Design Surface Trends 2025: Textured Walls, Terrazzo & Eco-Innovative Materials

Introduction

The role of surfaces is amplified. In 2025, surfaces are more than backdrops—they are contributors to atmosphere, acoustics, and material narrative. The latest in surfaces, including highly textured wall panels, living, regenerative materials, or hyper-realistic finishes meet the demand for atmospheric feel while incorporating environmentally equitable and sustainable practices.

According to global platforms such as Dezeen, Architectural Digest, and the Financial Times, architects and designers are embracing sculptural reliefs, matte tactility, eco-manufactured composites, and biophilic finishings to create immersive interiors with lasting impact. These have a more meaningful edification—the surfaces in a project are becoming equally important to the character of a project as the structure or furniture.

Trend 1: Sculptural relief & textured panels

Three-dimensional wall treatments are gaining popularity more than before and many surfaces are becoming focalized characteristics of buildings. From reliefs to panels, designers play with potential of depth, rhythm, and light in a spatial environment that cannot be achieved with a flat treatment.

According to Decorilla’s Interior Design Trends 2025, textured walls and ceilings are among the most defining features of the year, adding depth and character across residential and commercial projects (Decorilla). Similarly, House of Fine Carpentry notes that textured walls will “take center stage” in 2025, celebrated for their tactile warmth and sophistication (House of Fine Carpentry).

Within this trend, material performance is critical. Clay and lime plasters bring biophilic qualities and moisture regulation, while gypsum offers unrivaled precision and reliability. Gypsum’s crystalline structure makes it non-combustible (A1 rating), providing both safety and design freedom ( Architecture Lab). This technical advantage, combined with its ability to form sharp geometries, explains why gypsum 3D wall panels are becoming increasingly specified.

The market reflects this momentum: the global 3D wall panel segment is projected to reach over USD 800 million by 2025, driven by demand for sustainable, textured surfaces (360iResearch; DataIntelo).

Photo: Kandes 3D Wall Panel FACET 0043

Trend 2: Material Drenching for Textural Continuity

After years of “color drenching”—where single hues envelop walls, ceilings, and floors—the design world is moving toward material drenching. This approach uses the same material and texture across multiple planes to create immersive, cohesive environments. Think clay plaster extending seamlessly from wall to ceiling, terrazzo wrapping from floor into counters, or wood panelling flowing continuously across architectural details.

The effect is one of spatial unity and calm, where material itself defines the character of the interior. Elle Decor notes that designers are increasingly relying on tactile materials rather than color alone to create atmosphere, with continuity of surface proving especially effective in wellness and hospitality projects (Elle Decor).

Material drenching also responds to the industry’s push for sensory interiors. According to ArchDaily, architects are exploring how surfaces influence human perception, noting that consistent textures across large planes help reinforce a sense of coherence and identity within spaces (ArchDaily). 

Kandes panels, for instance, achieve seamless surfaces that extend across entire walls with no visible joints—an asset when the design intent is to create unbroken expanses of texture.

Application Potential

• Residential interiors: limewash or gypsum-based panels carried from one room to another to create an uninterrupted language.

• Hospitality and retail: terrazzo or stone finishes extending across volumes for a monolithic, sculptural effect.

• Workspaces: matte mineral composites applied across partitions and ceilings to reinforce brand identity through material consistency.

Trend 3: Subtle Patterns & Coarse Mattes

As bold maximalism gives way to more nuanced approaches, subtle patterns and coarse matte textures are increasingly favored in high-end interiors. These surfaces achieve balance: they provide depth and tactility without overwhelming a space. In practice, this means finishes like softly veined stone, matte ceramics, mineral-based composites, or plaster panels with restrained geometric relief.

The shift reflects what Architectural Digest calls the movement toward “quiet luxury”—materials that express refinement through texture and finish rather than overt ornamentation (Architectural Digest). Similarly, Dezeen reports that coarse matte finishes—particularly in plaster, stone, and textured wall panels—are gaining popularity for their ability to absorb light, reduce glare, and foster a sense of calm (Dezeen).

Why It Matters for Professionals

• Lighting dynamics: matte and low-sheen surfaces diffuse light more evenly, creating comfortable visual environments.

• Acoustics: coarse textures scatter sound, subtly enhancing acoustic performance in both residential and commercial settings.

• Maintenance: matte and structured finishes conceal wear and fingerprints better than glossy, high-reflective surfaces—especially important in public or hospitality projects.

Among the most effective solutions are gypsum wall panels with refined geometric reliefs. Their eggshell mineral surface interacts subtly with changing light conditions, producing gentle shadows that enrich the architectural envelope. Panels from Kandes exemplify this trend: their precisely sculpted patterns and A1 non-combustible performance allow designers to combine understated visual impact with technical reliability—qualities increasingly prioritized in both residential and commercial specifications.

