Before moving on to giving the rest of your home a simple refresh, I would like to discuss notable 2024 interior design forecast from well-known publications like Elle Decor, House Beautiful, and Vogue Living among others.
These forecasts could, to a certain extent, predict the course of design whatever the scale of its impact, just as I discussed my observations on the design field immediately after the pandemic. I am aware that we are three months into 2024, but honestly, I don’t want my research to go to waste. Here’s why:
ANNUAL RESEARCH FOR THE TEAM
I have always been tasked in my firm to discuss with our design team at the beginning of the year about these trends and forecasts. I’ve completed my research and presentation for this year, but a few weeks ago I was told that we weren’t going to talk about it anymore. But I’ve shared it with the team nonetheless, and I’m going to share it with you, too!
I’ve always thought it would be useful for the team to discuss and analyze the forecasts so that we could see what designs we might expect from our clients, which ones we might be able to adapt, and what styles we might need to reconsider. It is having one ear open to what is happening to the outside world but maintaining our core identity as a firm.
In my view, forecasts are merely a response to current trends and the introduction of new materials and technologies. We get tired of the same things and tend to look for something fresh. Or new products are developed and launched onto the market, with people wishing to take advantage of these.
2023 COMFORTCORE
Last year, comfortcore was one of the trends I discussed with the team. During a client design presentation, one of my colleagues got lost in their thought process and blurted out comfortcore which was not in the original design approach. Fortunately, the style fits right in with the concept and the brand’s identity as it was a restaurant with a homely vibe. We were pleasantly surprised when our client remembered comfortcore during the latter part of the project and brought it up during one of the meetings.
Will all that’s said, let’s discuss the 2024 interior design forecast and its possible applications to different spaces that you could make your adaptations.
BROWNS FOR NEUTRALS
Browns will be the color of choice when going for neutrals or even statement colors. Instead of the usual grays, think of warm browns, caramels, and rust. I’m fond of grays and whites as these can easily create a clean, contemporary atmosphere, but nothing beats brown when I want to achieve warmth and richness in a space.
This can be applied through paint, wallpaper, and mural. Consider painting a wall or an entire room in brown and using textured finishes to enhance the depth. Wallpaper and murals are great for dramatic statement walls.
Various materials, such as natural wood surfaces, metals like copper, and textiles can also be used. Consider getting key items such as furniture, rugs, paintings, and other statement pieces in these colors if you don’t want a lot of work but want to get the look.
BOLD COLORS
Vibrant colors will no longer be just an accent in a room, the whole room will rather be filled with it – in a tasteful application of course. Expect to see unusual color combinations that are bright and saturated, including jewel tones.
I am no stranger to bold colors as we almost always use them in our commercial projects. It could be an anchor point for the entire store, and it’s easy to attract the attention of potential customers as they pass through the establishment.
But it’s a different story for homes. Because their homes are where they wind down after a long day, clients tend to prefer a neutral palette. And they may not necessarily be calmed down by bold colors. I don’t see this forecast to be taking off anytime soon, homeowners will still favor subdued color schemes and finishes. The use of bright colors will continue to be applied as an accent, like in decoration, furniture, and artwork.
BOUCLE IS STILL IN
Designers are split on this. Some of them have written out the upholstery material altogether, but others are still living for it.
This upholstery has been everywhere for the last couple of years for good reasons. It’s soft, and textural, adds warmth and depth to every piece, and it’s luxurious.
But this year’s iteration is not going to be confined to white and ivory, which is now everywhere. It will have various colors, in two-tones, and a thicker pile.
I don’t have that much feelings about boucle, but I like its tactile quality and how it is captured in photos. The same can be said when using boucle just like other materials, use it conservatively and do not fill the whole space with it if you don’t want your space to look like a fabric showroom.
PERSONALIZED ECLECTIC
I would not consider this as a trend. This has always been around and we just want to give new words to existing concepts just to package them into something new. This is like adding -core to everything.
Homes are usually a culmination of the different phases in their owners’ lives. A collection of objects accumulated over time, curated not by a specific design style but by different experiences in life. If you look into your space right now, chances are it doesn’t fall under a singular style but rather an eclectic mix of furniture and furnishings that are functional, decorative, or have sentimental value. Ornate antique pieces handed down combined with high-tech home devices.
Our living area has existing traditional seating with classic pattern upholstery, a midcentury rocking chair I purchased during the pandemic, a coastal table lamp I used for a college project, with walls adorned by framed photographs. The styles are all over the place but it is something personal which I cherish.
