Sculptural Statements: Art Deco and Expressive Lighting

In 2025, the living room is not just a place for relaxation; it’s an opportunity for artistic expression. This year, designers are re-embracing the opulence and bold forms of Art Deco, along with highly sculptural and expressive lighting. The result is a living room that feels like a curated gallery, with each element playing a role in the overall dramatic and sophisticated aesthetic. This trend is for those who appreciate grandeur, rich textures, and statement-making details.

Deco-inspired details are making a strong comeback, adding a touch of vintage glamour to modern spaces. Look for materials like Venetian plaster on walls for a moody, hand-rubbed finish, or accent with decorative mirrors featuring sunburst or geometric frames. Furniture with opulent touches, such as brass accents, rich velvet upholstery, and geometric shapes, creates an immediate sense of luxury. Don’t be afraid to use rich jewel tones like sapphire blue, emerald green, and deep ruby red to evoke the decadent spirit of the era.

Statement lighting is a powerful way to bring this trend to life. Move beyond simple, functional fixtures and choose sculptural chandeliers, geometric pendant lights, or unique floor lamps that double as conversation starters. LED wallpapers can even turn a wall into a soft, glowing light source, creating a moody and sophisticated ambiance. Consider mixing in unique finishes like oxidized metal decor and patinated textures to add character and a sense of history. This trend is about creating a living room that is both a comfortable space and a work of art, a place where every detail is intentional and full of expressive personality.

More Is More: The Triumphant Return of Maximalism

For those who find minimalism a little too sparse, 2025 brings a vibrant and expressive alternative: the triumphant return of maximalism. This trend celebrates curated abundance, bold self-expression, and a “more is more” philosophy, moving away from neutral palettes towards rich colors and layered textures. The new maximalist movement isn’t about clutter; it’s about intentional design that reflects individuality and aesthetic joy. It’s your permission to embrace all the things you love and display them proudly, creating a living room that tells a story and feels uniquely personal.

Layering is at the heart of maximalism. Start with a power palette, such as a jewel-toned color story featuring emerald green, sapphire blue, or ruby red. Don’t be afraid to combine different patterns, mixing floral motifs with bold geometrics or stripes. Layer textiles like velvet cushions, woven rugs, and silk throw blankets to add tactile depth and warmth. A gallery wall is a perfect vehicle for maximalist expression; mix different frames, prints, paintings, and personal photos to create a statement that speaks to you. Consider wallpapering a ceiling or adding a colorful mural to make a truly grand statement.

Integrating vintage and global-inspired pieces is a key component of this trend. Sustainable and soulful, antique furniture and worldly textiles add character and history to a space. Mix a mid-century side table with a Moroccan rug or display your curated collection of personal artifacts on open shelving. To avoid the room feeling chaotic, designers recommend keeping one element consistent, such as a cohesive color theme or a grounding neutral. The result is a living room that is rich, layered, and full of personality. Maximalism in 2025 is an invitation to be bold, to celebrate your individuality, and to create a home that feels alive and full of soul.

All About That Curve: The Rise of Curved Furniture and Organic Shapes

After years of clean lines and sharp angles dominating living room design, 2025 is seeing a welcome shift towards softer, more organic shapes. Curved furniture, with its gentle, inviting lines, is making a major comeback, adding a sense of fluidity and calm to interiors. This trend is not just about aesthetics; it’s about creating a more comfortable and welcoming space that feels natural and harmonious. Curved sofas, bubble-shaped chairs, and soft-cornered tables are taking center stage, influencing both large statement pieces and smaller decorative accents.

A curved sofa can act as the perfect anchor for a living room, drawing people in and creating an intimate conversational area. Unlike a rigid, rectangular couch, a curved sectional helps to define a zone within an open-plan space without the need for walls, guiding movement and sightlines naturally. To style a curved sofa, designers suggest pairing it with round or oval coffee tables to continue the fluid aesthetic, rather than breaking the flow with a rectangular one. The soft, organic forms are also ideal for smaller spaces, as they prevent rooms from feeling too boxy or structured, creating the illusion of more openness.

This trend extends beyond just seating. Look for curved bookcases, arched entryways, and circular mirrors to echo the design and create a cohesive look. Even small touches, like a round lamp or a vase with a rounded silhouette, can reinforce the organic theme. When paired with straight-line elements—such as a sleek side table or a geometric patterned rug—the contrast between soft and hard lines creates a dynamic and balanced visual rhythm. This nostalgic nod to retro design, particularly the curvy aesthetic of the 1970s, feels fresh and modern in 2025. Embracing curves in your living room allows you to create a space that is both stylish and soothing, moving away from formal rigidity towards a more relaxed and comfortable elegance.