I wrote an article for Homes & Gardens UK on Canadian Design Trends, and it got published!  (Well 2/3 of it did!). So, here is my full article below!

Design is ever-evolving, and as we step into 2025, a fresh wave of creativity, sustainability, and individuality is shaping the spaces we call home. Having spent most of my life in Vancouver, with a few enriching years in Sydney, Australia, I’ve witnessed firsthand how design reflects the essence of our surroundings—thoughtful, modern, and deeply connected to the West Coast lifestyle.

At Melissa Hardwick Design, I’ve always believed that great design should be both personal and timeless. Vancouver’s design scene draws inspiration from its proximity to the U.S. West Coast, while Toronto and Eastern Canada tend to lean towards more traditional East Coast styles. What sets Vancouver apart is how it fuses these influences with a deep respect for nature, sustainability, and a spirit of individuality.

As we look ahead to 2025, here are some of the trends shaping Vancouver’s design community—whether emerging or already mainstream, each reflects the creative brush strokes that make our city’s spaces so special.

 

Sustainability: A Core Value, Not Just a Trend

Sustainability remains at the heart of modern design, especially here on the West Coast, where natural materials like timber and concrete continue to inspire architectural aesthetics. While it’s often described as a trend, I view sustainability as a guiding principle that’s ingrained in every project. From reusing wood for flooring, mantles, and trim in renovations, to incorporating precast concrete in new builds, environmentally conscious choices are driving the design conversation in 2025.

One of the joys of the sustainability movement has been the resurgence of interest in vintage and pre-loved items. As a long-time advocate of mixing old with new, I’m thrilled to see estate sales, consignment shops, vintage markets, and online platforms like Chairish, Etsy, and Marketplace becoming treasure troves for unique, sustainable finds. These pieces, with their charm, history, and eco-friendly appeal, breathe life into interiors.

The design industry is also making strides in reducing waste and prioritizing durable materials. Many manufacturers now provide transparent labeling to meet the growing demand for sustainability, while textiles offer exciting creative opportunities—whether repurposing old curtains into cushions, transforming throws into tapestries, or incorporating antique rugs. The possibilities are endless, and each project tells a unique, sustainable story.

Personalization: A Move Away from Mass Trends

Vancouver’s design landscape has long been influenced by trends from the U.S. West Coast. But in 2025, there’s a noticeable shift towards individuality, with homeowners increasingly seeking to break away from mass-market trends. Thank goodness for that!

Personalization is becoming a key element of interior design, with people incorporating heirloom pieces, vintage art, travel memorabilia, and other meaningful items into their spaces. As a designer who thrives on this philosophy, I find great joy in helping clients create homes that tell their unique stories. Personal touches make a house feel like a home, and this shift toward customization ensures that every design is one-of-a-kind.

Colour: A Bold Revival

Colour is making a bold comeback, and I couldn’t be happier. Vancouver has traditionally been associated with neutral palettes—think greys, creams, and whites—but in 2025, vibrant hues are entering the scene with confidence. Deep reds, browns, and lush greens are now appearing in kitchen cabinetry, feature walls, and statement furniture, adding energy and personality to spaces. Local artisans and vendors are also playing a key role in this colourful revolution, inspiring designers and homeowners to embrace bold, layered hues.

While the trend of full-on colour drenching hasn’t quite hit the mainstream, its subtle impact on brightening our long, grey winters is undeniable. Whether it’s a splash of forest green or a cheerful pop of mellow yellow, colour is definitely breathing new life into Vancouver interiors.

Wallpaper: A Timeless Statement

Wallpaper has firmly established itself as a design staple, moving beyond its traditional role in powder rooms and nurseries to become a striking feature in a wide range of spaces, both residential and commercial. From whimsical florals to bold animal prints and dreamy murals, wallpaper offers endless possibilities for personal expression.

Feature walls remain a popular way to make a dramatic statement, while beyond the home, wallpaper is gaining traction in offices, restaurants, and even gyms, showing its versatility and staying power. Thanks to social media and the growing appetite for unique design, wallpaper is more than just a passing trend—it’s here to stay.

Woodwork Detailing: Adding Timeless Elegance

In 2025, woodwork detailing is taking center stage, offering a way to add warmth and sophistication to otherwise minimalist spaces. While the farmhouse trend popularized horizontal planks, today’s designs focus on refined architectural features like crown moulding, coffered ceilings, wainscotting, paneling, trim, and ceiling medallions. These timeless details bring character to modern homes, which often lack the historical features that give older properties their charm. In a young city like Vancouver, we yearn for those classic, enduring influences from English and European architecture.

Curves: The Soft Revolution

Curves continue to reign in 2025. Whether in backsplashes, range hoods, countertops, or curvaceous furniture like scalloped sofas and armchairs, this trend is making waves. There’s something incredibly refreshing about the organic, fluid forms that soft curves bring to both traditional and contemporary spaces.

At Melissa Hardwick Design, we believe that great design goes beyond fleeting trends. With over 60 blogs on my website, I’ve shared my thoughts on sustainability, personalization, and timeless design for years. Trends can spark inspiration, but true design magic happens when we create spaces that feel authentic and enduring.

Not everyone wants to—or has the time to—refresh their interiors constantly, and that’s perfectly fine. The best designs are the ones that reflect the unique tastes, stories, and needs of the people who live in them. By embracing sustainability, celebrating individuality, and infusing bold touches like colour and woodwork, we can craft environments that are not only beautiful but meaningful. After all, that’s what design is all about.

For more information and assistance on how to best achieve the personal results you crave… I’m just an email away!