Sarah Kuchar-Parkinson Weighs In On the Commercial Interior Design Trends With Staying Power (and Those That Are Taking Shape)
Interior design is continuing to evolve in 2025 — and as this year’s projects begin to take shape and we look to the future of the industry and of our portfolio, the latest trends are percolating in our heads. What has staying power, what’s relevant, and what will simply be a fad? Here, our Owner and Creative Director Sarah Kuchar-Parkinson shares her thoughts on this year’s biggest buzzwords.
Environmental Awareness
In 2025, environmental awareness is at the forefront of interior design trends, driven by the desire for sustainable, flexible spaces that will endure for years to come. As commercial interior designers, it’s our job to take into account the fact that hybrid work and post-COVID office needs are ever-evolving — and we must turn to sustainable design solutions that support both functionality and well-being. Durable, long-term-use materials, like hardwood floors that can be sanded and stained for years to come, are top of mind for sustainability across all verticals — as are reusable and repurposable products, particularly for workplace design (think moveable walls and versatile chairs that can shift from conference settings to lounges). For an office project in Austin, we studied the existing space to determine what could be kept vs. what should be demolished — effectively keeping as much as possible out of the landfill. It’s awesome to see so many manufacturers responding to the demand with innovative products, and it’s our own job to utilize their materials and also find our own ways to prioritize sustainability and reuse.
Color Psychology
More and more, companies are recognizing how powerful the use of color can be when it comes to influencing mood and behavior. By tapping into color psychology, designers can create spaces that feel intentional and resonate with target demographics, strengthening the connection between a business and its customers or an office and its employees. At Kuchar, deep dives into “color theory” aren’t a strict practice. But we do pay attention to how color impacts the feel of a space and how we can create moments of awe and excitement. For the design of Honey Bridal, for example, a retail project we recently completed in West Town, we made some bold color moves. While most bridal salons are white or neutral, we opted for dark green, black, and gold tones to create a warm, moody vibe that’s both exciting and inviting. Similar to how Vera Wang sent black wedding gowns down the runway, it’s an intentional departure from the bridal world’s sweet color scheme that helps set Honey Bridal apart with a unique atmosphere that evokes a specific emotional response.
Natural Lighting
With a heightened focus on wellness and well-being in 2025, it’s no surprise that natural lighting is topping everyone’s trends list. In addition to positively affecting circadian rhythms, natural light impacts the mood of a space, enhancing materials and energizing any room. In commercial and residential spaces, capturing and amplifying natural sunlight by optimizing sightlines, or strategically placing windows and skylights, always benefits the project (and the humans who live, work, or play inside). At The Link, a multifamily residential project we completed in Phoenix, Arizona, our scope included design for all common and amenities spaces, and seamless connections to the building’s outdoor spaces were a priority. For the top floor, we positioned a communal dining/coworking area adjacent to the roof deck and incorporated a floor-to-ceiling, retractable glass wall that allows residents to fully enjoy the open air — even on rainy days.
Designing for Neurodiversity
Interior designers are uniquely responsible for promoting inclusiveness and meeting non-neurotypical groups’ needs through innovative office design. In any given workplace, there is a myriad of uniquely beautiful minds working differently on a spectrum. Some people need and enjoy social noise to stay energized and productive, while others prefer a quiet space to focus. In 2025, it’s our responsibility to design for multiple modes of work, preferences, and aptitudes. For a recent office project in Amsterdam, we leaned into the element of choice at the space-planning stage. Full-scope considerations included rooms of various sizes from large to small, both bright and soothing colors, customizable light levels, and furniture that can accommodate varying workstyle preferences — for example, sitting at a desk or table, standing desks, lounging like you’re working from home, and changing coworking scenarios. As much as beauty, texture, safety, and storytelling are the benchmarks of great workplace design, consider choice an emerging factor.
Collaboration + Socialization
For workplace and hospitality design, designing spaces that encourage collaboration and socialization isn’t new. What we are seeing, however — and paying close attention to at Kuchar — is how this trend is growing at a rapid pace in the retail sector. Traditionally, unless you were in a bookstore that doubles as a coffee shop or an upscale fashion boutique, spaces to gather have typically been few and far between — but that’s changing. The Louise Roe gallery in Copenhagen is one of Sarah’s favorite examples of this — it features a beautiful coffee shop and café at one end. It’s not just about a place to buy or eat something anymore. Instead of a place of purchase with no other purpose, companies are recognizing that next-gen consumers want a community built in — a place to meet and connect with people with like-minded interests, a place to be a part of something in an authentic way. While this often means investing in additional square footage, the investment is seeing a consistent return.
Comfort + Joy
How we think about the intersection of humanity and space continues to be a hot topic. During the pandemic, people enjoyed the comfort of home. What savvy business owners are learning, particularly in this mixed economy, is that in order to get people to leave their homes — to entice them out to go to a restaurant or a coffee shop, to the office, or out shopping — commercial spaces need to provide similar comforts. At home, we surround ourselves with things that make us feel cozy and happy. Today’s consumers want elements of that hominess everywhere, which is why commercial interior designers are blending disciplines more than ever before. We’ve already seen residential design informing hospitality and workplace design, and now it’s seeping into retail as well. Be on the lookout for an increased softness to architecture, finishes, and furnishings across shops, boutiques, and department store vignettes, the addition of more accent lighting, and rich textures like velvets and chunky bouclés (previously reserved for the home for their delicate nature).
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