Discover your niche: Top 10 Interior Design Trends for Professionals
The world of interior design is ever-evolving. One of the best pieces of advice that I can give you is to continually adapt your interior design services in line with current trends. If you develop skills in these areas, you can build a business that is distinctive and defined and become the go-to person in your niche.
In this blog post, I’ve identified 10 current interior design trends which will offer plenty of inspiration for those looking to specialize in a particular niche. Let's dive into these trends and discover the perfect niche for your design practice!
Stay ahead of the curve with technology: The top trend in interior design ( and in a lot of niches) is learning how to leverage AI and other forms of technology. I can’t tell you what the near future will hold- all I can say is that it will revolutionize our industry in ways that we can only imagine. To stay ahead, ensure that you are continually upgrading your skill set especially anything to do with new technology. The goal here is to leverage technology to work faster and smarter. Use tools like Canvas.io to help you create models faster, and invest time in skills that are more difficult for AI. These include building up your resources and sources for products, refining your sourcing and procurement processes, and building relationships.
Learning tools such as rendering will help you communicate your ideas to your clients faster and with fewer revisions, helping you become more efficient and waste less valuable time. Programs such as Enscape are consistently being developed to make it easier to use.
Biophilic Design: Nature's Embrace For designers with a passion for nature, the biophilic design presents a fantastic opportunity to create spaces that improve well-being by incorporating plants, natural light, and organic materials. This niche allows you to make a positive impact on your client's lives by fostering a connection to the natural world.
Some examples of biophilic design include The Spheres in Seattle. This is the headquarters of Amazon and it houses 40,000 plants from more than 50 countries, creating a lush indoor garden. The space is designed to provide Amazon employees with a natural and inspiring environment to work and relax. They do allow weekend visits, so check this out on your next trip to Seattle.
If you are in the southern hemisphere, The Pixel building was conceived to create a structure capable of minimizing the carbon emissions generated during and after its life span.
The building will offset all of the carbon used in its construction over time and generate energy back to the grid.
Sustainable Design: Eco-Conscious Interiors If you're committed to environmental responsibility, sustainable design is your calling. This niche involves selecting eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient appliances, and repurposed or recycled items to minimize the environmental impact of your projects while offering clients a unique and stylish space. Allow your designs to demonstrate your understanding of sustainability by sourcing the best suppliers in your local areas and designing and constructing spaces that meet these goals.
Promote a greener future by specializing in the use of biodegradable materials, such as natural fibers and non-toxic paints. This niche showcases your commitment to eco-friendly practices and attracts clients who share your passion for sustainability.
Multifunctional Spaces: Flexible Living Solutions The pandemic has highlighted the importance of adaptable living spaces, and designers specializing in creating multifunctional rooms are in high demand. Master the art of designing spaces that can serve multiple purposes with clever layouts, versatile furniture, and innovative solutions. Technology has allowed workers to work from home and more and more businesses are allowing their workers to work in this way.
This has meant that the dining room table is becoming less of an option and designers are being asked to come up with clever solutions to allow efficiency for the workday as well as helping workers maintain a work-life balance. Custom cabinetry and dedicated workspaces (not necessarily in their own rooms) are opportunities for designers to allow their creativity to enhance the lives of their clients.
Organic Textures: A Soothing Palette A niche focused on organic textures enables you to create warm, calming environments. Perfect for designers who love working with natural materials like wood, stone, and rattan, this niche appeals to clients seeking a serene retreat within their homes.
Define your style & and become the go-to person: If you really love a certain style, become known for it! Japandi, a fusion of Japanese and Scandinavian design aesthetics, is a popular niche for those who appreciate minimalism, clean lines, and functionality.
Designers are able to expertly combine the best of both worlds to create harmonious spaces that exude simplicity and elegance. Some designers specialize in modern farmhouse, Hamptons styles, and many more. The advantages are that clients will come to you because they like this look and they know you can deliver. Over time, you will develop sources and suppliers and be able to give your clients exactly the look that they want.
Maximalism: Bold and Eclectic Expressions For designers who love to make a statement, maximalism offers a platform to showcase your creativity. Specializing in this niche allows you to experiment with bold patterns, vibrant colors, and an eclectic mix of furnishings and accessories, creating personalized and unforgettable spaces for your clients. This type of design takes confidence and commitment from your client. It’s not for the faint-hearted and requires good relationships and trust. Designers such as Ysg and Kelly Wearstler are great proponents of this kind of style.
Smart Home Technology: Connected and Convenient Interiors Tech-savvy designers, this niche is for you! Incorporate smart devices and systems for lighting, temperature control, security, and entertainment to provide clients with a seamless and connected living experience. Stay on top of the latest advancements to deliver cutting-edge, intelligent spaces. This is becoming a niche in itself but can be easily incorporated into all types of interior design practices, but requires knowledge of technology and best practices.
Curated Interiors: If you have an affinity for history and old-world charm or art curation, consider specializing in integrating vintage and antique pieces and art into modern interiors. This niche allows you to create spaces with character, depth, and a story to tell, appealing to clients who appreciate a touch of nostalgia. This niche will need specialist knowledge. Though you aim to make an interior look amazing, you will also be selecting pieces for a collection that not only suits the client’s personality but will grow in value and transcend fashion. You will also need skills in procurement and logistics.
Inclusive Design: Spaces for Everyone Champion accessibility, functionality, and comfort for individuals of all ages, abilities, and cultural backgrounds by focusing on inclusive design. This niche demonstrates your dedication to creating spaces that cater to a diverse range of clients, setting you apart in the industry. As the population ages, you could specialize in adapting existing homes into elegant interiors that can adapt to their physical needs, allowing clients to stay in their homes longer and maintain their independence and well-being.
This ever-evolving world of interior design presents many opportunities for designers to explore and specialize in niches that align with their passions and expertise. By staying informed about the latest trends, such as biophilic design, sustainable practices, or smart home technology, you can offer innovative and tailored solutions to your clients, ensuring that their spaces not only look stunning but also cater to their unique needs and preferences.
As a designer, it's essential to be adaptable and receptive to the changing landscape of interior design. Embracing these trends and continuously refining your skills will allow you to create spaces that resonate with clients and stand the test of time. So, dive into the exciting world of design trends, discover your niche, and let your creativity shine, as you craft beautiful, functional, and inspiring spaces that leave a lasting impact.
Hi 👋🏽 I’m Joanne!
I’m an interior designer, educator and business coach. After studying Economics and Education at uni, the design world beckoned, drawing me to Christie’s in London, where I completed post-grad studies in art & design and then to Hong Kong, where I founded Eclectic Cool, a design firm and design store. . Eclectic Cool represented international brands such as Gubi, &tradition, HAY, Armadillo Rugs & Dinosaur Designs to name a few. My work and store have been featured in Monocle, Conde Nast Traveller, Elle Decor, Expat Living, Cathay Pacific inflight magazines, South China Morning Post and the ABC (Australia) network and more. I live on the south coast of Australia on a country property between the beautiful Australian bush and the Pacific Ocean with my husband and cavoodle. I’m the mum of three adult children.
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