What New 2025 Legislation Means for Interior Design Projects

17 Apr What New 2025 Legislation Means for Interior Design Projects

As we move into 2025, changes in UK legislation are bringing fresh challenges—and opportunities—for the interior design and construction industries. Whether you’re planning a residential renovation, a commercial fit-out, or a large-scale development, understanding how these updates affect your project is key.

At H1 Interiors, we’ve been keeping a close eye on the new regulations, so we can help our clients stay compliant, confident, and one step ahead.

1.

Sustainable Building Requirements Just Got Stricter

The government’s updated Sustainable Design and Construction Framework now applies to all commercial interiors over 250m² and residential renovations receiving public funding.

What’s changed?

• Projects must meet higher energy efficiency standards for materials and systems.

• Interior finishes—like flooring, paints, and textiles—must now meet low-VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) thresholds.

• A minimum percentage of recycled or repurposed materials must be used in larger projects.

How H1 is responding:

We’re sourcing more low-impact and circular materials than ever, and working with suppliers who are transparent about their carbon footprint. We’ll guide you through all the necessary choices to meet (and exceed) the standards—without compromising on style.

2.

New Fire Safety Compliance for Interior Fit-Outs

Following continued developments post-Grenfell, fire safety regulations for interiors—particularly in mixed-use and multi-residential buildings—have tightened.

Key points:

• Wall coverings, ceiling panels, and upholstery now require stricter fire performance certification.

• Designers and contractors must submit detailed fire safety specifications as part of planning for certain building types.

• Greater liability on designers to ensure compliance across the supply chain.

How this affects you:

It’s more important than ever to use approved materials—and work with a team that understands the compliance landscape. We handle certification, specification, and work closely with building control teams to ensure your project runs smoothly.

3.

The Right to Repair & Refurbish

New in 2025, the Right to Repair and Refurbish Act aims to reduce construction waste by incentivising repair and reuse over replacement.

What this means for interior design:

• Projects may qualify for tax relief or grants when they prioritise restoring existing elements—like joinery, architectural features, or furnishings.

• Contractors must assess reusability before demolition or strip-out.

What H1 is doing:

We love breathing new life into old spaces. Whether it’s restoring original floors or repurposing materials in clever ways, we’ll help you make sustainable choices—and potentially save money too.

Final Thoughts: Change is an Opportunity

While new legislation can seem daunting, it’s ultimately a good thing—it raises the bar for safety, sustainability, and responsibility in our industry. At H1 Interiors, we’re fully equipped to guide our clients through every stage, ensuring your project not only looks great, but is future-ready and fully compliant.

If you’re planning a project this year and want to make sure you’re up to date, get in touch—we’d love to chat.

Need expert advice on a compliant interior design project?

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