Nicole Arnold Interiors  -  Dallas Interior Design News

After years of quiet neutrals, color and pattern are making a joyful comeback. Showrooms were alive with rich hues, bold prints and layers of texture. It’s about confident, expressive spaces that reflect personality—design that feels curated, not coordinated. The sparse, minimal looks are taking a backseat to multiple levels of finishes and textures that build upon each other to make dramatic statements. I love seeing this shift toward rooms that tell a story, layer upon layer!

There was a strong pull toward classic forms and heritage pieces. Think reimagined wingbacks, uniquely finished antiques, traditional lines and craftsmanship that feels rooted and real. These timeless elements are making their way back into modern spaces in fresh, thoughtful ways. The traditional patterns in fabrics and wallcoverings were everywhere, yet didn’t look aged at all!

Deep, dramatic tones were everywhere—from charcoals and chocolates to inky blues. These palettes create such intimate, cocoon-like spaces. They’re perfect for rooms where you want a little extra drama or coziness. These spaces still need lighting, just don’t overdo the lumens…a dim, moody light is the perfect way to cap off the rest of the design!

Design should always make life more enjoyable—and this trend proves it. Mahjong, chess, checkers, poker, backgammon—you name it, there was a table for it. These pieces bring fun, connection and conversation back into our homes and offices. Ranging from traditional colors and finishes, to bright, bold pops of energetic hues. Many have built-in storage drawers, coasters or hidden cavities to keep functionality at its peak. Now everyone can have a game table that’s personalized to reflect exactly what each person desires most!

Scallop shapes were one of the most charming recurring details I spotted! They showed up on mirrors, upholstery and even casegoods. These curves soften spaces and add a touch of whimsy without feeling overly feminine…as if the furniture was winking at me!

This is the hot color right now, people! Everywhere I turned, I saw green in all its gorgeous shades—from muted sage to deep emerald. It’s the perfect balance between calm and energy, and it pairs beautifully with both natural materials and bolder design elements. This hue will surely be the envy of all interiors this coming year!

Natural wood was front and center, and the craftsmanship was breathtaking. I saw stunning examples in ash burl, mappa burl, crotch walnut, paldeo bleached mahogany and the list goes on and on! These richly figured woods add bespoke warmth, texture and authenticity to furniture and millwork. My favorite pieces were meticulously designed to capture the grain in mitered and radius designs on tabletops. Wow!

The organic, coastal feel is still going strong. Materials like raffia, cane and wicker were everywhere, lending rooms a relaxed, textural warmth. Ranging from indoor as well as indoor/outdoor pieces, light to dark colors and pieces appropriate for every room of the house, I think every design should incorporate a dash or two of this natural vibe. One standout piece was a banana bark console—a perfect blend of sustainability and sophistication!

Mid-century modern is alive and well and isn’t going away anytime soon. Those clean lines and sculptural silhouettes still feel fresh—especially when updated with luxe finishes or unexpected materials and colors. Integrating these lines into the Dark and Moody vibe has been particularly fun to watch!

It’s clear that functionality is an integral part of luxury. Beautifully detailed cabinets, hidden compartments and multi-functional pieces were everywhere. The best designs are as practical as they are beautiful, like cocktail or accent ottomans that hide and hold blankets and toys, cocktail tables with seamless drawers for remotes or coasters or beautifully etched trunks that can be used as foot lockers. The possibilities are endless!