Evolving consumer values and global challenges are shaping how we design and experience the spaces we live in. 

This is according to award-winning designer Antoine Besseyre des Horts, Leader for LIXIL Global Design in Asia. 

Des Horts said evolving consumer values and global challenges—such as the need for relaxation at home and the growing importance of individuality—are among the top trends that dictate how we live and create our homes.

Here are the five trends and consumer values that redefine contemporary living spaces, according to des Horts.

Home as a wellness place

The home is increasingly being enhanced as a sanctuary for both physical and mental well-being, said des Horts. But people are also spending extended hours indoors, particularly those who continue to work from home. Therefore, there is an increased need to make the home cozier and more inviting—both to enhance work productivity and provide off-work relaxation for its residents.

This trend has influenced many home styling preferences. For one, there is a pronounced desire among homeowners to turn their bedrooms and bathrooms into spa-like spaces to enhance their relaxing qualities. Many homeowners also choose earthy, nature-inspired hues—such as sage, muted blues, and ochre—to cultivate a sense of calm, while the use of deeper shades makes spaces feel both comforting and intimate. The use of natural materials is also on the rise, as it helps bring warmth and sophistication.

This desire to turn the home into a relaxation sanctuary has also influenced homeowners to blur the boundary between indoor and outdoor home spaces—an attempt to incorporate greenery and organic elements within the dense urban residential setting.

Personalized interiors

But this does not mean people simply follow trends when it comes to designing their homes. According to des Horts, people today want their homes to reflect their personalities, using living spaces to tell their own unique stories. Homeowners turn their personal spaces into deep expressions of their identity by incorporating cultural influences and personal traditions in their home interiors. Our home’s role in our lives has changed, said des Horts. As such, many see the need to transform their living spaces into a reflection of themselves. We’re seeing people move away from mass-produced aesthetics and toward designs that feel unique and individualistic.

This shift toward personalization is more pronounced among the younger generation. Social media platforms such as Instagram and Pinterest help encourage this as they provide accessible interior design inspiration, seeing the rise in popularity of bespoke furniture and handcrafted fittings with bold color palettes and unexpected material combinations. 

Multi-purpose spaces

The evolving home means it must adapt to its inhabitants’ different needs. Des Horts explained that with remote and hybrid work remaining a reality for many, people are leaning toward spaces that can effortlessly shift between personal and professional use. This means that homes with open, flexible layouts and fewer dividing walls allow rooms to serve multiple functions. As flexibility becomes a priority, des Horts said, furniture and design solutions that maximize versatility—such as modular seating, fold-away desks, and movable partitions—are becoming more essential than ever.

Demographic shifts are also driving the rise of multi-generational living. Homes are now designed to accommodate different age groups under one roof. This is particularly important in Asia, where populations are aging.

Sustainable living

Sustainability remains a key consideration in home design as people grow more eco-conscious. According to des Horts, people are also seeking green solutions that still provide them with comfort and convenience. Hence, there is a growing demand for sustainable furniture made with eco-friendly materials.

People also now look for water—and energy-efficient home solutions that provide environmental and financial benefits. They want home solutions that reduce usage and utility costs.

This eco-consciousness has also impacted the design and construction of buildings. Building developers are embracing more sustainable strategies, des Horts explained, such as the adaptive reuse of existing structures and the utilization of energy-efficient designs to minimize environmental impact.

Sensory-driven hospitality experiences

Lastly, des Horts said travelers now crave authentic, personalized experiences. This pushes hotels to create immersive environments that engage all senses and reflect local culture. 

Thoughtful details, such as curated scents, textures, and lighting, are being used to deepen emotional connections and enhance the overall guest experience. The bathroom plays a key role in the room, serving as a space where comfort and wellness converge. Personalized, restorative experiences—driven by carefully selected colors, materials, and wellness-focused solutions—help elevate the guest experience. There is also an emphasis today on partnerships with local communities for unique offerings. 

As lifestyles continue to change, interiors at home and in hospitality are evolving to prioritize well-being, individuality, and genuine meaningful connections—ensuring they enhance both daily life and long-term well-being.