Interior design trends for 2024 are all about using colors, textures, and materials in a fresh, new, and innovative way.
'How people want to decorate has recently shifted,' says the renowned designer, Lee Broom. 'For a start, we’re all craving a better outlook, and part of achieving that is to condition your brain to think more positively, which you can do by surrounding yourself with things that make you feel happy. Cocktail cabinets that move and rotate, furniture that’s geared towards sitting together and being convivial...anything that is a bit playful, glamorous, and dramatic is in.'
This desire has filtered out and is being interpreted in many different ways. Here are the interior design trends we think will be the biggest in 2024 and beyond.
26 INTERIOR DESIGN TRENDS FOR 2024
Interior designer Tara Bernerd believes that there is a general move towards sophistication, but it's a more relaxed take on sophistication than ever before. The style straddles a little bit of Scandinavian design and a little bit of maximalism. 'While that feeling of luxury remains very important, don’t we now all want something that feels approachable, too?' says Tara. 'That you can walk around barefoot and not feel worried about? I find that people still want their spaces to feel grand, but while we might turn the volume up in the living room with some real wow design, we’ll then do a chic media room where the materials and textures are less formal, more edgy, more comfortable. This reflects what’s happening generally, as people are finding they can be just as smart without a tie, and women have largely swapped their heels for trainers.'
Find out what's going to be big news in 2024, and what materials, textures and colors you should be looking at.
- RATTAN
'Looking into my acrylic ball for 2024, I’m still seeing rattan, just more, more, more!' says interior designer Jonathan Adler. 'More glamor, more techniques, and more pieces, with plenty of fresh takes on the material. Rattan evokes grand global glamor, and it makes everything I put it on - furniture, accessories, my husband, my dog - even more attractive! I’m excited about combining rattan with couture craft details such as high gloss lacquer, sculptural black steel, and flashes of color. It’s laissez-faire fabulousness, with a hint of pop!'
When it comes to dining, bedroom, or living room lighting, the forms take inspiration from oblong shapes, casting targeted and tantalizing glows. Why this shape, and why now? It's because they're playful and polished, and create a striking statement with a curvaceous silhouette.
They also funnel light, creating the ideal glow for how we want to live now – warm and flattering, and sociable. 'My favorite trend is the use of statement lighting pieces that can be used both as a functional and decorative elements,' says the interior designer Nina Magon. Lighting trends generally would imply that the era of the big light is over, and that wall and floor lamps are the most important now. But the targeted way this shape creates light means if you have to have a big central light, then it has to be tubularly shaped.
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- GOLD-PLATED CERAMICS
Designers and makers are warming up minimalist palettes slightly with just a hint of a Midas touch. A functioning lemon squeezer, but make it art? We’ve come a long way from the iconic Philippe Starck Juciy Salif to reach this pretty and perfect hand-painted ceramic offering.
It's an approach being utilized by Jo Davies and Pinto too, folding perfectly into the minimalism in interior design vibe we all crave so much right now. 'Minimalist living is not only about having a clean home, it is also about celebrating nature and authenticity,' says Hélène Pinaud of Heju Studio. 'So we are not afraid to incorporate artisanal, vintage, and homemade objects and furniture but always in a quiet, neutral palette.' Just a touch of elevation to the every day, but not enough that it creates any visual noise.
- VARIATIONS ON GOLD
Origami Rockets Wallcovering in Bohemia, WK806/08, Kirkby Design x Eley Kishimoto.
(Image credit: Pierrick Verny. Studio credit Magic Circus Editions)
Shimmering like sunsets, this pleasantly warm and flaxen hue is elevating interiors with a touch of pure luxe. Bethan Gray has used it on furniture, Arflex has it on chairs and many designers are using it on wallpapers, tiles, and more. Plus, many colors go with gold, meaning this hue can be used for layering, to make an interior feel warm and livable.
'We’re currently loving more nuanced versions of the gold finishes like darkened brass or light bronzes that tend to be more dynamic,' says Candace Shure, founder of Shure Design Studio. 'But as long as the gold or metallic tones in a home compliment the space they’re in by adding some balance and warmth, they belong and still feel timeless.'
'We have seen a lot of brass over the past 10 years,' says Shannon. 'It seems that people are starting to veer more towards silver tones. Stainless and chrome are making a comeback and we're here for it. Stainless combined with marble or travertine is a minimalistic approach that feels luxurious.'
