxation and socialization. Soft, oversized sofas, cozy armchairs, and warm lighting can make a space feel like a sanctuary. Pay attention to tactile elements like soft rugs and plush cushions that invite people to stay longer.

Creating a cozy, inviting atmosphere is key to keeping guests or customers in your space longer, making them feel welcome and comfortable. Whether it's through careful furniture selection, thoughtful lighting choices, or soft accessories, the goal is to create a space that feels like a retreat.

Insights from Leading Design Websites

When looking for the latest design trends, it’s invaluable to refer to trusted websites that provide professional advice and inspiration. Websites like Homes and Gardens, Houzz, and House Beautiful are rich resources for both consumers and design professionals. These platforms offer expert recommendations, extensive design galleries, and practical guides that can help homeowners and business owners stay up-to-date with the latest trends.

Homes and Gardens, for example, is a great resource for eco-conscious design. Their focus on integrating natural elements into design aligns well with current trends in bakery shops and ice cream parlors, which prioritize sustainability and warmth. Similarly, Houzz provides inspiration as well as practical tools for homeowners and designers to make design ideas a reality, connecting you with professionals and products.