As shocking as it may be, we are officially in the year 2025!
The Cliff Notes team hopes that our readers are ready to kick off the new year with fresh inspiration for your brand and design. To help you get a start on that and just as we did last year when we launched the blog we’ve collected a list of trends we believe will be making a big splash in the New Year. Read on to learn about the specifics of these trends and see real-world examples. Cheers to 2025 and all the beautiful design and development yet to be created!
Trend #1 Minimalist Maximalism
We’ve officially hit the halfway mark of the 2020s, and that means that design is ready to leave behind the calm minimalism of the 2010s and trade it in for the bold structure of Minimalist Maximalism.
Defined
Take minimalism’s thoughtful usage of object and color and fuse it with maximalism’s bold collection of color and type to create this 2025 trend. Minimalist maximalism pieces together a bold color and font with a thoughtful layout that emphasizes a brand’s messaging while leaving out extraneous elements.
Is your brand ready for an ultra-modern look? Do you want your product to be the main attraction? Then this trending style might be perfect for you!
Designed

Source: Filterworld Book Cover

Source: Slather SPF Website

Source: Maazah Packaging

Source: Prose Social Post
Trend #2 Geometric Shape & Pattern
The art movements of the mid-20th century are always on trend in some way and as we move into 2025 we see them keeping their place as a style mainstay. Modernized with clever color combinations and playful fonts for Geometric Shape & Pattern.
Defined
Take the cleanly lined geometric shapes inspired by mid-century art movements, add complexity by repetition or combining with different shapes, and use bright colors. Pairing with a playful or serif font makes this truly modern but this style also compliments mid-century bold san-serifs beautifully. With so many options this style has nearly endless possibilities for any brand.
Is your brand in need of something fun to complement dense information? Does your current style not have enough flexibility? Then this trending style might be perfect for you!
Designed

Source: Bombas Holiday Packaging

Source: Nod Coding Bootcamp Website

Source: Thrive Market Packaging

Source: NEEO Social Post
Trend #3 Textural Styling
In an increasingly sterile world of tech-centered design, the minimalist cleanliness of the 2010s is left behind in favor of the nostalgic, imperfect look of added Textural Styling.
Defined
Take the thoughtful layout of modern print and web design and add personality with grain, distortion, smudges, and imprint textures. This style can give any brand looking to connect with its audience on a more personal level a human touch.
Is your brand looking to bring some personality to minimalist design? Do you want to bring a hint of nostalgia to your branding? Then this trending style might be perfect for you!
Designed

Source: Model Home Book Cover

Source: Adobe Max Website

Source: The First Omen Poster

Source: Kin Euphorics Social Post
What Now?
The start of a new year is a great time to consider all aspects of your branding and development. Now could be the perfect time to bring your brand into the modern era with a refresh or perhaps you want to use one of these trending styles for an ad campaign or social media series.
Need help deciding what is right for your brand?
These Cliff Notes posts will give you a refresher on the basics of what your brand needs.