And just like that it’s 2024! A new year signifies a fresh start, and what better way to manifest a positive year ahead than a freshen up of your home. The interiors mood of 2024 is based on a sense of serenity, with a bold dose of fun, and uniqueness popped in for good measure. Since the pandemic, interior design has focussed on our need to connect back to nature, and the calmness and wellness that it brings, however this has evolved slowly over time to now incorporate a bit of playful positiveness, and colour that we could all use in our lives. Your home is the place you want to feel tranquil and happy, so why should your interiors not mirror that. Whether you’re planning to sell or let your home, thinking about a full transformation, or just a few minor changes, knowing the trends that will be taking the interior space by storm in 2024, may just help you make up your mind up, or offer you a new style to fall in love with.
Brown Renaissance
Following on from the sunset hues that were so popular in 2023, browns will replace the colder greys we’ve seen the past decade as the new neutrals in 2024. Browns carry a warmth that means they act as a great neutral to layer with other colours, and the earthy shades keep hold of the calmness that people want in their homes. It is predicted that dark brown, that wouldn’t be out of place in a 1970’s palette, will be the most popular, with warming browns such as rich caramels, calming golden-sepias and deep rusts acting as a secondary accompaniment to make up these chocolate neutrals. They will be seen throughout the design as a wall colour, in textiles and on furniture.
Cool Metals
Metallics have been back for a while, but the emphasis is shifting from bronze, brass and gold to chrome, aluminium and pewter. Materials that can be found in the silver family have slowly been trickling back into our consciousness, and suddenly feel very chic again. This may be because the brown renaissance brings a warmer neutral colour palette that perfectly balances with cool-toned accents. Embrace the metallic move to silver tones, by emphasising the counterpoint between these and the rich chocolate box neutrals, bringing a modernity but still keeping the timeless appeal of silver.
The rediscovered appreciation of cool-tones metals throughout the design, sees a fresh-twist of retro-futuristic softened and curved shapes. Keep accents sleek, minimal, and allow the highly polished finishes to do the work, with the reflective surfaces catching the surrounding lights and colours which will work perfectly with the dopamine décor trend. Using these materials for lighting fixtures will create a lustrous and otherworldly feel, and the contrast between the soft, conical silhouette will happily juxtapose against the hardness of the metals.
Dopamine Décor
Possibly as a rebellion to the years of greys and monochrome, but bright and bold dopamine décor will be seen everywhere in 2024. The aesthetic is intended to trigger joy and whimsy, and whilst it may not be to everyone’s taste, how you bring the eye-catching colours together is the creative challenge. The small pops of colour that have been popular in designs of late will be on steroids and injected throughout the design rather than simply acting as an accent. They can be used as the backdrop and in the foreground, use simple shapes with unique hues that turn up the volume. These bright colours evoke an aura of adventure, playfulness and passion that can change not only the look, but the feel of a room.
Permission is given to drench your interiors in vivid and audacious colours that are playful, daring and induce emotion and creativity. There are no rules to your colour choices, be edgy with combinations playing with opposite ends of the colour wheel to determine your dopamine décor colour palette. The Barbie-core aesthetic of infusing pink into everything will still be compatible, and chartreuse, in particular, will have its moment in the spotlight. This zesty green hue is bold and energising, and the silver metallic accents what will be seen throughout numerous designs, will make it sing. Just avoid going full neon as you don’t want to feel like you’re living in a nightclub. The only real rules of dopamine décor are to just go for it – decorate your home in a way that makes you happy.
Minimaluxe
Minimaluxe is set to take over the design world and is based on the idea of the smallest details can make the biggest impact. The overarching aesthetic is simplistic, but with very small, carefully considered elements, that elevate the space from minimal to luxurious. It is characterised by an array of textural nuances, such as the weave of a fabric, the grain of a wood, and weathered accents which will add depth and complexity to a minimalist space. An intricate pattern or sculptural artwork scattered into the design will invite closer inspection making the space feel more personal. The pared-back design should showcase your favourite things, making it individual, and creating a space that doesn’t feel too ‘decorated’, but cosy and safe. The refined design is all about attention to detail so that every piece of décor is not only aesthetically pleasing but also impeccably made. Focus is on durable, sustainable pieces that will withstand trends, and create a feeling of opulence.
