For the past few years, architecture and interior design trends have been solidly minimalist, with spare aesthetics: white walls, caramel accents, and simple patterns, and plants (don't forget piles of cascading plants!). But in 2024, it’s clear the trend is deeper into maximalism and bigger, bolder choices.
We have some exciting observations but before we get into that, we have a few things to say about our approach to trends.
Are We Into Trends?
We take trends seriously. The ways that people design their spaces, clothe themselves, and spend their time are expressions of life experiences. They’re a way for people to connect, a common language. They’re a cultural phenomenon that reflects collective social and political realities.
That said, certain trends outlive their appeal, like the faux-Victorian detailing that was popular in the ‘90s. Others were never good to begin with: think fake marble tiles and rounded sheetrock corners.
We’re into trends, yes. But only the ones we think will have staying power.
How We Manage Trends
In our design work, we only suggest things that will last. Years of training, daily decision making, and institutional knowledge all combine to make us excellent design sleuths. It’s easy for us to avoid the tacky stuff.
We mitigate the chance that your backsplash or siding will age poorly by using real, quality materials, especially sustainable, natural products. Quality is what gives a design element longevity. The inexpensive knock-off will look dated more quickly in part because it will age quickly. Chipped, worn, or faded materials hasten a design element’s demise.
We’re also intentional. We take all factors into consideration during the design process, including cost, longevity, and vibe. And the client’s end goal is our North Star: based on extensive conversations and a lot of back-and-forth until we come up with solutions that sing.
2024 Architecture and Interior Design Trends — What We’re Noticing
Let’s take a look at what’s big in design today.
Deeper Interior Wall Colors
People are moving away from stark white interiors and painting whole rooms in deep blues or grays. We’re also seeing a lot of dark, moody vibes.
Our take: We love this — as long as it’s contained. We still prefer white and light colored walls in large, shared spaces because they’re great for light. But having a few brooding spots in a house is a nice way to make a home more dynamic and emotional.
Try it: If you’re going to jump on this trend, start in a small bathroom. Paint the walls and the ceiling a flat black and install light fixtures with Edison bulbs for a sophisticated space.
Braver Colors And Color Combinations
Instead of a white palette with black or pale accents, we’re seeing big, bold choices: pinks and reds, savory oranges and yellows, and lots of blues. We’re also seeing unusual pairings — like burgundy, red, and peach together — bringing a lot of visual tension to a space.
Our take: Yes, please! We love what’s emerging right now as designers push color boundaries, though we’re keeping an eye out for colors that may be here today and gone tomorrow.
Try it: Go for it — but be mindful. Try bold color choices first on surfaces you can change easily if they go out of style or your taste changes. Paint or wallpaper an entire room in a shade or pattern you love. If you still love it after living with it for a good while, then start adding more permanent color combinations, like tile or flooring.
Post-Modern Vibes
Elevated ‘80s architecture is cool again, kids. We see designers separating form and function by adding playful elements, like interpretations of postmodernsim and an emerging middle ground between minimalism, maximalism, and eclecticism. We’re seeing it in interiors as well, particularly funkier, bulkier furniture and drapes; colorful tiles; soft, pillowy shapes (even for hard objects); and bold patterns.
Our take: We’re inspired by experimental, fun elements in design. But we’re careful with this one. We don’t incorporate anything into our architectural designs that we think might become an eyesore in a decade or two. If it’s functional and fun, great! If it’s out there just for the sake of being out there, we pass.
Try it: If you’re into this look, try out a single, replaceable element, like a bold, oversized chair, a funky light fixture, or new curtains with a bold pattern.
Personalization
People are getting rid of filler pieces in favor of elements that have personal meaning. We see spaces that incorporate thrifted items, for instance, or pieces of furniture someone has refinished themselves. Instead of an end table from a box store, for instance, they’re choosing a higher quality used or hand-me-down piece.
Our take: We love incorporating personal items and creating spaces that merge the personality of our clients with high-quality materials. We are 100% in favor of finding things to fill your space that speak to you — and that last. In our design work, we often create a space just for a beloved table, piece of art, or light fixture, aiming to increase its visibility.
Try it: Look around your home. Is there a lamp, a chair, or a coat rack that gets the job done but isn’t something you love? Replace it with something that makes your heart happy, that you like for itself, not just for the job it performs.
How Should You Engage With Architecture and Interior Design Trends?
Here are our suggestions:
Choose elements that mean something to you. Before choosing tile or flooring, reflect on why your favorite is your favorite. Does it evoke fond memories? Does it feel optimistic? Does it feel like home or are you trying to be different or edgy? Do you think you’ll like it in 10 years? Do you like it because it feels personal or because you’re seeing it a lot on social media?
Ditch cheesy popularity. Does a popular home design cable channel love this trend? (You know the one we’re talking about.) If so, think again!
Hire us. Design firms like ours help people make important design choices every day. We’re good at it and we have access to hundreds of options for each and every element of your home. When you partner with us, you’re more likely to love your choices for a long, long time.
Posted on January 01, 2024
