By Gianna Marzella

As we barrel into this year, let’s talk about what interior design trends we can expect to see in 2024.  Trends are influenced by various factors such as cultural shifts, technological advancements, and changes in lifestyle.  Certainly no one really knows where everything will land, but it is always fun to see what the design is industry predicting. 

It should be noted that while keeping our spaces fresh, we should incorporate some trends into our current aesthetics - it is of paramount importance that our built environment reflects who we really are.  Function and personal style make up the foundation of good design.  Trends that appeal to you should be sprinkled in for added interest.  

So, what can we expect to see this year? Brutalism is expected to continue to hold ground.  Its sculptural and strong forms make this aesthetic a showstopper. Brutalism, in the context of interior design, refers to an aesthetic and design approach that draws inspiration from the principles of brutalist architecture. This style incorporates raw, unfinished materials and embraces an industrial, utilitarian, and often minimalist look within interior spaces. Furniture and decor may exhibit strong, angular lines and uncomplicated forms.  Functionality takes precedence in brutalist interiors. Furniture and decor items are chosen for their practicality and utility rather than excessive ornamentation. The color palette in brutalist interiors tends to be neutral, with a focus on earthy tones and the natural colors of materials like concrete and steel. This contributes to the overall simplicity and honesty of the design.  While the overall aesthetic is minimalist, brutalist interiors often feature bold and statement furniture or decor pieces. These items may serve as focal points within the space. It's worth noting that brutalist interior design, much like brutalist architecture, can evoke strong reactions and opinions. Some appreciate its honesty, simplicity, and raw beauty, while others may find it stark or too austere. As with any design style, personal preferences play a significant role in determining its appeal.

While white walls have a certain staying power, they are not the dominant force predicted for this year.  Expect to see a big focus on walls and their materiality.  More is the name of this game.  Textured walls and wall murals continue to permeate the design world.    Lime washing remains a favorite among designers.  Expect to see textured plasters make a revival.  Wall paneling and other applied millwork will be taking center stage.  As opposed to being the quiet backdrop of your space that white walls tend to be, the vertical planes in 2024 will become focal points.  And no, we don’t mean accent walls.  Please, no accent walls, as they have a tendency to subdivide the architecture of a space.  When a wall treatment is applied to all walls, it envelops you and creates a strong, cohesive, and unified environment.

Wall murals have been slowly gaining momentum and we expect to see this trend continue to gain traction in 2024.  There is no easier way to be completely transported.  Wall murals add immediate atmosphere and whimsy.  They are a great way to elevate a space and take walls from bland to bold. 

A desire for artisanal everything persists.  It seems we are rejecting the mass-produced meaninglessness of factory made products for more unique and labor-intensive bench made and artisanal pieces.  While that certainly means these items come at a premium, they tend to outlast their cheaply made counterparts.  People are showing a greater interest in heirloom pieces that can be loved for a long time and passed down to future generations.  These items often have a story and meaning.  The artists that create these pieces become a part of the story, in which we celebrate local craftspeople and support their local economies. This is about the long game, and we love it! 

We are seeing some Victorian era revival happening as well.  Consistent with the general move away from stark interiors, and reflecting a desire for more details & layering, Victorian inspiration becomes an obvious choice. This includes ornate moldings, intricate carvings, and decorative patterns on furniture, textiles, and wallpapers.  Victorian color schemes often featured rich, deep colors such as burgundy, deep greens, and dark blues. These colors were applied to walls, upholstery, and other interior elements. The extensive use of patterned fabrics is a hallmark of Victorian design. Floral, paisley, and intricate patterns were commonly found on upholstery, curtains, and carpets.  Victorian Revival interiors often include antique furniture pieces, especially those with dark wood finishes. Furniture was often heavy and featured detailed carvings.  The use of various textures, such as velvet, brocade, and lace, was common in Victorian interiors. This added a sense of luxury and richness to the design.  Victorian interiors were characterized by a formal and somewhat rigid arrangement of furniture. Rooms were often divided into specific functional areas, and furniture placement followed a more structured layout.  Accessories such as candelabras, figurines, and porcelain items were commonly used to adorn Victorian interiors. These accessories contributed to the overall opulence of the design.

While we don’t expect to see a copy paste of the Victorian style in 2024, it will be interesting to see which of these features gain the most traction.  We can envision the ornate details of this time fused with clean lined, simple pieces for a contemporary take on this aesthetic.  We have already seen some people shift away from open concept living.  Perhaps this desire for privacy and compartmentalization will continue, as was custom for the Victorian time, as more and more of us see our work/life lines blurred by more and more people working from home.

Color is making a comeback.  We have seen lots of beige and earth tones in the past few years.  Expect to see movement back towards more saturated colors. Blue is expected to make a return.  It is known as the most timeless and universally appealing color.  Even people who don’t like color usually like blue.  Shades of blue have never been out of fashion for very long.  While blue was usurped by beige and earth tones for a while, it is no surprise to see it back in a big way.  Expect to see it paired with its warmer counter parts as opposed to the gray tones we saw 10+ years ago.  Pantone’s Color of the Year is Peach Fuzz.  This soft and airy tone imbues any room in an ethereal glow.   Deep and rich green tones continue to hold their space in the design world.  These timeless, nature infusing hues continue to bring a sense of wellbeing into any space they grace. Overall, rich and luxe colors will surround us. 

While some of these trends may excite you more than others, there is no doubt the interior design world is rapidly changing and shifting.  It does seem that as our lives and work are happening more and more in the virtual world, we seek tangible and simple comforts in our interiors.   As we move into 2024, may your spaces continue to envelop, inspire and uplift you!

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