Podcast Summary: Dear Alice | Interior Design
Episode: 2025’s Top Interior Design Trends & Styles
Release Date: August 7, 2025

In this engaging episode of Dear Alice, hosts Jessica Bennett and Suzanne Hall dive deep into the hottest interior design trends and styles poised to dominate 2025. Through a lively and insightful conversation, they explore a diverse array of design philosophies, providing listeners with definitions, practical tips, and personal anecdotes to inspire their own home transformations.

Introduction to 2025’s Interior Design Landscape

[00:05–01:44]
Jessica (A) and Suzanne (B) kick off the episode by expressing their excitement about discussing the evolving landscape of interior design. Suzanne shares her newfound understanding of design terminology, particularly her revelation about what “postmodern” truly means. She remarks, “I learned the definition of a style. I didn't know what postmodern meant” ([00:43]), highlighting the importance of understanding these styles to better articulate personal aesthetics.

Modern Rustic Farmhouse

[02:03–07:38]
The first trend discussed is Modern Rustic Farmhouse, a refined take on the traditional farmhouse aesthetic that avoids the overly polished and stark modern farmhouse look criticized in media. Suzanne clarifies, “This is not modern farmhouse as everyone perceives it with white walls and black windows” ([02:55]).

Key Features:

• Blend of Traditional and Modern Elements: Incorporates cozy, welcoming farmhouse elements with clean, contemporary lines.
• Natural Materials and Textures: Emphasizes handcrafted materials and natural textures, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
• Functional and Relaxed Living: Focuses on a more casual and relaxed lifestyle, allowing for a bit of imperfection and livability.

Jessica adds, “It's the whole farmhouse calling something like homesteading and you all want to keep your own bees and make sourdough bread” ([04:13]), illustrating how this style resonates with a desire for a grounded and sustainable way of living.

Notable Insights:

• Connection to Nature: Suzanne notes the importance of mature landscapes and natural light, emphasizing the harmonious blend of rural charm with modern conveniences.
• Editorial Appeal: The style is highly sought after by publications for its honest yet chic aesthetic, making it a favorite among designers and homeowners alike.

Maximalism

[09:52–15:17]
Next, the hosts delve into Maximalism, a bold and exuberant style that stands in contrast to minimalist approaches. Suzanne defines maximalism as a “celebrating more is more instead of minimalist, less is more approach” ([10:45]), characterized by vibrant colors, clashing patterns, and a curated collection of unique items.

Key Features:

• Abundance and Layering: Embraces abundance through layering and the use of multiple colors and patterns.
• Curated Collections: Showcases a personalized collection of trinkets, art pieces, and unique items that create a visually rich environment.
• Organized Chaos: Maintains an organized base to prevent the space from feeling cluttered, often referred to as “curated clutter” ([11:40]).

Notable Quotes:

• Suzanne shares her love for maximalism, saying, “I want to be friends with them” ([10:02]), highlighting the playful and dynamic nature of this style.
• Jessica emphasizes the importance of organization within maximalism: “Having an organized base layer is so important” ([13:34]).

Practical Tips:

• Maintain Balance: Use symmetry and repetition to create a sense of order within the abundant elements.
• Layer Thoughtfully: Strategically layer items to enhance visual interest without overwhelming the space.

Postmodern Design

[15:17–23:57]
Moving on, Jessica and Suzanne explore Postmodern Design, a style that emerged as a reaction against modernism’s rigidity. Suzanne describes it as a movement that “embraced expression, irony, and visual complexity” ([15:46]).

Key Features:

• Exaggerated and Whimsical Shapes: Focuses on bold, sculptural forms that defy conventional design rules.
• Clashing Hues and Patterns: Utilizes vivid palettes and graphic patterns, often incorporating color blocking.
• Material Mashups: Combines different materials like laminate with marble or chrome with lacquer, creating a visually stimulating environment.

Notable Quotes:

• Suzanne explains, “Postmodernism is a really good time” ([16:05]), reflecting the playful and eclectic essence of the style.
• Jessica remarks on the artistic nature of postmodern spaces: “All the pieces look like art” ([16:52]).

