Business of Home Podcast: "The Thursday Show: What Will Happen in 2025?" Released on January 2, 2025

Introduction

In the January 2, 2025 episode of the Business of Home Podcast, host Dennis Scully and executive editor Fred Nicholas pivot from reviewing past industry highlights to gazing forward into the year ahead. Titled “The Thursday Show: What Will Happen in 2025?”, this episode compiles insightful predictions from a diverse lineup of thought leaders, entrepreneurs, and creatives within the interior design community.

Hosts’ Opening Remarks

Dennis Scully introduces the show’s unique format:

“This week, we're not looking back on the biggest news in the home industry. Instead, we're taking a look at the year ahead.” [00:07]

Fred Nicholas shares a light-hearted anecdote about his own experience with interior design:

“I am as clueless as the most clueless client our listeners have ever dealt with.” [00:45]

Together, they set the stage for a forward-looking discussion, emphasizing the collaborative effort to gather predictions from prominent industry figures.

Guest Predictions for 2025

The episode features a series of predictions from various guests, each bringing a unique perspective to the table. Below is a detailed overview of their insights.

1. Fred Nicholas and Dennis Scully’s Initial Predictions

Before delving into guest contributions, both hosts share their own forecasts:

• Fred Nicholas predicts a shift in color trends, anticipating that "Pantone calling mocha mousse... is a sign that brown is washed. It's time to move on." [02:39]. He also foresees RH launching a new brand extension, RH Color, and anticipates significant moves from Material Bank in the coming year. Additionally, Fred touches on the economic aspect:

  "I think the bond market is going to play a much bigger role on what happens to mortgage rates and therefore housing." [03:38]

• Dennis Scully concurs on the prominence of color in design, highlighting a movement away from neutrals like ivory boucle:

  "So I am very much in agreement with your bold prediction about color." [03:38]

  He further elaborates on the economic landscape:

  "I think the 10-year yield on the treasury note is going to be something that we're going to be following much more closely than ever before." [03:38]

2. Guest Insights

Alexa Hampton – Principal Designer at Markhampton LLC

Prediction: Elaborate Performance Fabrics

"Next year we will see performance fabrics become far more elaborate in their designs because... everybody wants performance fabrics inside their house as well as outside." [05:40]

Alexa anticipates a rise in sophisticated, durable fabrics that blend aesthetics with functionality, catering to both indoor and outdoor living spaces.

David Netto – Founder of David Netto Design

Prediction: Historical and Antique Influences

"We're going to see more young people interested in history and doing sort of historically based decorating with gothic things in it and great antiques." [06:02]

David forecasts a resurgence in historical design elements, particularly among younger demographics fascinated by 19th-century aesthetics and craftsmanship.

Amber Lewis – Founder of Amber Interior Design

Prediction: Revival of Retail Stores

"Our world will start to see the tangible value in keeping all of our Main Street stores alive... I hope people remember the importance of touching, feeling, and experiencing in real life." [06:27]

Amber emphasizes the enduring significance of brick-and-mortar retail spaces, advocating for their role in providing sensory experiences that e-commerce cannot replicate.

Kira Hartnett – Principal at 22 Wallpaper and Textiles

Prediction: Emphasis on Authenticity

"We will all focus on authenticity in the face of dupes and sameness... more authentic in our communications." [07:32]

Kira predicts a trend towards genuine, personalized design choices as a counterbalance to mass-produced and superficially similar products.

Peter Dunham – Interior and Furnishings Designer

Prediction: Increased Home Furnishings Demand

"An increase in real estate transactions strongly predicts a dramatic upswing in the demand for home furnishings." [08:07]

Peter expects a surge in demand for home furnishings driven by heightened real estate activity, coupled with a shift towards artisanal and ecologically mindful products.

Lee Mayer – CEO of Haven Made Brands

Prediction: Return to Normalcy in Home Furnishings Demand

"I have a lot of cautious optimism for next year... a declining interest rate environment... strong consumer investment in their homes." [09:59]

Lee holds a cautiously optimistic view, hoping for stabilized interest rates and robust consumer spending in home furnishings, despite potential market fluctuations.

Satya Atiwari – CEO of Surya Inc.

Prediction: Strengthened Brands and Improved Consumer Confidence

"With inflation easing and consumer confidence improving, we see a better environment ahead." [11:14]

Satya anticipates that easing inflation and rising consumer confidence will create a more favorable backdrop for the home furnishings industry.

Jonathan Miller – Founder of Miller Samuel Real Estate Appraisers

Prediction: Increased Housing Market Activity

"We're anticipating more activity, possibly favoring the higher end of the market." [12:05]

Jonathan foresees heightened activity in the housing market, with particular growth in higher-end segments, driven by consumer impatience to purchase despite elevated mortgage rates.

