Renting a space doesn’t mean you have to compromise on style. The décor trends emerging in 2025 blend sustainability, bold expressions, and a love for nature, offering endless opportunities to refresh your home. This guide is designed to help renters explore these trends while respecting lease agreements, making stylish, renter-friendly transformations accessible to everyone. Whether you’re a long-time renter or just settling into a new place, these tips will inspire you to create a vibrant, trend-forward space that truly feels like home.
Biophilic Design: Nature Indoors
What is Biophilic Design?
Biophilic design is an innovative approach to interior décor that focuses on bringing elements of nature into indoor spaces. The goal is to create an environment that fosters relaxation, reduces stress, and enhances overall well-being. This style incorporates natural materials, colours, and patterns to mimic the serenity and beauty of the outdoors. Biophilic design isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about cultivating a living space that feels connected to the natural world, making it both stylish and restorative.
Renter-Friendly Tips
Indoor Garden Zones
Transform any area of your home into a pocket-sized sanctuary by introducing greenery through potted plants. Arrange clusters of small to medium-sized pots with diverse foliage in bright corners to simulate a lush garden environment. If space is limited, hanging planters can add dimension, creating vertical gardens that maximize square footage, particularly in apartments. Focus on easy-to-care-for plants like pothos, snake plants, or succulents for a low-maintenance option, and consider plant stands for a flexible arrangement without causing wall or floor damage.
Organic Textiles
Integrating natural textures can evoke a sense of tranquillity and connection to nature. Opt for rattan chairs, bamboo stools, or seagrass ottomans—lightweight, versatile furniture that’s easy to move and perfect for rentals. Woven baskets can serve as both functional storage solutions and décor elements, blending practicality with style. Add throws and pillows made from linen or cotton to enhance the organic feel, while tying your space together in a cohesive and nature-inspired way. Not only are these materials sustainable, but they also create a warm and inviting ambiance.
Nature-Themed Décor
Nature-inspired décor is an excellent way to capture the essence of biophilic design without making permanent changes to your rental space. Swap out bland wall art for framed botanical prints, pressed leaves, or vibrant floral illustrations to infuse your home with life. Temporary upgrades like peel-and-stick botanical wall decals are perfect for personalizing the space without violating rental agreements. To go a step further, display natural elements like driftwood, seashells, or stones in decorative bowls to enhance the organic theme and connect your space to outdoor beauty.
By combining these elements, your home can embody the calming atmosphere of nature while respecting renter limitations. Biophilic design enables you to merge style and sustainability with ease, creating a nurturing living space that feels like a personal retreat.
Maximalism
Maximalism is a design philosophy that fully embraces a celebration of pattern, colour, and abundance. It’s about breaking free from minimalistic constraints to express personality through eclectic collections, bold choices, and layered décor. For renters, maximalism offers countless opportunities to breathe life into a space without requiring permanent changes.
Statement Textiles
One of the easiest ways to infuse a maximalist aesthetic into your rental is through textiles. Layer vibrant throws, patterned pillows, and textured blankets on sofas, chairs, and beds to create visual interest and tactile comfort. For a bolder look, mix and match patterns—floral, geometric, and abstract designs can all coexist beautifully when they share a complementary colour palette. Textiles are non-permanent, so you can experiment with layering to fully personalize your space. They also serve a practical purpose by adding warmth and comfort, making your home feel inviting.
Art and Accents
Gallery walls are a hallmark of maximalist spaces and can easily be achieved in a rental. Use removable hooks or adhesive strips to hang a curated collection of artwork, photos, and even decorative mirrors. If wall hanging isn’t an option, prop oversized artwork or statement pieces against the wall for a layered, artistic edge. Don’t shy away from mixing mediums—combine photography, paintings, and textured pieces to give your gallery wall depth and personality. Accent items, such as quirky vases, sculptural objects, or ornate lamps, will further enhance the eclectic vibe. Choose pieces that resonate with your style to make the space feel truly your own.