Insights:

• Expressive and Layered: Postmodern design values personality and attitude over purity and perfection, making spaces highly individualized and dynamic.
• Commercial Appeal: Suzanne mentions that while not everyone may live in such spaces, postmodern elements are highly effective in commercial environments like restaurants and hotel lobbies.

Bohemian (Boho)

[25:08–28:40]
The conversation shifts to the Bohemian style, Suzanne’s personal favorite. Boho is defined as a “free-spirited, eclectic interior design approach that emphasizes personal expression and individuality” ([25:32]).

Key Features:

• Vibrant Colors and Patterns: Incorporates a mix of vibrant colors, patterns, and textures, often with a global influence.
• Natural and Handmade Materials: Utilizes materials like macrame, driftwood, and woven textiles to create a relaxed and artistic vibe.
• Layered and Layered Accessories: Emphasizes layering of textiles, plants, and accessories to achieve a cozy and personalized space.

Notable Insights:

• Personal Journey: Suzanne shares her bohemian phase during college, reminiscing about her dorm setup with hammocks, glow-in-the-dark stars, and beaded curtains, illustrating the playful and experimental nature of the style.
• Craftsmanship and Individuality: Jessica connects boho to personal growth and self-expression, encouraging listeners to embrace handcrafted and unique elements in their homes.

New Traditional

[28:37–32:50]
New Traditional is presented as a modern interpretation of classic design, blending timeless principles with contemporary touches. Suzanne defines it as “a modern take on classic design grounded in timeless principles but updated for how we live today” ([28:58]).

Key Features:

• Elegance with Modernity: Balances traditional elegance with fresh, modern elements to create a harmonious and current aesthetic.
• High-Quality Materials: Emphasizes the use of high-quality materials and refined details, such as gilded mirrors and elegant fixtures.
• Balanced Palette: Utilizes a palette that is both classic and vibrant, often incorporating jewel tones for a fresh appeal.

Notable Quotes:

• Jessica highlights the freshness of the palette: “The palette is more bright and poppy and happy and almost Kate Spade” ([30:54]).
• Suzanne contrasts it with overly traditional designs: “If you like parts about traditional, but you love this sort of update with a fresher palette, you could tell people your style is new traditional” ([31:07]).

Practical Tips:

• Incorporate Classic Elements: Use traditional furniture and architectural details but update them with modern colors and accessories.
• Maintain Balance: Ensure a balance between historical inspiration and current design trends to keep the look timeless yet contemporary.

Mid-Century Modern

[32:50–38:22]
Jessica and Suzanne delve into Mid-Century Modern, a style admired particularly by their male clientele for its clean lines and functional aesthetics. Suzanne defines it as “a design style that emerged in the post World War II era, characterized by simplicity, functionality, and a belief that good design should be accessible to everyone” ([33:19]).

Key Features:

• Clean Lines and Geometric Forms: Emphasizes simplicity and functionality with sleek, straight lines and soft, curved silhouettes.
• Iconic Furniture Pieces: Features iconic furniture such as Eames chairs, Saarinen tables, and Nelson benches that are both sculptural and practical.
• Natural and Innovative Materials: Combines traditional materials like wood and leather with innovative materials like molded plastic and steel.

Notable Insights:

• Timeless Appeal: Suzanne emphasizes the enduring nature of mid-century modern design, noting its ability to coexist with contemporary elements in a space.
• Indoor-Outdoor Integration: Highlights the trend of large windows and indoor plants, a nod to mid-century’s emphasis on connecting indoor spaces with nature.

Notable Quotes:

• Jessica praises mid-century modern for its discipline: “I think every house needs some of this discipline and just the clean lines” ([36:22]).
• Suzanne connects it to current trends: “We took that from mid century where we have the whole wall that opens up, and you want that inside and the outside” ([37:30]).

Organic Modern

[38:22–40:34]
Organic Modern blends the minimalist aesthetics of modern design with the warmth and natural elements of organic materials. Suzanne defines it as “an interior design style that blends the clean lines and minimalist aesthetic of modern design with the warmth and natural elements of organic materials” ([38:43]).

