HOSPITALITY INTERIOR DESIGNERS SYDNEY

Fit-Out Interior Design Trends in Australia for 2025

Modern wine cellar with bottles on display, elegant seating area, and overhead chandeliers. Club interior design.
Modern interior with a black marble table, gold candle holder, brown leather couch, and upholstered chair.
Exterior of a coffee shop with a large sign that reads 'EXPAT.' in a modern font. The interior is visible through large windows, showing hanging clothing or aprons and barista equipment. The shop has a contemporary design with dark colors.
Modern cafe interior with wooden stools, marble counter, and wall plants.
Modern cafe interior with plants and wicker lighting

What’s new in interior design for Australian retail, hospitality, offices, and homes?

As we step into 2025, Australia’s fit-out interior design industry is seeing a major shift driven by sustainability, hybrid work culture, and consumer demand for immersive experiences. Whether it’s a retail store, restaurant, office, or home, interior spaces are evolving to be more flexible, functional, and environmentally conscious.

 

To get expert insights, Rebecca Vulic Design Director from X + O, a highly awarded international designer who has worked with some of the world’s biggest brands, including Kate Spade and Jurlique, provides what is trending in Australian fit-outs this year.

 

Retail Fit-Outs: Creating Destinations, Not Just Stores

 

Question: Have you noticed any changes in Australian retail interior design?

 

Rebecca Vulic X+O Absolutely. With the rise of online shopping, brick-and-mortar stores in Australia need to offer more than just products—they need to provide an experience that draws customers in.

 

Key Retail Fit-Out Trends for 2025:

In-Store Experiences Over Transactions – Retailers are focusing on interactive spaces, offering workshops, product demos, and in-store events to create real-world engagement.

Pop-Up & Modular Spaces – Flexible, reconfigurable shop layouts allow brands to quickly adapt to trends and seasonal changes.

Sustainable Materials – Retailers are opting for recycled timbers, low-VOC paints, and energy-efficient lighting to meet Australian sustainability standards.

Hybrid Shopping Integration – More stores are blending physical and digital with QR codes, AI-powered recommendations, and self-checkout zones.

 

Australia’s major shopping districts, from Melbourne’s Bourke Street to Sydney’s Pitt Street Mall, are already seeing this shift, with brands investing in phygital (physical + digital) retail experiences.

 

Hospitality Fit-Outs: Australian Venues Embrace Outdoor & Multi-Use Spaces

 

Question: Are hospitality fit-out trends in Australia similar to retail?

 

Rebecca Vulic X + O: Not exactly. While engagement is key in both sectors, Australian hospitality spaces are adapting to warmer climates and changing dining behaviors.

 

Key Hospitality Fit-Out Trends for 2025:

Indoor-Outdoor Dining is a Must – Restaurants and cafés are investing in alfresco spaces, retractable walls, and shaded courtyards to capitalise on Australia’s outdoor dining culture.

Multi-Purpose Venues – Spaces that shift from morning cafés to evening wine bars are becoming more popular, maximising venue use.

More Natural Elements – Stone benchtops, recycled timber furniture, and greenery walls create inviting, biophilic designs.

Acoustic Design for Open Spaces – Australian restaurants are improving noise control with acoustic panels, sound-absorbing fabrics, and hush glass.

 

In Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney, new hospitality venues are integrating adaptive layouts to accommodate both casual walk-ins and premium experiences.

 

Office Fit-Outs: The Hybrid Work Revolution in Australia

 

Questions: How are office fit-outs evolving in 2025?

 

Rebecca Vulic X + O: The shift to hybrid work is here to stay in Australia. Companies are reconfiguring offices to accommodate a mix of in-office collaboration and remote work flexibility.

 

Key Office Fit-Out Trends for 2025:

Smaller Workspaces, Bigger Collaboration Zones – Many Australian companies are downsizing traditional desk areas in favour of spacious meeting rooms, casual lounges, and co-working desks.

Wellness & Productivity Design – Expect to see better air filtration, biophilic design, ergonomic workstations, and quiet zones to improve workplace well-being.

Soundproofing is Essential – Offices are investing in high-performance acoustic glass (like hush glass alternatives), sound-absorbing partitions, and private phone booths.

AI-Powered Workspaces – Australian offices are integrating AI-controlled lighting, smart climate systems, and digital desk booking platforms.

 

Major Australian cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane are already seeing co-working hubs and flexible office spaces become the new normal.

 

Residential Interiors: Smart & Sustainable Homes

 

Question: Are home interiors changing too?

 

Rebecca Vulic X + O: Absolutely. The rise of remote work, sustainability awareness, and smart home tech is reshaping Australian home design.

 

Key Residential Fit-Out Trends for 2025:

Dedicated Home Office Spaces – Work-from-home is now standard, and soundproofing, ergonomic desks, and multi-use study nooks are must-haves.

Sustainable & Off-Grid Living – Homeowners are investing in solar panels, rainwater harvesting, and passive cooling to combat rising energy costs.

Smart Homes are the Future – Voice-activated lighting, AI-powered climate control, and security automation are becoming standard.

