Start of the new year is a great time to reflect on the past and make plans for the future. As leading purveyors of design inspiration, we delight in offering new ideas, but this is not a trend forecast for 2025. Rather, this is a list of our hopes and dreams for the new year and how we could use good design to make them happen.
Peace and Harmony
Enough of wars, political turmoil and economic stagnation - what we need is a good dose of serenity and contentment. In the world of design this translates to classic shapes with focus on comfort and familiarity. The Qi Sofa from Stella Works fits the bill perfectly with its elegant form and generous proportions. An equally stylish option is the Leisure Sofa from Ghidini 1961, a perfect blend of comfort and luxury. The You Armchair from Coedition offers a cosy cocoon whilst the Malibu Settee from Dooq is warm and welcoming, both perfect tonics for these troubling and uncertain times.
1. Qi Sofa by Stellar Works | 2. Leisure Sofa by Ghidini 1961 | 3. You Armchair by Coedition | 4. Malibu Settee by Dooq
Human Genius
Artificial intelligence will no doubt continue to dominate our imagination in 2025. We get it - AI is clever and will make light work of a lot of drudgery. However, in a world where AI can create stunning designs at the stroke of a prompt, the most precious things will be those created by the minds and hands of real people. We therefore salute the artisans from Atelier Polyhedre and LZF who hand-crafted the Zag Carafe and Candela Suspension Light respectively - their striking designs are testaments to their creativity and craftsmanship. We are also impressed by the Carpet Reloaded Rugs from Golran. These are created by skilled craftsmen who bleach and re-dye vintage rugs, breathing new life to rugs imbued with centuries of memories, each one a unique work of art. With its profusion of waves and sea creatures, the design of the Adamastor Cabinet from Scarlet Splendour is so exuberant that it could have been dreamt up by a hallucinating AI programme. This is the kind of AI - Artistic Integrity - that we can happily endorse.
1. Zag Carafe by Atelier Polyhedre | 2. Candela Suspension Light by LZF | 3. Carpet Reloaded Rugs by Golran | 4. Adamastor Cabinet by Scarlet Splendour
Love Nature
Mother nature is angry, unleashing storms and wild fires with gay abandon. We don't blame her - if somebody tortured us by turning up the heating relentlessly we'd go nuts too. Nevertheless, we love nature. We want to celebrate its beauty and to preserve it for the future. That's why we applaud brands such as Mater, whose mission is to create great designs with sustainability at its heart. Their Alder Lounge Table, for instance, is made of upcycled plastic, coffee shell and wood waste and is completely biodegradable. Another brilliantly sustainable design is the Sunne Suspension Light from Graypants. This lighting panel is hung by the window, where it harvests solar energy during the day and releases it at night by emitting a beautifully ethereal glow. The Ripples Bench from Horm is made of layers of five different types of wood with seats formed by indentations sculpted to resemble droplets - a harmonious blend of natural materials and human craftsmanship. For a fun reminder of nature's bounty we turn to (and turn on) the Cubano Wall Light from Karman, a toucan-shaped light that is quirky and delightful in equal measures.
1. Alder Lounge Table by Mater | 2. Sunne Suspension Light by Graypants | 3. Ripples Bench by Horm | 4. Cubano Wall Light by Karman
Social Revolution
Let's face it: doomscrolling is not fun and liking a post does not count as proper human interaction. In 2025 we resolve to start a revolution against the tyranny of social media by advocating designs which bring people together in real life. Let's start with sofas which encourage people to sit together. We particularly like the Hug Curved Sofa from Collector, which reminds us of conversation pits from the 1970s, and the vis-a-vis style Tender Sofa from Moroso. Round tables are much more sociable than rectangular ones, and few round tables are as handsome and attractive as the Bloom Dining Table from Milla&Milli. Last but not least, the Yoma bed from Zeitraum can be accessorised with trays and upholstered panels which can turn the bed into an all-day multi-purpose hangout. Now that's what we call proper socialising.
Build New and Better
Above all, to make life better - in 2025 or any other year - we have to embrace change. Be bold, break the mould and try something new. In this respect we are inspired by the awesome creativity of designers who bring us a constant stream of innovative products that surprise and enthral. Some of our recent favourites include the Blok Sofa from Woak, with its architectural rigour and multi-functionality; the witty and slightly bonkers Pillow Armchair from BD as well as the sleek and graphic Ghost Chandelier from 101 Copenhagen. We are also delighted by the chain-shaped Link Sofa from Sancal, which never fails to bring a smile to those who try it.
