December invites us to pause and look back at the moments that defined architecture and cities in 2025. Reflection is not only an act of memory, but of foresight - a way to understand where we've been in order to imagine where we might go next. From shifting cultural narratives to material and technological breakthroughs, this past year underscored the importance of experimentation and adaptation across the built environment.
Such is the case with a popular kitchen design choice from the '80s that is seeing a comeback today. Wood paneling is a decorative wall covering that can be made from solid or engineered wood panels, or a laminate or vinyl material designed to look like wood. It was originally used in European homes in Medieval times to insulate rooms in homes that were built from stone.
Every now and then, a new animal climbs to the top of the proverbial interior design "food chain" ( animalcore, anyone?). For years, it's been all about leopards, but now, sheep seem to be the design world's newest fauna fixation. AT's executive home director, Danielle Blundell, even bought a sheep piece for her home recently! And it makes sense: Sheep's fluffy woolen coats and barnyard aesthetic evoke the outdoorsy, cottagecore coziness we tend to gravitate toward this time of year.
