12 Interior Design Trends To Watch Out For

By Geraldine Orentas , Samantha Allen
Contributor, Editor
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Not much changed during 2021, but as we prepare for a hopeful 2024, we’re excited to see what interior design trends will catch up. So far, we’ve seen many of these trends grace our social media feeds and inspiration boards. But in 2024, now that many have completed their home improvement projects, it’s time to focus on design and finishes.

We asked industry experts and interior designers from across the country about the design trends they will be watching out for in 2024.

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1. Nature-Inspired Design

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The use of natural elements and nature-inspired design has been gaining popularity in the last several years. In 2024, expect to see that bring a sense of coziness more than ever. As we’re trying to feel more in contact with nature, we’ll see more nature-focused designs and home improvements. “From color palettes, we will see the incorporation of natural and warmer colors such as sage green and wood tones; we will also see a rise in artisan and handmade elements,” predicts Claire O’Connell from The Flipping School.

2. Multifunctional Spaces Are the New Norm

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Single-use spaces will become a thing of the past. Most designers expect to see more multifunctional rooms in 2024, with homeowners making the most of every nook. Guest rooms will double as home offices. Built-ins will transform living rooms into libraries and spaces that adapt to different occasions.

“Closed-concept spaces will start to be common,” predicts interior stylist Sarah Nelson. “Because more people are working from home, we’re beginning to crave more visual separation in our space, and more people are looking for ways to divide or close areas of their home that were once open, sprawling spaces.”

3. Sustainable And Organic Materials

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Home improvement trends in 2024 expect a movement towards maximizing glass with oversized windows and panels. “Filling our space with textures and ornate detailing will be very popular. To further enhance this warm ambiance, natural woods with lots of movement and unique elements, like fluted cabinet fronts and hand carvings, will be present,” explains interior designer Laetitia Laurent from Laure Nell Interiors. As interior design tries to mirror nature, we’ll start to see less plastic and more organic materials.

4. Furniture Gets Rounded Edges

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Designers expect to see a comeback from the 1970s retro look. One way we’ll achieve that touch of retro without looking outdated is through furniture. Coffee tables, sofas and significant furniture pieces will feature softer edges that are feminine and versatile. C-shape sofas are expected to be in nearly every living room alongside contemporary chairs with a retro flair.

5. Minimalism Reimagined

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Minimalism has been trending for the past couple of years. But, extreme minimalism is a trend to watch in 2024. Maybe the pandemic caused the urge to purge belongings to free up space for daily activities. A minimalist way of living is also linked to reduced stress, so there’s that. Regardless of the reason, making more or less and focusing on wellness interior decor elements seems to be a trend this year that will continue the next one.

6. Retro And Light Floor Patterns Shine

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Light-colored flooring will continue to be on-trend in 2024 and for various reasons. First of all, soft hardwood flooring makes the space feel larger and open, something most people have wanted after being confined to their homes for the past years. Secondly, the light floor reflects natural light and has that nature-inspired aesthetic that will also be trending next year. Lastly, hardwood flooring can be environmentally-friendly, an option that’s very much aligned with the interest in sustainability and organic materials.

7. We’ll See More Vintage Pieces

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This year, the supply-chain hiccups pushed many people to reconsider the way they purchase furniture and decor pieces. People are more interested in buying antiques than ever before. “We’re going to see more integration of antiques and vintage furniture pieces in homes,” shares New York designer Ariela Azizo.

“We’re experiencing unprecedentedly long lead times in the furniture industry, and people want furniture that is unique and not mass-produced. Coupled with a new wave of DIY antiques and vintage furniture is finally getting a second chance to shine.”

8. Black Accents Create Contrast

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Although natural elements and lighter color palettes will be a common theme in 2024, black accents will also be popular. Black accents are rising as a contrasting element to break up organic materials and natural wood tones. Expect to see black in furniture, trims, doors, ceilings and hardware.

9. Smarter Furniture for Versatility

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The pandemic has shifted the way we use our homes and forced us to rely on multifunctional spaces. Versatility will continue to be a huge interior design element in 2024. Expect to see more convertible furniture and smart furniture integrated with technology and functionality in mind. Accent tables featuring speakers, coffee tables with storage, multi-cornered couches and even speakers that double as decor will be trending.

10. Zen and Wellness Homes

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After two years of living in a pandemic, homeowners moved their wellness needs to their homes. Besides home improvement trends like built-in air purifiers and antimicrobial tiles that help with sanitary wellness, there has also been a trend of creating a zen space at home. The house is the new ground zero to focus on, and practice wellness and interior decorations will reflect that.

Indoor plants, for example, have air-purifying properties and calming effects, promoting a zen environment in the house. Expect to see even more house plants integrated into the decor.

11. Interior Design Extends Outdoor

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Investment in outdoor spaces was significant in 2021 and will likely continue next year. As people incorporate greenery and glass to bring the outdoors in, they’ll also be moving elements outside. Expect to see an emphasis on rattan chairs, large sofas and even outdoor wall art elements to match the patio or backyard decor to what’s inside.

12. Luxurious Textiles With Plenty of Texture

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Interior designers rely on textiles to add warmth to balance the neutral tones in most rooms. Velvets, sherpa and boucles will be trending fabric options we’ll see in 2024. Cozy fabrics look chic and luxurious and add a much-needed coziness factor to each room. Expect to see textured fabrics and fringes from the bedroom to the living room upholstery and beyond.

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