Trend 4: Sophisticated Terrazzo & Statement Tiles

Few materials have made as strong a comeback in recent years as terrazzo. Once associated with utilitarian flooring, terrazzo has been reimagined by contemporary designers as a luxurious, versatile surface—appearing in kitchens, bathrooms, lobbies, and even as bespoke furniture cladding. Its durability, circular potential through recycled aggregates, and almost infinite color variation make it a designer favorite.

According to Architectural Digest, terrazzo is among the most enduring interior trends of 2025, celebrated for its ability to pair artisanal craft with long-term performance (Architectural Digest). Archiproducts further highlights how manufacturers are experimenting with bold scales of aggregate and chromatic compositions, positioning terrazzo as both a sustainable and expressive material for contemporary projects (Archiproducts).

In parallel, statement tiles—whether oversized ceramics, handcrafted zellige, or intricately patterned mosaics—are redefining surface expression. These finishes allow architects to introduce rhythm and narrative into a space, often serving as a focal point or accent wall. Elle Decor points out that designers are leaning on distinctive tilework to move away from minimalism and toward expressive detailing (Elle Decor).

For specifiers, the challenge lies in balancing visual boldness with technical practicality. High-traffic zones require surfaces that withstand wear without sacrificing aesthetics. Here, plaster-based relief panels can serve as a complementary element: their sculptural quality resonates with the tactile richness of terrazzo and artisanal tile, while offering a lighter-weight and fire-safe alternative for vertical applications. 

Photo: Kandes 3D Wall Panel ORIENT 0075

Trend 5: Natural Wood — From Light to Dark & Textured

Wood continues to hold its place as one of the most timeless materials in interior design, yet its expression in 2025 is more diverse than ever. On one end of the spectrum, blonde woods such as ash, birch, and oak are valued for their lightness and ability to brighten interiors with a Scandinavian-inspired clarity. On the other, deep, dark woods like walnut and smoked oak are being used to anchor spaces with richness and gravitas.

Dezeen notes that this dual trend reflects a broader appetite for material honesty, where natural grains and tones are celebrated rather than concealed (Dezeen). At the same time, Elle Decor highlights that textured wood finishes—brushed, charred, or hand-scraped—are gaining attention for their tactile qualities and ability to add depth without ornamentation (Elle Decor).

For architects and designers, the challenge is in contextual pairing: lighter woods excel in wellness and residential environments where calm and brightness are desired, while darker tones are increasingly used in hospitality and retail projects to convey sophistication.

Wood also serves as a natural counterpart to mineral-based surfaces. In projects where gypsum or plaster wall panels are specified, the interplay between organic grain and sculptural relief creates interiors that feel layered and multidimensional. Many designers choose Kandes panels alongside natural wood finishes for this reason: the panels’ clean geometry and matte mineral surface balance the warmth and irregularity of timber, achieving a dialogue between precision and nature.

Trend 6: Biodesign & Living Materials

One of the most progressive directions in surface design is the emergence of biodesign and living materials. These are surfaces grown or derived from biological processes—such as mycelium composites, algae-based panels, or bacterial cellulose—that embody regenerative potential rather than extractive consumption.

The Financial Times has reported on how mycelium and algae are moving from experimental labs into architectural applications, offering lightweight, biodegradable alternatives for interior cladding (Financial Times). ArchDaily also notes the growing influence of biomaterials, framing them as part of a larger shift toward circular design strategies where surfaces not only perform aesthetically but also contribute to ecological resilience (ArchDaily).

Why Designers Are Paying Attention

• Sustainability credentials: many biomaterials are low-carbon and biodegradable.

• Tactile novelty: they offer unexpected textures and sensory experiences.

• Narrative value: specifying “living” surfaces reinforces a brand or project’s commitment to innovation and environmental stewardship.

While biodesign materials remain more common in exhibitions and pilot projects than in large-scale commercial interiors, they signal where the industry is heading. Architects and specifiers are already exploring hybrid applications—pairing biomaterials with more established surfaces to balance performance and storytelling.

This creates fertile ground for dialogue between innovative and proven systems. For instance, pairing experimental biomaterials with gypsum-based wall panels allows designers to highlight cutting-edge textures while relying on the technical stability of mineral composites. In this way, panels such as those by Kandes provide a reliable framework within which more experimental surfaces can be showcased.

Trend 7: Eco-Innovation — Self-Healing, Anti-Fingerprint & Recycled Surfaces

As interiors are pushed to meet higher standards of durability and sustainability, eco-innovative surfaces are becoming a defining category in design. From self-healing laminates that repair scratches with heat to anti-fingerprint finishes that maintain a flawless matte look, manufacturers are engineering materials that reduce maintenance while extending product lifespans.

