Neon dreams and nature scenes make for two very different home decor trends in 2025
Home decor's got a split personality this year: Call it 'city glow' and 'cottage flow.'
At the two international design fairs that I attended — Maison et Objet in France, Ambiente in Germany — acres of exhibition booths were full of Art Deco furnishings, island-vibe rattan seating and lighting, and lots of emphasis on sustainably produced materials.
But a couple of aesthetics drawing crowds were especially interesting.
Capturing the 'city glow'
One was an exuberant urban vibe I'm nicknaming 'city glow.' It's full of highlighter-hued throw pillows, edgy surrealism, street art and hefty, Brutalist-style furniture — lots of sharp-cornered steel or concrete consoles and lamps that loomed over rooms — as well as rugs and wallcoverings covered in graffiti-style motifs or swaths of vibrant color.
Gretchen Rivera, an interior designer in Washington, D.C., sees it as a look that resonates especially with 'younger generations who grew up with digital influences. There's surrealist art, energetic colors and playful, almost toy-like design.'
Interior designer Anton Liakhov in Nice, France, agrees: 'For a generation clamoring for creativity and self-expression, it's loud and in-your-face.'
For surface colors, look at Benjamin Moore's spicy orange Bryce Canyon or the bubblegum-pink Springtime Bloom. Daydream Apothecary has a whole collection of neon wall paints for intrepid decorators.
Sisters Ana and Lola Sánchez use art as a bold form of self-expression at their luxe brand Oliver Gal, in South Florida. It's known for its handcrafted, statement-making pieces — including large acrylic gummy bears, graphic surfboards and wall art inspired by fashion, pop culture and modern surrealism. The result is a vibrant, edgy aesthetic.
A new collection, Rococo Pop, introduces rococo-inspired frames in high-gloss acrylics paired with playful graphic imagery. 'We wanted to take the opulence of 18th century rococo,' notes Ana Sánchez, 'and give it a cheeky, pop-art punch.'
'These frames are like little rebels in ballgowns — elegant, over-the-top and totally unexpected,' adds Lola Sánchez.
The style, her sister says, 'celebrates contrast. Old World charm meets modern mischief.'
Following the 'cottage flow'
The other impressive decor style at the design fairs was very different from the urban look. I'm calling this one 'cottage flow,' and Liakhov describes it as evoking a 'peaceful sanctuary, where you can play around with textures that are anchored in, and in tune with, nature.'
Think nubby woolen throws in mossy hues. Softly burnished wooden tables. Vintage quilts, and dishware. Gingham and garden florals. Landscape prints. Imagery of birds and woodland animals on textiles and wallcoverings.
Etsy's 2025 spring/summer trend report showed that searches for 'French cottage decor' were up over 26,000% compared to 2024.
'I see people embracing a slower pace to life where they can,' says New York-based interior and decor designer Kathy Kuo about the country cottage style.
'The past two decades or so were dominated by a glorification of fast-paced 'hustle culture' — trends like cottagecore and coastal grandmother are evidence that the pendulum's swinging toward taking pleasure in simpler, more nature-adjacent things in life, whether or not you actually live in a country cottage,' she says.
Paint colors are also reflecting the trend. A calming sage green called Quietude is HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams' color of the year. Little-Greene's collection has names like Rolling Fog, Tea with Florence and Hammock.
Mixing the styles
Watching design show visitors excitedly discovering new finds among the aisles, I thought THIS is what's fun about home decorating: You can think as creatively as you like when it comes to your own home.
You're all about high-octane city nightlife? Come this way.
Scottish crofts, Scandi cabins and cozy porches more your thing? Right over here.
And if you want to mix these two aesthetics? Go for it. There's space to blend elements of both, says Kuo.
'Design trends are so fluid. I absolutely see the potential to merge these into each other,' she says. 'Many city dwellers love time in nature and have an affinity for a more rustic look, while still feeling called to honor their urban environment in their home. I see plenty of modern interior design motifs that are sleek and urban on the surface, but in the details, they're infused with organic textures and biophilic elements.'
'Really, the best designs are the ones that are personal, rather than perfect,' she adds.
You could display an array of contemporary glass bowls on a curvy walnut credenza. Mix botanical patterns in vibrant, unexpected colors. Soften room elements like a sleek table and industrial-style lamp with boucle or velvet cushions and a fluffy rug. Pair polished concrete floors with vintage-inspired wallcovering.
If you don't want to mix elements in one space, consider using sliding partitions from one room to another. You'll create a little style 'journey.'
