When we look at the timeline, the evolution in the way spaces are defined and filled (more or less) is noticeable, reflecting changes in human behavior and in what is valued at each moment. In an interview with idealista/news, Catawiki’s Director of Interiors, Anna Denise Floor, presented arguments that confirm this, particularly regarding decoration trends that, inspired by the past and looking toward the future, now aim to give each home its own identity. “Interiors have become a form of self-expression rather than just decoration,” she confirms and explains why.
Noting that today’s audience “looks for pieces with character, history and identity,” the specialist reveals that “unique design, limited production and craftsmanship are far more important.” As for younger generations, besides rare and functional pieces, they are showing “an increasing interest in antiques, mainly driven by sustainability and the individuality of unique, historical and handmade objects,” she explains.
Much of this knowledge shared by Anna Denise Floor, as Catawiki’s spokesperson, results from the experience gained by the online auction platform throughout its 18 years of existence. Headquartered in Amsterdam and currently operating in 60 countries, including Portugal, the activity of this international intermediary for special objects has been marked by changes in consumption patterns over the years. These shifts help take the pulse of the market and identify directions, particularly when it comes to interior design and decoration.
We also wanted to learn more about how this marketplace works, which hosts more than 600 auctions per week across different categories — from collectibles to art, design, jewelry, watches, classic cars and much more — as well as how Portuguese audiences have been embracing this type of commerce. Here are the answers.
Functional, but above all with personality: what has changed in interior design?
Saying goodbye to personality-less environments and embracing combinations of different eras
What are the current decoration trends in terms of style and color?
Rare pieces: more than the price, the importance lies in the value they carry
What is the rarest interior item ever sold on the platform?
Inside Catawiki: how the validation and authenticity process works
What leads a piece to be rejected?
Security policy and customer support: Catawiki acts as an intermediary
But what happens when there are problems during transport?
Portugal is one of Catawiki’s fastest-growing markets
Functional, but above all with personality: what has changed in interior design?
The pandemic pushed us into our homes, and many Portuguese people still work from there today in a hybrid regime or full-time remote work. What used to be the place we returned to at the end of the day has become the place where we now spend most of our time.
As a result, people have had plenty of time to carefully analyze the rooms around them, and comfort now requires that decoration reflects the personality and individual style of those who live there, points out Anna Denise Floor.
The specialist’s analysis is based on information drawn from the marketplace’s own activity. By operating in a real-time auction environment, Catawiki is able to have an immediate view of which aesthetics, designers and categories appeal most to consumers.
“The focus of demand has shifted from ‘filling a space’ to ‘defining a space’.”
In practice, unlike buyers in the past — who focused on practicality and price — today’s audience has a more emotional and expressive approach, pushing minimalism out of fashion and searching for a personal style that is fused, eclectic and sustainable, reveals the spokesperson, who coordinates a team of more than 45 specialists.
But it was not only the pandemic that left its mark on consumption habits. Even before 2019, changes were already gaining momentum, with social media also dominating trends and influencing decoration choices.
Saying goodbye to personality-less environments and embracing combinations of different eras
In topics, the specialist listed the main changes in interior decoration, all with one foot in the past and the other in the present. And forget the idea that younger consumers are immune to them.
Rejection of “catalogue homes”: people want distance from environments that match a perfectly curated aesthetic.
Combination of eras, styles and prices: following the previous point, buyers today mix contemporary pieces with striking vintage pieces.
When selecting auctions and special collections, Catawiki often demonstrates, for example, how a post-modern lamp can energize a minimalist space or how an antique ceramic piece can add depth to a contemporary interior.
Consumers appreciate this because, according to the spokesperson, they look for tips and inspiration on how to combine vintage, antique and more recent pieces into a coherent but deeply personal space.
People invest in standout objects: the director of the interiors segment also highlighted that there is growing demand for bold lighting, sculptural objects, large-scale artworks and collectible design.
“These are items that spark conversation and allow buyers to express their personality and individual style at home,” she explained.
Sustainability is prioritized: according to Anna, buyers have increasingly made conscious choices, also attracted by the quality of production found in many older pieces.
“For many, second-hand is not a second option — it’s a smarter choice,” she emphasized.
The specialist also noted an increase in the number of young buyers interested in antiques, mainly motivated by the sustainability and individuality of unique, historical and handmade objects.
Rare pieces are also functional pieces: “A rare ceramic vase, a lamp by a renowned designer or a limited-edition mirror can be both functional and worthy of investment,” she noted.
What are the current decoration trends in terms of style and color?
Things should be called by their name, and when asked about the styles currently dominating decoration, the expert pointed in several directions, but with a common denominator.
Cottage style / natural materials: there is continued interest in rustic and handcrafted objects made from wood, ceramics and traditional textiles, linked to a historical, lived-in interior aesthetic.
Dopamine decorations: at the same time, the “dopamine decorations” movement has been gaining ground, where interiors are adorned with bold colors, playful shapes and expressive design to spark joy.
Floor explains that this trend often translates into striking vintage pieces, colorful ceramics, iconic mid-century objects and eccentric combinations that reflect personality and optimism.