- WHITE LAMPS
This new lighting trend is all about stripping out color completely, emphasizing on shape instead. 'We love monochrome spaces,' says Chelsea Reale of design studio Sissy + Marley. 'Especially in smaller settings as it gives your eyes the chance to flow through the space without interruption.'
These types of lamps are arguably not just lamps, but a piece of sculpture too. These add the slightest bit of dimension and shape to a room and ensure that the light is always well-filtered and even.
- ALUMINUM OBJECTS
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This easily recycled metal has been upgraded from drinks cans to some of the most covetable designs around, as part of a bigger movement for designers to reappraise more sustainable means. 'Rough and smooth, shiny and matte, black and white - we want [to use] a lot of materials to avoid too much monotony,' says Tom Dixon, who has used it for lightweight chairs. MDF Italia has fashioned a bench from it and New York-based designers Workstead using aluminum in a lighting collection.
Consisting of a pendant and sconce design, the sleek minimal forms showcase the beauty of the material in its purity, creating a perfect backdrop for the light to reflect off. The contrast between the soft conical silhouettes and the edge of the waxed aluminum itself contribute wonderfully to industrial interior design style. Less of a juxtaposition and more of a happy marriage.
- DECORATIVE STORAGE BOXES
If there's one big mood happening in design for 2024 it's about paring back, seeking to live more minimally, and finding ways out interiors can make us feel calm. Minimalism in interior design is all about merging a sleek look with a subdued but inherently luxurious feel.
Step forward the micro-trend for decorative storage boxes, a way to clear the clutter while still having a bit more personality than a clear glass Kilner jar. We're seeing artisans, designers and our favorite brands create them.
'We’ve noticed a huge demand for these in our projects,' says Candance. 'Mostly for organizing files in home offices, for corralling children’s items, and even just for styling purposes around the house. The truth is that we all have stuff we don’t want to see all the time, but can’t practicably get rid of; enter the ubiquitous decorative storage box! From smaller stash boxes made of stone on our shelves to larger filing boxes wrapped in linen in our home offices, we all need beautiful storage solutions that help eliminate clutter, keep our items organized, and become another way to showcase our style.'
'It feels like most people have started to make the connection that less clutter equals less stress,' says Shannon Niehenke, founder of Narrative Design Studio. 'I think that people have also started to realize that there are other options out there besides your standard woven basket storage. They can be metal, recycled plastic, or even cork. We like mixing and matching and integrating storage into the decor, so you don't see one uniform basket all over the house.'
- CURVACEOUS CABINETRY
More storage, and this time in a much bigger way. And it's going seriously sexy as tidying up never looked so good. The other side of the same coin as those decorative storage boxes these cabinets are more evidence of the quest to just put everything away and live in an uncluttered space.
Of course, not all storage is to hide your stuff in, and these wet barcabinets are a way to get the party started. 'Organic shapes are just very inviting,' says designer Bryan O'Sullivan, who regularly uses curves in his schemes. Here, the 88 Secrets Bar Cabinet by Scarlet Splendour brings glamor with its nod to Italian design aesthetics paired with opulent rose metal details and a sumptuous palette. Handcrafted in Kolkata, this will elevate your entertaining game, providing a space from which to prepare and serve drinks to guests. Customizable finishes are available so you can create a truly individual piece.
- SOCIAL SEATING
Furniture designers have spotted the opportunity to bring people back together again, and this new era in furniture design sees a selection of seating options that are all about encouraging the art of in-person conversation.
A curvaceous, contemporary, and modern sofa offers two people the opportunity to sit separately, but with the feeling they are still next to each other. 'The shape of a curved sofa is softer and less formal,' explains the French designer Julien Villenueve. 'It creates an enveloping environment where all the family can sit together.'
- MINIMALUXE
A pared-back palette that allows the showcasing of your favorite things, minimaluxe is set to take over the design world. It's characterized by soft textures, shapes, and colors, and a sense of airiness and light.
Of his apartment in New York, above, stylist Colin King says 'the window is deliberately left unadorned so the space doesn't look too 'decorated.' And that desire for simplicity coupled with a space you want to curl up in with your most treasured objects is what minimaluxe is all about.
'It seems that people are leaning towards cooler tones, rather than the warmer neutral tones that have been dominant for so long,' says Shannon. 'A lot of people are paring it back to what's essential, and seeking out the chic design elements found in high-tech minimalism of the 90s.'
- ZELLIGE TILES
Reclaimed or vintage-inspired, the archive-patterned aesthetic is more popular than ever. When it comes to kitchen or bathroom tiles, the shining yet modern Zellige tiles are taking over.
