Urban Glamour vs. Rural Tranquility: The Interior Design Divide of 2025
Amsterdam, zaterdag, 7 juni 2025.
The interior design world stands at a crossroads in 2025 with two radically different aesthetics: ‘city glow’ and ‘cottage flow’. These trends reflect a deeper societal shift, with urban generations choosing neon-inspired, street art-influenced elements, while others long for rustic, natural environments. Notably, there’s a 26,000% increase in searches for ‘French cottage decor’ on Etsy, indicating a growing need for authenticity and calm. Designers are experimenting with mixing these contrasting styles, creating more personal and layered interiors.
The Rise of Two Contrasting Home Decor Trends
In 2025, two radically different interior design movements emerge: the ‘city glow’ with neon and urban elements, and the ‘cottage flow’ with natural and rustic atmospheres. Designers signal a clear shift where two opposing aesthetics are developing [1][2]. The ‘city glow’ trend resonates with younger generations raised on digital influences and is characterised by ‘loud and in-your-face’ design [2].
Search Behaviour Reflects Desire for Authenticity
Notably, there’s a significant increase in searches for interior styles that reflect authenticity and calm. Etsy reported 260 percent more searches for ‘French cottage decor’ in 2025 compared to 2024 [2]. Interior designer Kathy Kuo explains this trend as a reaction to the past two decades of ‘hustle culture’, with people placing more value on simplicity and connection to nature [2].
Colour Palettes and Design Philosophy
The colour trends for 2025 embrace warm tones, jewel colours, and earthy neutral shades. Designers like Abbey Stark advocate for using bold colours that reflect individual personality [3]. The new design philosophy encourages mixing urban and rustic styles, with personal expression at its core [2].