Interior Design Trends for 2024: A Comprehensive Guide from Devon.
As we move through 2024, the interior design world continues to evolve too. With recent developments presenting broader cultural shifts, advances in technology, and a focus emphasis on sustainability. As we cross over the half year mark, we have seen several key trends emerging that will continue to shape the aesthetics and functionality of our interior spaces. In this in-depth guide, we'll explore the top interior design trends so far and what to look out for during the remainder of 2024. We aim to offer insights into how you can incorporate new elements into your home, creating a stylish and contemporary environment.
1.Embracing Nature Indoors
Biophilic design, emphasizes the connection between humans and nature. Living in the Devon countryside arguably this ‘trend’ is a fundamental part of most rural design schemes. However it is set to dominate interior design trends in 2024 on a broader scale. This approach involves integrating natural elements into the built environment to promote well-being and harmony.
Top tips to achieving the look:
Material choices: The use of wood, stone, and natural fibres like jute and cotton.
Indoor Plants: Incorporating a variety of indoor plants to improve air quality and create a calming atmosphere.
Water Features: Centre pieces including indoor fountains or aquariums to help introduce soothing sounds of water, creating a calming environment.
Lighting: Maximizing natural light wherever possible, through large windows and skylights will continue to connect with the natural cycles from day to night.
According to recent studies biophilic design has been shown to reduce stress, enhance creativity, and improve overall health. We certainly find that spending time in nature whether that be a spot of gardening or a gentle walk through the woods helps clear the mind and make everything feel slightly better. So why should that be any different in our interior setting? By bringing nature indoors, you create a tranquil and rejuvenating space that feels both modern and timeless.
2. Prioritising Sustainability
Sustainability is a topic we’re all increasingly aware of, and sustainable design practices are more important than ever. In 2024, sustainability is not just a trend but a fundamental principle guiding interior design.
Fundamental elements to consider when incorporating sustainable practices into your home:
Materials sourcing: Using furniture and decor made from recycled or upcycled materials is a great inexpensive way to
Energy: Try to think about energy efficiency of appliances and lighting, could you be using alternative methods.
Eco-Friendly Paints: Low-VOC and non-toxic paints to reduce indoor air pollution.
Fabrics: Using natural base cloths such as organic cotton, bamboo, and hemp for upholstery and textiles gives an earthy quality to the home.
By being mindful about what we put in our homes, sustainable design can help to reduce our carbon footprint. Feeling good about our choices creates a healthier environment, one we can be proud of. We also believe that investing in good quality materials helps with longevity and reduces the number of times you need to update or replace products.
3. Bold and Expressive
After years of minimalist, maximalism is back. Well known in the Arts and Crafts era this trend is all about embracing bold colours, patterns, and an eclectic mix of objects to achieve a bustling space.
Key features of maximalism:
Layering: Combining different textures and materials for a rich, tactile experience.
Vibrant Colours: Bold colour palettes with contrasting hues, often a dark palette with accent colours feature in this approach.
Eclectic Decor: Mixing antique and contemporary pieces in the same space. Often, we see treasures from different cultural influences combined to create the overall maximalist aesthetic, inspired by the Victorian era.
Statement Artwork: Large, eye-catching art pieces that serve as focal points. This can often become a great starting point for a project or the finishing touch.
Maximalism allows for bolder personal expression and creativity. Benefits of this trend enable you to transform your home into an extension of your personality and interests, achieving a dynamic space.
We’ve written a helpful blog that explores more about this trend, click here to read all about being vibrant and personalised in your interior design approach.
4. Technology Meets Comfort
Connivence is in our modern-day DNA. That is why Smart home technology continues to become more present in our homes and day-to-day activities. Home technology evolves in new ways enhancing comfort and security. In 2024, smart home integration is becoming more seamless and user-friendly.
Key Elements:
Voice Control: Using voice assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google Home to control lighting, temperature, and appliances.
Smart Lighting: Adjustable lighting systems that can be controlled remotely or set to change according to your routine.
Home Automation: Integration of smart devices to automate tasks like watering plants, feeding pets, and adjusting blinds.
Energy Management: Smart thermostats and energy monitors to optimize energy use and reduce costs.
Smart home technology can improve our day-to-day efficiencies, saving us time. It enhances the functionality of our homes, making daily tasks easier and more manageable. We are even seeing technology improving energy efficiency and security, providing peace of mind.
Minimalism with Warmth
Scandi design had its moment but in more recent months Japandi, a fusion of Japanese and Scandinavian design, is coming to the forefront of interior design trends in 2024. Combining clean lines and simplicity of Scandinavian design with the warmth and organic elements of Japanese aesthetics. A nice link back to incorporating sustainability into your home, see trend 3 above. You can learn more about this style in our blog Embracing the Japandi-Style: A Guide for Interior Designers, click here.
Key Elements:
Neutral Colour Palette: Soft, muted tones like beige, grey, and soft pastels.
Natural Materials: Wood, bamboo, and stone.
Minimalist Decor: Simple, functional furniture with clean lines.
Wabi-Sabi Philosophy: Embracing imperfections and the beauty of natural aging.
