Picture this: interior designers are racing headlong into the future with artificial intelligence transforming how they create stunning spaces, but not everyone is cheering. A groundbreaking study from 1stDibs reveals that AI adoption among these creative professionals has exploded, tripling in just two years. And this is the part most people miss – it’s sparking a heated debate about whether machines can truly capture the soul of design. But let’s dive in and explore what this all means for the world of home interiors.
According to a comprehensive report put together by experts at Surveys & Forecasts and sponsored by the online design marketplace 1stDibs, the percentage of interior designers embracing AI tools surged dramatically in 2025. It jumped to 29 percent from a mere 9 percent back in 2023. For beginners wondering what this entails, think of AI as smart software that can generate ideas, visualize layouts, or even suggest color schemes – tools that speed up the creative process without the endless sketching by hand.
The momentum shows no signs of slowing down. Another 20 percent of designers have shared their plans to incorporate these technologies into their workflows soon, indicating a broader shift toward efficiency in a field that’s always been hands-on and personal.
As 1stDibs’ editorial director Anthony Barzilay Freund noted in a statement shared with WWD, the findings present an intriguing juxtaposition. ‘This year’s survey results also highlight a fascinating contrast: Designers are embracing the future by beginning to adopt AI tools for efficiency, while also looking back to vintage and antique furniture for inspiration and quality craftsmanship.’ It’s like blending cutting-edge tech with timeless artistry – a balance that could redefine modern design.
The study points to renderings and presentations as prime examples of where AI shines in design work. For instance, these tools can quickly produce realistic images of a room based on your inputs, saving hours of manual drawing time. Yet, despite this rapid growth, the report uncovers a significant divide: 24 percent of design professionals are vehemently opposed to using AI in their practices. But here’s where it gets controversial – is AI a helpful assistant or a threat to the irreplaceable human touch that makes each space unique? This ongoing discussion in creative industries begs the question: Can algorithms really understand the emotional resonance of a well-designed home?
Competition in the AI space for interior design is heating up, with developers pushing for tools that do more than just spit out pretty pictures. Take Havenly Brands, based in Denver and established in 2014, which recently announced Havenly AI. Founder Lee Mayer described it to WWD as an AI-powered design assistant boasting ‘genuine design expertise.’ Available via the Havenly iOS app, this chat-based platform crafts hyper-personalized, ready-to-shop designs that deliver professional-level outcomes, all in an instant.
Meanwhile, many designers are still tinkering with general-purpose AI like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Claude to streamline business operations. While these can create images, industry insiders caution that they lack true insight into spatial dynamics, aesthetic styles, or how folks actually inhabit their living spaces. It’s a bit like using a hammer for every job – effective sometimes, but not always the right fit.
The market is buzzing with innovation. In 2024, tennis star and entrepreneur Venus Williams teamed up with tech experts Raffi Holzer and Edward Lando to launch Palazzo, an AI-driven platform that offers instant room makeovers and visual aids. That same year, Paris-based startup Presti rolled out a tool integrating actual product photos into AI-generated room visuals, adding a layer of realism that’s hard to ignore.
Shifting gears to design trends, 1stDibs’ 2026 Interior Design Trends report identifies eclecticism and maximalism as leading styles – think mixing bold patterns and abundant decor for a lively, personalized vibe. Chocolate brown remains the go-to color for many designers in 2026, evoking warmth and sophistication. There’s also a growing fascination with collectibles from the 1920s to 1950s and pre-1920s antiques, while enthusiasm for 1970s aesthetics has faded. To illustrate, imagine blending a vintage Art Deco piece with modern maximalist flair for a room that’s both nostalgic and fresh.
On a broader scale, economic factors are making waves. Tariff discussions dominated the landscape, with a whopping 92 percent of designers reporting that the tariffs implemented in 2025 have directly affected their operations – from higher material costs to supply chain hiccups.
So, where do you stand on this AI revolution in design? Do you think it enhances creativity or diminishes the magic of human intuition? Some argue AI democratizes design, making it accessible to everyone, while others worry it could homogenize our homes. Share your thoughts in the comments – are you excited, skeptical, or somewhere in between? We’d love to hear your take and spark a conversation!