Looking Into the Crystal Ball: Predicting 2025 Design Trends
Photo: André Kertész, Jeu de tarot, 1940
What will 2025 hold for the design and built worlds? We asked three Bay Area experts for their advice. COUPAR first turned to esteemed San Francisco editor, writer, and author Zahid Sardar. "In the Bay Area's dynamic environment, where artisans and makers thrive, the next wave in home design will celebrate the beauty of hand-crafted items that are rooted in sustainability—not only from an environmental perspective but in preserving the time-honored skills of craftsmanship. This trend will serve as a creative rebellion against the homogenizing influence of modern technology and design," he said.
You can read more of Zahid's insights in his exciting new publication, SHLTR™ Magazine, which will be released next month. The online magazine, issued six times a year with twelve newsletters, will spotlight innovative regional architecture and interior, industrial, and landscape design. One of the features will be Mark English Architects' recently completed Meadow House in Carmel Valley’s Santa Lucia Preserve. The project's hand-made model showcases artisanal cedar wood screens for an elegant indoor-outdoor design. Jim Daily of Portola Valley Builders fabricated the screens on site.
Architect: Mark English Architects, Builder: Portola Valley Builders, Model: Waylon Ng, Photo: Mark English Architects.
Designer David Bjorngaard of Bjørn Design agrees with Zahid's observation of a trend towards craftsmanship, "High-end clients increasingly embrace design as art, favoring custom, one-of-a-kind pieces crafted by artisans. These bespoke furnishings, tailored to specific needs, preferences, and aesthetics, blend functionality with a distinct sense of individuality. In this way, we use color, curated art, personalized furnishings, and design details to create unexpected, unique moments of joy within modernist design." David opened his firm in 2016 and honed his design skills working for the renowned designer Orlando Diaz Azcuy.
Interior design: Bjørn Design, Architect: Gast Architects, Builder: Aaron Gordon Construction, Photo: Adam Rouse
How will architects and designers light their creations in 2025? COUPAR consulted Margit Yasukawa, Associate Principal of EJA Lighting Design, Inc. The Marin-based company has a nuanced understanding of how lighting paints a room, changing mood and tone. "EJA Lighting Design is seeing a shift towards deeper, richer color tones in interior spaces. Designers and architects are also increasing the use of textured materials in walls, artwork, and furniture. We look forward to using evolving lighting technology to create a cohesive ambiance that enhances these rich textures and colors while maintaining balance within the space," Margit commented.
Lighting Design: EJA Lighting Design, Interior Design: Nicole Hollis, Architect: Willrich Architecture, Builder: Upscale Construction, Photo: Patrik Argast
