Are you planning to shake up your home decor? Here are the key trends to watch out for this year
We all know the joy of watching a home makeover taking place – the viewing figures for Room to Improve will attest to that – but when it comes to doing up our own, we can become crippled with indecision.
Hiring an interior designer is not a luxury that is affordable for everyone so it’s great when the experts share their knowledge about what will look well in your home and how to embrace the current trends.
Design director, Richard Eaton, from British brand Denby has used his industry expertise, along with some Google trend research and input from other interior specialists, to compile a summary of the key interior trends he expects to see this year.
Kitchens get a spa makeover
Neutral, organic hues have long been a popular option for kitchens. In 2024, we’ll be taking this to the next level, incorporating natural materials to create a more rustic and serene space. Think of this trend as a combination of the clean and cosy ‘vanilla girl aesthetic’ and ‘nature luxe’ trend, both of which were popularised recently.
Neutral colour palettes will form the basis of this trend, with stony grey, cream, and serene cashmere tones being a popular choice for cabinetry. Combine these neutral tones with deeper, cosy hues like chocolate brown and sage green and incorporate plenty of organic wooden and stone textures to give your kitchen the spa makeover it deserves. Ceramics are an easy way to inject the spa trend into your home. Choose rustic, neutral tableware which will help you get this look and can be effortlessly mixed with your current collection for timeless appeal.
Japandi makes a comeback
While Japandi first entered the trend sphere back in 2021, this seamless blend of Japanese and Scandinavian design briefly fell from our radar, but it’s back just in time for 2024. Over the last 12 months, Google searches for ‘Japandi‘ are up 104%. This look is somewhat similar to the spa kitchen trend we’re currently seeing, with a focus on organic materials and earthy tones like cream, grey, and brown.
Where this look really stands out is its sustainability. Organic, contemporary styles bring nature indoors while second-hand furniture pieces add character and charm to a space. Sophie Clemson, Director and Co-Founder of The Living House says: “People are becoming increasingly eco-conscious, therefore home furnishings such as sofa fabrics and rugs that are made from recycled materials and are environmentally friendly are at the forefront of consumers’ minds.”
Maximalism stays strong
There’s something for everyone in 2024 and although we’re seeing plenty of minimalistic styles, maximalism is also here to stay. The antithesis of Scandi and Japandi trends, maximalism is all about breaking the ‘rules’ of interior design, with plenty of colour, contrasting patterns, and decorative elements on display.
What makes maximalism such an attractive style is its focus on joy and individuality, letting creativity run free. Google searches for ‘maximalist décor‘ were up 100% in the past 12 months as interiors fans continue to add some extra colour and fun to their spaces.
Colour palettes get a mood lift
Joy will be the biggest focus for interiors in 2024 and colours will be a major factor in this. Alongside serene colour palettes, expect to see rich, earthy shades that uplift a space and add cosiness.
Home interiors writer Claire Douglas predicts that mood-lifting colours like blues, greens, pinks, and reds will feature heavily in our interiors in the new year. The kitchen in particular will see a colour refresh, as earthy greens take the spotlight.
Alongside rich green tones, expect to see plenty of red and orange shades. Sophie Clemson explains: “We are seeing a shift in colour palettes, moving away from the rust and taupe leading into brown, red, russet, and butterscotch tones.”
Texture comes to the forefront
While boucle fabrics are a key trend for autumn 2023, this is part of a much wider textured trend. “Say goodbye to straight lines and hello to decorative finishes,” says Sophie. “This year, decorative finishes such as the bobbin trend on photo frames, mirrors, and lamps have been very popular, and we think these types of finishes are here to stay. You will be seeing more of this trend next year, whether it’s a curtain trim or a scalloped edge sideboard.”
If you like the look of this trend but you’re worried about going all out, start small with a few textured accessories first. For instance, subtly textured pieces like ribbed glassware can be a great starting point. The best part about this trend is its versatility. Investing in one or two small textured pieces will instantly update your interiors without breaking the bank.
Old money reigns supreme
2023 was all about quiet luxury. However, there’s a new version that’s slowly taking over the spotlight: the old money aesthetic. With a 160% increase in searches throughout 2023, interior design enthusiasts are looking for ways to make their spaces more luxurious.
While it might initially sound strange for this style to be trending right now, it’s actually the perfect look as it is all about creating a timeless finish using existing pieces. This aesthetic gives the illusion of your décor being passed down through the generations. Old money interiors are intentional and personal, so whether you decorate with the furniture you already have, upcycle old pieces, or thrift second-hand items, this look is the perfect choice for 2024.
Blue and white are a specific focus for the old money trend, but you can choose other ‘historic’ tones that match your existing pieces, such as deep burgundy or forest green.
