ASID: Multigenerational Dynamics Tops List of Trends Influencing Interior Design
The American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) just released their annual Trends Outlook Report for 2025, holding a panel discussion on Jan. 28, 2025, to share insights regarding top-level findings. The report was developed by ASID research fellow Dr. S. Dawn Haynie, with contributions from ASID director of communications Lindsey Koren, and is sponsored in part by paint and finishes manufacturer Sherwin-Williams with additional support from Dallas Market Center.
Koren kicked the presentation off with an introduction to the report’s history and a brief recap of the society’s 2024 report. Of the 2024 themes, the latest report echoed the benefits of neuroinclusive design, the impacts of multigenerational workforce and living arrangements, increasing demand for authenticity in all aspects of life, and climate/severe weather concerns that further heighten the urgency to adopt sustainable building practices.
Koren observed that if “demure” characterized the outlook for 2024, then 2025 could be represented by “manifestation.” Indeed, the report preview states that trends will be driven by “a growing collective desire to find joy amid global uncertainty.”
While Koren reiterated that ASID is a nonpartisan organization dedicated to the betterment of the interior design profession, the organization’s long view may continue to shift depending on economic and regulatory policy changes which have yet to be realized in the early days of the current Trump Administration.
During the presentation, ASID president and CEO Khoi Vo noted that while ASID’s 2024 State of the Industry report unveiled a “good” employment outlook for interior designers, and the economy is projected to demonstrate slow, steady growth, the disparity among economic classes continues to place pressure on general stabilizing factors such as home ownership.
Interestingly, the growing senior population and economic pressures on home buying could feed a growing trend toward renovation. ASID Allied designer Veronica Sanders said that her firm specifically has seen an uptick in renovation versus new home projects, in part to address multigenerational living. She said designers were seeing “an increased demand for dual-purpose spaces—open-concept spaces that foster connection while ensuring individuality” in the home.
Such multigenerational demands are also influencing the workplace, said ASID member David Euscher, Corgan’s VP and interior design leader. Serving an ever-widening age range of workers, as well as neurodiversity needs, proves that designing for more dynamic control and flexibility in configuring the commercial office environment benefits everyone. As many have noted with return to work mandates and/or hybrid office policies, it’s imperative to captivate workers and entice them to take advantage of the office space and in-person amenities, Euscher said.
Whether in the workplace, hospitality venue, mixed-use development, or residential environment, Generation Z in particular is challenging the design profession to create experiences rather than destinations, Koren said. Lifestyle, culture, and commerce are combining, and in some instances, interactive art spaces bring even more value to occupants who can interact with them and engage with others over the experience.
Readers will find more highlights from the ASID 2025 Trend Outlook Report in the January/February issue of i+s. ASID members can take a deep dive into the full report for free via the ASID website; non-members can purchase it for $179.
