Molly Woodward-Moor, interior designer and creative director at Stone Superstore discusses spring and summer interior trends. According to Pinterest trends, terms such as ‘stripes décor’ have increased by 10,000% MoM, and key interior trends include butter yellow, stripes, and incorporating a French flair. 

As we step into spring, it’s the perfect time to refresh our interiors. This year, the focus is on creating a space that feels inviting and full of life.  

Butter Yellow

Butter yellow has quickly become the ‘it’ colour across fashion and interior design. This soft and inviting shade sits between a richer pastel yellow and soft cream, evoking a sense of comfort and nostalgia. This shade brings warmth, nostalgia, and personality to a space and fits particularly well within aesthetics such as dopamine décor and retro interiors. Yet, its subtlety also makes it an ideal neutral for those who prefer an understated and calming interior aesthetic. 

Butter yellow is an incredibly versatile shade. It pairs well with a variety of soft pastels like lavender, blush pink, and powder blue to create a soothing palette that feels fresh and rejuvenating for spring and summer. Supporting earthy tones like sage green, terracotta, and mocha provide a grounded and natural feel. For a bolder contrast, deep navy blues add richness and a sense of sophistication to this shade. 

As this shade is so versatile, it lends itself to any room in the home, injecting warmth and character into any scheme. In the kitchen, consider using butter yellow on cabinetry for a retro or cottagecore aesthetic, complemented by blue or pink tiling to evoke a nostalgic yet cosy atmosphere. If your kitchen flows into the dining area, continue the theme by introducing subtle colour accents through linens, lighting or accessories to add a pop of colour and charm without overwhelming the space.  

Butter yellow comes into its own when paired with floral patterns, amplifying the nostalgic, whimsical feel the shade. Whether it’s through floral curtains, cushions, or bedding, this shade pairs perfectly with delicate blooms, creating a romantic, vintage-inspired look in bedrooms or living areas. 

Striking Stripes

Mix maximalism is a broader design trend that will continue to dominate through the year, and within that movement, pattern play is taking centre stage. Among the many patterns making a resurgence, stripes are experiencing a notable comeback, with an increase in 10,000% searches for ‘stripes décor’ on Pinterest. We’ll see the resurgence of stripes especially through the spring and summer months as this classic pattern is reimagined in fresh and unexpected ways, making it more versatile and vibrant than we’ve seen in the past.  

Stripes have a timeless appeal and are now being introduced in more unique ways than wallpaper or soft textiles. To embrace this trend while giving your space a contemporary twist, consider bolder choices like painting your ceiling in stripes, or wrapping striped tiles around multiple surfaces. We’ve seen many adopt this particular trend with cherry and pink stripes to add a striking element to a room, whilst also creating the illusion of height and space. 

Stripes have the power to inject a sense of dynamic character into a space, and their versatility allows them to be to be mixed with other patterns such as florals or gingham to add texture and balance. 

Wood Panelling 

Wood panelling has been around for some time, but we’re really going to see it gain momentum throughout the coming months. According to Pinterest Trends, searches for wood panelling have surged by 300% in the past month, speaking volumes about the growing desire for interiors that offer warmth and character. With its timeless appeal that goes beyond modern or traditional styles alone, wood evokes feelings of comfort and warmth, creating the ideal environment for those seeking an inviting space. 

Whilst wood panelling naturally lends itself to classic interiors, it is being reimagined in innovative ways that allows it to compliment a wide range of interior aesthetics, from rustic farmhouse charm to sleek, scandi-minimalism. For a more rustic feel, consider incorporating reclaimed wood panelling, which adds an organic, weathered texture to your space. In more modern settings, wood-effect tiles can bring the look of wood into high-moisture areas like the bathroom or kitchen, combining the beauty of wood with all the fantastic practicalities of tiles. Alternatively, wood panelling that is painted in bold colours add a unique touch to interiors, breathing new like into this classic design element.  

French Flair

This year, we’ve seen French Blue gain popularity, and we’ll see wider French-inspired interiors dominate throughout the spring and summer season. French aesthetics perfectly complement the essence of spring, combining a timeless, airy elegance with down-to-earth living. 

Introducing a French flair to interiors adds an effortlessly elegant and timeless underlying tone. One way to achieve this is by incorporating floral tiles, which beautifully capture the romantic essence of the French countryside. Whether through vintage-inspired patterns or delicate, intricate designs, these patterns can bring a touch of elegance to kitchens. Another growing trend here is the use of cabinet curtains to discreetly cover washing machines or white goods, evoking a rustic French countryside feel to a kitchen, softening the modern, utilitarian feel of everyday appliances. 

Additionally, subway tiles are classic staples of French bistro design, adding a chic, timeless element, perfect for creating a Parisian-inspired kitchen. 

French style also lends itself beautifully to indoor/outdoor living, a trend that’s becoming a standout feature in garden design. This is particularly ideal for terraced houses or apartments with balconies, where you can embrace the charm of French-inspired outdoor spaces. Consider adding a metal bistro set, paired with terracotta pots filled with vibrant flowers, to evoke the feel of a charming Parisian café on a warm summer’s day. 

Castlecore

Castlecore was one of Pinterest’s predicted trends for this year, and with the release of the Snow White film, the castlecore aesthetic could become even more popular. This trend blends luxury with rugged romance to create a space that feels like an enchanting escape from the ordinary. It’s the perfect style for those who are drawn to whimsical décor, fantasy, and romanticism. 

In many ways, castlecore can be seen as a natural evolution of the gothic trend that has gained popularity over the past year. While gothic design focuses on dark, moody colour schemes and brooding atmospheres, castlecore shifts toward a warmer, more inviting aesthetic. Rather than relying solely on rich, dark hues, it introduces warm neutrals, deep wood tones, and intricate patterns found in ornate wallpaper and vintage-inspired artwork.  

This shift represents a move away from the sometimes heavy energy of gothic interiors, embracing a softer, more romantic interpretation. Castlecore still carries the mystical, dramatic undertones of gothic design but adds an element of warmth, elegance, and storytelling. It’s a celebration of luxurious comfort and historical charm, with a focus on creating a sanctuary that feels both regal and whimsically timeless.