Decorating & Design
January 26, 2024
These Experts Share Their 2024 Design Predictions
With a new year comes a new wave of hot design trends, so we checked in with some of our favorite experts to hear their 2024 design predictions. From vintage lighting to textured walls, find out what designers are pinning to their mood boards this year.
Layers Of Light
“We’re seeing more of a consideration to the levels of lighting, and playing with heights in a room to create a mood, especially in the winter months. Layer in lighting including portable lamps, lamps in bookshelves, lamps on counters and lighting in unexpected places.” – Nyla Free
Contemporary Classicism
“In 2024, we’ll see a return to classical silhouettes, profiles, and materials, but with a contemporary twist. Tried-and-true motifs, like damask, will transition from their predictable uses as window coverings to unexpected ones, here as upholstery fabric on a skirted modern slope-arm sofa. The crispness of traditional patterns will be paired with abstract ones in sumptuous materials, like this silk area rug and the chairs’ figured velvets. Chandeliers will retain their opulence but with clean, contemporary forms. Draperies will take on a less formal yet elegant presence, using figured sheers in tailored panels. As for metals, we’ll see a return to gilt, but elegantly understated in burnished finishes, here on neoclassic frames of the cocktail and side tables.” – Kyle Timothy Blood
Grasscloth
“We think that we’ll be seeing a lot more grasscloth. It’s a nice way to add texture and interest in a way that feels very subdued and intentional. We love incorporating it into millwork and panelling as well as using it for full rooms. It feels so classic, but at the same time very fresh because of all the amazing new options available.” – Collective Studio
Preserving Older Spaces
“In 2024, we’re going to embrace old houses as opposed to taking them down. We’ll lean into the mix of modern and traditional elements in homes, like a traditional townhouse with a modern glass addition on the back. This bathroom embraces the existing architecture of the space. A piece of furniture serves as the vanity, paired with 40s-era wall sconces.” – Brian Gluckstein
Vintage Lighting
“It’s got to be vintage lighting featuring materials like Murano glass and patinated metals. We urge our clients to think outside the box and spend on lighting for big impact. Also nice, is that it can come with you if you move and relocate to a new space for a new look. We have been sourcing amazing finds on 1stDibs and otherwise, Etsy which is a great source for cost effective lighting.” – Shauna Walton
Old School Charm
“In 2024, it’s all about bringing back the old-school charm — think classic details like intricate moldings, lots of wallpaper and warm tones. Brown is back in a big way — it’s like your chic grandma’s house, but with a modern twist!” – Olivia Botrie of Dart Studio
Textured Walls
“So long, plain drywall! This emerging trend is about embracing different textures and leaving no wall forgotten. Long gone are the days of plain white walls. Instead, think bolder textures and contrasting tones to wake up your walls and give the feeling of warmth and history.” – Ben Leavitt, PlaidFox Studio
Darker Wood Tones
“Darker wood tones will be very present in 2024. We love the warmth and contrast they bring to spaces. Whether for furniture, kitchen cabinets or floors, dark stained wood will complement lighter wood.” – Audrée Kemp Bélanger
Handmade Design
“Anything handmade by artisans as much as a floral mural to a piece hanging on your wall to handmade dishes will be much more present this year.” – Les Ensembliers
A Return To Richness
“2024 is all about a return to richness, the personal, the art of the mix with old and new and color. Interiors have been the same — white on white on white for far too long. This absence of soul is not resonating with anyone anymore. People want to see life, layers and stories in homes. 2024 is all about just that.” – Christiane Lemieux
Florals
“Additions of florals and softer touches that bring a romantic flair to a space. Working with the iconic curve movement that has been so popular in design lately, adding in florals makes the look a little more whimsical. A mix of saturated colors and different styles of furniture makes for a beautifully curated style.” – Aly Velji
Mixing Old and New
“We have always been behind mixing old and new. In the coming year we think the importance of an eclectic mix, and storytelling within the home will become relevant to all.” – Kessler Levitan Design
Wrapping Your Walls With Color
“A design trend I am embracing with total enthusiasm is the use of bold, saturated colors. I am drawn to the idea of wrapping the walls, cabinetry in the same hue for an immersive sensory experience.” – Orsi Panos
Local & Custom-made Furniture
“Since the pandemic there’s been a renaissance of local craftsmanship – everywhere. With this new abundance of local artisans, the access to custom-made furnishings has never been easier. With this abundance come the commensurate competitive prices which make locally made, custom elements attainable. Going custom also allows you to really work with and maximize every square inch of your space, like this custom bench and dining table in a small kitchen nook that we designed for one of our clients.” – Emilia Wisniewski, Studio 1NINE1
Embracing Individuality
“Moving away from the pack and embracing your own individuality and creating a home that truly feels and looks like you regardless of what is perceived to be in — or not. Trends come and go, so invest in what you love and what will feed your soul for the long term. It’s better for your wallet and the planet!” – Gillian Gillies