Bold Rug Pairings
A maximalist rental thrives on creativity, and rugs provide a perfect canvas for bold expression. Layering rugs with different patterns, textures, or shapes can help define separate “zones” in open-concept apartments, adding both structure and flair. For instance, a colourful Persian rug can anchor a sitting area, while a bold geometric piece might serve as a backdrop for a dining table. Combining rugs with varying designs and colour schemes can create a dynamic, layered look. Rugs are also renter-friendly, as they can be easily switched out when you want another refresh or when you move to a new space.
By thoughtfully incorporating these elements, you can achieve a maximalist aesthetic that transforms your rental into a unique and dynamic reflection of your personality—without sacrificing renter-friendly practicality.
Earthy Neutrals & Desert Browns
Why Earth Tones?
These soothing shades—think soft clay, terracotta, or sandy taupes—add warmth and comfort to your home. Earth tones create a sense of balance and tranquillity, making them an ideal choice for spaces meant to relax and unwind. They also pair beautifully with both minimalist and maximalist design approaches, offering versatility for any aesthetic.
Ways to Incorporate Neutral Soft Furnishings
- Pillows, Throws, or Curtains: Opt for soft furnishings in desert browns or clay hues to seamlessly introduce earthy shades into your space. These accents can provide warmth and depth to living or bedroom areas.
- Natural Fabric Lampshades: Swap out old lampshades for textured versions in natural fabrics like linen or jute. This simple update helps infuse an organic, grounded feel into your lighting elements.
- Layered Neutrals: Combine creamy beige bedding with a terracotta accent blanket for a subtle contrast. Layering different neutral tones creates a cohesive yet visually interesting look, perfect for an inviting bedroom retreat.
Bold Accents
Statement Black in 2025
Black is no longer limited to edgy interiors—it’s a sophisticated neutral that pairs beautifully with bright or earthy tones. This versatile shade adds depth and drama while maintaining a timeless appeal, making it a popular choice for modern design in 2025.
Renter-Friendly Approaches
- Black Metal or Wood Furniture: Choose a black coffee table, shelving unit, or bar cart to anchor your space. These pieces can ground the room while complementing various colour schemes.
- Framed Mirrors and Wall Art: Black frames instantly elevate your décor without committing to painted walls, creating an elegant yet flexible aesthetic.
- Removable Vinyl Decals: If you want a geometric design or accent, try stick-on details in black that peel off cleanly. This easy option allows renters to add bold characters without permanent alterations.
Sustainable & Natural Materials
Why Sustainability Matters in 2025
As we grow more eco-conscious, décor choices are shifting toward ethically sourced, long-lasting items. Sustainable materials not only help reduce environmental impact but also create a timeless, warm aesthetic in our living spaces. By focusing on durability and ethical production, we align our homes with values that promote a healthier planet for future generations.
Implementation Ideas
- Reclaimed & Upcycled Furniture: Search thrift stores or online marketplaces for pieces that have been refurbished. These items often carry unique charm and reduce waste by extending the life of existing materials.
- Organic Textiles: Add cotton, jute, or linen rugs and cushions. These natural fibres are biodegradable and versatile, offering texture and comfort to your space.
- Handmade Accessories: Support local artisans by picking up small pottery, woven baskets, or handcrafted ceramics. Not only are these items one-of-a-kind, but they also connect your décor to a story and a community.
Artisan Craftsmanship
Embracing Artisan Goods
Showcasing handmade décor adds character and tells a story—plus, these items are easy to move with you when living in a rental. Incorporating artisan craftsmanship into your space creates a warm, personalized atmosphere while supporting local artists.
Ways to Highlight Artisan Work in a Rental
- Hanging Textiles: Display handwoven wall hangings using damage-free hooks. These versatile pieces add texture and a sense of artistry to your walls without leaving permanent marks.
- Pottery & Sculptures: Arrange unique pottery or sculptures on shelves, side tables, or window ledges. These handcrafted items bring instant visual interest and a touch of elegance to any room.
