Clerkenwell Design Week 2025 brought an electric energy to the heart of London this year – and we were right there, soaking in the inspiration, scouting the unexpected, and getting hands-on with what’s next in furniture, colour, and materiality.
From bold hues to sustainable surfaces, the showrooms and streets of Clerkenwell were buzzing with fresh ideas and future-forward design moves. Here’s our round-up of the standout trends that caught our eye.
1. Saturated Earth Tones
Neutrals are stepping aside: 2025 is all about deep, mood-lifting earth tones. Think paprika, ochre, terracotta, and a resurgence of mulled brown (likely thanks to Pantone’s colour of the year, Mocha Mousse).
These grounded colours were everywhere, especially in upholstery fabrics and powder-coated metal frames. Paired with clean silhouettes, they offer warmth without the weight. We saw them layered in tonal combinations with results that felt rich, tactile, and unmistakably modern.
2. Tactile Textures
This year, it’s not just what you see – it’s what you feel. Bouclé isn’t going anywhere, but it’s getting braver. This year’s take is bolder, chunkier, and much more textured. Think oversized looped yarns, playful pile heights, and tactile fabrics that invite touch.
Upholstery felt like sculpture, especially when paired with low-slung, softly rounded seating. The rule? If you’re tempted to run your hand across it, you’re on the right track.
3. Soft Geometry in Furniture Forms
Gone are the days of harsh, angular minimalism. We’re seeing the rise of soft geometry – furniture pieces that are sculptural but gentle. Rounded edges, asymmetrical curves, and pillowy volumes created a calming aesthetic across lounges and collaborative seating.
It’s a style that feels inviting, approachable, and rooted in wellness – perfect for hybrid spaces where a resimercial feel is the new norm.
4. Sustainable by Design
Sustainability is no longer a trend, it’s the baseline. But at Clerkenwell this year, we noticed a clear shift: recycled, renewable, and circular materials weren’t just present, they were proudly celebrated.
There were recycled plastic surfaces, eco upholstery foams, board made from recycled CDs, and PET displayed in bold, intentional ways. These materials weren’t apologetic or hidden, they were the heroes adding texture, transparency, and meaning.
5. Soft Forms, Serious Comfort
Angular is out; soft, sculptural, and cocooning is in. Furniture forms have mellowed, with designers prioritising ergonomic comfort and inviting silhouettes. We saw enveloping armchairs, curved bench seating, and bean-like ottomans – all designed to hold you, not just look good.
These shapes were often paired with textural fabrics like felted wool, velvet, or recycled cotton blends, creating spaces that feel intuitive and emotionally warm.
The design show confirmed what we’ve been feeling for a while – design is shifting towards the expressive, the personal, and the grounded. Whether it’s a colour that soothes or a fabric that begs to be touched, the spaces we’re creating now are deeply human and boldly beautiful. It’s clear that designers are leaning into emotion, experience, and environmental responsibility – all without compromising on style. We’re walking away excited and inspired!
Seen a trend we missed? Got a favourite moment from the week? We’d love to hear your thoughts – drop us a note or tag us in!