Natural Aesthetic Revival – Expect warm timbers, clay tones, and tactile materials to dominate Australian interiors.

From coastal homes in Byron Bay to urban apartments in Melbourne, smart, sustainable, and multi-functional design is shaping the Australian residential sector.

Australian Colour & Material Trends for 2025

Colours: Earthy Greens & Blues – Inspired by Australia’s natural landscapes, shades like olive green, eucalyptus, and deep ocean blue are trending.
Warm Neutrals – Soft clay, sandstone, and warm beige tones create a grounded, inviting aesthetic.
Pops of Burnt Orange & Rust – Adding vibrancy while keeping a natural, organic feel.

 

Materials: Reclaimed Timber – Sustainably sourced spotted gum, blackbutt, and recycled hardwoods are in high demand.
Stone & Concrete – Terrazzo, marble, and polished concrete add texture and durability.
Tactile Finishes – Think brushed metals, wool textiles, and textured ceramics for a multi-dimensional interior.

X+O: Designing for Australia’s Future

At X+O, we don’t just follow trends—we create functional, forward-thinking spaces tailored to our clients' needs. Whether it’s a high-end retail fit-out, a hospitality venue, or a modern workplace, we ensure every project is designed for longevity, usability, and sustainability.

Let’s Create Your New Space 

Want to explore how these Australian fit-out interior design trends could work for your project?

Get in touch with X+O today. Let’s design a space that works for you—in 2025 and beyond.

 

HOSPITALITY PROJECTS

Cocktail Bar

Expat Roasters Surabaya

The Markets Club

 

TESTIMONIALS

  • Bryce Alton, CEO Nudie Jeans Co. Pty Ltd AUNZ

    We have finally found a partner that understands the brand and willing to work towards a common goal of creating design masterpieces that represent the brand. The team at X+O works tirelessly towards deadlines and at a fun capacity that breeds progression. The communication is clear throughout the design process right through to the invoicing stage. The overall process allows the customer ideas to come to life in an architectural capacity that translates into working drawings followed by physical manifestation.

  • Michael O'Connell COO/ Co-Owner Hairhouse

    The Hairhouse team had the privilege of collaborating with Rebecca and the X+O team on the ideation and design of our next generation flagship store concept at Chadstone in Melbourne.

    The X+O team brought a knowledge and insight of the ever-changing retail trends that enabled us to create a retail space beyond anything we had previously imagined.

    We are so thankful for the passion and commitment they had for this significant project and could not have asked for better partners on this journey.

  • Simon Cook, CEO, Holman Barnes Group

    A long term consultant to Wests Ashfield Leagues Club, X+O has successfully delivered multiple projects across the club including design, coordination, collaboration, FFE and project management of area including; The Garden F+B precinct (a collaboration), Design and Project Management of the new Sports Lounge, Reception, Function Room, multiple Cafes, Gaming and Bathrooms. X+O managed the consultants, and budgets- which involved multiple millions of dollars across the entire portfolio of works. The various areas appeal to different members and guests and the nuances of each of these individuals was met in each space. I recommend X+O to any organisation that is looking for both breadth and depth of capability for design, execution and project management. X+O has the experience, and skills to cultivate and maintain long-lasting relationships with their partners and clients.

  • Axel Winton, Store Development Manager, Totally Workwear

    Over the past few years, we've had the pleasure of collaborating with Rebecca and the X+O team on an extensive brand refresh project. Right from the start, Bec and her team became an indispensable part of our brand's evolution, investing months of dedicated effort. Over the course of the learning phase, Bec joined us in visiting each store across the country, to truly grasp the essence of our business and connect with our operators, delving into what sets our brand apart.

    Drawing from this now deep understanding, we embarked on a collaborative journey creating amazing store designs, always mindful of preserving our brand's unique DNA. Working with the X+O team was not only productive but also immensely enjoyable, and I eagerly anticipate our continued partnership in the future.

  • Leah Evans, Store Development Manager Hairhouse

    It has been an absolute pleasure to collaborate with Rebecca and her team on our next generation store design. When choosing a new design agency it was vital for us to work with a company that understood customer behaviours, visual merchandising and retail trends.  Rebecca took the brief and developed it further with customer research which added insights that has underpinned our strategic approach to elevate our customer engagement. Rebecca and her team’s retail knowledge and design expertise has brought to life our vision to reinforce our new brand identity and USP’s.

     We are extremely grateful for our fresh, new modern take on the Hairhouse brand and we can’t wait to see the new design and retail initiatives roll out into the marketplace.

  • Philip Vrljic, Director Thynk Group

    I found Rebecca and her team dynamic and the leaders in their design field. I appreciate the extra time taken to understand the brief, and then executing at a high level with great efficiency. I loved the outcome. Would highly recommend X+O.

  • Shae Macnamara, Founder Expat. Roasters (APAC)

    We have partnered with X+O on multiple projects over the past 7 years and couldn’t be happier with the quality and professionalism that Rebecca and her team. Constantly deliver. I look forward to partnering with the X+O team on future projects.

Tell us about your project

 

Client Enquiries
Mate Vulic | Director
E: hello@xpluso.co