Tackling Common Interior Design Challenges and Embracing Industry Trends in 2025

Interior design is a creative and exciting process, but it’s not without its challenges. Whether you're redesigning a single room or an entire home, obstacles often arise that can make it feel like you’re in over your head. Thankfully, at Misty Looby Studio, we understand these challenges and embrace emerging trends to help streamline your design process, which results in beautiful and functional spaces. Here, we’ll address some common interior design challenges and highlight the top design tips you’ll want to incorporate in 2025.

1. Space Constraints: Maximizing Small Spaces

One of the most frequent design challenges is working with small or awkwardly shaped spaces. From apartments in big cities to small homes with multiple rooms that need to serve different functions, making the most of limited square footage requires creative thinking.

Solution:

• Multi-Functional Furniture: Invest in pieces that serve more than one purpose, like fold-out desks, expandable dining tables, or storage beds. This helps maximize functionality without overcrowding the room.

• Vertical Space: Utilize shelves, wall-mounted units, and tall furniture to draw the eye upward and create the illusion of space. Vertical storage solutions are perfect for smaller spaces where every inch counts.

• Light Colours & Mirrors: Light, neutral colours make a room feel more expansive. Adding mirrors can also help reflect light and create the illusion of depth, making the room feel bigger.

2. Achieving a Cohesive Look in Eclectic Spaces

Incorporating diverse design styles into one room can feel like a balancing act. Mixing modern, vintage, or global elements can bring warmth and personality to a space, but it’s easy to end up with a chaotic or mismatched look.

Solution:

• Find Common Ground: Choose one unifying theme or colour palette to tie different elements together. For instance, if you’re mixing boho and mid-century modern styles, focus on a shared colour (like terracotta or mustard) to help the styles complement one another.

• Add Textures: Introducing different textures, such as velvet cushions, woven baskets, and metallic accents, can add richness to an eclectic space without overwhelming it. The right texture can make even contrasting elements feel intentional.

• Create Zones: In open-plan spaces, consider dividing areas into “zones” using rugs, furniture placement, or even colour-blocking. This approach provides structure while still allowing for creative freedom.

3. Lighting Dilemmas: Choosing the Right Fixtures

Lighting is often overlooked but can make or break a room’s atmosphere. Inadequate or harsh lighting can create discomfort, while poor fixture choices may leave your space feeling unbalanced. The right lighting should be both functional and stylish.

Solution:

• Layer Your Lighting: Use a combination of ambient (overhead lights), task (reading lamps, under-cabinet lights), and accent lighting (wall sconces, chandeliers) to create a well-lit space with depth and warmth.

• Smart Lighting: Incorporate dimmable lights or smart bulbs that allow you to adjust the ambiance. With these options, you can easily shift from bright and energizing lighting to a softer, more relaxed glow when needed.

• Statement Fixtures: Don’t be afraid to make lighting a focal point! A bold chandelier, pendant lights, or sculptural floor lamps can double as functional art pieces.

4. Staying True to Timelessness design

With each year bringing new trends, it can be tempting to follow every design fad. However, a room filled with only trendy pieces can quickly feel outdated. In our designs we use materials that are timeless, however for clients that want trendy pieces, balancing current trends with timeless design elements is essential for creating a space that remains stylish year after year.

Solution:

• Incorporate Trends in Small Doses: Instead of redesigning an entire room based on a fleeting trend, incorporate trendy elements in accessories like throw pillows, rugs, or wall art. These can easily be swapped out when tastes evolve.

• Invest in Timeless Pieces: Focus on foundational pieces that stand the test of time, such as classic furniture (think leather sofas or wood tables) and neutral color schemes. These will serve as a stable base for seasonal updates.

• Focus on Quality: When choosing trendy items, ensure they are of high quality so they can withstand the test of time, both in terms of durability and style.

5. Personalizing Spaces Without Overcrowding

One of the joys of interior design is the ability to make a space truly your own, reflecting your personality and interests. However, there’s a fine line between creating a personalized, cozy space and over-cluttering it with personal items that distract from the overall aesthetic.

Solution:

• Limit Personal Items to Key Pieces: Choose a few meaningful items, such as artwork, family heirlooms, or travel souvenirs, and display them thoughtfully. Let each piece shine without overwhelming the space.

• Focus on Functionality: Personalizing doesn’t always mean adding more items. It can also mean incorporating design elements that enhance your daily life—like a beautiful, ergonomic desk chair or a custom-built bookshelf for your favourite books.

• Add Meaning with Artwork & Colour: Artwork is one of the easiest ways to inject personality into a room without creating visual clutter. Opt for pieces that resonate with you while maintaining balance with the overall design.

Interior Design Trends for 2025

While tackling these challenges, it’s also essential to stay on top of emerging trends to keep your spaces fresh and modern. Here are a few exciting interior design trends to watch for in 2025:

1. Sustainable & Eco-Friendly Design: Sustainable materials, energy-efficient appliances, and eco-conscious design elements will continue to grow in popularity. Think bamboo flooring, recycled materials, and furniture made from upcycled materials.

2. Natural Elements: Biophilic design, which incorporates natural elements like plants, stone, wood, and water features, remains a key trend. Bringing the outdoors in promotes wellness and creates a serene environment.

3. Bold Colours & Patterns: In 2025, bold hues like deep blues, emerald greens, and burnt oranges will make a statement. Mixing patterns (such as florals and geometrics) will also create energetic and eclectic spaces.

4. Maximalism: After years of minimalism, maximalism is making a comeback. Layering textures, mixing bold patterns, and embracing vibrant colours are all key components of this style. It’s about expressing your individuality and creativity through design.

5. Smart Homes: The integration of smart home technology will continue to expand. Expect more voice-controlled lighting, climate control, and appliances that enhance convenience, comfort, and energy efficiency.

Our Final Thoughts

Interior design is a journey of creativity, but it’s not without its challenges. Whether you’re dealing with space limitations, striving for a cohesive look, or balancing trends with timeless style, tackling these challenges head-on will help you create spaces that are both beautiful and functional. And by embracing the latest trends, you can ensure that your design is on point for 2025 and beyond.

What design challenges have you encountered in your own space? Share your thoughts in the comments, and let’s continue the conversation about how we can make your interiors work for you!