If the recent international design fairs are any indication, you're going to find loads of fun home decor in stores over the coming months. Get ready to flow.
___
New York-based writer Kim Cook covers design and decor topics regularly for The Associated Press. Follow her on Instagram at @kimcookhome.
___
For more AP Lifestyles stories, go to https://apnews.com/lifestyle.
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Winnipeg Free Press
a day ago
- Winnipeg Free Press
Neon dreams and nature scenes make for two very different home decor trends in 2025
Home decor's got a split personality this year: Call it 'city glow' and 'cottage flow.' At the two international design fairs that I attended — Maison et Objet in France, Ambiente in Germany — acres of exhibition booths were full of Art Deco furnishings, island-vibe rattan seating and lighting, and lots of emphasis on sustainably produced materials. But a couple of aesthetics drawing crowds were especially interesting. Capturing the 'city glow' One was an exuberant urban vibe I'm nicknaming 'city glow.' It's full of highlighter-hued throw pillows, edgy surrealism, street art and hefty, Brutalist-style furniture — lots of sharp-cornered steel or concrete consoles and lamps that loomed over rooms — as well as rugs and wallcoverings covered in graffiti-style motifs or swaths of vibrant color. Gretchen Rivera, an interior designer in Washington, D.C., sees it as a look that resonates especially with 'younger generations who grew up with digital influences. There's surrealist art, energetic colors and playful, almost toy-like design.' Interior designer Anton Liakhov in Nice, France, agrees: 'For a generation clamoring for creativity and self-expression, it's loud and in-your-face.' For surface colors, look at Benjamin Moore's spicy orange Bryce Canyon or the bubblegum-pink Springtime Bloom. Daydream Apothecary has a whole collection of neon wall paints for intrepid decorators. Sisters Ana and Lola Sánchez use art as a bold form of self-expression at their luxe brand Oliver Gal, in South Florida. It's known for its handcrafted, statement-making pieces — including large acrylic gummy bears, graphic surfboards and wall art inspired by fashion, pop culture and modern surrealism. The result is a vibrant, edgy aesthetic. A new collection, Rococo Pop, introduces rococo-inspired frames in high-gloss acrylics paired with playful graphic imagery. 'We wanted to take the opulence of 18th century rococo,' notes Ana Sánchez, 'and give it a cheeky, pop-art punch.' 'These frames are like little rebels in ballgowns — elegant, over-the-top and totally unexpected,' adds Lola Sánchez. The style, her sister says, 'celebrates contrast. Old World charm meets modern mischief.' Following the 'cottage flow' The other impressive decor style at the design fairs was very different from the urban look. I'm calling this one 'cottage flow,' and Liakhov describes it as evoking a 'peaceful sanctuary, where you can play around with textures that are anchored in, and in tune with, nature.' Think nubby woolen throws in mossy hues. Softly burnished wooden tables. Vintage quilts, and dishware. Gingham and garden florals. Landscape prints. Imagery of birds and woodland animals on textiles and wallcoverings. Etsy's 2025 spring/summer trend report showed that searches for 'French cottage decor' were up over 26,000% compared to 2024. 'I see people embracing a slower pace to life where they can,' says New York-based interior and decor designer Kathy Kuo about the country cottage style. 'The past two decades or so were dominated by a glorification of fast-paced 'hustle culture' — trends like cottagecore and coastal grandmother are evidence that the pendulum's swinging toward taking pleasure in simpler, more nature-adjacent things in life, whether or not you actually live in a country cottage,' she says. Paint colors are also reflecting the trend. A calming sage green called Quietude is HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams' color of the year. Little-Greene's collection has names like Rolling Fog, Tea with Florence and Hammock. Mixing the styles Watching design show visitors excitedly discovering new finds among the aisles, I thought THIS is what's fun about home decorating: You can think as creatively as you like when it comes to your own home. You're all about high-octane city nightlife? Come this way. Scottish crofts, Scandi cabins and cozy porches more your thing? Right over here. And if you want to mix these two aesthetics? Go for it. There's space to blend elements of both, says Kuo. 'Design trends are so fluid. I absolutely see the potential to merge these into each other,' she says. 'Many city dwellers love time in nature and have an affinity for a more rustic look, while still feeling called to honor their urban environment in their home. I see plenty of modern interior design motifs that are sleek and urban on the surface, but in the details, they're infused with organic textures and biophilic elements.' 