February25, 2025

Earlier this year, fashion bible Vogue surveyed some of the world’s top interior designers for their take on what’s hot (and what’s decidedly not). A sampling:

“Quiet luxury,” noted decorator-to-the-stars Jake Arnold: “There will be a continued emphasis on classic, investment pieces … that can have many lives and evolve through reupholstery.” Then there’s Martyn Lawrence Bullard: “Brown is about to have the most major moment.” For California-based celebrity designer Jenni Kayne, mixed textures: plaster walls, wood floors, or ceilings are “an effortless way to bring dimension to a space.”

New York- and Miami-based Alfredo Paredes perhaps sums it up best; Tactile finishes “that age gracefully will be preferred over slick and new, like handwoven textiles, complex stones, and expressive woods. The subtle sophistication of mixed materials in a room conveys a collected interior, which tends to be more compelling than what appears to have been designed.”

Luxury Defined looks at a few other design trends taking shape this season and next.

1. Luxurious Curves: Oasis in la Moraleja, Madrid, Spain

The elegant planes, angles, and curves of this luxurious contemporary residence abide in the exclusive La Moraleja district, near Madrid’s city center.

Set on a 10,000 square-meter plot (nearly 2.5 acres), the home offers a vast, 1,900 square meters (20,450 square feet) of living space, executed in cool white with high ceilings, wrapped in tall glass windows and doors.

The ground level is given over to linear living, dining and lounging spaces that look out to the green landscaped gardens and Bali stone pool terrace. A barbecue and dining area completes the outdoor space, which is served by a contemporary island kitchen with top-grade fixtures and appliances.

There are five spacious bedrooms with balcony access upstairs, and a total of seven full bathrooms. The common spaces include an indoor pool, gym and spa; a cinema room; children’s playground; and a paddle tennis court with artificial grass and glass enclosure.

The driveway provides visitor parking and access to a subterranean garage with capacity for eight vehicles.

2. Earth Tones: Villa Nature, Costa Smeralda, Sardinia

Opens in new window

earth-tone-design Earth tones are integral to the design ethos of this ultra-luxury eco-villa in the exclusive Seven Senses Sardinia.

Villa Nature was the first of six eco-villas at Seven Senses Sardinia. This prestigious coastal community is protected within a nature reserve on a secluded natural harbor in Cala di Volpe, Costa Smeralda.

Villa Nature takes inspiration from the four elements: water, air, earth, and fire. Earth is represented in the locally sourced building materials: granite, teak, and timber. Full-height windows provide visual connection with the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean.

A decorative “wall of water” is the focal point of the living room, with a hearth—fire—for the cooler months. The chandeliers mirror the bubbles in the sea foam.

In the primary suite, one of six en suite bedrooms, a skylight evokes the sense of sleeping under the stars. The outdoor shower opens to flowering gardens.

Living spaces seamlessly integrate with alluring outdoor spaces designed in harmony with Sardinia’s rugged coastal landscape.

The top floor leads out to a stunning roof deck with a panoramic view of the Bay of Cala di Volpe. Below are verandas, terraces, and shady pergolas for entertaining alfresco or just contemplating the view. The garden is a wildflower meadow framing a shimmering infinity pool.

Related: Tour a Luxury Deer Valley Mountain Retreat

3. Mixed Textures & Textiles: Ocean-View Contemporary, Corona del Mar, California

Polished stone, natural stone, glass, and exquisite wood accents and finishes distinguish this custom residence in the Newport Beach enclave of Irvine Terrace, overlooking Newport Harbor with views all the way to Catalina Island.

The two-level floor plan incorporates four ultra-deluxe en suite bedrooms as well as two-and-a-half bathrooms in 578 square meters (6,232 square feet) of living space.

White oak ceilings, limestone floors and wall accents enhance the main level, with walls of windows and fold-away glass doors enclosing a great room with an electronic fireplace, a dining space, and elegant kitchen.

The main level has a heated view deck that spans the width of the home and includes a built-in barbecue bar. The lower level provides a lounge and media room with a full wet bar, an office surrounded by glass doors, and a wine cellar with a full-size beverage refrigerator.

Accordion doors open to a terrace with an infinity-edge pool, raised spa, and an outdoor kitchen with a professional-grade grill. The neighborhood is moments from Fashion Island’s shopping and dining attractions, Newport Beach Country Club, and Newport Harbor Yacht Club.

>4. Wood Accents & Furniture: Five-Bedroom Townhouse, Amsterdam, Netherlands

This five-bedroom townhouse on Jacob Obrechtstraat, a charming avenue in the heart of Old Amsterdam, is just a short stroll or bicycle ride away from the beautiful Vonderlpark and Museumplein.

The 4,445-square-foot residence rises five levels, from the basement to the penthouse.

The basement and beletage, or “beautiful floor,” have been reimagined with a focus on quiet luxury and sustainable design. The spacious, open upper floors await renovation (with all permits granted under the supervision of RCL Design).

The rear garden faces west and, at 13 meters (42 feet) deep, provides space for early morning sun. There is private auto lift and off-street parking.