While design should always be driven by individual taste, there are always common themes and even classic principles that guide the times. We consulted with leaders in the shelter space to learn what’s shaping the design landscape right now, and how they’re seeing residences, offices and hospitality properties make these themes their own.
Trend: The Educated Consumer
“The top three trends that we are currently seeing in the industry are traditional pieces, vintage (one-of-a-kind) pieces, and true investment and quality pieces. These trends reflect a desire for products that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also sustainable, long-lasting, and meaningful. They speak to a shift in consumer consciousness towards more thoughtful and considered consumption.” -Christopher Donnelly, Founder, Buddy + Co
"With so much information at their fingertips, consumers are diving deep. Beyond aesthetics, they seek home products that 'do good' in various categories, posing questions such as: Where are the materials sourced? Does this product contain harmful chemicals like phthalates? Is it durable? Will my purchase benefit a philanthropic organization? Is the product manufactured ethically? Has it undergone rigorous testing? Does it hold accreditation from experts in the field? Consumers and interior designers alike are becoming increasingly discerning in their selection of products for their homes. They prioritize sustainability, environmental consciousness, wellness, craftsmanship, technology, and purpose.
“Native Trails, a B Corp Certified kitchen and bath furnishings manufacturer, seizes every opportunity to utilize recycled, reclaimed, or green-certified materials, infusing eco-consciousness into luxury living. An example of this commitment is the Vintners Vanity above, handcrafted from oak staves salvaged after their useful life in the winemaking process has ended." -Cody Suher, Associate Vice President, UpSpring
Trend: Earthy Palettes
Saatva Sweater Knit Blanket in Terra
“Earthy, nature-inspired tones are becoming increasingly popular as they are associated with a calming, relaxed, and inviting indoor ambiance. Shades in brown, pink, and orange tones are becoming preferred colors for bedrooms or accent colors in bathrooms. These deeper shades that exude natural sophistication and style will be a major trend in interior design in 2024, especially in spaces that are being designed to complement or contrast with the room's ambiance.” Shari Ajayi, Head of PR, SAATVA
“Benjamin Moore released a blue shade as its paint color for 2024. Throughout a modern house in Miami, Assure Interiors introduced an earthy palette with neutral hues, layering texture, and interest via tactile materials such as linen, boucle velvet and accent colors in greens and blues. These elements were conceived as part of a laidback and refined decorating scheme suitable for tropical living.” Victoria Hood, Founder, Pamplemousse PR
Trend: Organic Shapes
Spanish artist and designer Veronica Mar's Soul Sculpture Bench in Marble
"Marble, organic shapes, and all-natural, sustainable materials seem here to stay as Design Miami/Art Basel approaches and we head into 2024." Veronica Speck, Founder, VHS Ventures
“In 2024, we will see interior trends build upon the foundations laid in previous years. Sustainability, comfort, and warmth play an important role in how an interior scheme makes us feel. We, therefore, predict that organic curves are here to stay. The comforting appeal of sinuous shapes help to soften a scheme and allows makers more creative freedom to add a touch of modernity and artistry to pieces. In this shift toward quirkier, more personalised spaces – layering texture is key – building on the love of boucle, comes corduroy, mohair and weaves.” -Joanna Haputman, Co-Founder, Hyde House
Trend: Memorable Murals
“We are seeing an increased popularity in murals versus wallpapers. Consumers really like the more customizable options and ability to tailor a design for their space and aesthetic. Also, sustainable and responsible sourcing are not going anywhere anytime soon. As younger generations move into their first homes they are also bringing their care for the environment into their decision making and purchases. They are paying close attention to materials and carbon footprint.” Dania Ahmad, President, Good Word PR
Trend: Burl Wood
BHDM Design, Gotham Point Model Apartment, photo courtesy of Adam Kane Macchia
“Among the many new product introductions and unexpected trends at this fall’s High Point Market, burl wood unsurprisingly remains a favorite and was prevalent across manufacturers. Loved for its intricate, naturally-grained patterns, burl wood is a highly sought-after and versatile material that can lean more vintage or feel like a modern statement, depending on the design and setting. While burl wood furniture pieces are often more valuable than those crafted from other types of wood, due to its scarcity, it's certainly a material that is worth the investment and will never go out of style.” Ashley Bond, Vice President of Residential Products and Interiors, UpSpring
Trend: Integrated Interiors
MODULNOVA Miami Studio photographed by Jeanne Canto
“Kitchens are seamlessly blending into living rooms and main areas through the use of sophisticated cabinetry and millwork design. It creates a dynamic in the home where every room is purposefully lived in while taking into consideration the architecture of the overall design.” -Marissa Cornejo Broennle, Founder, Design Marketing Collective