'Really, the best designs are the ones that are personal, rather than perfect,' she adds. You could display an array of contemporary glass bowls on a curvy walnut credenza. Mix botanical patterns in vibrant, unexpected colors. Soften room elements like a sleek table and industrial-style lamp with boucle or velvet cushions and a fluffy rug. Pair polished concrete floors with vintage-inspired wallcovering. If you don't want to mix elements in one space, consider using sliding partitions from one room to another. You'll create a little style 'journey.' If the recent international design fairs are any indication, you're going to find loads of fun home decor in stores over the coming months. Get ready to flow. ___ New York-based writer Kim Cook covers design and decor topics regularly for The Associated Press. Follow her on Instagram at @kimcookhome. ___ For more AP Lifestyles stories, go to
Style Blueprint
3 days ago
- Style Blueprint
Memphis's Newest Old Hotel: A First Look Inside Hotel Pontotoc
Share with your friends! Pinterest LinkedIn Email Flipboard Reddit Oh, if the walls of Hotel Pontotoc could talk … Located between South Main and Front Street, the historic hotel has been a Downtown Memphis staple for more than a century, living multiple lives as a bordello, a Turkish bathhouse, a dive bar, a private residence, and a recording studio. After years of neglect and a meticulous recent restoration by local developers, the hotel will come full circle when it reopens this summer as a European-style boutique hotel, offering guests a combination of modern luxury and vintage charm. 'The fact that it has survived nearly untouched for 119 years is amazing,' says General Manager Norbert Mede. 'It's like a fly caught in amber — it never got repurposed or lost its character like so many other properties.' Take a closer look at the storied past of Hotel Pontotoc, and get a sneak peek at its newest iteration! Pin A Historic Gem Built in 1906 near Central Station, Hotel Pontotoc originally catered to railway and riverboat travelers. With 18 bedrooms and nine bathrooms, the small hotel was known for its lavish Turkish baths. By the 1920s, it had morphed into a popular bordello with a reputation for luxury and discretion. In 1929, Greek businessman Dionysos (Dan) Touliatos bought the property, turning it into a family hotel, where he resided with his wife and children. Pin Under his ownership, the hotel became a social hub for members of the Greek community and hosted many lively parties. It also drew actors and vaudeville performers from the nearby Orpheum Theatre. One of Hotel Pontotoc's most illustrious guests was Mexican artist Dionicio Rodriguez, who lived in the hotel in the 1930s while commissioned to work on Crystal Shrine Grotto at Memorial Park Gardens — a handmade cavern made of rock quartz crystal and semiprecious stones. Pin In 1958, George Sr., the eldest son of the Touliatos family, founded Front Street Theatre, which put on professional theatrical productions and attracted notable actors. While these stars may not have stayed at Hotel Pontotoc, the hotel was intertwined in the city's cultural development. There is even a rumor that Elvis visited the hotel, though there's no evidence to prove it. The Touliatos sold Hotel Pontotoc after business declined in the late 1960s, and it enjoyed a brief stint as a nightclub in 1979 before it was purchased by local preservationists Leigh and Terry Davis in the early 1980s. They renovated the building, converting the basement into a recording studio and hosting memorable parties. In 2022, partners Tony Kuhn and Joseph Lewis — Memphians with a heart for historic downtown properties — acquired the building, which had fallen into disrepair. They embarked on a multimillion-dollar project to restore Hotel Pontotoc to its former glory. Pin Pin A Second Act Despite the hotel's deterioration in recent years, 'the bones of it were in great condition,' Norbert says. 'The renovation is a wink and a nod to its past but with modern upgrades and amenities.' The hotel's footprint is the same, with a bar on the lower basement level and guest rooms on the top two floors. But the original 17 rooms have been downsized to 10, including one grand suite, three regular suites, one ADA suite, and three studio-style rooms. Pin Each room has a different theme, but they all pay tribute to the past with their restored wood floors, exposed plaster walls, transom windows, and repurposed doors featuring original room numbers and antique knobs. Bathrooms contain vintage sink fixtures and high-tank toilets with pull chains for a nostalgic touch. Pin While the hotel is full of contemporary comforts, its vibe is intimate, and its design 'is like a timeline of its history,' Norbert says. The aesthetic is brimming with mid-century modern furnishings, rich wall coverings in deep blues and greens, and relics from its early life, which are showcased. 'We found a red ammunition bomb that we are going to suspend from the ceiling, and an old organ that we cleaned up to put in our lobby,' Norbert shares. Developers also revamped the hotel's entrance, repairing its signature awnings and restoring its iconic sign, a mainstay since it opened. Pin Drinks at The Dame Adding to the hotel's allure is The Dame, an upscale cocktail lounge and wine bar on the ground floor. The bar will serve a curated selection of premium bourbon, whiskey, tequila, and wine, along with small plates and local beers on tap. The menu will pay homage to the space's previous incarnation as a recording studio. 