2025’s design trends are everywhere, and while they look great, they risk blending into the crowd if used without a unique twist. Let’s break down this year’s favorites and how to make them your own.
Bento Layouts
Bento layouts are the go-to for clean, modular designs. They’re intuitive and device-friendly, but they’re everywhere. Want yours to stand out? Add some asymmetry or playful layering to bring personality to the grid.
Gradient Glows
Neon-like gradient glows are vibrant and modern—until they’re overdone. Keep it subtle. Use them to highlight key elements or set the mood instead of letting them take over the whole design.
Monospaced Fonts
Monospaced fonts are having a moment. They’re precise and minimal but can feel one-note. Pair them with bold sans-serifs or elegant serifs for contrast and a fresh typographic vibe.
Instrument Serifs
These sharp, detailed serif fonts scream sophistication. They’re perfect for branding or big headlines, but they lose their magic in small sizes. Use them where their details can shine.
The Problem with Playing It Safe
Raycast’s latest design nails the current trends: Bento layouts, gradient glows, monospaced fonts, and instrument serifs. It’s stunning, but I’ve seen this style a hundred times this year. Following trends without pushing boundaries makes designs forgettable.
Make Trends Work for You
Trends are tools, not templates. Ask yourself:
- Does this fit the brand’s voice?
- How can I make it uniquely mine?
- What story am I telling here?
The best designs reinterpret trends. Combine them with unexpected elements, focus on storytelling, and don’t shy away from creating custom visuals. That’s how you stand out in 2025.
