WRITTEN BY // JESSICA HEATHCOTE
KEY CONTRIBUTORS : DISPLAYWISE INDUSTRIAL DESIGN TEAM
PUBLISHED: JANUARY 2025
Our 2025 design trends forecast is shaping up to be bold, innovative and deeply inspired by the dynamic worlds of architecture and interior design. But these trends are set to go beyond aesthetics, creating tactile, immersive experiences that will captivate audiences like never before.
For marketing and brand managers looking to create impactful spaces this year – from brand activations and outdoor, through to custom exhibitions and retail displays – our 2025 design trends forecast will provide some great ideas to help get you started!
Here’s our take on the top four 2025 design trends we’re predicting to help inspire your activations and exhibitions in the custom display space.
1. Parametric Design
Parametric design brings cutting-edge architectural techniques into custom display building, using fluid, organic shapes and intricate patterns. But It’s not just about appearance; parametric design represents the seamless integration of form, function and innovation, making it ideal for brands looking to stand out with an eye-catching aesthetics. This 2025 design trend leverages cutting-edge technologies such as CNC cutting, 3D printing and parametric modelling software to produce highly customised designs that are visually striking. From rippling wave-like structures to geometric facades, parametric design creates a sense of movement and dynamism that cannot be ignored in a cluttered environment.
At DisplayWise, we combine our market-leading equipment with in-house manufacturing expertise to turn these innovative ideas into reality. Our state-of-the-art machinery, including CNC routing and edge-banders, allows us to execute complex designs with precision, speed and minimal waste. Whether it’s sculptural brand activations or bespoke exhibition stands, our team excel in transforming parametric design concepts into stunning, high-quality displays that elevate every brand experience.
For Lancome, we partnered with Bastion Experience agency to create a parametric inspired design for the Idole Ultrawear range. With CNC machining and organic materials, the design mimicked aerodynamic shapes, enhancing the brand’s identity for this sculptural retail activation.
2025 Design Trends Pro Tip for Parametric Design
Request in your next brief to combine parametric design with strategically placed lighting to highlight curves, layers and depth. LED strips or recessed lighting can add a dramatic effect, drawing attention to the unique elements of your display and create an immersive brand experience.
2. Mid-Century Modern Revival
Timeless yet contemporary, the Mid-Century Modern style is a stunning 2025 design trend that has a recurring appeal. With its clean lines, geometric shapes and natural wood finishes, this trend is the perfect balance of elegance and contemporary simplicity. The style often includes bold accent colours, such as mustard, teal and blush, contrasted by neutral tones including black, white and grey. When combined, these elements create a sophisticated design that’s clean, warm and functional.
At DisplayWise, our team of industrial designers can help you create a bespoke display that reflects the iconic elements of this era. By combining organic materials like wood, chrome and natural textures with geometric shapes, we can help you produce a visually striking solution that’s durable and versatile. From bold accent colours to vintage-inspired design elements, we’ll ensure that the display aligns with your brand’s narrative, combining nostalgia with modern-day relevance.
In collaboration with Master Pacific, we crafted a tri-wall circular display to showcase their locally designed furniture collections. The interconnected design defined distinct spaces, creating a calm and immersive experience enhanced by bold mid-century modern colour accents.
2025 Design Trends Pro Tip for Mid-Century Modern Revival
Integrate curved counters, shelves or product display units that reflect the organic shapes synonymous with mid-century design. These smooth, flowing forms create a sense of sophistication while enhancing functionality and aesthetic appeal.
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3. Japandi Minimalism
The harmonious blend of Japanese and Scandinavian design, Japandi Minimalism, continues to capture attention in our 2025 design trends forecast. Strongly influenced by simplicity and its connection to nature, this trend balances clean lines with soft, organic shapes and materials such as light woods, stone and linen. Consider muted tones such as soft beiges and greys with a warm palette of sage green and navy blue. This combination aims to enhance the calming aesthetic, making it ideal for brands who seek understated elegance in their custom display.
At DisplayWise, we see these minimalist and organised spaces retaining a timeless appeal, continually evolving and improving with each passing year. Whether it’s incorporating organic materials, soft textiles, or minimalistic silhouettes, our team will ensure your display is both visually appealing and aligned with your brand’s values.
For example, in collaboration with CookDineHost, this project brought the brand’s primarily online presence into a tactile, in-person experience. The display showcased products with an emphasis on touch and interaction, while seamlessly adapting the brand’s signature Pantone green into a refined paint finish. Featuring a minimalistic silhouette and open shelving, the design embodied the calming principles of Japandi Minimalism, blending function and beauty in the retail pop up environment.
2025 Design Trends Pro Tip for Japandi Minimalism
When planning your custom display, request hidden storage solutions such as sliding or pivoting panels. These elements allow for a clean, uninterrupted visual while maintaining the practicality your display needs, ensuring both aesthetic beauty and functionality.
4. Colour Blocking
Colour blocking continues to be one of the most powerful ways to make a statement in 2025. By strategically layering solid blocks of vibrant colours, brands can create visually dynamic displays that demand attention. Plus, when paired with contrasting textures like matte finishes, glossy surfaces, or tactile fabrics, this 2025 design trend will elevate your display from simple to stunning.
However, we a noticeable shift from maximalism in colour blocking towards more muted hues. Design trends often closely mirror those of fashion, so it’s not surprising to also see the return of cooler-toned metals such as chrome and silver paired with soft browns to create a sense of cosiness and depth. In fact, according to Dulux’s 2025 Colour Forecast, subdued tones and warm neutrals are taking centre stage to create a sense of ease and understated luxury.
At DisplayWise, we understand that matching your brand Pantone colours to paint colours can be tricky, which is why our team uses advanced colour-matching tools to ensure the best match possible. When converting Pantone colours to Dulux equivalents, we’ve tested a range of palettes and textures across various materials and environments, so you can be assured your brand’s colours will come to life with precision. From colour choices to texture contrasts, we’ll have every detail covered for this 2025 design trend to help you create that wow factor and deliver results.
2025 Design Trends Pro Tip for Colouring Blocking
Plan to use brand colours prominently in colour-blocked elements to reinforce recognition and consistency. Don’t be afraid to explore your brand’s signature shades paired with trend-forward shades and contrasting materials like metallics or textured fabrics.
As we look ahead, these 2025 design trends are set to transform the way brands connect with their audiences, combining visual impact with immersive experiences. From the futuristic elegance of parametric design to the enduring charm of mid-century modern revival, there’s a trend to inspire every activation, exhibition and retail display to deliver results beyond expectations.
At DisplayWise, we pride ourselves on staying ahead of design trends and producing tailored solutions that bring your brand vision to life. Ready to elevate your next project with these cutting-edge trends? Contact us today to explore how we can help create a custom display that captivates and inspires with a high-quality build.
