As we find ourselves midway through 2024, it’s a great time to check-in on the evolving trends in interior design. The first half of the year has brought a mix of refreshing innovations and the decline of once-popular styles. With Peach Fuzz as the color of the year making waves, let's also see what’s starting to fade away.
What’s In
1. Biophilic Design
Biophilic design, which integrates natural elements into living spaces, continues to gain popularity. Homeowners are increasingly bringing the outdoors inside with the use of natural materials, indoor plants, and large windows that maximize natural light. The goal is to create a connection with nature, enhancing well-being and tranquility within the home.
Companies like The Sill have made it incredibly easy to get the plants you want delivered right to your home, expanding your plant palette beyond your local nursery.
Key Elements:
- Abundant indoor greenery
- Natural light and ventilation
- Use of wood, stone, and natural fibers
2. Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Materials
Sustainability remains at the forefront of design choices in 2024. There’s a strong emphasis on using eco-friendly materials that have a minimal environmental impact. Recycled, upcycled, and ethically sourced materials are becoming standard in home decor and furnishings and Medley Furniture is stealing the show with high quality pieces that fit perfectly in this developing trend.
Key Elements:
- Recycled and repurposed furniture
- Organic textiles like cotton and linen
- Low-VOC paints and finishes
3. Bold Colors and Patterns
While minimalist lifestyles remain strong, gone are the days of purely minimalist, neutral palettes. This year, bold colors and vibrant patterns are making a significant comeback. Jewel tones, such as emerald green, sapphire blue, and rich burgundy, are being used to add depth and character to rooms. Additionally, playful patterns and textured wallpapers, like Art3d's 3D Wall Pannels, are being embraced to create visually stimulating environments.
Key Elements:
- Jewel-toned accents and furnishings
- Patterned wallpapers and textiles
- Mix and match of different textures
- Statement pieces like these from Big Wall Decor.
4. Multi-Functional Spaces
With more people working from home, the demand for multi-functional spaces has surged. Rooms that serve multiple purposes – such as guest rooms that double as home offices or living rooms with hidden storage solutions – are essential for maximizing space and functionality.
Key Elements:
- Convertible furniture (e.g., sofa beds, foldable desks)
- Smart storage solutions
- Flexible room dividers
5. Retro and Vintage Styles
Retro and vintage styles from the 70s and 80s are experiencing a revival. These designs bring a nostalgic charm with their bold color schemes, funky patterns, and unique furniture pieces. Vintage decor is often blended with modern elements to create eclectic and personalized spaces.
Key Elements:
- Mid-century modern furniture
- Retro color palettes (e.g., mustard yellow, teal)
- Vintage decor pieces and antiques
What’s Out
1. Industrial Aesthetic
The industrial look, characterized by exposed brick, metal pipes, and raw, unfinished surfaces, is starting to wane in popularity. While it was once celebrated for its edgy, urban vibe, many homeowners are now opting for warmer and more inviting interiors.
Key Elements Phasing Out:
- Exposed ductwork and pipes
- Raw, unfinished surfaces
- Heavy use of metal and concrete
2. All-White Interiors
All-white interiors, which dominated the design scene for several years, are being replaced by more colorful and dynamic spaces. Homeowners are seeking to infuse their homes with personality and warmth, moving away from stark, monochromatic looks.
Key Elements Phasing Out:
- Pure white walls and furniture
- Minimalist, monochromatic decor
- Lack of color and contrast
3. Fast Furniture
The trend of fast, disposable furniture is on the decline as people become more environmentally conscious. There’s a growing preference for quality over quantity, with an emphasis on investing in durable, timeless pieces that can withstand the test of time.
Key Elements Phasing Out:
- Cheap, mass-produced furniture
- Short-lived trends
- Furniture with low durability
4. Open Shelving
While open shelving can add a sense of airiness and accessibility to a kitchen, it’s starting to fall out of favor due to practical concerns. Many find it difficult to maintain the neat, organized appearance that open shelves require, leading to a shift back to closed cabinetry.
Key Elements Phasing Out:
- Open shelves in kitchens and bathrooms
- Visible, cluttered storage
- High-maintenance organization
5. Granite Countertops
Granite countertops, once a kitchen staple, are being replaced by more modern and versatile options like quartz and marble. These newer materials offer a wider range of colors and patterns, providing greater flexibility in design.
Key Elements Phasing Out:
- Dark, speckled granite countertops
- Limited color and pattern options
- High-maintenance surfaces
For The Rest of the Year..
As we move through 2024, the interior design landscape continues to evolve, reflecting broader societal shifts towards sustainability, functionality, and personalization. Embracing biophilic design, bold colors, and sustainable materials can refresh and rejuvenate your living spaces. At the same time, letting go of outdated trends like industrial aesthetics and all-white interiors can pave the way for more vibrant and inviting homes.
Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to track the latest trends and innovations in interior design!
