Listening
Unlocking Word Meanings
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
- minimalism / ˈmɪn ə məˌlɪz əm / (n.) – a style of art, design, etc. that uses very simple ideas and basic elements
Example:Many people like minimalism because it gives their homes a clean, simple look and makes them easy to clean.
- exuberance / ɪgˈzu bər əns / (n.) – a state that is full of energy, happiness, enthusiasm, and excitement
Example:The brightly colored curtains brought exuberance to the room.
- curate / ˈkyʊər eɪt / (v.) – to choose and arrange items to be shown in an exhibition or show
Example:They only curate the best artworks in the museum.
- opulence / ˈɒp yə ləns / (n.) – the characteristic of being expensive
Example:Because of its opulence, the restaurant became a favorite for rich diners.
- posh / pɒʃ / (adj.) – (of places and things) expensive, of high quality, and appears to be used or owned by rich people
Example:His apartment is very posh, with modern furniture and appliances with AI technology.
Article
Read the text below.
Minimalism is out for 2025, and exuberance is in, according to top interior designers. People looking to improve their homes and gardens are increasingly wanting something “posher” and more high-tech according to style gurus at the Ideal Home Show in London.
The Ideal Home Show is the UK’s largest interior design show and has been setting trends since 1908.
Each year, interior designers curate the Ideal Home at the show, packing this show home with the latest trends and technology to inspire visitors. The home features typical rooms found in every home—including a living room, kitchen, bedroom and bathroom—all packed with design flourishes.
And for 2025, minimalism is dead, and interior designer Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen, known for his love of color and pattern, could not be happier. Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen says, “It’s this extraordinary moment where it feels like the whole planet is crawling out from underneath the gray rock under which it has been imprisoned for the last five or six years. Suddenly, it’s all about color. Suddenly, it’s all about pattern.”
Wallpapers and bedsheets are patterned with splashes of color, and design touches like the underlit marble kitchen island create an air of opulence.
Llewelyn-Bowen thinks it is a reaction to the cost-of-living crisis but also because people have been inspired by the box sets they have been bingeing on. He mentions popular TV series like The Gentlemen or Jilly Cooper’s Rivals as the major inspirations for home decor.
“It’s like people want something much more glamorous. Dare I say they want something that feels a little bit posh. They love the big scale wallpapers, they love the drinks tray,” he says.
So, is the era of less-is-more over? Of course, some people will still embrace minimalism in the home.
“Obviously, there will be people out there that are into Scandi-Japanese minimalism,” he says.
The Ideal Home Show ran at London’s Olympia from March 21 to April 6, 2025, and featured 600 brands.
This article was provided by The Associated Press.
Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.
Discussion A
- Minimalism is becoming less popular in 2025, with interior designers promoting more colorful styles. Why do you think people are moving away from minimalism? What do you think started this change (ex. personal preference, social trends)? Discuss.
- Which style do you prefer: minimalism or a glamorous look? Why? Why do you think some people prefer minimalism and others do not? Discuss.
Discussion B
- Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen believes that people want more glamorous home décor because of the cost-of-living crisis and the stylish homes they see on TV shows. Do you agree or disagree with Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen? Why? Why do you think some people try to design or arrange their homes in a glamorous way during difficult economic times? Discuss.
- Do you think trends are helpful, or do they create unnecessary stress for people since they would be pressured to follow them? Why? In designing your ideal home, would you focus on comfort, style, or usefulness? Why? Discuss.
