For property developers, we're usually the ones to say avoid being too "trendy" or risk refurbing every couple of years to stay relevant. BUT staying ahead of the curve goes beyond simply adopting the latest trends - it involves crafting timeless spaces that connect with tenants and buyers. Whether you’re developing co-living homes, high-rise flats, or luxury townhouses, these trends offer the perfect blend of market appeal and long-term relevance.
As 2025 draws near, we're looking at property developer friendly trends, and how you can implement them easily, seeing a big shift towards warmth, character and comfort - with ELLE DECOR A-list designers citing wellness and relaxation as key themes. Goodbye landlord greige.
Here’s a breakdown of 2025’s top interior design trends that you, as a developer, simply can’t overlook.
Earthy Tones and the Return of Brown
If 2024 gave us a taste of earthy hues, 2025 is set to double down. Brown is having a major moment, bringing warmth and sophistication to interiors - Pantone’s colour of the year is even ‘Mocha Mousse’. From chestnut brown to softer beige tones, these shades create an inviting atmosphere that tenants and buyers will love.
But brown is just the beginning. Earthy tones like deep burgundy, moss green, and terracotta are taking centre stage (and are some of our favourites!), along with muted blues and greens that evoke a sense of wellness and calm. These colours add depth and character, making spaces feel timeless yet contemporary.
For developers, incorporating these hues into walls, furnishings, and even kitchen cabinetry is an easy way to create modern yet enduring interiors.
Concerned about spaces becoming overly dark? For rooms that have reduced natural light, leaning into it is often the perfect choice. We recommend colour drenching in ensuites, pairing deep, moody tones with lighter, reflective tiles to strike the perfect balance. In bedrooms, apply darker shades behind the bed for a bold focal point, while offsetting them with a softer, warm white on surrounding walls to maintain an inviting, harmonious atmosphere.
Integrating natural elements into interiors is more than just a trend - it’s an enduring design ethos. Natural materials like stone, wood, and terracotta bring warmth and texture, while larger indoor plants blur the lines between the built environment and the outdoors.
Bathrooms and kitchens are the rooms where this can easily be achieved through tile selection. For living and dining spaces, bringing the warmth and texture through wooden furniture and dressings will really give that nod to nature your prospective tenants and buyers are looking for.
This biophilic approach isn’t just aesthetically pleasing; it’s scientifically proven to improve wellbeing. Many developers are already embracing this, using natural finishes and outdoor-inspired colour palettes to create homes that feel connected to nature.
Plus with lots of natural stone style tiles available in large format, it not only creates a luxurious feel to your bathrooms, but gives a highly durable finish too — win-win.
Energy-Efficient and Sustainable Features
Sustainability is a requirement when it comes to design in 2025, not just a bonus. Energy-efficient electric features, from smart thermostats to LED lighting, are increasingly sought after by tenants and buyers who value both affordability and eco-conscious living. Plus LED strips can be a great way to add character and warmth to spaces without breaking the bank.
If you’re a landlord covering utility bills, incorporating energy efficiency early on in your renovation planning is especially important.
Technology is enabling this shift, with advancements making sustainable living more accessible than ever. Incorporating these features into your properties isn’t just good for the planet—it’s a strong selling point for tenants and buyers. Redrow Homes, for instance, has made energy efficiency a cornerstone of their developments, setting the standard for greener living.
Sculptural Lighting That Steals the Show
Whilst the main purpose of light fittings within a space is to ensure functionality (you’ve got to be able to see!), we’re strong believers in lighting being a piece of art too. That belief will grow through 2025, as minimalist fixtures with bold, sculptural forms are becoming statement pieces that shape the entire room.
From oversized pendants to asymmetrical chandeliers, these designs offer a mix of functionality and flair. This is an opportunity for developers to elevate interiors without breaking the bank; investing in standout lighting is a cost-effective way to add luxury and visual interest, whilst keeping the rest simple.
We’ve always advocated for oversized, interesting lighting fixtures in various forms. Check out our other blog here to see how you can create a hotel-esque lighting scheme.
Comfort is King
In 2025, interiors will be all about fostering relaxation and ease. Breakfast nooks, for example, are on the rise - offering a casual yet intentional space that’s cosier than a dining room but more refined than barstools at a countertop. Living rooms are evolving too, with softer shapes present in furniture design making them feel more inviting and increasing comfort.
This trend isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about creating homes that truly feel like sanctuaries. Developers like Berkeley Group and Barratt Homes are already tapping into this concept, designing layouts and furnishings that prioritise how people live everyday, not just how spaces look - something that’s always been at the forefront of what we do here at roost.
The Future is Flexible
Incorporating modular and adaptive furniture into rental properties offers a strategic way to attract tenants with dynamic lifestyles, such as remote workers. Modular furniture, such as reconfigurable sofas, fold-down desks, and adjustable shelving, enables a space to transform effortlessly from leisure zones to productive environments.
For co-living spaces or serviced accommodation, these flexible solutions cater to the ever-growing demand for work-from-home setups while maintaining a clean and contemporary aesthetic.
Thoughtful space planning - such as integrating concealed storage or multipurpose pieces - enhances the functionality without overcrowding. By leaning into modular design, properties can seamlessly adapt to changing tenant needs, future-proofing your investment.
Personalised Design: Goodbye “Landlord Special”
Finally, something you’re bound to know already but we just have to include - gone are the days of cookie-cutter developments with grey sofas and white walls! Today’s tenants and buyers want homes that reflect individuality and personality. This means moving away from the ubiquitous “landlord specials” and opting for designs with character.
Think curated furniture, pops of earthy colours (please, we’re past magnolia), and thoughtful layouts that feel tailored rather than generic. By creating spaces that stand out, you’ll attract people who value design and are willing to pay a premium for it.
While interior design trends can feel fleeting, the key for developers is to focus on those with lasting appeal. By prioritising comfort, personalisation, and sustainability, you’ll create spaces that tenants and buyers will love - not just in 2025, but for years to come.
At roost, we’re here to help you future-proof your developments with thoughtful design that blends trend and timelessness. Whether you’re outfitting a high-rise or designing a co-living space, let’s help you to create interiors that are as profitable as they are beautiful.
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