Whether we’re talking revolutionary runway styles or the latest culinary trends, each new year promises fresh inspiration — and 2024 is no exception. This year in interior design, we have our eyes on everything from unique backsplashes and bouclé furniture to architectural arches. Here are eight interior design trends you can look forward to seeing in the coming year.
Color Infusion
The use of color is nothing new, but the way designers choose to use it evolves from year to year. “I don’t think we will see a broad use of bright color in homes, but color will be more prominent,” says Amber Thomas of Nashville’s Providence Interiors. “We like to add color in small doses, so it’s not too overwhelming,” adds co-owner Julie Brown.
They recommend using color to create interest in your space by adding elements such as wallpaper in bathrooms and dining rooms or color-saturated paint in laundry rooms, home offices, and bedroom accent walls. “You can also add accent color and texture throughout your home with art, pillows, throws, rugs, and trim on drapery,” Amber and Julie tell us. “This gives you the flexibility to change things up over time.”
Marcelle Guilbeau of Nashville’s Marcelle Guilbeau Interior Design adds, “Another wonderful trend is the return of jewel tone colors — especially golds, deep greens, cobalt blues, and terra cottas. Mix them into the home with luxurious textures such as velvets, mohairs, and chenilles for some extra richness and color pop.”
Warmer Tones
In 2024, you’ll see fewer stark white and gray motifs in favor of warmer neutrals. The Pantone color of the year is Peach Fuzz, which reflects the desire for the warmth you’ll see cropping up throughout interior design — whether through paint, wallpaper, or wood finishes. “We will continue to see more color and pattern added into the mix,” Amber and Julie explain. “The richer, earthy colors and patterns add depth, interest, and a bit of nostalgia. Soft browns, terra cotta, muddy greens, and rich blues will add richness to the neutral palette.”
Beth Haley of Nashville’s Beth Haley Design adds, “Rich, earthy colors are leading the color trends category in all areas of the home. Browns are everywhere, neutral fabrics are creamier, kitchen and bath cabinetry are painted shades of green, and wood accents abound.”
When it comes to wood grains, Amy Mobley of City Hill Design in Memphis tells us, “In kitchens, beautiful wood tones are here to stay. This isn’t the dated oak cabinetry from the 80s. Instead, we’re seeing a variety of woodcuts, such as rift cut or quarter-sawn, that bring warmth and life back to the kitchen. Tighter woodgrains and medium brown stains are also becoming more popular.”
Bouclé Furniture
Bouclé furniture started its reign long ago, but recent years have seen a resurgence. “Since 2020, more and more people are continuing to work from home,” explain Amber and Julie. “As a result, homes need to be well-designed, warm, and comfortable. We still love bouclé and think it will continue to find a place in upholstery and soft goods for a long time because it is so inviting and warm.”
Marcelle adds, “Bouclé fabric has been a staple in the world of fashion, interiors, and hospitality for many years, and it is amazing to see it come to life in the home, following on the heels of the ‘hygge’ trend that took us by storm over the pandemic.”
Beth Haley agrees: “With its plush, textured, and cozy fabric, bouclé furniture feels like a warm winter sweater, beckoning you to experience its gentleness. Often used on curved furniture, it softens a modern room yet is also in harmony with a more traditional, casual setting. Bouclé is a fundamental part of the quiet luxury trend.”
Which leads us to …
Quiet Luxury
From fashion to home design, “quiet luxury” has been a buzzy phrase for a while now. When it comes to interiors, the concept refers to timeless, understated design, often incorporating luxe fabrics and a lived-in look. For Ami Austin of Memphis’s Ami Austin Interior Design, it’s all about the velvet. “Luxurious performance velvets are our go-to for quiet luxury,” she says. “If you fear wear and tear from pets and children, these fabrics are still the number one winner in our opinion. Designers are the perfect resource to help educate clients on the right fabric for the right setting.”
Beth Haley adds, “Cozy, quiet luxury is still in. Anticipate more relaxed and casual furniture as clients crave an understated comfort. Quality furniture pieces are accessorized with cashmere throw blankets, linen window treatments, and wool rugs. Curved seating that hugs, covered in textured fabric, makes for a cozy and calming spot to enjoy your favorite indulgence.”
“Quiet luxury is the material, the finish, and the fabric that lives better with age — marbles, linens, wool, plasters, and natural wood,” explains Amy of City Hill Designs. “A curated collection, a wand to draw the drapes, a dimmer switch for your lighting to set the mood, a down insert in your throw pillow are all ways to achieve that affordable quiet luxury.”
Updated LED Lighting Options
Proper lighting can make or break a room’s ambiance. And since recent changes to the market have led to the use of more LED bulbs, lighting is following suit. “Lighting will continue to evolve with better LED fixture options,” offer Amber and Julie. “We’ve seen the commercial influence in lighting, with a greater use of LED strips and bulbs, but we hope to see better design and warmer light value as LED light fixtures make their way further into residential design.”
Ami Austin agrees, adding, “Lighting is tough — finding the right bulbs to show off your statement chandeliers, lamps, and wall sconces. It is imperative, in my opinion, to take this into consideration when shopping for lighting so that the bulbs don’t cast the wrong or harsh light if you are looking for cozy spaces.”
Marcelle adds, “Another design element that is trending is indirect lighting. It can make shelving glow, from bookcases to master closets. Also, backlit minimalist light fixtures and mirrors. Indirect lighting creates a magical, ethereal quality of luxurious calm.”
Thoughtful Backsplash Design
Backsplashes are stepping into the spotlight this year. “We are seeing fading backsplashes, which means you use your countertop material up the wall under your cabinets as your backsplash,” Emily Forman of Mississippi’s Moda Designs tells us. She also says there’s a newer trend of using countertop material a quarter of the way, then tiling to the ceiling. “It’s a very interesting combination that I love. This only works if your wall has floating shelves, so you have more wall space for both materials.”
Mixing Classic + Modern Elements
Classic styles tend to stick around, even as trends come and go, but we’re seeing unique combinations emerge. Emily tells us, “Even in modern homes, we are using classic elements such as brick, arched doorways, and stone elements. Classic style is the best way to make your space last.”
Amy of City Hill Designs adds, “This year, the trend for perfectly styled spaces is fading away in favor of a more relaxed and comfortable living environment. Overly styled spaces are no longer in vogue, and we are embracing a more authentic design that reflects the character of our homes. Discovering our true style is something to be celebrated! We are seeing a trend towards using collected pieces, layering textures, and blending natural materials with edgy elements.”
Rich Layers
Texture and layers are a surefire way to add depth to your living space, and the interior design world is feeling that impact. “Trends you can continue to see are rich layers of fabrics and a mixed aesthetic of contemporary art in luxurious settings,” explains Ami Austin. “Neutral walls allow fabrics, furnishings, rugs, and art to shine without the competition of too much else going on.”
She also touts the benefits of how drapery can add layers. “Window treatments are still the crowning jewel in our design process. They not only enhance your indoor space, but they also provide a purpose for insulating your home. If done with intention, they will frame your outdoor view.”
“Modern, clean lines with layers of texture to create a warm and inviting space,” Amber Thomas says of the ultimate goal for a home’s cozy spaces. Julie Brown adds, “Curated antiques will continue to be important for rooms to add another layer of age and warmth.”
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