'In terms of tiles, it's Zellige all the way,' says Candace. 'People are obsessed with the hand-hewn look and subtle earthy tones of the classic Moroccan tiles right now. Specifically the square shape and in varying shades of taupe and creams. We love them too but try to encourage our clients to go for more unique shapes of the tile or for a deeper, more interesting color that will add more of an impact to the space and accentuate the handmade characteristics that draw them to the tile in the first place. We’re also seeing a lot of ribbed and fluted subway tiles that have that same handcrafted feel popping up a lot in designs right now.'
'Zellige is everywhere, and we feel it's here to stay,' says Shannon. 'Classic checkerboard is also making a comeback. We are working on a Spanish-style project at the moment that has subtle cream and terracotta checkerboard tones, which feels a bit less bold than the traditional contrast of black and white.'
- DECORATIVE WALL LIGHTS
Superstar designer Tom Dixon recently told Livingetc about the importance of ‘light washing’– using bulbs cleverly to cover your walls in the light rather than just beaming down on them from on high. 'Careful positioning of wall lighting is very important to create the right atmosphere,' says Katie McCrum, the interior designer behind London-based McCrum Studio.
And it isn't a coincidence that wall lights are becoming ever more sculptural, scene-stealing, sensational, and stellar. Be it kitchen wall lighting or bathrooms, these pieces are now stars in their own right, just hanging a little lower than you might expect.
- CONTEMPORARY CURTAIN TRIMS
It’s happening – we’re adopting curtain trims at Livingetc. Previously having been discounted as too trad, this new design staple has changed all that with its super-contemporary approach to tassels, adornments, and finishing touches. ‘I’m drawn to handcrafted details – whether it be an embroidered pattern, hand-quilted panels, or even a scalloped leading edge on the drapes,’ says designer Julia King of Studio Roene.
As a curtain trend, this one has definite staying power, converting a regular, ordinary-looking piece into one that has dimension and style.
- HIDEAWAY HOME OFFICES
A small home office is all about smart WFH stations that can be disguised. To the unassuming eye, they'll look like a drinks cabinet, a writing bureau, or perhaps an armoire. But what they hide is all your work stresses and strains and papers and bits.
'For most of our clients, this involves utilizing a spare bedroom as their home office that can still act as a guest room when needed,' says Candance. 'For others, we’ve helped them by adding ADU’s or converting their garages into separate spaces for working. And for our clients who are tighter on space, we’ve helped them designate an area in the home that makes use of a clever piece of furniture that serves multiple purposes. Anyone can create a hideaway office by rethinking their existing furniture pieces or choosing items that can do double duty. A small desk becomes a larger nightstand in a guest room, or a c-table that’s big enough for a laptop can tuck up next to a chair or sofa for working hours and then moonlight as a sleek side table when the work day is done.'
- ALFRESCO BATHING
Ever since Gwyneth Paltrow debuted her home spa to the world, designers have been thinking of new ways to fold this feeling into the decor. The materials, the textures, the steam rooms...and now, the return of the outdoor shower and bathtubs has become a part of bathroom trends.
'For a raw feel in the outdoors, consider materials such as blackened steel with a patina or rustic, live-edge wood,' says Victoria Holly, principal, and founder of Victoria Holly Interiors. 'These materials provide an unexpected take on more traditional materials such as metal or wood. I also like to bring in larger format tiles with a concrete look or even faux concrete waterproof plastering to the outdoors. We love to incorporate faux concrete for a built-in tub surround or on countertops, and also like to add in exposed copper pipes or black iron fixtures.'
- LUXE OUTDOOR LIGHTING
As we all want to spend more and more time in our outdoor living room or dining room, it's no wonder the trend for luxe lighting has come outside with us. Eye-catching pieces are the need of the house. 'Outdoor lighting prevents our outside spaces from seeming like dark black holes when viewed from inside the house,' says garden designer Kate Gould.
'Sculptural lights are a big trend,' says Scott Richler, founder of Gabriel Scott.'A completely customizable sculptural lighting statement made from an innovative material which is also durable for the outdoors is the need for most homeowners.'
'Fantastic chargeable options, means style is no longer sacrificed for function, so you can have gorgeous table lamps on your alfresco dining table, with all manner of different types of fairy/bulb lights and solar-powered uplighters for your plants,' says Cat Dal, founder of Cat Dal Interiors. 'Good garden lighting is not just for the moments you are outside, but it makes an enormous difference if you are inside looking out, as suddenly your garden becomes a feature to be enjoyed, and celebrated.'
