New Industry Report Cites Four Emerging Wellness Design Trends

The American Society of Interior Designers, a leading professional association for this industry, just released its 2025 Trends Outlook Report, which is chock full of wellness design points. In addition to covering the mainstays, this new edition reveals four emerging wellness design trends that are worth exploring.

I asked three designers from three different regions of the country how these trends are showing up in their projects. They are:

I review association reports like this one to spot emerging trends that can contribute to safety, health, accessibility, comfort and resilience. Here are what these three pros are seeing related to the four emerging wellness trends. (There will be a second article this month revealing additional trends worth noting for their wellness potential.)

1. Cultural Narratives

“I see clients embracing this movement — more than a trend, it’s a lifestyle shift — toward deeper personalization and joy in their homes,” Sanders says. While resale is still a consideration for some clients, the priority has shifted to how they feel in their space now, she clarifies.

“More families are renovating with a focus on multigenerational living, ensuring their homes function for a variety of users and reflect the stories that matter most to them.” This is showing up in repurposing heirlooms, handcrafted art, textiles with heritage significance, or statement pieces that honor family traditions. “The result is a home that isn’t just beautiful but deeply personal—a reflection of identity, joy, and legacy,” Sanders shares.

Madhyani is seeing this trend in her projects too, she notes. “Personal storytelling in design has never been stronger, but the way clients are approaching it has evolved.” She’s seeing a more subtle, sophisticated approach. “It’s no longer about thematic, overt cultural influences but rather about layered, refined inclusions that blend heritage, craftsmanship, and contemporary sensibilities,” she explains.

Whether an antique Persian rug, hand-carved wooden screens from India or artisans’ furniture pieces purchased on trips, “the key is ensuring these elements feel timeless rather than thematic, weaving them into a space in a way that feels natural and considered,” the New York designer points out. For clients concerned about resale, “Many opt for interchangeable design elements like statement lighting, modular furniture, and collectible artwork that allow them to personalize without limiting future buyers, she explains.

Kelly is also addressing that resale mindfulness in her Northern California clientele, while still supporting their embrace of cultural narratives, she reports. “In my designs, I often incorporate artisan tiles, vintage textiles, and materials that reflect a client’s heritage, making their home truly unique.”

2. Designing For Joy

“Homes are no longer just places to live—they are an extension of the people who inhabit them,” Madhyani declares. She’s seeing it in bold colors, layered textures and sculptural elements shaping more expressive spaces. “The way spaces function is evolving too, with homeowners prioritizing social connection by incorporating cozy bar lounges, conversation nooks, and layered lighting that adapts to different moods throughout the day,” she explains. Joyful design is a rising priority across generations, spanning retiring Boomers to first time owner Zoomers. “Regardless of the approach, people want homes that bring happiness and fulfillment to their everyday lives,” she observes, adding, “design is becoming an essential part of well-being.”

“I see Millennials and Gen X embracing this movement most fully, gravitating toward unexpected color pairings, vintage revival pieces, and biophilic accents that inject personality into their homes,” Kelly shares.

“Design for joy isn’t just a trend — it’s a mindset shift that has been central to my work from the very beginning,” Sanders declares. “I’ve always believed that our surroundings should be a source of inspiration, comfort, and emotional uplift. With the uncertainty and stress many face today, more clients are recognizing the power of their homes to enhance well-being, and they’re seeking spaces that spark joy in a deeply personal way.”

3. Neuro-Inclusive Design

“This is a growing trend, with an increasing number of clients open to discussing sensory-friendly spaces,” Kelly comments. “While not every project explicitly calls for neurodiversity considerations, we integrate elements like tunable lighting, soft acoustics, and textural variety to create supportive, calming environments.”

“As noted in recent industry findings, the rise of fidget-friendly seating and movement-oriented furniture is supporting cognitive flow and focus,” Madhyani comments. She cites swivel chairs, standing desks, and adaptive workstations as becoming more prevalent, promoting natural movement throughout the day.