There are many benefits to Japandi style creates a serene and balanced environment, promoting a sense of calm and tranquillity. It’s perfect for those who appreciate minimalism but also want a warm and inviting home.
6. Versatility and Flexibility
Multi-functional spaces saw a spike during Covid, with more people working from home and the need for adaptable living spaces. This adaptation has stayed and puts an emphasises on multi-functional design. This trend emphasises the versatility of spaces to serve multiple purposes.
Key Elements:
Modular Furniture: Furniture that can be easily reconfigured or repurposed, such as sofa beds and extendable tables.
Zoning: Using furniture and decor to create distinct zones within an open-plan space.
Hidden Storage: Clever storage solutions that maximize space without clutter.
Flexible Workspaces: Home offices that can double as guest rooms or hobby areas.
Multi-functional spacial design is critical for Modern day living. It’s a fundamental need in order to maximise the utility of our homes, making it more adaptable to changing needs and lifestyles. This approach is especially valuable in smaller homes, cottages and apartments.
7. Soft Lines and Organic Shapes
Following on from multi-functional spaces is a product that helps achieve the modular room approach. Curved furniture is becoming increasingly popular in 2024, offering a departure from the sharp lines and angles of previous trends. Perhaps with the influence of organic and natural materials being used in the home, this style also looks introduces soft, organic shapes that create a more inviting and comfortable atmosphere.
Top features of the curved furniture trend:
Curved Sofas and Chairs: Furniture with rounded edges and flowing lines.
Arched Doorways and Windows: Architectural features that incorporate curves.
Rounded Decor: Circular mirrors, round rugs, and curved accessories.
Soft Fabrics: Plush, upholstered pieces that enhance the comfort and aesthetic of curved furniture.
Curved furniture adds a touch of elegance and softness to your home. It creates a more welcoming environment, connecting the outside in with the use of organic lines and can make rooms feel more spacious and harmonious.
8. Nostalgia and Sophistication
More commonly known as the Dark Academia trend, it is inspired by classic literature and academia, characterised by rich, moody colours and vintage decor. This style creates an intellectual and sophisticated atmosphere. The perfect trend for colour drenching a room.
Key characteristics of the Dark Academia trend:
Rich Colour Palette: Deep hues like burgundy, forest green, and navy blue.
Vintage Furniture: Antique desks, leather armchairs, and wooden bookshelves.
Library Aesthetics: Shelves filled with books, old maps, and scholarly decor.
Textured Fabrics: Velvet, leather, and heavy drapes.
Dark Academia creates a cozy and intellectually stimulating environment. It’s perfect for introverts and book lovers alike, those who appreciate a sense of history and tradition in their décor.
9. Eco-Friendly Illumination
We’re back on the sustainability topic, because it’s so important and growing in popularity. Lighting solutions that focus on sustainability consider energy-efficiency and the use of eco-friendly materials. This trend aligns with the broader push towards sustainability in interior design all together.
Elements that can be considered when exploring eco-friendly lighting solutions:
LED Lighting: Energy-efficient bulbs that reduce electricity consumption.
Natural Light: Maximizing daylight through large windows and skylights.
Solar-Powered Lights: Outdoor lighting powered by solar energy.
Recycled Materials: Light fixtures made from recycled glass, metal, and other sustainable materials.
By using natural light it helps us to connect with nature. Reduces our environmental impact and energy costs. It also enhances the ambiance of your home with warm, natural illumination. Where electric lighting is required technology allows us to make smart technology decisions to reduce our carbon-footprint.
10. Personalised Spaces
Customisation and Individuality
It’s your home, so it should reflect you. Personalisation is a growing trend in 2024 and will continue to be moving into 2025. Creating spaces that reflect individual tastes and lifestyles is the focus here. This is the fundamental approach Sue Scammell Interiors adopts for any project, it’s about the clients style not the designer. This trend encourages the use of custom furniture, unique decor, and personal mementos.
Key Elements:
Custom Furniture: Made-to-measure curtains and blinds. Tailor-made pieces that fit your specific needs and style.
Unique Decor: One-of-a-kind art, handmade items, and bespoke accessories.
Personal Mementos: Family photos, travel souvenirs, and personal collections.
DIY Projects: Upcycling furniture and decor through DIY efforts.
There are many benefits to creating an authentic personalised space. We should feel a connection with our home, achieving more and a meaningful environment. The space should reflect your identity and experiences, making your home truly special to you.
Conclusion
As we transition through 2024, interior design trends continue to evolve, reflecting broader cultural shifts, technological advancements, and a growing emphasis on sustainability. From biophilic design and sustainable practices to maximalism and smart home integration, these trends offer a wealth of inspiration for creating stylish and contemporary living spaces. By incorporating these elements into your home, you can create an environment that is not only beautiful and functional but also reflective of your unique personality and values.
Whether you’re planning a major renovation or simply looking to refresh your decor, these trends provide a roadmap for staying ahead of the curve in 2024. Embrace the possibilities and transform your living space into a haven of style, comfort, and sustainability.
If you have a project in mind and would like to utilise our 35+ years of expertise please feel free to contact us via phone, email or our contact form.
Best wishes,
Sue and Abi x