'We will have three tiers of wines: top 40 hits (recognizable wines), B sides (less recognizable wines), and lost tracks (wines that are unique or off the beaten path),' Norbert explains. Pin If you're craving a bit of nature, head to the hotel's landscaped garden, which can accommodate up to 75 people. It also makes an excellent spot for weddings and other special events. With that in mind, Norbert hopes to see Hotel Pontotoc return to its roots — as a gathering place for both locals and tourists. Events in the works include live music on Friday nights, plus themed nights like Whiskey Club Sundays, Tequila Tuesdays, Wine Wednesdays, and more. 'We want our guests to feel like this is a home away from home,' says Norbert, 'and not just those outside of Memphis, but also Memphians who come downtown for a show, a concert, or a Grizzlies game.' Pin Plan Your Stay Located just minutes from Beale Street, the Orpheum, the Blues Hall of Fame, and the Civil Rights Museum (among other Memphis hot spots), Hotel Pontotoc is open for booking at Nightly rates range from $250 to $650, with a 15% off promotion for those who book a two-night stay before August 1. Guests check in online and will receive an access code to the building, along with a complimentary continental breakfast and Wi-Fi. Pin Pin ********** To stay in the know on the best of the South, subscribe to our FREE daily emails. About the Author Emily McMackin Emily McMackin Dye is an Alabama native and Tennessee transplant, who recently moved to Memphis from Nashville. A freelance writer, she enjoys exploring history, culture, and the lifestyle scene surrounding her new home in The Bluff City.
National Post
4 days ago
- National Post
5 stylish Father's Day gift ideas
Article content Reviews and recommendations are unbiased and products are independently selected. Postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through links on this page. Article content Father's Day is your chance to show your dad just how much he means to you — and also the perfect excuse to upgrade his style with a gift that's both thoughtful and chic. Article content Article content Whether he's a fashion-forward gent or more of a low-key legend, Rebecca Tay rounds up five gifts to suit every type of dad: pieces that will give his everyday routine a stylish edge. From small but punchy splurges to meaningful tokens with major charm, this year, make him feel celebrated, appreciated, and effortlessly cool. Article content Article content Sure, an outdoor barbecue may be a slightly cliché Father's Day gift, but for multiple reasons. First of all, if he needs one, there's no better time to get one (as in, early in the summer and also for the occasion). Then, of course, it's something that everyone gets to enjoy. Sure, Dad gets to show off his grill skills, but everyone in his inner circle tends to reap the rewards: yummy burgers, steaks, plus borrowing rights, too. Article content New tennis racquet, designer golf tees, a personalized soccer jersey: if your dad's a sports junkie, chances are, you've gifted him plenty of accessories and equipment over the years. But if you haven't played a game of pickleball with him, or he's always up for trying something new, this stylish set is a great starter kit for a game that's fun and easy to learn, whether he's ultracompetitive or just in it for the laughs. Article content Article content For dads that almost always have their laptop in tow, this navy fox head tote by Parisian brand Maison Kitsuné is a perfect option if his bag could do with an upgrade. It's sophisticated enough to wear to work with chinos or even suit trousers, but not as out of place as a leather briefcase or bag if you're out for dinner or weekend brunch. Article content Known for its evocative names and scents that ring true to these names, D.S. & Durga's candles make great gifts for the house-proud dad who also has an appreciation for cool, contemporary brands. Concrete After Lightning will remind city slicker dads of the smell of a sizzling pavement after a downpour: a reminder of welcome showers in the muggy, humid heat of summer. Article content Save a year, splurge the next? If your budget allows for a Father's Day gift that will really, truly knock his socks off, Omega has just released one of its most iconic watches in a new, stainless steel version. Originally launched in 1957, the Railmaster was designed for railway staff, with anti-magnetic properties for scientists, engineers and anyone else who worked around rail lines (the two other watches in the 'Professional Line' included the Speedmaster, for race car drivers, and the Seamaster, for ocean divers). Now relaunched with a stainless steel bracelet, it's a classic for the ages — a gift for true watch connoisseurs. Article content Article content
