Commercial design trends continue to prioritize bold color choices, multi-functional materials, and personalized branding. The push for dynamic, engaging spaces is transforming the way businesses, schools, and institutions approach interior design.
At Cochran & Mann, we don’t just follow trends—we bring them to life. A great example is our work on Montgomery College’s East County Education Center (ECEC), where trend-driven paint colors, innovative wallcoverings, and functional design choices turned a standard educational space into an inspiring environment.
Let’s explore how this project aligns with the latest industry trends and how our expertise ensures every project—big or small—receives the same attention to detail.
This year’s color trends embrace deep, rich hues that create warmth and sophistication. PPG’s 2025 Color of the Year is leading the way, Purple Basil (PPG1046-7), a moody blend of purple and deep brown, perfect for evoking creativity and focus.
At the ECEC project, Cochran & Mann used SW 6552 Dewberry to create a similar effect. The bold yet inviting tones brought energy to collaborative spaces while maintaining a professional and inspiring atmosphere.
To complement this primary hue, accent colors like Chartreuse (SW 0073) added vibrancy and a sense of forward-thinking design. Whether used for an eye-catching feature wall or subtle trim details, these choices mirrored the color psychology principles shaping 2025’s design landscape.
Personalized branding has become a significant part of commercial design. Businesses and institutions are turning to custom wallcoverings to reinforce their identity and add texture to their spaces.
At Montgomery College’s ECEC, custom wallcoverings transformed the space by bringing the school’s branding to life. A dynamic pattern featuring the college’s logo and layered colors in a welcome vignette. The vendor who printed the ECEC-branded wallcovering also handled its installation, while Cochran & Mann expertly prepared the surface to ensure a flawless application.
Custom wallpaper is a powerful way to enhance your commercial space, adding branding, texture, and personality. At Cochran & Mann, we are available to be a resource for commercial interior designers to help them choose the right materials, designs, and application techniques to create stunning and durable interiors. Here’s what to consider:
1. Application Techniques Matter
Proper installation is key to long-lasting, seamless results. Our professional installers ensure:
Some wallpapers, like vinyl or textured options, require specialized application techniques to maintain their integrity.
2. Consider Product Texture
Texture adds depth and visual interest to a space. Options include:
3. Smart Design Decisions
Balance creativity with functionality:
4. Plan for Traffic & Maintenance
High-traffic areas need durable, easy-to-clean materials like:
5. Create a Cohesive Design
Wallpaper isn’t just for one wall—extend the design for a unified aesthetic:
Cochran & Mann works closely with interior designers to select the best materials for custom wall treatments. Whether it’s a vinyl graphic, textured fabric, or high-performance wallpaper, we ensure it’s durable, visually appealing, and seamlessly installed.
With modern spaces serving multiple purposes, there’s a growing demand for wallcoverings that do more than look good. One of the most significant innovations in this area is sound-absorbing wall panels, which help control acoustics in busy environments like schools, offices, and healthcare facilities.
For the ECEC project, Cochran & Mann installed BuzziBrickBack panels, a high-performance acoustic wallcovering that absorbs sound while adding a sleek, modern aesthetic. These panels improved speech clarity and reduced noise distractions, creating a better learning environment for students and faculty.
Wallcoverings are no longer just about looks—they serve critical functions in modern commercial spaces. Today’s trends prioritize multi-functional materials that enhance usability, durability, and efficiency.
1. Noise Reduction & Acoustic Control
Busy offices, schools, and healthcare settings benefit from sound-absorbing wall panels like BuzziBrickBack, which reduce echo and create a more comfortable environment.
2. Wayfinding & Branding
Custom wall graphics help visitors navigate large spaces like hospitals, corporate campuses, and educational institutions. Directional wall coverings integrate branding while improving user experience.
3. Writable & Interactive Surfaces
Whiteboard and chalkboard wallcoverings turn conference rooms, classrooms, and brainstorming spaces into collaborative hubs. These surfaces provide a sleek alternative to traditional whiteboards while maximizing wall space.
4. Sanitation & Durability
Hygienic wallcoverings with antimicrobial properties are essential in healthcare, food service, and high-traffic areas. Materials like vinyl and PVC coatings resist stains, moisture, and bacteria.
At Cochran & Mann, we are experienced at applying a variety of wallcovering treatments to commercial spaces in Maryland, DC, and Northern Virginia, ensuring beautiful yet high-performance results.
While there isn’t a single dominant wallcovering trend in 2025, one exciting development is the global sourcing of materials. Designers are curating unique wallpapers and finishes from around the world, bringing an international flair to commercial spaces.
Cochran & Mann has the expertise to execute even the most intricate wallcovering projects. Whether it’s a hand-painted mural from Europe, a sustainable bamboo weave from Asia, or a textured print from a boutique U.S. maker, we ensure a flawless installation.
Our team thrives on these creative challenges—no matter how complex the material or design, we bring a hands-on, detail-driven approach to every project.
At Cochran & Mann, we believe that every project—large or small, interior or exterior—deserves the highest level of craftsmanship. The ECEC project showcases our ability to execute trend-forward designs with precision, but the same attention to detail applies to every job we take on.
We don’t see projects as just another job number. We see spaces where students learn, businesses grow, and communities thrive. Our team is committed to helping clients craft environments that are functional, visually stunning, and built to last.
Let’s start a conversation—because personalized service will never go out of style. Contact Cochran & Mann today, and let’s bring your vision to life.
About Cochran & Mann
Cochran & Mann is a family-owned business specializing in paint and wall coverings for commercial, industrial, and residential buildings. Though we've grown significantly since 1990, we remain a family-owned-and-operated business guided by transparency, reliability, responsiveness, craftsmanship, and loyalty principles.