A YEAR IN DESIGN: REFLECTING ON TEXTURES, TONES & TRENDS
As the year draws to a close and the soft hum of the holiday season begins to settle in, we find ourselves looking back at the spaces, textures and stories that shaped our design journey. Each project brought its own rhythm, new palettes to explore, materials to honour and clients to collaborate with. What anchors it all is the reminder that great design is never static; it evolves, refines, and continues to mirror the way we live.
THE TEXTURES THAT TOLD THE STORY:
If there’s one thread that ran through every project, it was texture. Embracing natural tactility became core to our process, rough alongside refined, matte against polished, and organic meeting contemporary in the most subtle ways.
Travertine and limestone continued their rise, offering that timeless, sun-washed softness.
Cedar and natural walnut brought warmth into airy spaces and grounded more modern builds.
Plaster finishes and tactile paint created depth without demanding the spotlight.
Linen, bouclé, and cotton blends added the final layer of comfort and lived-in warmth.
Tiles became one of the most expressive textures of the year. They became a storytelling tool. Their variation, movement, and tactility allowed us to build personality into bathrooms, laundry rooms and kitchens in a way that felt sculptural and deeply considered.
Texture gave every space a pulse this year, something you can feel before you even understand it.
THE TONES WE LOVED AND LIVED IN:
2025 was a year of warmth, but in a quiet, intentional way. Our palette leaned heavily into:
Layered neutrals - white, cream, mushroom and taupe.
Earth-rich browns - deep tobacco, clay, and caramel.
Soft blush undertones for subtle warmth without overt colour.
Muted greens - sage, olive, and eucalyptus - perfect for those seeking calm and grounding.
These tones worked together to create homes that felt serene yet full, minimal yet soulful.
DESIGN MOMENTS THAT DEFINED THE YEAR:
Organic Modernism Takes Centre Stage
This style continued to evolve, moving beyond trend and into timelessness. Think sculptural forms, softened edges and rooms that feel hand-crafted rather than manufactured.
Statement Lighting as Everyday Art
Sconces and pendants became sculptural elements, functional but undeniably beautiful.
Kitchens That Feel Like Living Spaces
Warmer palettes, integrated cabinetry, layered lighting and stone that wraps the room instead of simply topping it.
Wellness-Led Design
More than ever, clients wanted spaces that made them feel calm - soft edges, warm light and a sense of retreat.
PROJECTS THAT LEFT AN IMPRESSION
From Palm Springs-inspired organic modernism to coastal retreats and layered staging projects, each space offered a new lens to explore. This year brought a mix of:
New builds with bespoke detailing
Renovations that honoured original character
Home staging that transformed blank canvases into warm, aspirational homes
Commercial spaces with identity-driven storytelling
Every project pushed us creatively, from texture-rich vanities to layered living spaces and sculptural décor moments.
WHAT WE’RE CARRYING INTO THE NEW YEAR
Looking ahead, our approach remains rooted in the same principles:
Design with intention
Elevate the everyday
Let materials speak for themselves
Create spaces that feel like a breath out
The coming year is set to bring even more focus on craftsmanship, soft tonal palettes, and calm spatial flow, but with bolder accents, richer stones, and deeper contrasts emerging in the best way.
SOJO’S REFLECTION:
As we step into the holiday season and the year slowly comes to a close, we’re grateful for the clients who trusted us, the materials that inspired us, and the quiet design moments that shaped our creative direction. Here's to another year of thoughtful spaces, timeless palettes, and design that truly feels like home.