Trend: Furniture & Fashion
“A trend we've definitely been seeing is the growing amount of partnerships between (residential) furniture and fashion brands. The definition of design is expanding and furniture brands are now thinking outside of the box beyond partnering with architects & designers for product collabs. For example, our client Poltrona Frau recently launched a new collaboration with British-Ghanaian fashion designer Ozwald Boateng. Ozwald is best known for his trademark twist on classic tailoring and contemporary approach to Savile Row menswear design. The new collection marks his first official foray into interiors and furnishings. The new seating, lifestyle accessories, textiles, and wallpapers combine the joyousness of African aesthetics, spirit of British tailoring, and expert Italian craftsmanship for a truly unique family of products.” -Novita PR
Trend: The Design Capsule Collection
“I've been noticing something interesting in the world of design lately. It seems that those microtrends everyone was obsessing over are losing their charm. Consumers are tired of constantly trying to keep up with the latest things, and the concept of "capsule collections" we hear about in fashion has seeped into our homes now. People are more into purchasing quality pieces that'll stick around for the long haul, rather than just splurging on something trendy for the moment. Luxury brands such Rosemary Hallgarten for soft goods and Coup D’Etat’s Coup Studio collection offer that timeless, investment-worthy vibe in home décor, with items that are all about lasting elegance and class.” -Erik Perez, Co-Founder, Hello PR
Trend: Unique to You
“For 2024, I think unusual colour combinations will become more commonplace as people strive to create unique homes. Colour-drenched walls can be the single most effective and affordable way to transform and elevate a space. Making way for more characterful tones, I imagine we will see less neutrals such as white, beige and grey being used which can sometimes feel flat and perhaps a little bland. Pink, tan, clay, terracotta, peach and stone are some of the shade which we’ll see more of. These colours instantly warm up and modernise a space, whether used individually or combined in one scheme, and feel like new neutrals.
Tying in with the theme of a more personalised and unique home, layering and building on an interior using what you may already have will be another big trend for next year. Can a rug be moved to another room to appear fresh again and change up a floor? Similarly with artworks – could they be framed, grouped and hung on a wall for a one of a kind gallery?” -Matthew Williamson, Interior Designer
Casey Keasler loves Strange Dirt artwork, which made it a perfect focal point for her living room. In front of it sits a slatted S-shape coffee table the designer scored on Craigslist.
“We witnessed this in interior designer Casey Keasler’s Ranchalow—a house she personally renovated over five years. When designing her home, the founder of Casework sourced used furniture, special artwork, and quality products she loved. The coffee table with a slatted s-shaped base and a glass top is from Craigslist and the artwork is one of Keasler’s favorites—the print-like botanical work of Strange Dirt. In an industry that often separates design from construction, Keasler’s home remodel demonstrates the value of personalized craftsmanship in all stages of the design process. After taking the time to conceptualize, design, and remodel her home over five years, Keasler’s space uniquely represents her with special pieces and reminders of the hard work she endured to bring it to life.” -Paxson Fay
“As the trend for creating personal and unique interiors evolves, in 2024 we’ll see a shift towards ‘maximalism meets nature’. People want to express themselves, have fun with it and not take life too seriously, but also keep materials and finishes sleek and natural. Think of oak floors paired with a wild Pierre Frey patterned curtain and marmorino walls. Large indoor plants, such as olive and fig trees, will rule 2024, alongside healing crystals. These natural elements will be used in an impactful way, creating stylish design statements.” -Naomi Astley Clarke, Interior Designer
Trend: Dark Design
Kathy Samaan
“We are seeing layered black minimalism in residences, as conceived by designer Kathy Samaan. We are also seeing neuroscience and biophilia-infused commercial design as evidenced by the national TruDoc medical private practice franchise; exclusively created by Samaan Design Group.” -Courtney Lukitsch, Founder, Gotham PR
Trend: Flexibility in Small Footprints
“The future of office design can be boiled down to flexibility in a smaller footprint. We are still in the midst of an uncertain return-to-office landscape and office space design may never be the same. But, two key factors that influence the creation of these spaces are already clear. First, the five-day in-person workweek is largely a thing of the past. Most companies are adopting a range of hybrid work policies, and smart business leaders are evaluating what works and adjusting accordingly. Second, businesses of all sizes are cutting operational costs by reducing their office footprint.
