The new year is already flying by, and, as spring approaches, you might be feeling like it’s time to refresh your home. There are a ton of trends coming to the forefront in 2024, both new and old, and the many possibilities can seem a bit daunting. In this article we break down some of the top design trends of the year and how to use them!
The resurgence of dark wood
This is the first of perhaps many throwbacks you’ll see on this list and, at first, the idea of wood paneling may seem dated, reminding you of the 70s and 80s in a bad way. Dark wood and wood paneling in general was replaced with white and gray tones in recent years, but dark hues fought their way back to the top.
Dark wood paneling is a big 2024 trend that can help bring warmth into the home, according to Vogue. This can be very helpful for those buying houses that may seem a bit out of date. That wood paneling is back and can be styled into modern luxury! It’s not out of touch, it’s vintage, darling!
The experts are calling the moment brown is having "latte decorating". It may seem like a boring color, but the neutrality of it makes this color the perfect base or accent. You can incorporate several of the trends on this list over some dark wood!
Maximize your life with maximalism
You may equate maximalism with clutter, but the truth is far from it. Maximalism is where your personality comes to shine in your home. Embrace the gallery wall, stick another chair in your living room, mix patterns and textures. It’s your home and what you say goes.
Maximalism is a trend that’s great if you feel like you already have too much stuff. Instead of looking at each piece separately, try to envision how they can be put together as a whole aesthetic! There’s no right way to do maximalism, so this trend can be perfect for those who struggle with indecision. If you want to see some real-world applications, maximalist Elena Davis posts some great examples!
Read more: 10 Refreshing Summer Home Decor Trends.
Take a walk on the whimsy side
The days of all white decor and clean, modern lines are coming to an end. Now, interior design is all about color and personality. Bring color and fun in with a whimsical aesthetic that makes you feel happy just by looking at it. This can be achieved with exciting wallpaper or statement art pieces. The whimsical trend allows you to bring personality to your space without going overboard.
If your brand of whimsy is living in a pastel dream, interior designer Maitri Mody posts her color journey on her Instagram, and all alterations are renter-friendly if you were looking for inspiration!
Read more: How to Decorate Your Home Like Barbie
Get green with creativity
Green is big in every way this year. Sustainability, plant life, painted walls- whatever green means to you, 2024 is the time to embrace it! You can incorporate copious amounts of green in your living space or keep it more subtle with pops of color and plant life.
Plants have been so popular in recent years, and this trend doesn’t seem to be going anywhere! Real or fake, placing plants around your apartment or house can help achieve an earthy oasis. When it comes to sustainability, some people find this more important than others. If you’re on a budget, however, this can be a great way to take some hand-me-downs or estate sale finds and turn them into semi-custom pieces!
Read more: What’s Included in an Interior Design Certificate Course?
Dark and moody
Bright splashes of color and whimsy not necessarily your thing? Well, great news! Moody color schemes like black and gray are also at the forefront this year! There’s nothing wrong with wanting a more modern vibe, and dark colors can usually achieve this. The kitchen and bathroom are great rooms to try this 2024 design trend out. You don’t have to only go the modern route with this color scheme, however. A gothic style bathroom can infuse some great personality into your home! When incorporating some goth vibes to your home, think about using dark paints, antique finishes, and vintage-inspired furniture.
Tile away
Tiles can make a big statement in a room according to Decorilla. Plain white or marble are classic, but if you’re looking to do something a bit fun with your floors or walls, try different shapes and designs instead!
A great way to infuse originality into a room is experimenting with materials. For example, you can use glass blocks as tiles for your floors, walls, as accents, etc. There are so many opportunities to add personality to your home, and unique tiles are one of them!
Bask in the glow of some natural light
Lighting can do a lot not only for a space, but also your mood! There are so many benefits to natural sunlight, so incorporating it into your home can add to your aesthetic.
Floor-to-ceiling windows have been popular for a while now, and this trend definitely isn’t going anywhere. Mirrors are also a great way to capture and reflect natural sunlight (and they can be pretty themselves)!
Vintage vibes
Dark wood paneling isn’t the only throwback making its way into 2024 trends. Thrift and antique shopping are huge hobbies these days. People are finding great things for their home decor this way, and whether they’re repurposing them or using them exactly as they are, this is a great and often affordable way to add items you may love to your home. Vintage lighting is a great example of a way you can incorporate styles of old into your home! Instagrammer Amanda Yong embraces the vintage aesthetic if you’re looking for some ideas!
The power of hardware
Never underestimate the impact changing your kitchen or bathroom hardware can have. Something so small can completely transform a room! This is a renter friendly thing you can do if you are limited in the changes you’re allowed to make to create “your” space. Switching out your cabinet handles or shower head can help your room give off the exact vibe you want.
Read more: Bathroom Design Trends: The Ultimate Guide
Curve your enthusiasm
Why have traditional shaped furniture when you can go curvy with it! Couches and chairs with rounded edges are a big 2024 design trend, so if you’re looking for a living room refresh, this could be the way to go.
This aesthetic may not be for everyone, but if you're going for a “quiet luxury” design, consider decreasing the sharp edges and incorporating a few pieces from this trend!
Learn more about interior design
The world of interior design can be fun and meaningful! Trends can be combined or mixed for a unique design that’s all your own. If you’re interested in learning more tips and tricks for designing your home, or if you want to take the leap and help others design their homes by becoming an interior designer yourself, consider taking interior design courses online to develop your skills!
Read more: How to Become an Interior Designer