Buzz
Photo: Onzeg/Getty ImagesAs we step into 2024, numerous past design trends are making a return—and they’re more impressive than ever. While some of these shifts will subtly appear on platforms like trending on TikTok, a significant transformation is expected in one of the home's most essential rooms. Curious about what’s in store? Keep reading to discover which trends interior designers believe will re-emerge in the year ahead.
Laura Hull for Burnham DesignWallpaper
Wallpaper has been steadily making a return for several years now, but 2024 is set to be the year it becomes an essential aspect of home decor. Betsy Burnham, founder and principal of Burnham Design, shares, “For areas that need a standout feature, look no further than wallpaper to deliver that bold impact. With its diverse range of prints and textures, wallpaper is a smart way to express personal style in a striking and timeless fashion.”
One of the greatest advantages of wallpaper today (compared to the styles your parents or grandparents used) is the virtually limitless design options available. Plus, the introduction of peel-and-stick wallpaper has made it accessible to renters and DIY enthusiasts alike.
Eat-In Kitchens
As stated by Dianne O’Connor, founder and CEO of Weston Table, we’ll be seeing a rise in eat-in kitchens in 2024. “Eating together is one of life’s greatest joys, and the kitchen is the heart of it all. While kitchens are often considered the soul of the home, they’re frequently viewed as functional spaces rather than places for high-design, apart from trendy appliances and built-in cabinetry.”
There are several reasons why these spaces are making a comeback, one of the key ones being that many families are opting out of formal dining rooms, according to a trend report from the National Kitchen & Bath Association. As kitchens have grown in size in recent years, homeowners are increasingly turning unused corners into breakfast nooks or banquettes.
O’Connor emphasizes that these spots are perfect for design creativity. “This is an opportunity to inject color and personality into the space. Consider painting the walls with bold colors, incorporating quirky accessories like a designer fire extinguisher as a conversation starter, and investing in stylish oven-to-table cookware that adds both character and visual appeal, whether displayed or hung.”
Muted Colors
Goodbye to bright hues. Lindye Galloway, interior designer and chief creative officer of Lindye Galloway Studio + Shop, shares that muted colors will be making a comeback in the upcoming year. Galloway explains, “As we spend more time indoors, we seek a home that feels warm and welcoming. The blending of these harmonious colors offers a range of shades that work in any space, creating looks from cozy to chic.”
Margaret Donaldson of MDI Interior Design notes that darker shades will also be a trend, especially for cabinetry and trim. "I recently specified an eggplant color for a primary bath vanity and a rich olive green for a study. Also, charcoal-colored kitchen cabinets set against white walls provide a striking contrast."
Laura Hull for Burnham DesignGrandma-Chic
Grandmillennial style has been a big trend in recent years, but in 2024, Samantha Stathis-Lynch of Samantha Ware Designs envisions this style transforming into a more sophisticated grandma-chic aesthetic, moving away from a retirement community vibe. “Think cozy spaces with patterns and soft, muted colors,” she explains. “Checkerboard floors will make an appearance, but instead of the bold contrast between glossy black and white marble, opt for honed Calacatta gold paired with lagos azul limestone for a refined look without the slippery surface and harsh light reflections.”
Embellishments
Remember how popular scalloping was in 2023? This trend is going to the next level in 2024, according to Donaldson. “The embellishments of the 80s and 90s are making a comeback! Expect to see trim, trim, and more trim. We’re adding intricate tassel trims to drapes, upholstery, and cushions, using contrasting patterned fabrics for edge details, and mixing patterns in exciting new ways.”
This is a trend you’ll likely see trending on TikTok. The best part? It’s a trend that's easy to get behind. Adding embellishments to items you already own can be a fun weekend project to try out!
