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Bold looks and retro feels

By Wallia Khairi
18 February, 2025

This week, You! takes a look at the interior trends set to shape homes in 2025…

Bold looks and retro feels

interiors

Interior design trends for 2025 are all about bold expressions, cultural nostalgia, and thoughtful functionality. If your home is your sanctuary (and your photo-op for family gatherings), these trends are going to make you rethink your décor game. But remember, the best trend is the one that makes you feel at home, whether it’s maximalism, earthy tones, or a bathroom straight out of a Turkish spa. And don’t forget - the charm of a Pakistani home is in its character. Whether it’s a clay handi passed down generations or a quirky truck art piece, embrace the stories that make your space uniquely yours. Here’s a fun, quirky breakdown of what’s in and how to bring it into your very own home…

Maximalist comeback: Chaotic but chic

Minimalism has officially taken a backseat. Maximalism is here, and it’s unapologetically loud. Think bold patterns, clashing prints, and layers upon layers of texture. Pakistani homes have already been secret maximalists. Remember those drawing rooms with floral sofas, Persian carpets, and framed religious verses on every wall? Turns out, dadi’s taste was always on trend - she was just ahead of her time.

Bring out the vibrant ajraks, phulkaris, or even that old velvet cushion cover you’ve been hiding. Layer these with patterned rugs and mismatched but complementary curtains. A touch of metal accents - like brass trays or vases - can add sophistication to the chaos.

Earthy tones with a twist

Warm terracotta’s, sun-baked oranges, and deep browns are grounding homes globally this year. In Pakistan, we have the perfect inspiration: Multani pottery, clay handi dishes, and Sindhi ceramic tiles. Combine earthy colours with local craftsmanship for a homely yet trendy vibe. You can also paint a statement wall in a muted terracotta shade or go for clay or ceramic pots to decorate your living room. Pair these tones with white to balance the warmth and add a breezy feel.

The rise of retro-desi furniture

Bold looks and retro feels

Chunky wooden beds with intricate carvings and cane chairs are making a big comeback. Remember those jhoolas (swings) with carved wood your dadi refused to throw away? Dust them off because they’re officially cool again. Retro furniture is about celebrating what’s old but gold.

If you’ve inherited a vintage piece, pair it with contemporary cushions or throws. Contrast heavy wood furniture with airy spaces, adding woven cane accents for a balanced look.

When my phuppo redid her living room, she refused to part with the jhoola that’s been in our family for 40 years. Guess what? It’s now the centrepiece of her space and gets more compliments than her expensive couch.

Statement ceilings

While we’ve always focused on walls and floors, 2025 is all about looking up. Statement ceilings are having a moment - be it through bold paint colours, intricate wooden beams, or even wallpapered ceilings. Add wooden beams for a rustic vibe or paint the ceiling a lighter tone of your walls for subtle drama. Want to go bolder? Try patterned wallpapers or decals.

Indoor-outdoor blending

Bold looks and retro feels

Bringing nature inside has evolved from adding a few succulents to creating whole indoor gardens. In 2025, homes are embracing open layouts that blur the line between indoors and outdoors. Introduce larger plants like rubber trees or fiddle-leaf figs. Arrange a corner with a cane chair, some floor cushions, and potted ferns to mimic a garden nook. Sliding glass doors are great, but if that’s too much, a large mirror can reflect greenery and create a similar effect.

Vibrant kitchens: goodbye, all-white everything

All-white kitchens? Boring. Kitchens in 2025 are colourful, expressive, and full of character. Deep greens, navy blues, and even soft pastels are making their way into cabinetry, tiles, and backsplashes.

Invest in colourful, hand-painted tiles for your backsplash. Add a pastel kettle or a bright runner for a quick, inexpensive upgrade. Even something as simple as open wooden shelving can give your kitchen a warmer vibe.

Ammi’s lime-green cabinets from the ’90s that we mocked? Turns out, she was a trendsetter.

Artisanal over industrial

Bold looks and retro feels

Handcrafted items are replacing mass-produced decor. People are investing in artisanal pieces that tell a story - perfect for Pakistani homes, where every city has its craft legacy.

Go for truck art trays, hand-woven rugs, or carved wooden pieces from Swat. Even a single piece like a painted vase or embroidered cushion cover can add depth to your space.

My khala’s home proudly displays a truck art tea set. It’s a conversation starter every time she serves chai. Bonus? It’s practically unbreakable - unlike the dainty imported china she’s too scared to use.

Bold looks and retro feels

Bold bathrooms

Bathrooms are not merely functional spaces; they can also be design statements. In 2025, expect bold tile patterns, vintage-style faucets, and luxurious touches like rainfall showers or statement mirrors. Experiment with patterned floor tiles or add gold fixtures for a lux touch. Want to go all out? Create a spa-like feel with mood lighting and a couple of aromatic candles.

Multifunctional furniture: big on practicality

With smaller homes and bigger families, furniture that serves multiple purposes is key. Ottomans with storage, expandable dining tables, or sofa beds are becoming essentials.

Look for local carpenters who can customise pieces for you. A charpoy that doubles as a coffee table? Genius. A baithak-style floor setup that can be rearranged for guests? Even better. My own house features a takht that works as a bed, a couch, and a storage unit. And I can swear it’s the best investment we’ve ever made - and it’s stunning to look at too.