How Interiors in India Are Changing
My Predictions for the Next 5 Years
By: Ayush Agarwal , Partner - Essence Design (2025)
India’s interior design landscape is evolving rapidly. As someone who works closely with clients, vendors, craftsmen, and design teams every day, I’ve witnessed this shift happening in real time. And over the next five years, I believe we’re going to see a major transformation in how Indian homes are imagined, built, and experienced.
Here’s my take on where we’re heading.
1. Personalized Design Will Replace “Pinterest Interiors”
Homeowners today want spaces that feel uniquely theirs - not copied templates. The shift is clear:
Personal Identity > Generic Aesthetics.
We’re already seeing clients bring in memories, stories, and personal inspirations rather than reference folders.
2. Material Choices Will Become More Informed
People no longer choose materials just because they “look good.”
They want to understand:
Durability
Maintenance
Sustainability
Authenticity
Long-term value
This demand for clarity is pushing the entire industry towards material intelligence and transparent decision-making.
3. Lighting Will Emerge as the Real Luxury
Lighting is finally taking the centre stage.
Layered lighting, profile lights, accent lights, and smart home controls will become baseline expectations and not just premium add-ons.
In the coming years, lighting should influence a space more than any single piece of furniture.
4. Execution Will Overtake Ideas
Aesthetic concepts are everywhere now.
What will truly differentiate designers is precision execution.
As per me clients are prioritizing:
Declustered Designs
Flawless Worksmanship
Accurate MEP Planning
Neat Finishes
Disciplined Timelines
Execution quality and efficiency are becoming the new metrics of Interior Design professionalism.
Design teams that can handle Concept → Details → Execution seamlessly will lead the industry.
5. Sustainability Will Move From Trend to Standard
The conversation around sustainability is becoming more grounded and practical.
Expect to see:
Eco-conscious material selections
Better natural light planning (Alternate solutions like brand Sunroof are doing good)
Energy-efficient fixtures
Thoughtful sourcing (Make in India options)
Sustainability will shift from an optional feature to an expected mindset.
6. Luxury Will Become Subtle, Not Loud
Indian luxury is maturing.
The next phase will embrace:
Warm Neutrals
Rich textures
Refined detailing
Bespoke Craftsmanship
Understated elegance will replace heavy, ornamental design. More Modern and Minimalist themes will take lead.
7. Digital Tools Will Become Non-Negotiable
The industry is already moving from 2D drawings to immersive visualization.
In the next few years:
3D walkthroughs
Digital approvals
Online project tracking
Remote material discussions
will become standard practice.
8. Smaller Homes Will Drive Smarter Design
As urban spaces shrink, design thinking will need to get sharper.
Expect more:
Multifunctional furniture
Vertical storage
Modular systems
Space-efficient lighting
Design intelligence will matter more than sheer size.
9. Indian Craftsmanship Will Make a Strong Comeback
Handcrafted furniture and artisanal details are returning to modern homes.
Clients value pieces with a story - work that reflects skill, culture, and individuality.
This revival will only grow stronger. And we are all excited about it.
Final Thoughts
The next five years will redefine Interiors in India - Moving us towards personalization, transparency, elevated craftsmanship, and stronger execution standards.
As a team, we’re already aligning our processes, material knowledge, and technical planning for this new era.
It’s an exciting time to be designing homes in India, and I’m looking forward to contributing to this evolution with every project we take on.
References & Citations-
Houzz India Home Study 2024
CRISIL Construction Materials Outlook, 2024
KPMG Real Estate Outlook 2025
NASSCOM Design-Tech Landscape Report, 2023