Coastal Cowgirl
Coastal vibes are hardly a fresh perspective when it comes to interior design, however 2024 looks to combine beachy aesthetics with American southern charm. The atmosphere of the coastal cowboy is grounded and laid-back, whilst exuding feelings of serenity and calm. To understand the trend think of a typical beach-house and stereotypical country-ranch, then take the elements of each which resonate with you most and put them together. Use water-inspired hues, nautical accessories and beach-found materials to incorporate the coastal components and combine these with rustic leathers, animal prints and western motifs to integrate the cowgirl feel.
The accessories are really what tie this design together – a seashell lamp, beach prints, linen textiles, along with a pair of cowboy boots, horseshoes, and equestrian enamelware will merge the two styles to create a cohesive design. Care has been given to the sustainability of this trend, as a lot of natural materials such as jute, raw cotton and reclaimed wood can be seen throughout and highlight the relaxed and organic nature of the aesthetic. Plants should be used, along with scents to remind you of a sea-breeze that transports you to the beach and stick on your favourite country music to add a touch of western flair.
Wabi-sabi
Rooted in Japanese philosophy, wabi-sabi embraces the lifecycle of all things, and the beauty of natural imperfections. The essential features of a wabi-sabi interior start from a minimalist aesthetic, with a neutral colour palette, using organic materials, and thoughtful details. This will create a pure, cosy, peaceful and simplistic space.
In an interior design sense, wabi-sabi follows nature’s rules and therefore organic materials are an integral part of the philosophy and the imperfect aspects of natural materials should be celebrated throughout the design. These represent that life is not always perfect, and that this should be embraced, rather than ignored, as is often the case with other interior trends. In contemporary interior trends, wabi-sabi is the epitome of sustainable design. Artisanal and bespoke pieces are vital as they will show marks of the hands that created them, and it is this human irregularity that is soothing and makes pieces unique. These details will make the piece come to life and bring a sense of joy to the space. The story of each piece included in the design should be celebrated - cracked ceramics, uneven textures, and patinaed accents will contribute to the overall wabi-sabi narrative of the beauty of the natural aging of the world.
New ways to Bouclé
Bouclé has been popular on chairs, sofas and pouffes for a while now, it exudes opulence and can soften up even the starkest of rooms. But in 2024 we will be seeing it in new ways – we can bid adieu to constant cream bouclé, with fresh, bolder colours being used in the plush fabric, along with two-tones and patterned designs to make this cosy material more whimsical. The new versions of bouclé will also see a thicker pile, to add an even greater textural component to a design. Bouclé has been popular in interiors as it’s soft, comfy and durable and is the perfect fabric for a bedroom where its balance of warmth and cosiness creates the ideal ambience. Expect to also see it mixed with other plush fabrics such as chenille and corduroy.
Embrace your Curves (and Edges)
The past few years have seen undulating curves take the top spot for form of choice, and they show no sign of going anywhere in 2024. Softer lines and organic shapes offer comfort and a homely atmosphere, whether it’s an arched shower entry, a curvaceous sofa, or a scalloped frame. They can be used in all part of a design, and often fit in a multitude of spaces. However, with all trends, you don’t want to commit to it everywhere, which is where straighter edges come into the aesthetic. The mix of silhouette’s is what makes a space balanced and interesting. The fluid, rounded shapes should take the foreground in the design, with more angular and blocky shapes enhancing those around it. For example, plumpy chairs, hovering just off the floor have been at the forefront of interiors for the past few years, but this silhouette of chair will see a new iteration in 2024, with geometric visible legs making a comeback. It is this juxtaposition between the shapes that make the space more enticing.
Reconsidered Layouts
Open plan has had a stranglehold on homes since its rise in popularity in the latter half of the 20th century, however the pendulum is starting to now swing in the other direction. The shift towards more defined spaces allows for unique needs in each home to be met. Since the pandemic people have needed to do more things in their home, (looking at you home-offices), along with the need, in some cases, to get some space away from the people you live with. Although a complete structural renovation may be on the cards for some, the same effect can be created with furniture – bookcases, room-dividers, and sofas can all be used to partition a room. Although enclosed spaces will be on the rise, the layout inside them will become more open and spacious. For example, kitchen’s have been designed for a long time as large, open family spaces where you can cook, eat and relax, however there will be a shift towards a smaller, separated kitchens used solely for cooking, with instead of built-in cupboards, wall shelving will be optimised to leave it feeling open and airy. The idea is to create a space dedicated only to be used for its purpose, allowing for more privacy, organisation, and functionality within the home.
