May Musings: What's Trending in Interior Design Right Now
May brings a fresh perspective—windows open, natural light pouring in, and a collective urge to breathe new life into our homes. This season, interior design is leaning into layers of comfort, organic materials, and refined personality. Here’s what we're loving right now:
1. Elevated Naturalism
We’re seeing a return to honest materials—natural stone, raw woods, and woven textures—but with an elevated edge. Think limewashed walls, hand-applied plaster, and sculptural wood furniture that feels both grounded and bespoke. Earthy palettes are warmed up with ochres, clay tones, and creamy off-whites.
2. Old World Details, Modern Intentions
There’s a quiet romance in interiors right now—fluted edges, antique hardware, handblocked prints, and a resurgence of toile and chinoiserie. What keeps it current is the scale and styling. Pairing something storied with sleek silhouettes or modern upholstery keeps the balance fresh.
3. Statement Lighting with Soul
Designers are moving away from the expected in favor of lighting that feels collected: sculptural shapes, natural materials, and handwoven or handmade fixtures that double as art. Whether it's a vintage Murano glass pendant or a woven abaca chandelier, lighting is doing more than just illuminating—it's defining the room.
4. Soft Geometry
Curves are still very much in play, but now they’re being layered with grid patterns, scalloped trims, and more structured geometrics. We're loving this tension—a rounded settee paired with a tailored contrast welt or a scalloped mirror above a linear console.
5. The Return of Color (in an Intentional Way)
While warm neutrals still reign, we’re seeing more adventurous moves with color—mossy greens, ochre, dusky rose, and even coral. It’s not about maximalism, but about moments: a painted cabinet in a saturated tone, or colored trim against a crisp wall.
Design Takeaway
The thread connecting all these trends is thoughtfulness. This moment in design is less about decorating for show and more about crafting homes that feel artful, personal, and deeply lived-in.
Whether you're ready to commit to a custom-upholstered statement piece or you're just craving a seasonal refresh, May is the perfect time to lean into what speaks to you.