QUIET LUXURY
People also argue that it’s not a real thing, it’s just another catchy phrase to sell things to people. Last year, it was in every high fashion magazine and social media posts. People probably got fed up with this barrage of brand logos in their clothes and a plethora of questionable collaborations and wanted straightforward luxury that focuses on the cut and material.
But it’s something I believe in when it comes to interior design. The style focuses on high-quality pieces in classic, timeless shapes and simple luxurious finishes. Think of them as “investment pieces” that will never go out of style and can have multiple lives by simple refurbishment.
It’s not the most visually stimulating, but there’s an air of restrained luxury that will make you love it.
“DUMB” HOMES
We’ve become so reliant on our smartphones that we feel paralyzed without them. That was what I felt when my phone’s battery died while out of the house.
But homeowners nowadays want something manual, such as old-school buttons, toggle switches, or rooms that are devoid of digital technology. It’s probably a reaction to the fact that we are practically exposed to technology throughout our day, whether working or lounging.
Theoretically, this is an ideal way to start our morning. Before we jump on our screens, we start the day without blue light and instead focus on our daily routine. But let’s be real, some of us check our phones immediately after waking up, either to check anything from work or social media. We cannot deny that technology plays an integral role in our lives, but it is up to us how we use it, especially in our homes.
SILVER ACCENTS
This is probably due to the prevalence of brass and gold (and its antique counterparts) in the last couple of years. We wouldn’t normally choose “cold metal” like silver, stainless steel, or pewter for our homes unless for appliances, bathroom fixtures, or hardware as it could potentially look like a commercial space.
In the past, there’s been a trend of stainless steel home kitchens that hasn’t worked out because it probably felt like it belonged to a restaurant (which is usually not a bad thing).
The choice of the finish that will suit your home is what’s most important when it comes to silver accents. There’s a subdued elegance to something like a satin or a hairline finish, or some kind of stain application. Polished can work as well, especially for accent or sculptural pieces. I would see this applied on lamps, tables, and large art pieces.
DARK WOOD FINISHES
Wood is a material that can be adapted to any design style, depending on the type and finish of wood. Light wood finishes are usually associated with Scandinavian, medium tones are Traditional or Mid-century, while dark finishes are arguably contemporary.
A wood wall paneling or furniture in dark stain feels sophisticated yet still has that warmth, and down-to-earth characteristics to it.
To preserve the wood’s grain and texture, I recommend using stain rather than paint. I have a strict rule in our firm that I always tell our designers. Unless integral to the design, using solid paint for natural wood should be avoided since we want to highlight the wood’s unique characteristics.
TERRACOTTA TILES
In the mid-2010s, where I was working, handmade tiles were a huge thing, and it was usually the highlight of a room. There was a sudden surge in demand due to its unique appeal and the flexibility of colors and patterns. It’s a lot different than the factory-produced tiles.
This is probably why these clay tiles will have a resurgence. Homeowners want their space to have something special and personalized. Terracotta tiles can be glazed or unglazed and can be made in various shapes and sizes.
HANDMADE AND ARTISANAL
I recall when artisanal was in every brand’s tagline or product description. Handcrafted, artisanal, made with love. This choice of words flooded the business scene, and some used it as a marketing ploy.
But it’s something I can stand behind if we’re going to talk about it in terms of interior design. Bespoke and artisanal products have become more important, now that you can buy almost anything mass-produced on your phone. Purchasing products made by actual people not only adds a unique quality to a space, but it helps these artisans earn a living and continue their craft.
The nuances and imperfections of these special products are what make us realize why handmade pieces are the best. Incorporate one-of-a-kind pieces into your home through artworks, handstitched pillows and throws, and sculptural objects. The best way to do this is to go local – less carbon footprint and it supports the community.
SUSTAINABILITY
In the past, when we think about trends in general, sustainability usually isn’t brought up. But in more recent years, it has become one of the most important “trends” especially with the climate crisis the world is facing.
Sustainability transcended trends and became a requirement when designing a space. Designing beautiful and functional spaces is no longer enough. Due to the increasing scarcity of resources, particular attention has been paid to materials used and construction methods that affect the environment. Different solutions are being developed such as repurposing factory wastes and methods involving sustainable alternatives.
Although it is not yet at the forefront of our firm’s design process, we are consciously trying to reduce the use of new materials and limit waste. We try our best to reuse existing structures and give them simple yet impactful designs, repurposing the client’s pieces, and supporting local craftsmen.
These trend forecasts are either a hit or miss, but suffice it to say that it is still up to you if you want to follow these.