Dear Alice | Interior Design Podcast
Episode: Latest Home Design Trends Reviewed by Dear Alice
Release Date: July 24, 2025
Hosts: Jessica Bennett (Jess) and Suzanne Hall (Sue)
Additional Contributor: Corey

Introduction

In the latest episode of Dear Alice, hosts Jessica Bennett and Suzanne Hall delve into the top home design trends of 2025. Accompanied by Corey, they analyze, endorse, or critique each trend, providing listeners with insightful perspectives grounded in their extensive experience at Alice Lane Interior Design.

1. Pattern and Paint Drenching

Timestamp: [04:08]

Discussion: Jess and Sue express strong support for the trend of pattern and paint drenching, emphasizing its ability to transform spaces with intentional color and pattern layering.

Notable Quotes:

• Jess: “The dividends that you get from sitting in a room that has been color drenched is like, unlike anything.”
• Sue: “I think treating an entire room as one is just something that feels fully designed and fully thought out.”

They highlight a project in Washington, D.C., where a library was entirely coated in glossy red, including the sofa, creating a cohesive and invigorating environment. The hosts discuss the importance of thoughtful execution to avoid visual chaos, advocating for either solid color drenching or strategic pattern layering.

Insights:

• Color drenching enhances natural light reflection, adding depth and vibrancy.
• Pattern layering requires careful consideration of scale and color contrast to maintain aesthetic harmony.
• Encouragement for listeners to experiment with smaller spaces before committing to larger areas.

2. Wood Drenching

Timestamp: [09:46]

Discussion: Following pattern and color drenching, the hosts explore wood drenching. Jess shares her enthusiasm for using wood grain as a focal point, citing the Desert Oaks project in Odessa, Texas, where wood paneling adds warmth and historical depth.

Notable Quotes:

• Jess: “When you have that kind of sense on the outside, it makes going inside some of the choices feel really, really honest.”
• Sue: “They elevate everything around them.”

Insights:

• Wood drenching brings an organic, timeless feel to spaces, contrasting beautifully with modern elements.
• Emphasis on using high-quality, stain-grade woods like walnut burl veneer to add texture and character.
• The trend supports sustainability by utilizing durable, long-lasting materials that offer aesthetic and functional benefits.

3. Fast Furniture is Out; Art Deco and Heirloom Quality Pieces are In

Timestamp: [14:21]

Discussion: Corey introduces the shift away from fast furniture towards Art Deco and heirloom-quality pieces, a move towards sustainability and timeless design.

Notable Quotes:

• Corey: “The throwaway furniture thing has just been around for too long.”
• Jess: “There's a soul to that [heirloom furniture].”

Insights:

• Heirloom pieces offer longevity and a unique character that mass-produced furniture lacks.
• Investing in quality furniture reduces waste and aligns with sustainable living practices.
• Combining antique finds with modern pieces creates a balanced and personalized interior aesthetic.

4. Burl Wood Renaissance

Timestamp: [20:54]

Discussion: The hosts celebrate the resurgence of burl wood, a rare and intricate wood featuring deformed growth patterns that make each piece unique.

Notable Quotes:

• Sue: “Caviar of woods.”
• Jess: “Burl wood feels more exotic than just a straight grain.”

Insights:

• Burl wood is prized for its stunning visual complexity and durability, making it ideal for statement pieces.
• Techniques like resawing and book matching maximize the use of burl wood, enhancing its natural beauty.
• Incorporating burl wood adds a sense of history and craftsmanship to modern interiors.

5. Rustic Farmhouse Revival

Timestamp: [25:53]

Discussion: Sue and Jess discuss the rustic farmhouse revival, characterized by honest, unpolished spaces that echo a simpler, more domestic lifestyle.

Notable Quotes:

• Sue: “There's something just really... honest about that.”
• Jess: “When you envelop yourself in this style, your consumption lowers.”

Insights:

• The trend emphasizes natural materials and indigenous cladding, creating spaces that feel connected to their environment.
• Rustic design fosters a sense of community and simplicity, aligning with current societal desires for authenticity and sustainability.
• Projects like the Linden Art Manor showcase how rustic elements can coexist with modern functionalities, such as integrating handmade features and maintaining functional homestead aspects.

6. Earth Tones are In; Cool Gray is Out

Timestamp: [33:29]

Discussion: The conversation shifts to the resurgence of earthy color palettes and the decline of cool gray in home design.

Notable Quotes:

• Sue: “Return of natural, earthy colors like browns... creating a sense of calm and grounding.”
• Jess: “Let's just try and veer away from it [gray] just because it's only going to make things cool too.”

Insights:

• Earth tones such as browns, terracotta, and warm neutrals create a welcoming and serene atmosphere.
• Gray, often associated with sterile or impersonal spaces, is being replaced by more vibrant and comforting hues.
• The trend encourages the use of colors that connect interiors with nature, enhancing the overall aesthetic and emotional well-being of occupants.

7. Dog Room as a New Luxury Must-Have

Timestamp: [34:07]

Discussion: Recognizing the integral role pets play in families, the hosts explore the emerging trend of dedicated dog rooms as a luxury feature in homes.

Notable Quotes:

• Sue: “Being able to accommodate for your dog means your pantries will not be overrun with all of the dog products.”
• Jess: “If you have pets, especially big dogs, how are we going to bathe them? How are we going to care for them?”

Insights:

• Dog rooms integrate pet needs seamlessly into home design, ensuring both functionality and aesthetic appeal.
• Features may include built-in washing stations, storage solutions for pet supplies, and comfortable lounging areas tailored to pets' needs.
• This trend reflects a broader move towards inclusive design, where every family member, including pets, is considered in the interior planning process.

Conclusion

Throughout the episode, Dear Alice underscores the importance of thoughtful, sustainable, and inclusive design practices. By embracing rich colors, quality materials, and accommodating personal lifestyles—including pet ownership—the hosts advocate for interiors that are not only beautiful but also deeply personalized and enduring.

Listeners are encouraged to experiment with these trends, starting small to gauge their impact before fully committing. The episode serves as both inspiration and practical guidance for anyone looking to refresh their living spaces in line with contemporary design movements.

Stay Connected:

• Instagram: Alice Lane Interiors | Alice Lane Home
• Design Services: Visit Alice Lane Home and navigate to the Design Services tab to request assistance.

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