As we welcome 2025, the multi-residential design landscape in Brisbane is evolving faster than ever. The city’s unique blend of subtropical living, urban sophistication, and a growing focus on sustainability is shaping the future of how we design and inhabit spaces. At Ivory Collective, we’re constantly looking ahead to bring the best of these trends into our projects. Here’s our take on what’s IN and OUT this year.
What’s IN:
1. Eco-Luxe Living: Sustainability is no longer a buzzword—it’s a baseline expectation. Developments are embracing eco-friendly initiatives with a luxe twist: rooftop solar gardens, rainwater harvesting systems, and recycled materials that look as premium as they feel. Brisbane’s sunshine is being harnessed not just for energy but for lifestyle, and research shows that green-certified buildings not only attract buyers but also enhance property values (Green Building Council of Australia, 2023).

2. The Warm Minimalist Revival: The sterile whites and greys of the past are giving way to warm, inviting neutrals. Textured plaster walls, soft timbers, and earthy tones create spaces that feel sophisticated yet approachable. This trend aligns perfectly with the Brisbane lifestyle, blending indoor and outdoor living seamlessly while maintaining a sense of calm and intimacy.
3. Work-From-(Almost)-Home Spaces: With hybrid work here to stay, developers are innovating with communal co-working areas that offer the convenience of home without the distractions. Expect beautifully designed workspaces with ergonomic furniture, natural lighting, and just enough distance from the kitchen to avoid another snack break. According to CBRE (2024), 63% of residents now seek developments with dedicated work-from-home spaces, reflecting this shift in priorities.

4. Wellness Amenities: Brisbane buyers are seeking more than just a place to live—they want spaces that promote health and well-being. Infrared saunas, yoga decks, and meditation gardens are becoming standard features. These additions not only enhance the resident experience but also reflect a deeper understanding of holistic living.
5. Boutique Over Bulk: Gone are the days of oversized, impersonal high-rises. Smaller, boutique-scale developments with fewer units are gaining traction. Buyers are drawn to the sense of exclusivity and thoughtful design that boutique projects offer—something we at Ivory Collective prioritise in every project we undertake.
6. Design With a Conscience: Modern buyers and renters value more than just aesthetics; they want spaces designed with the end user in mind. This means creating homes that are functional, comfortable, and foster a sense of community. From optimising natural light to planning shared spaces for interaction, the focus is on enhancing the everyday experience for residents.
What’s OUT:
1. Overcrowded Skyrises: Brisbane’s skyline may be growing, but the appetite for oversized high-rises is shrinking. Residents are seeking developments that feel human-scaled and connected to their surroundings, rather than towering monoliths that isolate them from the street below.
2. Excessive Grey Tones: Grey has overstayed its welcome. While it had its moment in creating sleek, modern interiors, the pendulum has swung back toward colour and warmth. Think creamy whites, muted greens, and warm taupes—tones that feel alive and enduring.

3. Fitness ‘Afterthought’ Gyms: Fitness spaces tucked into dark corners or repurposed storage rooms? Not anymore. Developments that fail to provide well-designed, fully equipped fitness facilities are losing appeal in a market where wellness is non-negotiable.
4. Generic Kitchens: The kitchen is the heart of the home, and Brisbane buyers are demanding designs that reflect this. From bespoke cabinetry to integrated appliances and statement lighting, the cookie-cutter kitchen is being replaced with spaces that feel intentional and crafted for modern living.
5. The Race to the Bottom: Cost-cutting may save dollars in the short term, but it’s a surefire way to lose buyers in a competitive market. Quality and attention to detail are what set successful developments apart.
6. Siloed Living: Brisbane developments are embracing a community-first mindset. Gone are the days of isolating residents in standalone units. Shared spaces like communal gardens, outdoor kitchens, and co-living lounges are fostering connection and creating vibrant micro-neighbourhoods.
Looking Ahead
At Ivory Collective, our mission is to design spaces that elevate lives—beautifully blending form, function, and foresight. As these trends shape 2025, we’re excited to continue delivering inspired design and flawless delivery to Brisbane’s multi-residential projects.
Whether you're a developer looking to create standout properties or a resident seeking a home that feels like more than just four walls, these trends reflect the changing needs and aspirations of Brisbane’s evolving community.
Written by Sarah Porter - Founder at Ivory Collective
Sources:
ArchDaily (2024). Interior Design Trends for 2025.
Aria Property Group. (2024). Urban Forest: The world’s greenest apartments. Retrieved from https://www.realestate.com.au/news/developer-wins-approval-for-worlds-greenest-apartments/
CBRE (2024). 2024 Residential Market Trends.
Green Building Council of Australia (2023). The Value of Green Buildings.
Never Too Small. (2023). Slow Down Apartment, Brisbane: Modern co-working integration. Retrieved from https://www.nevertoosmall.com/post/slow-down-apartment-brisbane
Samantha Leigh. (2024). New Farm Residence featuring warm minimalist design. Retrieved from https://thelocalproject.com.au/articles/new-farm-residence-by-samantha-leigh-interiors-project-feature-the-local-project/attachment/new-farm-residence-by-samantha-leigh-interiors-project-feature-the-local-project-image-2/?parent=333514
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