Design trends come and go, but the best ones reflect how people actually want to live. This year, we're seeing Naperville homeowners gravitate toward spaces that feel calm, personal, and deeply comfortable. Here are the trends our interior design team at Olive + Baxter is incorporating into projects across the western suburbs.

Warm Minimalism

The stark, all-white minimalism of a few years ago has given way to something warmer and more inviting. Clean lines and uncluttered spaces remain popular, but now they're softened with natural wood tones, textured fabrics, and warm neutral palettes. Think creamy whites, camel, terracotta, and soft olive rather than stark white and gray. The goal is simplicity that still feels welcoming.

Layered Textures

Texture is replacing color as the primary way to add visual interest. Bouclé upholstery, nubby wool throws, fluted wood panels, natural stone surfaces, and woven baskets create depth and dimension without visual noise. We're layering smooth and rough, matte and polished, structured and organic to give rooms richness without clutter.

Curved Furniture and Soft Lines

Angular, sharp-edged furniture is giving way to softer silhouettes. Curved sofas, rounded dining tables, arched doorways, and circular mirrors are appearing in homes throughout the area. These shapes create a sense of flow and comfort that straight lines can't achieve. They're especially effective in open floor plans where gentle curves help define zones without walls.

Statement Lighting

Light fixtures are becoming sculptural focal points rather than afterthoughts. Oversized pendants, organic-shaped chandeliers, and artisan-made sconces serve as functional artwork. In kitchens, we're seeing clients choose bold pendant lights over islands as a way to express personality in an otherwise neutral space.

Bringing the Outdoors In

Large windows, natural materials, and indoor plants continue to trend as homeowners seek connection with nature. We're incorporating more natural stone, live-edge wood, and indoor greenery into designs. Several recent projects have included dedicated plant shelving, herb gardens in kitchen windows, and nature-inspired wallpaper in powder rooms.

Personalized Spaces Over Perfect Ones

The most significant shift we're seeing is away from "showroom perfect" interiors toward spaces that reflect the people who live in them. Travel souvenirs, family heirlooms, collected art, and one-of-a-kind vintage finds are mixed with new pieces to create rooms with story and character. Our role as designers isn't to impose a style — it's to help clients express their own.

Curious about bringing any of these trends into your home? Olive + Baxter is both an interior design firm and a licensed general contractor, which means we don't just design beautiful spaces — we build them too. From concept sketches to the final walk-through, one team manages your entire project. Our design + build approach serves homeowners throughout Naperville and the Chicago western suburbs. Contact us to start the conversation.