Key Features:

• Natural Materials: Utilizes wood, stone, plants, and other natural elements alongside sleek, modern furniture.
• Harmonious Balance: Achieves a balance between contemporary design and the natural world, creating a serene and inviting atmosphere.
• Texture and Form: Focuses on textures and organic shapes to add depth and interest without overwhelming the space.

Notable Quotes:

• Jessica describes it as “a way to do modern if you're doing it today” ([39:14]), emphasizing its relevance and adaptability.
• Suzanne highlights the use of matte and raw surfaces: “Your surfaces are matte and raw rather than polished” ([39:02]).

Insights:

• Connection to Nature: Similar to mid-century modern, organic modern emphasizes large windows and indoor plants to enhance the connection between indoor and outdoor spaces.
• Calm and Peaceful: The style promotes a calming environment through the use of natural light and soothing materials.

Art Deco

[40:34–43:19]
Art Deco, a glamorous and geometric style from the 1920s and 1930s, is celebrated for its opulence and modernity. Suzanne defines it as “a decorative style that flourished in the 20s and 30s, defined by its embrace of glamour, geometry, and modernity” ([40:51]).

Key Features:

• Glamorous Geometry: Emphasizes bold geometric patterns, symmetry, and polished surfaces.
• Luxurious Materials: Uses materials such as stainless steel, mirrored surfaces, and rich fabrics to convey opulence.
• Dramatic Elements: Incorporates dramatic lighting fixtures, sculptural furniture, and intricate details to create a statement-making space.

Notable Quotes:

• Jessica reflects on its historical context: “Think the Empire State Building. It symbolized luxury and progress in the post World War I era” ([41:02]).
• Suzanne appreciates its definitive nature: “It was like how you had never experienced it before” ([34:41]).

Insights:

• Commercial Versatility: While challenging for residential use, Art Deco thrives in commercial spaces like restaurants and hotel lobbies where its dramatic flair can shine.
• Timeless Drama: Despite its roots in the early 20th century, Art Deco remains relevant for its ability to add sophistication and historical depth to modern interiors.

Scandinavian (Scandi)

[43:20–45:52]
The final trend explored is Scandinavian Design, a style rooted in the Nordic countries known for its simplicity, functionality, and connection to nature. Suzanne describes it as “a design philosophy from the Nordic countries, emphasizing simplicity, functionality, and quiet beauty” ([43:33]).

Key Features:

• Minimalism with Warmth: Combines minimalist design principles with warm, natural elements to create a cozy yet functional space.
• Neutral Palette: Utilizes a light and neutral color palette, often featuring whites, beiges, and soft pastels.
• Natural Materials: Incorporates wood, linen, and other natural materials to add texture and depth.

Notable Quotes:

• Jessica enthusiastically connects with the style: “I have a lot of, I like a lot of art and stuff” ([44:15]).
• Suzanne emphasizes its peacefulness: “It's peaceful, I'd say, all in all” ([45:18]).

Insights:

• Indoor-Outdoor Living: Scandinavian design places a strong emphasis on large windows and indoor plants, mirroring the organic modern trend while maintaining its minimalist roots.
• Versatility: The style adapts well to different environments, particularly coastal areas, enhancing spaces with light, natural elements that create a serene ambiance.

Conclusion and Personal Reflections

[45:34–46:51]
As the episode wraps up, Jessica and Suzanne encourage listeners to explore and define their personal styles by blending elements from different trends. They emphasize the importance of authenticity and personal expression in creating a space that truly feels like home. Jessica shares a personal anecdote about adjusting her own design preferences, highlighting the ongoing journey of discovering what resonates best.

Key Takeaways:

• Mix and Match: Don't hesitate to blend different styles to create a unique and personalized space.
• Stay True to Yourself: Understanding various design styles can help in identifying and refining your personal aesthetic.
• Practical Application: Use the discussed trends as inspiration, adapting them to fit your lifestyle and preferences.

Final Advice: Jessica and Suzanne conclude by urging listeners to experiment with different styles, embrace their individuality, and enjoy the creative process of designing their living spaces. They also promote their online store, alicelanehome.com, offering a special discount for podcast listeners.

This episode of Dear Alice provides a comprehensive overview of the top interior design trends for 2025, blending professional insights with personal experiences to guide listeners in crafting stylish and meaningful home environments.