In 2024 everyone needed an Eras look (the more sparkles the better), Western styles spread well beyond the ranch and quiet luxury made some noise. But 2024 is sooo last year. All eyes are now on 2025 and the aesthetic that will define the year ahead. Luckily, Pantone, Pinterest and Stitch Fix have drawn on their vast repositories of search and shopping data, as well as their cultural expertise, to help us peek into the future.
Pinterest in particular always provides an interesting forward-looking take on where consumers are leaning since the platform is used by millions as a planning tool. “The trends show that more people are leaning toward bold forms of expression and maximalism,” summarized the company in a blog about its annual Pinterest Predicts report. “2025 will be about making a statement — individuals will look for ways to stand out and engage all their senses through their style choices.”
Here are the design and lifestyle trends predicted to set the tone for 2025.
2025 Colors: Lush and Sophisticated
Pantone’s Color of the Year has become an annual phenomenon, identifying a single hue that will “capture the cultural zeitgeist” of the year ahead. In a dramatic pivot from 2024’s bright, poppy color — “Peach Fuzz” — Pantone has declared 2025 to be the year of “Mocha Mousse,” a rich, earthy tone.
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“Underpinned by our desire for everyday pleasures, Pantone 17-1230 Mocha Mousse expresses a level of thoughtful indulgence,” explained Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute in the company’s announcement. “Sophisticated and lush, yet at the same time an unpretentious classic, Pantone 17-1230 Mocha Mousse extends our perceptions of the browns from being humble and grounded to embrace aspirational and luxe.”
Pinterest and Stitch Fix pulled from other areas of the visual spectrum for their own color predictions, but when set together the three hues create a coherent vibe of rich sumptuousness. Pinterest’s color of the year is cherry red, described as “dark and sweet,” and based on large upticks in searches for things like “Cherry vibe” (up 325%) and “Dark Cherry Red” (235%) on the platform between September 2022 and August 2024.
Stitch Fix meanwhile has selected Wisteria, a “dreamy shade of purple that evokes softness and sophistication,” said the company in its annual Style Forecast. “We are already seeing a steady rise in client searches for purple, signaling its growing appeal as a soft yet statement-making color.”
2025 Design References: Fantastical, Excessive, Earthy
Trend 1: 2024’s Western and Grandpacore Trends Evolve
A number of major trends from 2024 will maintain their prominence but evolve this year, most notably the Western aesthetic and the grandpacore vibe.
Stitch Fix is predicting an evolution of the Western style into what it is calling a “Ranch Revival” ethos, with Western inspiration taking a more sophisticated turn through “a more refined denim-on-denim, prairie-print florals and country-in-the-city feel.”
And Pinterest predicts that last year’s embrace of retro styles in the Eclectic Grandpa trend will lead to this year’s slightly more edgy but still referential Fisherman styles, a la “cable knit sweaters, sardine tattoos and stripes on everything.”
Trend 2: Maximalism Continues to Reign but with New References
Vibrant, hectic design ruled in 2024 with trends like bow stacking, the return of neon and bold, colorful prints, and that energetic vibe looks set to continue in 2025. “More is more,” according to the Pinterest Predicts report. “This year, Gen X and Boomers will mix and match brilliantly bold patterns, eclectic prints and delightful textures in all colors of the rainbow.”
This year Pinterest Predicts that design references will include:
- Rococo — Everything from weddings, parties and fashion will draw inspiration from the Late Baroque period that was both opulent and ultra-feminine, a style vibe that the company described as “all frills, no chill.” Expressions of this will include classic corset gowns, luxe accessories and ornate tablescapes. The trend will feel familiar, building on last year’s embrace of the romantic, whimsical Bridgerton aesthetic, which Stitch Fix called out as one of the top trends of 2024.
- Castle culture — drawing from a completely different era, Pinterest also declared that “medieval is having a major moment.” This year the company predicts that consumers and brands also will take inspiration from ancient castles and gothic style.
- Surrealism — Look for items such as curvy candlesticks, fantastical flowers and gravity-defying décor elements to infuse interior and event design.
Two Other Trends to Watch: Pickles and Avatars
While not expected to lead aesthetic considerations in 2025, two other trends highlighted by Pinterest might get the juices flowing in the arenas of product or marketing design:
1. “Pickle Fix” — “This year will be absolutely dill-icious,” declares Pinterest. “From sweet treats to tangy cocktails, the oh-so-humble pickle is about to be in absolutely everything,” including, potentially, pickle cakes, pickle de gallo, pickle fries and even pickle margaritas.
2. “Player One” — Pinterest also predicts that younger consumers will take an even more active interest this year in the aesthetic of their digital avatars. “This year, Gen Z and Gen X will customize their digital personas, designing their avatar’s hair, outfits and even accessories,” said the company. Brands that don’t already have digital goods in their product mix might want to consider getting in the game.
