CANVASES, CARATS AND CURIOSITIES

In the design world, artistic movements often follow a pendulum effect, shifting between extremes in response to cultural, political and social forces. For examples, in times of uncertainty, trends lean toward lighthearted whimsy and escapism, while in moments of struggle, art becomes a sanctuary of emotional expression and reflection. On the other hand, during times of affluence, trends seem to lean more futuristic. Based on client insights, industry expertise and emerging search data, we’ve curated a list of the most compelling aesthetic and collecting trends for 2025—a testament to styles that are so enduring that they seem to circle back at exactly the right time.

1. The Return of Brown and Cherry Red

Color has long served as a defining element of stylistic evolution, and in 2025, we observe a resurgence of deep cherry reds and rich, earthy browns. These hues—historically associated with warmth—signal a broader movement toward a renewed appreciation for traditional craftsmanship and natural elegance.

For collectors, this shift is most evident in antique furniture, particularly pieces crafted from mahogany, satinwood and walnut—woods that defined luxury interiors from the Renaissance through the Art Deco period. Those who favor darker, more dramatic woods should look to the Louis XIV era, when furniture was grand and highly ornamented, reflecting the monarchy’s absolute power. During this time, artisans primarily used walnut, oak and chestnut, often ebonized to achieve a darker, grander appearance.

The Régence through Louis XVI period introduced a transition toward lighter, more fluid designs. While walnut remained a staple, delicate veneers and intricate marquetry became increasingly prevalent, showcasing the era’s preference for elegant refinement over weighty grandeur. The Louis XV (1723–1774) Rococo period fully embraced asymmetry and natural motifs, favoring fruitwoods such as cherry and pear, along with rosewood, often painted or lacquered to achieve a light, decorative aesthetic.

During Napoleon’s Empire period (1804–1815), furniture once again took on a monumental presence, with mahogany reigning supreme, often embellished with gilt bronze mounts to project strength and imperial grandeur. This emphasis on bold, richly adorned furniture carried through to Art Nouveau (1890–1910), a movement inspired by organic forms and nature. Designers of the period relied on light woods like ash, elm and cherry, as well as exotic species such as rosewood and ebony, to craft delicate inlays and gracefully sinuous lines.

2. On the Rise: Impressionism and Surrealism

Artistic revolutions have long served as catalysts for cultural transformation, and in 2025, we expect to see renewed interest in two of the most disruptive movements in art history: Impressionism and Surrealism. These movements—each radical in its own right—represent a broader shift toward collecting works that challenge tradition, capture fleeting emotion and ultimately explore the subconscious.

For collectors, this resurgence is most evident in the enduring appeal of Impressionist masterpieces, whose luminous, atmospheric compositions revolutionized Western art. Claude Monet, Pierre-Auguste Renoir and Alfred Sisley rejected rigid academic painting in favor of soft brushwork, vibrant color and transient light. They sought to depict the world not as it was rigidly structured, but as it was perceived in an instant. This radical departure from formalism laid the groundwork for an even more expressive and psychologically charged approach to art that would later shape the Surrealist movement.

By the early 20th century, Surrealism emerged as an artistic rebellion against logic and realism, exploring the dreamlike and the uncanny. In contrast to Impressionism’s fleeting naturalism, Salvador Dalí and René Magritte conjured symbolic, illogical and fantastical compositions, challenging traditional visual reality. Where Impressionists sought to distill the essence of a moment, Surrealists sought to manifest the hidden world of dreams and subconscious thought.

As a result, collectors today are drawn to both movements for their ability to reframe perception and spark wonder. This influence extends beyond fine art into the world of design, where curving candlesticks, gravity-defying centerpieces and surrealist-inspired decorative objects blur the lines between function and fantasy.

3. One Hundred Years of Art Deco

Design movements often reflect the cultural and technological advancements of their time, and in 2025, we celebrate 100 years of Art Deco, one of the most influential and enduring styles in art, jewelry and interior design. Characterized by bold geometry, opulent materials and streamlined modernity, Art Deco merged luxury with architectural precision.

For collectors, this centennial moment reaffirms the enduring appeal of Art Deco masterpieces, whose sleek, symmetrical compositions absolutely revolutionized 20th-century aesthetics. From the skyscraper-inspired motifs of Cartier jewelry to the lacquered, high-contrast furniture of Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann, the style embraced both craftsmanship and modernity, reflecting a world fascinated by progress, speed and innovation. The movement’s fascination with symmetry, sunbursts and stepped forms made its way into everything from jewel-encrusted brooches to grand metropolitan buildings like New York’s Chrysler Building.

While the Art Deco aesthetic permeates contemporary design, true collectors seek authentic period pieces crafted by the era’s most visionary makers. Cartier and Tiffany & Co. jewels, the exquisite art glass of René Lalique and Camille Fauré and the striking works of Tamara de Lempicka and Erté represent the pinnacle of Art Deco artistry. These masterpieces, defined by bold geometry, opulent materials and impeccable craftsmanship, remain the most coveted treasures for serious collectors.

4. Gems of Fascination: Opals

In 2025, opals remain one of the most mesmerizing and enigmatic stones, their unique play of color setting them apart from all other gems. These gemstones have long been coveted. In ancient Rome, Julius Caesar prized opals, believing they contained the beauty of all other gemstones within one stone. The Greeks attributed prophetic powers to them, while medieval lore held that they could preserve a maiden’s golden hair.

The discovery of fiery black opals in Australia’s Lightning Ridge in 1877 put new life into the market, solidifying Australia as the world’s leading source for opals. Today, black, white and boulder opals continue to captivate collectors with their kaleidoscopic colors and one-of-a-kind patterns. As opals reclaim their place among the world’s most desirable gemstones, serious collectors seek out the finest examples, particularly those from Lightning Ridge and other premier sources. 

Opals have captivated designers across eras, evolving with shifting aesthetics. In the Victorian era, they symbolized love and mystery, set in intricate gold filigree. Art Nouveau jewelers like René Lalique embraced their organic beauty, pairing them with enamel and flowing goldwork. The Edwardian period favored opals in delicate platinum settings with diamonds and pearls. Though Art Deco emphasized bold geometry, opals appeared in avant-garde designs by Cartier and Tiffany. By the mid-century modern era, freeform boulder and black opals gained popularity in sculptural gold settings. Today, opals are enjoying a contemporary renaissance, with designers showcasing their brilliance through innovative cuts, bold settings and dynamic color pairings.

5. Rococo Resurgence

The Rococo movement emerged in early 18th-century France as a departure from the grandeur and solemnity of Baroque art, embracing a style that was ornate, playful and infused with light-hearted elegance. Defined by intricate ornamentation, asymmetrical designs, pastel hues and a sense of movement, Rococo art and design flourished in the luxurious salons of Louis XV’s court, favoring whimsical motifs, delicate florals and romantic themes.