In response to the isolation of the pandemic, divisions in our political life and the growing need for community, we’re witnessing a shift towards design trends that prioritize comfort, connection, and well-being. Here’s a look at the trends shaping the year ahead.
Cozycore: The Comfort Revolution
Cozycore is more than just a style; it’s a movement that emphasizes comfort, warmth, and natural simplicity. From fashion to interior design to literature, cozycore is all about slowing down, nurturing spaces, and embracing moments of calm.
The Comfort Revolution of 2025 is not just about physical comfort—it’s about emotional and mental restoration. Design will continue to evolve towards environments that offer safety, peace, and healing, reflecting our personal values and creating spaces that feel like a true sanctuary.
Trending Colors: Expect warm, earthy, muted tones that invite relaxation. Soft hues that create an inviting atmosphere will be prevalent. Pantone’s Color of the Year “Mocha Mousse” echoes this sentiment, drawing inspiration from the comfort of chocolate and coffee—inviting, rich, and warm.
Source Inspiration:
Third Spaces: Rebuilding Community
With hybrid work and remote lifestyles now the norm, we are seeing another iteration of third spaces—places that serve as community hubs beyond home and work. These spaces—whether coworking spots, social clubs, or wellness-driven environments—are designed to foster real connections in a relaxed setting.
Running clubs are replacing nightclubs as the go-to “third space,” with people gathering for fitness, socializing, and dating. The Social Fitness trend continues to rise, with a significant increase in group fitness activities and a deepening connection between people through shared experiences.
Third spaces are more than just places—they are community builders that help combat loneliness and foster a sense of belonging. Thought leaders in Norway are developing cultural spaces that grow and change based on community needs and user input.
Sources to Explore:
- What’s Next for Communities?
- Rise of Social Fitness & Group Runs
- Temporary Cultural Third Space – Kulturhavna
3. Hospitality Reimagined
2025 is seeing the return of true hospitality, defined not just by service but by the genuine human connections it fosters. Hospitality is about making people feel seen, valued, and understood—something Will Guidara, author of Unreasonable Hospitality, highlights in his work. He reminds us that great hospitality is the key to creating meaningful, lasting connections, whether in the restaurant industry or any service-based field.
It’s an honor and a privilege to design the “living rooms” that allow our clients to connect with their guests—where the customer feels welcomed and truly part of the experience. This “stickiness” of hospitality means continuously inviting, engaging, and building relationships, even when it’s hard.
Key Takeaways:
- Hospitality means going above and beyond basic service by being creative, thoughtful, and intentional about connecting with guests.
- Creating “sticky” connections helps foster deeper relationships and community.
Inspiration:
- Unreasonable Hospitality with Will Guidara
- Creating a Culture of Hospitality
- Project Gather: Combating Loneliness
Looking Ahead
2025 will be a year of deeper connection through design, comfort, and community. Whether it’s creating cozy spaces for quiet reflection or fostering vibrant third spaces for socializing, the focus is on rebuilding human connections in a world that continues to shift at an exponential pace. By designing with intention, we have the power to bring comfort and belonging to the spaces we inhabit and the people we meet.
Stay tuned as we continue to explore how these trends will evolve and influence design throughout the year!