Interior design firms and contract furniture manufacturers alike are designing for a smaller workspace with an uncertain future. Manufacturers are launching furniture systems that incorporate easily movable pieces, collaborative areas, and storage solutions that are decoupled from individual desks. Interior design firms are developing easily-adaptable layout options that support hybrid employees.” -Kirsten Larson, Partner, Wolf Craft
Trend: Lighting That Feels Like A Form of Art
“Being a Euroluce year at Salone del Mobile, during Milan Design Week in April, there was an enhanced focus on lighting. We noticed that much of the lighting exhibited was fun, whimsical and felt more like art that happened to illuminate. At Cassina, the Eitie light by Tobia Scarpa, is a wall-mounted lighting system that can also produce a pendant light, a table lamp and a floor lamp. The long, tubular lights can be jointed to form various compositions and then rotated to adjust its position and the brightness of the light.
At Apparatus, the Reprise tiered pendant dances between rigor and whimsy where a glass orb is suspended in mid-air by a delicately articulated brass chain and suede-wrapped brass form which recall the perfection of plasticity so playfully considered by designer Joe Colombo, reinterpreted by the human hand in savoir faire leather craft. The complexity of the construction is belied by its playful defiance of gravity.” -Marlene Capron, Public Relations Vice President, Design, Karla Otto
“While oversized, sculptural lighting fixtures will remain a favorite design trend in 2024, the overall use of light will become a more creative and customizable layer of home design. On the human-centric side, everything from color-changing bulbs that set the vibe from alert to relaxed to chromatic showerheads to indicate temperature and enhance mood feels future-forward. On the aesthetic side, fixtures that cast a wash of light and create dramatic shadows as the sun goes down or those that create an illusion of natural light where there is none (as seen above in a project by lighting design extraordinaire Nathan Orsman) are striking and unexpected.” - Julie Hoylen, Brand & Communications Director, Head & Hand
Trend: I Woke Up Like This
Living room from Nancy Meyers' 'It's Complicated'
What I’m seeing trending more and more is what I’m calling the “I woke up like this” home aesthetic…meaning it’s perfectly undone in that Nancy Meyers dreamy way. It feels lived in, but looks stunning in photographs. It’s collected, but not junky. It begs the question of…do you own anything ugly (no, you do not!), but also has some quirkiness with art and objects that so very perfectly tell the story of who lives there.” -Molly Schoneveld, Founder, The Storied Group
Trend: Health & Wellness at Home
“In discussions with my business partner Keith Granet at Fred Segal Home, we explored the 2024 trends to align our store offerings with popular products. A prominent trend that seems to be emerging and has caught our attention was the concept of "inner sanctuaries," encompassing various elements to feed a more healthy and serene environment. Everything from cold plunge baths, saunas, steam rooms, and spaces dedicated to yoga, pilates, and meditation. In line with this vision, Fred Segal Home has devoted a significant portion of our space to the renowned Pilates company Frame, known for their innovative reformer.
With the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic, there's been a noticeable shift in people's lifestyles, emphasizing more time at home and embracing healthier choices. We are confident that this growing focus on holistic well-being will gain widespread acceptance, inspiring individuals from all walks of life to prioritize their health and adopt a more mindful self-care approach while making their homes places of calm and rejuvenation.” -Blair Carlton & Keith Granet, Fred Segal Home
Trend: Fresh Points of View
We're seeing a moment of great change in design. The creative worlds are opening up, blending together, and we're enjoying all of the intersections that are coming with our growing field. This year saw the rise of new design voices, including Colin King, who has emerged as one of the most compelling creative talents in the world today. He designed several collections following the launch of his first-book Arranging Things earlier this year. Through his recent collaboration with The Future Perfect, he brought color into his now famous apartment, and suddenly the vibe has shifted from exclusively neutral to shades of blue. Rebecca Goldberg, Co-Founder, DADA Goldberg
