5 Trends American Interior Designers Are Obsessed With

From Jake Arnold to Kelly Wearstler, interior designers all have their favourite styles.

Within the world of interior design, the term ‘trend’ is less about fleeting ideas and more about popular motifs that are helping to define the zeitgeist. While some of them might feel more of-the-moment (velvet sofas, wiggly side tables, racing check prints), others speak to a more timeless aesthetic (ceramic lighting, rounded furniture, brass candlesticks). The common thread throughout all of these trends? A distinct point of view.

Naturally, interior designers and the spaces they create play a hand in bolstering overarching industry trends. In this spirit, we surveyed five major figures in the United States who have given certain trends their stamp of approval time and time again. Ahead, five standout looks we love.

1. Curved Lines

There was a time when minimalism was the dominant theme throughout interiors – neutral colours with clean lines and natural textures. While this aesthetic still prevails, in recent years we’ve seen adjustments to this streamlined look with curved lines taking centre stage. Whether it’s a wiggly mirror, scalloped pillowcases, or even a coffee table with wavy legs (as seen here in Kellie Brown’s joyful abode), there’s a clear sense a shift is underway. One American designer who bridges the gap between minimalism and curved lines is Leanne Ford. The iconic designer is known for her white-on-white palettes, but also leans heavily on rounded furniture to build out an organic space.

2. Tactile Textures

Naturally, texture is more of an element within interior design than a trend, but there are certain designers who make it a focal point in their work. Rising star Jake Arnold is an American designer who sits confidently in that category with his aesthetic, spotlighting touchable textures layered in fresh, innovative ways. If you’re keen to give the look a go, bring in natural materials that mix and match well together (for example: linen throw blankets atop a boucle sofa and next to a driftwood coffee table).

3. More Is More

Survey the last few years and it’s crystal clear: maximalism has returned. This booming design trend is a celebration of bold, confident choices that bring together different colours, patterns, textures, and objects; not in a piled-on sort of way, but with intentionality. The result is a playful, eclectic look that’s well-suited to colourful aesthetes. American designer Kelly Wearstler is a master of this aesthetic with her creative spaces that feel plucked from a (very stylish) dream.

4. Indoor Jungle

There’s a reason the phrase “plants make people happy” exists; they’ve been shown to improve mental health and overall quality of life. But even this aside, the indoor plant is also a design motif that can revolutionise a space. Just look to American designer Justina Blakeney for proof. The Jungalow founder took her plant-abundant interior style and pivoted it into a flourishing trend that now boasts a 2 million follower count. Not sure where to begin? Here’s a guide to choosing the perfect indoor plant for every room in your home.

5. Dramatic Verticality

There are numerous ways designers can craft drama through interiors; rich colours, statement furniture, and unexpected flooring, but one trend that particularly stands out right now is verticality. This concept is rooted in the idea that contrasting proportions which draw the eye upward are effective at creating a moment. New York City-based designer Athena Calderone is especially adept at this technique, with many of her spaces weaving in elements that create depth through varying heights.