We continue to crave deliriously fascinating in-person experiences that touch us with Sensorial Surrealism. We wonder whether our home decor and wardrobe could be just as engaging. This trend deploys duality in textures, colors, and shapes (from hyper-colored ombrés to hypnotic marbleized patterns) to heighten our senses of touch and sight. A futuristic sense of craft pairs well with this trend, with silver metallic foils that mix with natural raffia for a handmade, but modernized touch. Sound and taste follow suit with listening bars positioned in the home so that you can experience the latest cutting-edge music drop and simultaneously focus on the nuances of, say, a cocktail. Or a special someone. Listening parties will become the new dinner party. Playing with scent is critical too, with individually curated diffusers, candles or room sprays.
As AI influence grows, this trend also gives the senses in our home a futuristic refresh. The optimistic side of using AI allows us to create immediate, customized, and novel designs, which gives the consumer the ability to transform their style continuously in response to ever-changing needs. This translates to dreamlike, Alice in Wonderland worlds as seen from AI artists like Joann (@joooo.ann) or Ruta Diallo (@ruta_diallo) that morph with surrealist nods from fashion brands like Schiaparelli.
Features of Sensorial Surrealism Decor and Fashion
The color palette here radiates with shifting values that change with the hours of the day, or the puzzling shadows and perspectives of futuristic methods. Jewel tones complement neon-rich highlighter colors for a strong duality that creates peaks and valleys in the overall color story. Soft peach and pale-yellow dance against bright lime green, while digital turquoise mingles with bold red in a sensorial, “Mad-Hatter” mix. Scents that evoke sensorial surrealism include pearlescent florals, absinthe, basil and lime, jasmine and orange blossom, salted watermelon, sparkling bergamot, and candied fruit. Motifs lean into AI-inspired futuristic or dreamlike patterns that inspire awe and imagination.
Sensorial Surrealism Decor and Fashion in 2025
Pittsburgh Glass Center
Penn/Fairmount Sway Vases are blown at the Pittsburgh Glass Center. They flow organically with ease and a graceful rhythm, and their color invites you to immerse yourself in luscious delight.
Brenda Friday Design
The Poldina Micro Rechargeable LED table lamp was designed by Federico de Majo for Zafferano America. Illuminate your dining table with its slender form (available in fourteen colors) because without a cord, there are no limits to where it can be deployed.
Weisshouse
Designed by Mario Bellini in 1977, the 413 Cab chair was designed as an answer to deep questions regarding the exact nature of the semantic meaning of furniture. The chair acts almost as an extension of the body. Its frame is made of tubular steel over which a stitched leather cover Handmade Moroccan has been stretched and fixed in place by four zips. A CAB chair is now part of the permanent collection at MoMA.
Pictured Above
- Vintage Brocade Fabric.
- Vintage Checkered Bottle and Italian Green Vase by Continuum Catalog.
- Vintage Chartreuse Edged Khaki Napkin (set of 4) by Continuum Catalog.
- Kapital Color Bandana in Light Green and Sunray Laniakea Crew Neck Sweatshirt in Fire Whirl from Vestis.
- Ombre Alpaca Potosi Throw from Weisshouse.
Ghislaine Vinas
Elle Decor A-List 2024 designer Ghislaine Viñas created a palette for use in a guest room or adjoining bathrooms. She began with a custom brown colorway of her “Mad Plaider” wallpaper with Wolf Gordon, used as a background here. “I didn’t really think chocolate brown would be intriguing ever again after its peak in the ’80s. However, it’s found a new place in my heart due to its depth and saturation. It’s moody and rich but pairs beautifully with other colors.” She loves how it pairs with dirty pastels and muted tones.
Her favorite item on the board is the Lucha Libre head she got up in Mexico City. “I love how unusual objects like this bring such personality and something outside of the norm to a space. My interiors are always full of little nods and winks meant to inspire joy.” One of the more inspiring objects is the green Kirk Van Der Kooij piece, made from recycled refrigerator materials. “There’s nothing more beautiful than recycling a material and giving it a second life.”
Pictured Above Clockwise From Top Left
- Viola Rosse Silk Tile by Porcelanosa.
- Handmade Moroccan Lemonade Pink Bejmat Terracotta Tile by Tiles of Lucca.
- Chubby Chair finish sample by Dirk Van Der Kooij.
- ENLACE Canvas by Aranda/Lasch for Trame.
- Knightsbridge Pull by Studio POA.
- Balocchi handle in Fern Green by Fantini.
- Matte chartreuse glaze sample by Entler.
- Mexican Lucha Libre Head (found).
- Sport by Patricia Urquiola for Kvadrat in color 0443.
- Concrete finish samples in Terra Cotta and Blush by Concretti.
- Shongololo rug designed by Ghislaine Viñas and fabricated by The Rug Company.
- Plus Hook in Clay by Goux Studio.
- Background: Mad Plaider wallcovering designed by Ghislaine Viñas and fabricated by Wolf Gordon.
Carabella
Knitwear designer Lisa Todd’s “anti-basic” basics are full of everyday delight. Wear them wherever and whenever, and you’ll find they elevate your mood with their comfort and color.
Ceramiche Stone and Tile
Elongated oval tiles give off a luxurious vibe. Their gleaming deep teal surfaces set our senses abuzz with an immersive and intense viewing experience. Take a dive into this color surrealism adventure.
Story by Stephen Treffinger, Abbey Cook and Keith Recker / Principal Photography by Dave Bryce / Principal Styling by Danny Mankin and Keith Recker
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