by Carolyn Meers | Jun 9, 2025
Looking for fresh summer design trends? You’re getting warmer. From energizing colors (hello, yellow!) to modern Western grit and breezy cottagecore, interiors are taking cues from what we wear, how we feel, and where we want to be. Consider this your guide to what’s hot (and cool) this season.
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1. Color Drenching
Minimalism—though still alive and well— is demurely stepping aside to make room for bold, expressive design. (Take note, even Kim Kardashian is reworking her home’s monastic interiors now.) This shift also shows us a growing interest in maximalism across genres. Enter, color drenching—when a single rich hue covers everything from walls to trim to textiles. Color drenching makes interiors and outfits feel energetic and editorial. Think monochromatic head-to-toe fashion ensembles and rooms in terracotta or sage, color depth has hit a new high, so to speak.
2. Less But Still Luxe: Japandi Design
Quiet luxury endures, marked by well-made essentials and understated elegance. The rise of “Japandi”—a fusion of Japanese and Scandinavian design—reflects this shift toward quality, restraint, and timeless style. (Overall, our passion for Japan is peaking; check out page 71 of The Agency’s Magazine’s latest issue for a fresh look at Tokyo.) In fashion, the move from athleisure to “athluxury” and minimal branding mirrors this mindset. The same ethos shapes our homes: fewer, better pieces that feel intentional, enduring, and refined.
3. Modern Western Makes a Stand
The modern Western aesthetic wrangles texture, grit, and durable style. Think a saddle-worn leather chair with a reclaimed barnwood coffee table and anchor the space with large-scale canyon or prairie photography. Layer in linen curtains and vintage camp blankets for a softer, more summery take. Even fashion is tipping its hat to the trend, blending denim, fringe, and earth tones into modern silhouettes. It’s about taming rugged elements into a space that feels fresh and relaxed.
4. Vibrant Verdigris
Verdigris—a weathered sea-blue-and-green patina reminiscent of aged copper—is emerging as a go-to accent in home design. It adds depth and interest in small doses, never overwhelming a space. Look for verdigris in sculptural lighting fixtures, cabinet hardware, vases, and statement pieces like side tables or lamps. Its organic, roughly oxidized finish pairs well with natural materials like stone and wood.
5. Summer Cottagecore
The dreamy nostalgia of cottagecore gets a breezy update with a nod to “fisherman core”—a laid-back, coastal-inspired aesthetic that blends comfort, practicality, and charm. Think floral patterns and vintage wallpaper paired with classic maritime stripes in combos like sage and rust. The result is a lively mix of feminine and masculine energy. Add natural textures like rattan, reclaimed wood, and leafy greens for a space that feels curated and comfortably lived-in.
6. The Rise of Butter Yellow
Like the warmth of a summer sunrise, butter yellow is steadily illuminating interiors everywhere. This shade is showing up on accent walls, statement chairs, and even full-length sofas, casting a mood that’s uplifting and soothing. Psychologically tied to joy and optimism, yellow taps into our need for comfort in uncertain times. Butter yellow, in particular, offers a richer take on brightness, bringing light, cheer, and a subtle sense of renewal to any room it touches.
7. The Unexpected Red
Applicable to outfits and interiors, the “unexpected red” accent elevates and adds a touch of Parisian-esque refinement and intrigue. Don’t feel tied to the traditional cherry red, though— merlot, black cherry, and Pantone’s rich Mocha Mousse are all in the family and have a similar impact. We like the flair this “unexpected” hue brings via accents like table lamps, throw pillows, mirrors, chairs, and headboards.