Art Deco: 2025 marked the centenary of Art Deco, with increased demand for older pieces (pre-1925), especially glassware, bronze items and French ceramics.
Regency style and inspirations: the charm of Regency, Regency Modern and Hollywood Regency styles continues to be a strong trend, supported largely by media and period dramas that highlight elegant and decorative interiors.
Rare pieces: more than the price, the importance lies in the value they carry
It may sound like a cliché, but rare pieces are not found around every corner, which gives them a distinctive character.
At Catawiki auctions, these objects emerge as if they were ancient pieces once thought lost and no longer possible to acquire.
But the importance of an object is not tied to the price assigned to it because of its rarity, but rather to its meaning and its ability to transform a space.
“When an object is rare, has a story or is linked to a specific designer, period or limited production, people interact with it differently,” says Anna Denise Floor, also referring to a psychological dimension.
Furthermore, “they can define the tone of a room. They create contrast, tension and personality,” she emphasized.
“A sculptural lamp, a bold ceramic piece, a vintage design chair or a large artwork can mark a space and create a narrative. It conveys intention, showing that the space was carefully thought out rather than simply assembled.”
What is the rarest interior item ever sold on the platform?
This is not an easy question to answer, and the specialist admitted it. Not because of the price, but because they deal with “so many objects with exceptional origin and design,” she explained — accumulated over many years.
Still, she named a few examples, including the original Tiffany Studios “Oriental Poppy” floor lamp, sold in 2024.
“Authentic examples in good condition are extremely rare. Our specialists carried out extensive research and authentication, including an in-person inspection, before taking it to auction,” she said.
But “what made this one of our most romantic sales was the fact that it had been purchased at Tiffany & Co in New York. It was very special to send this piece back home after so many years — such an iconic piece of American design finding its way back across the Atlantic,” shared Anna Denise.
Inside Catawiki: how the validation and authenticity process works
We had a lot to ask about this world of auctions, and Catawiki’s Director of Interiors had a lot to say.
Listening closely, we heard about the sale of the “Oriental Poppy,” which already revealed how they evaluate, validate and confirm the originality of each piece before it is placed at auction.
According to the spokesperson, the leading online platform for special objects has a team of specialists, each responsible for their respective categories — from design and art to watches, jewelry, interiors and more.
Their role is to review the product through a structured evaluation that includes its condition, provenance, rarity and estimated market value.
For higher-value items, the process becomes even stricter. Depending on the category, it may include additional document checks, certificate requests or consultations with specialized working groups.
The criteria are taken so seriously that many objects do not make the cut. “Every year we reject more than one million submissions, maintaining a highly selective offer,” the specialist stresses.
In 2024 alone, rejections of objects for authenticity-related reasons represented an estimated value of around 10 million euros.
What leads a piece to be rejected?
According to the spokesperson, “everyone is welcome to create an account and submit objects for auction on Catawiki.”
The online market includes both individuals offering occasional items and professionals or companies that sell regularly through the platform.
However, not all objects are equally welcome, especially because certain requirements may prevent a sale. Attention is given to:
Quality and condition — items that are heavily damaged, incomplete, excessively worn or not suitable for auction may be refused.
Authenticity issues — if specialists suspect that an item may be fake, it will not be accepted.
Floor highlighted that only 0.02% of objects sold were later canceled and refunded due to authenticity issues, which “reflects the strength of our initial review process.”
Incomplete or inaccurate information — submissions with insufficient details or poor-quality images may be returned or rejected until clarified.
Legal and compliance restrictions — compliance with local and international laws is “non-negotiable.”
Market suitability — Catawiki focuses on “special objects,” items that have collector interest or are rare and distinctive.
Security policy and customer support: Catawiki acts as an intermediary
These are rare and distinctive objects. Aware of this, Anna Denise emphasizes that Catawiki provides a secure structure and acts as an intermediary throughout the entire process.
Once an item is approved, listed and sold on the platform, the seller is responsible for packaging and organizing the shipment, while the costs — clearly indicated before bidding — are borne by the buyer.
During this process, Catawiki holds the payment until the buyer confirms that the item has been received in satisfactory condition and maintains post-transaction support.
But what happens when there are problems during transport?
If a problem arises during shipping — such as damage, discrepancies or non-delivery — the platform’s Customer Support team intervenes to mediate and help find a solution.
“Depending on the circumstances, the resolution may include a partial or full refund, or another agreed solution. In cases where insured shipping was used, claims may also involve the carrier,” she explains.
“The key point is that buyers have support and guidance, without needing to resolve these situations alone.”
Portugal is one of Catawiki’s fastest-growing markets
The data is recent, referring to last year, and shows that in 2025 Portuguese buyers acquired more than 150,000 objects, representing a 25% increase compared to 2024.
Anna Denise notes that not only the number of objects sold continues to grow, but also the number of Portuguese bidders.
“Although larger markets such as Italy and Germany naturally generate higher global volumes due to population size, Portugal stands out for its rapid adoption and strong engagement with online auctions,” she concluded.
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