According to Surface Design Show London, innovations in functional coatings and composites are among the fastest-growing sectors, responding to both aesthetic and performance demands in commercial projects (Surface Design Show). Architectural Digest also highlights the growing appetite for surfaces with enhanced resilience, noting that anti-smudge and stain-resistant finishes are now sought after for high-touch applications like kitchens, hotels, and retail interiors (Architectural Digest).

Recycled content is another driver: terrazzo made with post-consumer glass, composites with reclaimed wood fiber, or panels incorporating industrial by-products are increasingly specified to meet LEED and BREEAM criteria. As Archiproducts reports, recycled and recyclable surfaces are no longer niche—they are mainstream requirements in projects targeting environmental certification (Archiproducts).

For specifiers, this shift underlines a broader truth: performance is no longer optional, it’s integral. While experimental coatings and recycled composites answer specific technical challenges, mineral-based solutions like gypsum panels continue to play a central role thanks to their natural fire resistance, VOC-free composition, and circular potential.

Trend 8: Bold Color & Surface Artistry

While muted palettes and natural finishes dominate many interiors, 2025 also sees a renewed appetite for bold color and surface artistry. Designers are using strong hues and expressive treatments to counterbalance the era of beige minimalism—embracing surfaces that act as canvases for creativity.

Elle Decor identifies a strong swing toward vibrant chromatics—deep blues, earthy reds, and jewel tones—that inject energy into both residential and commercial spaces (Elle Decor). At the same time, Dezeen highlights projects where painted reliefs, decorative plaster finishes, and artistic wall applications serve as focal storytelling elements, bridging the worlds of art and architecture (Dezeen).

Applications in Practice

• Hospitality: expressive walls in boutique hotels create immersive experiences.

• Residential: accent walls become backdrops for art collections or personalized interiors.

• Retail: bold surface gestures reinforce brand identity and memorability.

This artistic approach often thrives when paired with neutral frameworks. For example, gypsum wall panels provide an adaptable base—capable of being painted in any shade—while retaining their geometric precision. This allows designers to experiment with bold color without sacrificing technical standards like non-combustibility or seamless alignment.

Case Study: Kandes “SOAP” Model

Among the surfaces shaping current discourse is Kandes’ SOAP 3D gypsum panel, competing in this years Dezeen Awards 2025 in the Surface Design category. The panel’s sculptural relief transforms walls into fluid compositions, producing shifting light and shadow throughout the day.

What sets SOAP apart is its combination of artistry and specification strength:

• A1 non-combustible rating, ensuring compliance with strict safety standards.

• Seamless modularity, with joints disappearing into a continuous monolithic surface.

• Paintability, allowing architects to align the panel’s geometry with broader color strategies.

Projects across Europe are using SOAP in hospitality, retail, and residential contexts, where it serves as both a design statement and a technical solution. This duality—artful surface with engineering reliability—captures precisely why gypsum-based 3D wall panels are emerging as favored options among architects and designers.

Photo: Kandes gypsum 3D wall panel SOAP 0046

The Specifier’s Toolbox: Choosing High-Impact Surfaces

For architects and interior designers, surface specification requires balancing aesthetic intent, technical criteria, and lifecycle value. Based on the trends above, a few guiding principles stand out:

1. Think in layers – Combine tactile reliefs (gypsum, clay, wood) with smoother finishes (ceramics, composites) to create multidimensional spaces.

2. Prioritize performance – Ensure surfaces meet standards for fire resistance, acoustics, and sustainability. Technical datasheets are as critical as mood boards.

3. Plan for light interaction – Matte, reflective, and relief surfaces each respond differently to daylight and artificial lighting; consider their visual dynamics.

4. Mix innovation with reliability – Biomaterials and experimental coatings can be powerful storytelling tools, but pairing them with proven systems like gypsum panels maintains project stability.

5. Design for adaptability – Paintable, modular, and customizable surfaces allow for future-proofing in evolving interior programs.

In practice, gypsum 3D panels—like those developed by Kandes—fit seamlessly into this toolbox. They embody the broader industry shift toward eco-conscious, technically sound, and visually striking solutions.

Conclusion: The Future of Surfaces

Surfaces are no longer silent backdrops; they are active agents of design. From the tactile richness of textured reliefs to the regenerative promise of biodesign, the surfaces of 2025 reflect an industry seeking both sensory resonance and ecological responsibility.

For professionals, the takeaway is clear: materials must now deliver on aesthetic, functional, and sustainable levels simultaneously. Brands that align with this trajectory—offering surfaces that are sculptural, safe, and environmentally conscious—will continue to define the conversation.

Kandes’ work in gypsum 3D wall panels exemplifies this direction: surfaces that combine editorial presence with specification reliability. As the market evolves, such solutions ensure architects and designers can create interiors that are not only striking today but also responsible and resilient for the future.