- IRREGULAR RUGS
Irregular rugs are striking designs that undoubtedly have all been created to own the floor. Not only do these living room rugs have an eye-catching print, but they’re also all shaping a new outline in design, quite literally, as they all sport an unconventional shape.
Whether you’re going curvy, geometric, or angular, these top sports all boast a little bit of ‘out-of-the-box’ thinking, and we’re ready to embrace it.
'Scallop edges are not going away for a while and I'm here for it,' says Cat. 'We love a playful moment, so we have just proposed Henry Holland's Diagonal melt carpet as the stripes literally 'melt' in the corner of the rug which is such a piece of art.'
- PLUMPED-UP SEATING
Designers are demonstrating how a more relaxed style of seating designs can combine comfort factor and everyday practicality, but with high-level refinement and ultimate style-desirability. Embracing curves as the newest chair and sofa trend.
'Curved and plumped up sofas first become popular in the 1950s when Vladimir Kagen created his Serpentine sofa,' says Samantha Wilson, interior designer and founder of Collection Noir. 'Since then, and thanks to this iconic piece and subsequent iterations, designers have been given a little more creativity when designing a space.'
- EARTHY HUES
For a calming, relaxed, and welcoming interior, earthy or nature-inspired tones are taking over. Hues such as ochre, tan, taupe, light pinks, and light greys are taking over bedroom colors and dining room schemes. These will continue to be big in 2024.
'We love colour, so we have used some gorgeous palettes recently in our schemes,' says Cat. 'In spaces, we've wrapped wardrobes, ceiling, and walls in Farrow & Ball's Jitney which is like a buttery taupe. The color is so atmospheric and soulful, so we will be doing that again. Soft dusty pinks have been coming in more as well for a minimalist scheme.'
- CONTEMPORARY TROMPE L'OEIL
Meaning literally ‘deceive the eye’, trompe l’oeil is an artistic device and an interesting paint technique for walls that has been in the artistic landscape for centuries; part demonstration of an artist’s skill, a part delight for the viewer. It adds a bit of unexpected humor to the home, a talking point that will make both you and guests marvel with amusement, something that folds nicely into living room trends.
'I love trompe l’oeil that doesn’t try to look so photorealistic,' says Dan Mazzarini, principal & creative director of BHDM Design & Archive by Dan Mazzarini. 'Something more gestural than actual is always a fun spin. In this Kate Spade-inspired room at The Ashland apartments in Brooklyn, I hand drew architectural elements for a playful, yet still classic take. Instead of mirroring reality, embrace the freedom and infuse expressive strokes with interpretive design.'
- ARCHES
Arches have been a strong architectural element and have been around for years. These add a whimsical touch to spaces, giving them an old-world charm while also framing important spaces. But do indoor arches add value to a home?
'Arches have managed to stay in trend due to their timeless appeal and versatility,' say Rashi Bothra and Ruchi Gehani, founders & interior designers, of Azure Interiors. 'These add a touch of elegance and character to a space, creating a sense of architectural interest and sophistication. Arches come in various styles and sizes, making them adaptable to different design aesthetics, whether it’s classic, contemporary, or even minimalist. These also serve as a focal point and draw the eye, adding visual interest to a room or hallway.'
- COLORED CONCRETE
Bathroom trends at the moment are very much about injecting personality while keeping to a monastic sense of spa-like serenity, which is where concrete comes in. The vivid hues it now comes in, coupled with the texture and depth it provides, make it the perfect material for this space. Colored concrete is having a moment more generally. Seen in kitchen sink trends, on the exterior of extensions, and used on floors, it is becoming the design world's favorite material.
'Coloured concrete offers a wide range of possibilities, allowing to create unique surfaces for floors, countertops, and even walls,' say Rashi and Ruchi. 'Its durability and low maintenance characteristics also make it appealing for various applications. Acid-stained concrete floors have remained popular as the process allows for a high level of customization, as the colors and patterns can be tailored to suit the desired style and design preferences.'
- CORK FLOORING
Forget those 1970s connotations of orange cork tiles, cork flooring is back, and better than ever. Because of its eco credentials and the ease of sourcing it sustainably, it's one of the key flooring trends for 2024, available in a variety of hues. 'Cork always adds a note of warmth to a scheme,' says the interior designer Staffan Tollgard.
Cork has natural thermal properties which means it is great for heat insulation and can be a much cheaper alternative to underfloor heating. This means that its eco points don't stop being collected just the way it's made.
