When the designers at Montgomery’s want to do a little crystal ball gazing, Karli Strain often is leading the way.
Each time the Montgomery’s team is preparing to go on a furniture market buying trip, Strain helps by presenting research on emerging trends.
“I do a lot of research and then give them a sense for what we might be seeing and what to be on the lookout for,”
said Strain, visual merchandising manager.
“Often, I’m looking at European influences because I know whatever is on trend in Europe will be making its way here, so this allows us to be prepared.”
Strain shared her latest findings to help you guide your home into 2025 and beyond. Here are her top six trends to expect next year.
Fluted wood – throughout the home
Strain spotted this trend on the horizon a year ago – and now it has arrived in a big way.
Fluted wood, which is made up of vertical grooves that run up and down the surface of the piece, is becoming a popular way to add a new sense of texture and style to your spaces.
“I started seeing it before the last market and thought it was really cool, so I was hoping to find something at market, and now it’s everywhere,” Strain said. “There were tons of options at the latest market we attended in October, so we’re going to have options if you like this look.”
Fluted wood now is incorporated into many coffee and end tables, as well as cabinets. It even could be used to update a headboard. Most of the pieces are in black or a light natural walnut or oak.
“It’s a great way to enhance a room,” Strain said. “And now we’re also seeing it in architecture, so I think it will be in both furniture and structural pieces like walls and partitions.”
Neutral, warm tones
The era of gray and stark white is fading as “we’re going further and further away from cool tones,” Strain said. “Anything that has a grayer or bluer vibe is not going to be shown many places.”
Instead, think warm grays that “go more brown and green,” she said “Charcoal is awesome because that’s really warm.”
Plus, more natural woods are helping “warm up” home design.
“It’s not even a trend – it’s sticking around,” Strain said.
“The warm, neutral tones that make you feel cozy. And you want to be surrounded by comfort in your home, so even for people who prefer modern design, they’re going to insert beiges rather than white or do a natural stump end table rather than chrome. So it can still be minimalist, but warming it up.”
Texture is involved too.
“That ties back to the fluted wood, which also has a warm look, and I think we’re still going to see caning because of that too,” Strain said.
“Your textiles and wall colors can be transformative, so if you have icy colors, you can still introduce warm tones. Maybe you have a gray couch you like – don’t get rid of it but paint the walls warm and put a warm throw and pillows on the sofa. Maybe change the coffee table to wood instead of metal. Those kinds of things are easy to warm up.”
Lots and lots of curves
Curvy is current – in every aspect of design, Strain said.
“I’m not saying circles and ovals, but more organic, flowy shapes,” she explained. “We’ve been onboard with this for a while, but now we’re seeing it in large pieces. We used to see it in accessories and light fixtures or tables that were amoeba-shaped, but now we’re seeing it in sofas.”
She actually calls it her No. 1 emerging trend.
“There will be so many curves on sofas and chairs,” Strain predicts. “At the last market, everyone had sofas that were curved or had curved arms instead of square. I think organic shapes are easier on the eyes than squares and rectangles.”
She actually calls it her No. 1 emerging trend.
“There will be so many curves on sofas and chairs,” Strain predicts. “At the last market, everyone had sofas that were curved or had curved arms instead of square. I think organic shapes are easier on the eyes than squares and rectangles.”
An easy way to weave the trend into your home: Update some mirrors.
“Mirrors are a huge thing that are a more organic shape. You hardly ever see squares and rectangles anymore,” Strain said. “You see lots of little circles with a thin black or gold frame, but now there are more random shapes that are a nice size and still functional.”
Inspired by nature
Hand in hand with the move to warmer tones is the influence of nature in design.
“It’s no longer just a trend – I think this is a forever thing,” Strain said. “It’s the most timeless because we’re always surrounded by nature, and I think people are naturally drawn to nature, whether it’s in shapes, textures or colors, of course.”
Think coppers, yellows, golds, sand tones and greens, naturally.
“Rocks themselves have all sorts of colors in them, so there are a lot of ways you can go being inspired by nature,” Strain said.
“We see that in the finishes, too, with less shiny and more matte finishes. Many cabinets and counters are going to a more leathered or dry finish, and I think we’re going to see that more and more.”
This also takes the form of actually bringing nature into the home with live plants and trees.
“I believe this stems from the boho style that brought this to the forefront,” Strain said. “I personally have about 30 plants in my house, and it just makes me feel more connected to nature and also makes winter a little more bearable being surrounded by plants.”
Dark and moody
It doesn’t work for everyone or everywhere – but in the right setting, bringing down the light can work wonders.
“Usually, we see deep colors and saturated walls where you’re painting the trim the same color as the wall,” Strain said.
“Everything is dim lighting. Think of a den. It’s kind of that cozy, vintage vibe.”
It’s a great fit if you love antique-inspired furniture, a darker color palette of navy, burgundy, maroon, dark green and deep mustards, and rich fabrics like velvets, flannels and wools.
Maximalist style
Strain spotted this design trend early, too, and it’s taking off in a “big” way.
You’ve heard of minimalist style? Well, get ready for maximalist.
“It’s definitely sticking – we’re seeing tons of maximalism,” Strain said.
“It’s more people wanting to surround themselves with whatever they want. Often, they’re collectors or travelers, and they have a lot of personalization they want to do in their spaces.”
Maximalist design can involve over-the-top color, bright colors and modern furniture, but the overriding theme is that “there’s a lot of it, whatever it is,” Strain said.
“It could be all black and blue. It could be vintage-looking. It could be totally natural. But just a lot of stuff and ways to bring your personality into a room.”
To learn more
Montgomery’s design experts are ready to help you bring your living space into 2025 and beyond! Stop in any location for complimentary design services, or learn more about the design team here.
