Contemporary Interior Design Trends for Urban Living

City dwellers are all too familiar with the challenges of compact living spaces. In urban environments, thoughtful interior design and meticulous planning are essential to maximise every square metre of space. To inspire you in transforming your city flat into a stylish haven, MOVA Globes presents these emerging contemporary design trends for modern urban homes.

Embracing Dark Colour Palettes

Repainting walls remains one of the simplest ways to redefine the atmosphere of a room. While neutral shades such as taupe have dominated interior design in recent years, along with the trend of brightly coloured feature walls, a new direction is emerging.

Designers are increasingly embracing rich, dark shades that create a dramatic yet sophisticated ambience. Deep navy blues, charcoal greys, and even true blacks are being used to saturate entire rooms, allowing furniture and decorative accents to stand out in sharp contrast—much like the effect of pure white walls. These moody hues work especially well in spaces flooded with natural light, preventing the room from feeling oppressive. To enhance the effect, consider pairing dark walls with richly coloured furnishings and terrazzo accents for a contemporary, luxurious finish.

The Return of Curvaceous Soft Furnishings

Scandinavian-inspired minimalist sofas with clean, boxy lines have long dominated modern urban interiors. However, soft, rounded seating is making a vibrant comeback.

Originally popularised in the 1960s and often dismissed as overly indulgent, curvy sofas and sectionals are once again in vogue. Available in an array of materials and colours, these pieces truly shine in lush jewel-toned velvets or soft chenilles. Incorporating a curved sofa into your living space can soften stark modern lines, offering visual contrast against minimalist décor. For those with a bolder design approach, pairing curvaceous furniture with retro accents creates a playful, nostalgic vibe that is fast becoming a hallmark of modern city design.

Terrazzo: A Classic Reimagined

Terrazzo—a composite material blending marble, granite, quartz, and glass fragments—dates back to Roman times. Traditionally subdued in tone, today’s terrazzo takes inspiration from mid-century designs, featuring vibrant, playful colour combinations reminiscent of confetti.

Thanks to its resilience, terrazzo is ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, and high-traffic areas, adding texture and dimension to floors, countertops, and backsplashes. Its wide spectrum of available colours makes it one of the most versatile materials in contemporary design. Even if a full renovation isn’t feasible, terrazzo patterns are increasingly appearing on accessories such as lampshades, hardware, wallpaper, and even seating—allowing renters and homeowners alike to embrace this trend without committing to a major overhaul.

Statement Ceilings: The Overlooked Canvas

In many modern interiors, the ceiling remains an untapped opportunity for creative expression. Treating the ceiling as an extension of your design scheme can dramatically transform a space.

Bold ceiling treatments, such as striking paint colours, patterned wallpapers, lacquer finishes, ornate mouldings, or stencilled designs, can add a spectacular focal point to an otherwise simple room. When designing your ceiling, consider the interplay with lighting fixtures and adjacent walls to maintain visual harmony. While a bold geometric ceiling pattern can provide a striking contrast in a minimal space, adding such drama to an already busy room may risk visual overload.

Incorporating Timeless Décor Elements

Design trends may come and go, but certain pieces maintain their appeal for decades. MOVA Globes exemplify timeless design with a modern twist, offering urbanites sophisticated décor that transcends fleeting fads. Blending the ancient craft of globe-making with cutting-edge magnetic and solar technology, MOVA Globes gently rotate without visible power sources, creating a captivating kinetic display. Available in a variety of designs, these elegant globes integrate effortlessly into any interior, adding a touch of movement and sophistication to contemporary urban living spaces.