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Featured Article

Very Demure, Mindful, Cozy

Mary Wright of Design Wright Studios Shares Trends That Are Here to Stay

Article by Grace Adele Boyle

Photography by Ian Warren and Poppy & Co.

Originally published in Cherry Creek Lifestyle

Denver-based Design Wright Studios has been helping residential and commercial clients create functional and aesthetically pleasing spaces for over twenty years. Founder and principal designer Mary Wright leverages her keen attention to detail to personalize a range of design solutions, from contemporary to traditional, that reflect her clients’ vision and needs. Wright’s innovative approach keeps her attuned to developments in fashion and design, and she sat down with us to share the trends shaping the zeitgeist this season and beyond.

Warm and Natural Tones (with Pops of Color!)

This season, there’s a growing desire for comforting, demure, nature-inspired colors. While neutral tones continue to dominate home interiors, we’re seeing a shift away from stark whites, grays, and austere blacks. In their place, natural wood tones, earthy hues, and various shades of green are taking center stage. “Green is such a big color right now for interiors––all shades of green––particularly forest green, avocado green, hunter green, and even army green," Wright shares. Warm metallics like bronze, brass, and gold are also trending, replacing the cooler tones of stainless steel and silver. Adding pops of color, such as an olive green throw pillow, a colorful blanket, or vivid artwork, will personalize your space, bringing in an element of joy and respite to a more subdued backdrop.

Traditional Shapes and Cozy Comfort

Nostalgia for simpler, more comforting times is evident in the shapes and textures of home furnishings. Wood and leather furniture are replacing glass and metal, especially in dining and accent tables. Round, inviting shapes are making a comeback over sharp, angular designs. "I feel like those traditional shapes sometimes take us back to a time when things were simpler,” says Wright. However, it’s not an all-or-nothing approach––mixing traditional and contemporary pieces can give your space a fresh look. A classic rolled-arm sofa or chair, for example, brings a sense of comfort to your home. “That rolled arm feels comforting because it takes us back, maybe to grandma's house when you were young,” Wright reflects. Natural materials like leather also offer warmth and longevity, making them a lasting addition to your home.

Dedicated Meditation Spaces

There’s increasing demand for spaces that offer respite from the world and work, particularly for those who work from home. Dedicated rooms, nooks, or outdoor gardens designed for mindfulness, relaxation, and rejuvenation are becoming a major trend in home design. Creating a space free from phones and computer screens and distractions, with a focus on natural light and views of nature, is essential. “Oftentimes, clients want a sun porch or somewhere where nature comes through –– a little space in the house to shut the door and be alone. I think this trend feeds the soul in the home, creating a respite from this crazy world we live in,” Wright explains. This trend reflects the growing need for a sanctuary within our living spaces, a place to mentally and emotionally recharge by unplugging from the constant demands of technology.

Sustainability and Longevity

The shift away from "fast furniture" and disposable design has been building in the mainstream. The growing awareness of our environmental impact has generated a fundamental shift in consumer mindsets, resulting in a strong desire to reduce waste, consume less, and invest in pieces that will grow with us. We’re seeing an emphasis on buying quality, long-lasting pieces that can be repaired, refinished, or passed down instead of thrown away. The demand for sustainable, biodegradable materials like leather, wood, and natural textiles is pushing synthetic materials like vinyl out of the market. Even on the legislative level, we are seeing this trend take hold with bans on harmful chemicals in fabrics in 2025. "This is a trend now, but it's here to stay," says Wright. "It will be an underlying theme and thread hopefully for millennia. So, this trend is not a trend––it's for good. It's about educating all of us on how to buy with more longevity in mind." 

This season, home design trends are embracing a balance of comfort, sustainability, nostalgia, and personal connection to nature and inner peace. As consumerism shifts towards sustainability and long-lasting pieces, there is a growing emphasis on buying locally, investing in quality, and prioritizing environmental responsibility––a movement that’s shaping the future of interior design well beyond the trends of today.

If you’d like to work with Mary Wright and Design Wright Studios, visit their RiNo showroom at 2800 Walnut Street, Ste 600, Denver, CO 80205. They are open Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, or you can reach out directly at 303.955.7751 to explore how Wright can elevate the design of your home.

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