As we enter the New Year, it’s a time for introspection and rejuvenation not just for ourselves but also for our living spaces. After the hustle and bustle of the holidays subsides, and the final traces of seasonal decorations are stored away, we finally have the opportunity to assess our everyday surroundings and consider making some yearly updates. One fantastic way to make a subtle or bold transformation that can alter not only the appearance but also the ambiance of your home is by changing its lighting. Lighting serves a dual purpose of illuminating your path and adding a touch of flair that mirrors your personal style.
If you’re eager to infuse a new radiance into your living space, here are a few home lighting trends that industry experts predict will illuminate 2025:
Bold and Brilliant: This year’s decorative lighting elements are undeniably attention-grabbing. “Bold, geometric lighting fixtures will make a striking statement in both new constructions and remodels, infusing spaces with an artistic flair,” says Karla Alvarado, owner of HomeNovate in San Antonio. “With the rising popularity of uniquely designed home features, these geometric fixtures will provide the perfect finishing touch.”
Back to Nature: The trend of bringing nature indoors is nothing new in design. Homeowners frequently incorporate branches, greenery, and more as embellishments for various furniture pieces, and this year, the trend will be taken to new heights. “Expect to see more natural and organic fixtures that emulate flowers, branches, and trees in innovative ways, spanning from chandeliers to wall sconces and ceiling lights,” remarks Poplar Schoerner Smith, designer and lead stylist at Lamps Plus.
Illuminating Innovation: Harsh, unflattering overhead lighting is rapidly becoming a thing of the past. Softer, warmer, and more forgiving LED options are at the forefront. Advancements in lighting technology have broadened the range of options, from using multiple fixtures for different activities to lighting that can adjust based on the time of day and space’s purpose.
Layered Brilliance: The practice of layering various types of lighting—ambient, task, and accent—continues to gain traction. Homeowners are increasingly seeking ways to create adaptable spaces with customizable lighting options. Layered lighting enables homeowners to direct light where needed, fostering a visually appealing and functional environment.
Grand and Majestic: With homes boasting larger dimensions, there is an abundance of options to showcase grand lighting fixtures. In 2025, homeowners will have a plethora of choices to enhance their living spaces with impactful lighting elements that demand attention.
To showcase super-sized lighting fixtures, Jodi Peterman, CEO, and owner of Elizabeth Erin Designs in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, foresees a notable trend unfolding in various intriguing ways. “In 2025, individuals will opt for grandeur in their residences, embracing large-scale dining chandeliers, bathroom wall sconces, oversized ceiling lights, and fans. These bold designs serve as artistic masterpieces in their own right,” explains Peterman. Not limited to interior spaces, the surge in larger fixtures extends to exterior settings as well, driven by the architectural shift towards taller and more narrow facades in modern homes.
Recessed lighting is expected to gain momentum in 2025, as predicted by interior designers. Recessed lighting, compared to traditional can lights, provides focused illumination without the visual interruption of a flush-mount fixture. This lighting option can create the illusion of a more expansive room. Recessed lighting, akin to can lights but with a sleeker profile, sits flush with the ceiling, devoid of any visible bulb or surrounding ring. By offering an additional touch of sophistication and precise lighting without encroaching on the space, these fixtures are becoming increasingly popular.
Claire Thompson of Claire Thompson Design in Mississippi has observed the nascent rise of this trend and fully embraces it. She affirms, “My aim is to steer clear of using can lights whenever possible!”
Integrating cozy lamps into living spaces is another method that homeowners are gravitating towards to infuse warmth into their rooms. Thoughtfully placed lamps can provide just the right amount of light, establishing inviting reading nooks, cozy conversation corners, or snug sofa areas. Manipulating the ambiance of a room is effortless with the click of a switch that regulates the lighting intensity, enabling the simultaneous activation or deactivation of all lamps within the space. Thompson anticipates that these user-friendly switches will continue to be embraced by households in 2025.
The original article can be read in Southern Living magazine.
