The Most Trending Interior Finishes in Multifamily Amenity Spaces (2025 Edition)
In 2025, apartment living is more about lifestyle than ever before. Amenity spaces in multifamily communities have evolved from basic lounges into thoughtfully designed extensions of residents’ homes. But what exactly is trending in finishes right now? We answer the top questions below—along with the stats that prove the design shift is more than a trend; it’s an expectation.
Q: What are the most popular materials being used in 2025 amenity spaces?
A: Natural, tactile, and sustainable materials are leading the way.
- Textured woods, especially white oak and walnut, are dominating walls, ceilings, and furniture.
- Microcement and Venetian plaster are gaining traction for their seamless, sculptural effect.
- Terrazzo has made a major comeback—with custom colors and large aggregates adding visual interest to bar tops and flooring.
- Fluted finishes (on everything from millwork to planters) remain hot, adding shadow and texture.
📊 According to the 2025 Multifamily Design Report by NMHC, 74% of developers said they were prioritizing natural materials in common areas to appeal to millennial and Gen Z renters.
Q: What about color trends? Are we still seeing neutrals or something bolder?
A: Warm, grounded neutrals are the base—but with a twist of bold, earthy color.
- Beige is out. Sandstone, clay, and mushroom tones are in.
- Pops of deep olive green, burnt sienna, and ochre yellow are being used to energize spaces like co-working lounges and fitness centers.
- Color-drenched rooms are emerging as statement amenities (think moody blue screening rooms or rust-toned libraries).
🎨 Paint manufacturer forecasts show a 38% increase in deep earth tone color orders for commercial interiors between 2023–2025 (Sherwin-Williams Commercial Design Trends Report).
Q: Are people still into the “industrial” look?
A: Industrial has evolved into what many are calling “Soft Industrial.”
- Instead of exposed ductwork and concrete everything, designers are blending industrial silhouettes with warm finishes.
- Think matte black fixtures paired with creamy plaster walls or raw concrete floors softened with boucle-upholstered furniture.
🔧 Only 22% of multifamily projects in 2025 are described as “true industrial” vs. 64% described as “transitional or soft industrial” (2025 DesignLens Market Pulse).
Q: What finishes are trending in wellness and fitness amenities?
A: The wellness wave has brought in spa-inspired finishes and biophilic design.
- Steam rooms and infrared saunas now feature slatted cedar walls, poured resin benches, and backlit Himalayan salt panels.
- Fitness areas are moving toward acoustic felt panels, natural rubber flooring, and ambient lighting zones.
- Indoor-outdoor transitions are emphasized with oversized sliding glass doors, living walls, and stone garden features.
🌿 86% of renters say wellness amenities influence their decision to lease, especially if they feature natural materials and greenery (Zillow Renter Sentiment Survey, Jan 2025).
Q: How are technology and finishes blending in 2025?
A: Tech is being hidden, integrated—and designed beautifully.
- Touch-free entry systems are disguised with minimalist black matte panels.
- Charging stations and smart lockers are built into custom millwork in mail lounges.
- Acoustic paneling with embedded speakers and LED lighting hidden in architectural elements are more common than ever.
🔌 The demand for integrated tech solutions in multifamily amenity design rose 47% YoY in 2024, with aesthetics being the primary concern for developers (CBRE Smart Amenities Report)
Q: Any standout finishes that feel “very 2025”?
A: Absolutely. Here are a few unique ones making waves:
- Tinted mirror finishes in smoky bronze or copper—used in elevator lobbies and fitness walls.
- Kinetic lighting features that mimic circadian rhythms.
- Eco-resin panels made from recycled ocean plastic.
- Color-shifting tiles in pool areas and spas that respond to temperature or touch.
💡 Design pros report a 3x increase in requests for “interactive” or “multi-sensory” materials in new-build amenity spaces (Interior Design Magazine, Q1 2025).
The multifamily market in 2025 is defined by finishes that are beautiful, intentional, and deeply connected to how people live. From sculptural lighting to sustainable textures, design choices in amenity spaces are a direct reflection of lifestyle branding.
Whether you’re designing for Gen Z, Millennials, or even Boomers downsizing into luxury rentals—interior finishes are no longer just background. They’re the experience.