- One-of-a-Kind Furniture: Integrate accent chairs or stools made by local craftspeople. These distinctive pieces not only serve functional purposes but also act as captivating conversation starters.
Curved Furniture: Soft Shapes, Easy Updates
Why Curves Are Trending
Curved edges, arched silhouettes, and rounded corners are making waves in interior design due to their ability to create a softer, more inviting atmosphere. These smoother shapes break away from rigid, angular furniture styles and help to establish a sense of flow and comfort in any living space. The trend is especially favoured for its versatility and ability to make a room feel modern yet approachable.
How to Incorporate Curves
- Round Tables & Ottomans: Swap a rectangular coffee table for a round version to instantly bring a fresh and contemporary vibe. Similarly, use a rounded ottoman as a functional addition that doubles as extra seating or a footrest.
- Curved Chairs: Select statement chairs with rounded backs to create a striking contrast against the straight-line layouts often found in modern apartments. These pieces add visual interest while remaining timeless and versatile.
- Arch-Shaped Décor: Incorporate arch mirrors or shelving units for a chic design element. These items are easy to integrate, requiring minimal hardware for mounting or simply leaning against a wall for a polished, no-drill approach.
Retro Tones & Farmhouse Style: Nostalgia with a Twist
Retro Revival
Bring a sense of nostalgia into your space with vintage-inspired colour palettes and furniture shapes. Think rich hues like olive green, mustard yellow, and dusty rose paired with curved furniture reminiscent of mid-century design. These retro tones and forms add warmth and personality, creating a cozy yet stylish environment that feels like a nod to the past without being outdated.
Farmhouse Flair
Capture the charm of farmhouse aesthetics with light wood accents, neutral textiles, and rustic-chic accessories. Introduce elements like distressed finishes, woven textures, and natural materials to soften contemporary spaces and enhance their livability. This style is perfect for balancing warmth and simplicity, making it ideal for renters looking to add a touch of comfort to their homes.
Renter-Friendly Tips
- Furniture Swaps: Replace your generic coffee table with a retro-inspired piece or substitute a traditional seating option with a farmhouse-style bench for added character.
- Textiles in Retro Hues: Opt for 70s-inspired throw blankets, pillows, or rugs in warm, muted shades to infuse colour and character without any permanent changes.
- Farmhouse Storage: Add freestanding shelving or decorative wire baskets for practical storage with a rustic flair—easy to install and equally easy to move when needed.
Putting It All Together
Layer Up Your Trends
Combine multiple elements thoughtfully—e.g., a curved black chair, earthy-toned rug, and plenty of indoor plants for a stylish, cohesive vibe. Mixing trends strategically ensures the space feels curated rather than chaotic, balancing bold choices with neutral anchors.
Focus on Statement Décor
Select one or two standout pieces per room (like a curved sofa or bold rug) rather than overwhelming the space. A statement piece draws attention and creates a focal point, allowing the rest of the design to complement it harmoniously.
Stay Organized
Keep clutter to a minimum so the design elements you choose can truly shine. Use renter-friendly storage solutions like cube shelves or decorative baskets to maintain a clean, polished aesthetic while still accommodating everyday necessities. Minimalism ensures the spotlight stays on your chosen décor, enhancing the overall impact of your design.
Conclusion
The 2025 décor trends emphasize sustainability, natural materials, bold statements, and personal expression. Renters can achieve these looks through thoughtful use of textiles, furniture, decorations, and smart accent pieces tailored to their space. By strategically incorporating these elements, you can craft a home that reflects the year’s top trends while staying lease-friendly.
By mixing and matching these trends in ways that respect your lease, you’ll create a stylish sanctuary that feels both contemporary and uniquely you. Don’t be afraid to experiment and trust your instincts—your home should be a personal reflection of your taste and a space where you truly feel at ease.
If you’re looking for a place that gives you plenty of ways to express these 2025 décor trends, check out our available rentals at Rent in Yellowknife. Explore floor plans and find your perfect space by visiting our Contact Us page. Discover the ideal place to settle in this vibrant city, and let us help you embark on an exciting new adventure!