- PORTABLE TABLE LAMPS
Let’s be honest – there never was much of an allure attached to the shelf tagged ‘USB lamp’ at the gadget store. Luckily tastes and technology have moved on from the sometimes gimmicky, most often uninspiring rechargeable lighting solutions into an exciting realm of stylish must-have new portable lamp designs by our favorite brands on the market, reinvigorating lighting trends for 2022.
'Portable table lamps make popular and versatile lighting choices, offering flexibility in lighting arrangements,' say Rashi and Ruchi. 'This adaptability allows homeowners to change the ambiance and focus of a room as desired. It plays an important role in task and accent lighting at the same time it acts as a decorative element. Overall, the combination of practicality, versatility, and design contributes to the widespread love and popularity of portable table lamps in interior spaces.'
- RED EARTH CERAMICS
With its inherent warmth, red clay makes for a surprising twist on the more commonly seen white ceramics. Often red or ‘brown’ ceramics are associated with more coarse pottery, but there’s a finesse to this new wave of earthy vases and pieces, and an altogether contemporary stylistic edge, which makes them avant-garde. Look out for subtle curving forms, an unglazed finish, and an appealing handcrafted raw honesty, ideal to slot into your cozy living room.
'Ceramics have a long history and have been used in interior design for centuries,' say Rashi and Ruchi. 'Their timeless appeal ensures they remain in style across different eras. It comes in a wide range of colors, patterns, textures, and shapes, allowing for endless creative possibilities that could also be customised as per the space and its design aesthetics.'
Add an earthy, warm, and inviting touch to a corner or your home entrance with these red earthy, clay vases.
- WAVY WOOD
Curved, fluted or wavy, look out for the modern interpretation of the humblest of materials as a niche but appealing interior design trend for 2024. It’s a new wave. It’s time to banish straight-edged wooden furniture options in favor of the more fluid curvy form; a big living room furnituretrend.
'With growing emphasis on sustainability and eco-friendliness, there has been a rise in the use of responsibly sourced and certified wood for furniture,' say Rashi and Ruchi. 'Reclaimed wood and engineered wood products are also gaining popularity, reducing the environmental impact of furniture production. Wooden furniture is being integrated with smart technologies to enhance functionality. Modular wooden furniture allows users to configure pieces to suit their needs and available space. Customization designs enable customers to choose the size, finish, and other features to match their preferences. Exploring curved and organic shapes in wooden furniture, moving away from traditional straight lines and adding a touch of modernity and artistry.'
- GLAZED EXTERIOR TILES
Injecting a bright burst of color that contrasts with traditional brickwork, glazed external tiles provide an eye-catching cladding solution for modern home extension ideas. This stylish finish comes with many practical benefits, too; it’s durable, requires little upkeep, and offers an impressive service life of 150-plus years.
‘Glazed exteriors are unexpected and joyful, breaking the norms of house refurbishments,’ says Melissa Beasley, director at Beasley Dickson Architects. ‘They satisfy the demand for decorative facades, providing an opportunity for a unique, crafted, and personalized exterior.’
WHAT IS THE DECORATING TREND FOR 2024?
A big decorating trend for 2024 is natural, earthy, close-to-nature spaces.
'The rooms I design have the sensibility of a spa,' says the interior designer Noa Santos. 'Natural materials like marble and stone work together to feel almost monastic, especially in soft neutral tones like creams and beiges.'
Materials to use for this look include marble, concrete, and Taj Mahal quartzite. 'It still looks beautiful after plenty of wear, and means you don’t have to always be policing the use of coasters,' Noa says. 'I also like silver travertine, and we’re using a lot of limewash. It has the same softness and subtleties as Venetian plaster, but if Venetian plaster cracks you have to replace the whole thing. Limewash can easily be touched up, which is so refreshing from a design point of view. As is Tadelakt in a wet room. Imagine all that time saved from not having to scrub grouting clean! Colorwise, we work with a lot of natural shades like ivory and beige, which feel more long-lasting than jewel tones. Though I do love blue stone and a green marble called Guatemala Verde. It’s so dramatic.'
WHAT COLOUR AND MATERIALS WILL BE BIG IN 2024?
'Soothing, sophisticated and stylish, deep tones will be big in interiors in 2024,' says designer Gabriel Scott. 'Specifically in bedrooms, we’re often asked to customise pendant and sconce lighting fixtures to blend with, or stand out from, a dark interior.'
'Highly coveted material such as marble, onyx and granite will continue to be as popular as ever,' says Gabriel. 'Combining precious stone with interesting natural materials, warming metals and an interesting colour palette will be the go-to combination for luxury interiors.'
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