Bo Stump – CEO of Stump and Company

Prediction: Growth in Mergers & Acquisitions

"We're optimistic 2025 will be a return to form for the furniture industry and confident it'll be a great year for M&A deals." [13:37]

Bo predicts a robust year for mergers and acquisitions within the furniture industry, spurred by strategic acquisitions like Dunes Point Capital’s takeover of Kravit.

Alex Shuford – CEO of Rockhouse Brands

Prediction: Steady Interest Rate Reductions and Housing Market Demand

"We think the Fed will continue to lower rates... a lot of pent-up demand in the housing market is ready to be released." [14:59]

Alex anticipates ongoing reductions in interest rates and the unlocking of accumulated housing demand, fostering growth within the home furnishings sector.

Josh Weiner – CEO and Founder of Silver Lining

Prediction: Focus on Wellness and Yacht-Inspired Designs

"Our clients are concerned with wellness and crafting their living spaces with amenities more closely resembling a spa... inspired by yacht design." [15:37]

Josh expects a trend towards wellness-oriented home spaces and designs inspired by nautical aesthetics, reflecting a desire for comfort and luxury.

Heidi Callier – Principal of Heidi Kellier Design

Prediction: Personalized and Inspirational Spaces

"Homeowners are looking for warm, layered, and really personalized spaces... a renewed attention to details." [17:51]

Heidi foresees an increased demand for bespoke, detailed, and warm home environments that mirror homeowners’ lifestyles and personalities.

Hosts’ Reflections on Predictions

After compiling the guest predictions, Dennis Scully and Fred Nicholas engage in an insightful discussion, drawing connections and highlighting overarching themes.

Fred Nicholas highlights the positive outlook shared by most guests:

"I did like all the positive predictions. Those are always a good way to start off the new year." [18:01]

He particularly notes Heidi Callier’s observation on clients’ increased travel inspiring more global and unique home designs:

"Maybe that ties in nicely with your prediction or our prediction about the return of color." [18:42]

Dennis Scully echoes this sentiment, connecting it to the anticipated resurgence of color and authenticity in design:

"I think that people are longing to be more true to themselves and express that more through their homes." [19:23]

Both hosts agree on the significance of authenticity and personalization in the coming year, especially as a response to the digital saturation and AI influences prevalent in today’s design landscape.

Fred Nicholas concludes with an emphasis on authenticity as a key driver for success in 2025:

"Focusing on what really matters to you and delivering something that's real and true to yourself is obviously more and more valuable." [19:28]

Dennis Scully adds a personal touch, highlighting his commitment to authenticity on the show:

"I definitely try and bring my authentic self to the Thursday show." [19:57]

Conclusion

The episode wraps up with a reaffirmation of the optimistic outlook for 2025 within the interior design and home furnishings industries. The consensus among guests and the hosts points towards a year marked by:

• Vibrant Color Trends: Moving away from muted tones to more dynamic and personalized color palettes.
• Emphasis on Authenticity: A push for genuine, personalized design choices that reflect individual identities.
• Resurgence of Retail Spaces: Valuing the tactile and experiential aspects of shopping in physical stores.
• Historical and Artisanal Influences: A renewed interest in historical designs and handcrafted products.
• Economic Considerations: Monitoring interest rate fluctuations and their impact on the housing and furnishing markets.
• Wellness and Personalized Spaces: Designing homes that cater to wellness and reflect personal lifestyles.

As Dennis Scully aptly concludes:

"Have a great weekend and we'll be back with you on Monday." [Final]

This episode serves as a comprehensive guide for industry professionals and enthusiasts alike, offering a multifaceted glimpse into the anticipated trends and shifts shaping the interior design landscape in 2025.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Fred Nicholas on color trends:

  "Pantone calling mocha mousse... is a sign that brown is washed. It's time to move on." [02:39]

• Amber Lewis on retail revival:

  "Our world will start to see the tangible value in keeping all of our Main Street stores alive." [06:27]

• Kira Hartnett on authenticity:

  "We will all focus on authenticity in the face of dupes and sameness." [07:32]

• David Netto on historical influences:

  "You have lots of young people interested in history and doing sort of historically based decorating." [06:02]

• Heidi Callier on personalized spaces:

  "Homeowners are looking for warm, layered, and really personalized spaces now." [17:51]

• Dennis Scully on authenticity in design:

  "People are longing to be more true to themselves and express that more through their homes." [19:23]

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the pivotal discussions and forecasts shared in the Business of Home Podcast's episode, providing valuable insights for those eager to navigate the evolving landscape of interior design in 2025.