“Smart home integration is further enhancing sensory-conscious spaces, with voice-activated controls, automated blackout shades, and ambient noise settings designed to create more adaptable, intuitive environments,” the New York pro adds. “While neuro-inclusive principles are essential for those who need them, they are proving to be universally beneficial, reinforcing a more holistic and thoughtful approach to luxury interiors. As this field continues to evolve, the focus remains on designing environments that feel effortless, balanced, and deeply supportive of those who live in them.”

Sanders describes neuro-inclusive design as a necessary shift in how we approach the built environment. “I love that younger generations, especially Gen Z, are fully embracing their differences and encouraging open conversations around neurological diversity. This awareness is prompting older generations to take a closer look at how our spaces impact mental and sensory well-being, making neuro-inclusive design more of a priority than ever.”

The Dallas pro is seeing a steady increase in projects where clients are seeking thoughtful, inclusive solutions — whether it’s a single father who’s a burn survivor raising a son with autism or her own father navigating neurological changes, she says. “These experiences have reinforced my belief that great design should serve everyone. It’s all around us, and it’s becoming more prominent across both residential and public spaces.”

“Lighting plays a crucial role — soft, layered lighting reduces harsh glare, while color-tunable LEDs help regulate mood and energy levels,” Sanders explains. Her approach is to create spaces that balance calmness with moments of vibrancy through saturated colors and playful patterns. “At its core, neuro-inclusive design is about creating spaces that don’t just look beautiful but feel good—spaces that support, soothe, and uplift everyone who inhabits them.”

4. Toxic Awareness

Clients are paying closer attention to what goes into their homes and how it affects their health, Madhyani says. “There’s a growing shift away from synthetic, chemically treated materials in favor of handcrafted, responsibly sourced pieces that support a healthier living environment.” This is showing up in increasing demand for low-VOC finishes, flame-retardant-free upholstery, and bio-based building materials, as awareness of indoor pollutants continues to rise. In their place, clients are opting for natural fiber rugs, organic cotton bedding and untreated wood furniture.

“Air purification systems with real-time toxin monitoring are also becoming a priority, as people look for ways to actively filter out pollutants and allergens,” Madhyani adds, noting that she’s seeing a broader movement toward conscious consumerism, “where homeowners want to know not just how something looks and functions, but where it comes from and what it’s made of. Whether it’s selecting chemical-free textiles, phasing out furniture with heavy adhesives, or opting for artisanal, small-batch pieces, the emphasis is on creating spaces that feel as safe and healthy as they are beautifully designed.”

Kelly is seeing this too, she shares. “Concerns over VOCs, formaldehyde, and PFAS have increased dramatically. Clients are requesting non-toxic paints, natural fiber textiles, and EMF-mitigating technology, with a growing interest in furniture free of flame retardants and off-gassing adhesives,” the Sacramento pro comments.

Sanders traces the trend’s significant growth to Covid and natural disasters. “I think once society saw how airborne viruses can have a direct impact on our health, the impact of extreme weather events, like wildfires and flooding, has heightened awareness of environmental toxins, air quality, and material safety. People are realizing that what surrounds them daily — furniture, finishes, even the air they breathe — can either support or compromise their health.”

The top concerns the Dallas designer is hearing from clients cover indoor air quality and chemical exposure. “To address these concerns, designers have been more intentional about integrating air-purifying solutions — whether through HVAC upgrades with HEPA filtration, biophilic design that naturally improves air quality, or selecting materials that don’t contribute to indoor pollution.”

She also makes this important point: “Ultimately, this shift isn’t about fear — it’s about empowerment. Clients are embracing the idea that their homes should be a safe haven, designed with intention and care for both the present and the future.”

Conclusion

You can say the same for all of these emerging trends. While people have long sought solutions from their doctors for living healthier and longer, they’ve been realizing for the last five years in particular, when a global pandemic literally drove the point home, that interior designers (and architects, home builders and contractors) can provide solutions to make our lives healthier and our living spaces more supportive of our overall well-being too.

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All three designers were interviewed by email the first week of February.