For almost a decade, the annual Acme Brick What’s Hot and What’s Not in home design makes an educated guess about the trends homeowners can expect in the coming year. Looking back on these articles, the predictions have proven to be amazingly accurate. However, it should be noted that this has almost nothing to do with the training or artistic sensibility of the author.
These predictions are a compilation of opinions from hundreds of design websites, publications, architects, interior designers, real estate professionals, builders, and everyday homeowners who want a space that reflects their aesthetic sensibilities and functionality requirements.
These opinions help form a consensus on what design trends to expect in 2024.
Let the Fun Begin. Here’s What’s Hot for 2024
#1 Concern for Wellness: The Fulcrum of 2024 Design
The Great Depression had a lasting impact on the generation that suffered through it. Similarly, in the years immediately following the COVID pandemic, wellness has become the fulcrum on which good home design pivots. But, as this architectural publication notes, this concept of wellness has grown from merely the absence of ill-health to “a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being.”
The publication continues, “Spaces that serve their designated purpose are successful. Although functionality may seem like a restriction to the creative process of designers, there’s rarely a successful interior designer who doesn’t fully acknowledge the need to ensure functionality when making every spatial decision. But as people became more aware of the importance of wellness and made choices towards having a more successful existence, it became crucial that architects (and interior designers) take a more holistic approach, supporting human behaviors through spaces that rehabilitate the mind, body, and soul.”
#2 Expect a Green Scene
Another important trend, resulting from the overriding concern for wellness, will be green living. Of course, this trend encompasses several other aspects, all of which have design implications.
According to the design experts at Decorilla, “Green living is more than just a trend—it’s a lifestyle! In 2024, eco-conscious interior design will take center stage, enveloping many other trends. Biophilic elements, sustainable materials, and living walls will bring the outdoors in.
“Nature-inspired elements and design improve well-being, highlight a connection with nature, and awaken a sense of responsibility toward the environment. Embracing the trend could be as easy as keeping windows bare to delight in the view, including potted plants, and being environmentally conscious in your design choices.”
This trend has also pushed aluminum to the design center stage. According to this website, “This easily recycled metal has been upgraded from drinks cans to some of the most covetable designs around, as part of a bigger movement for designers to reappraise more sustainable means. 'Rough and smooth, shiny and matte, black and white—we want to use a lot of materials to avoid too much monotony,' says Tom Dixon, who has used it for lightweight chairs.
#3 Design in 2024: Get Ready for Minimaluxe
The design trend that began a few years ago—where less is more—continues as a dominant force in 2024. Today, this minimalistic vibe, where less clutter translates to less stress, is combined with a nod toward sociability. Some publications have called this “minimaluxe.”
As design website Living Etc. notes, “If there's one big mood happening in design for 2024, it's about paring back, seeking to live more minimally, and finding ways our interiors can make us feel calm. Minimalism in interior design is all about merging a sleek look with a subdued but inherently luxurious feel.”
The domino effect of this trend accounts for the rise of “minimaluxe” and the desire for design that encourages sociability in things like furnishings.
According to the editors of this site, “A pared-back palette that allows the showcasing of your favorite things, minimaluxe is set to take over the design world. It's characterized by soft textures, shapes, and colors, as well as a sense of airiness and light.
The site quotes designer Colin King, in describing his New York apartment: “The window is deliberately left unadorned, so the space doesn't look too 'decorated.' And that desire for simplicity coupled with a space you want to curl up in with your most treasured objects is what minimaluxe is all about.”
The next design domino to fall in the trend is a move toward social seating. “Furniture designers have spotted the opportunity to bring people back together again, and this new era in furniture design sees a selection of seating options that are all about encouraging the art of in-person conversation.
“A curvaceous, contemporary, and modern sofa offers two people the opportunity to sit separately, but with the feeling they are still next to each other. 'The shape of a curved sofa is softer and less formal,' explains the French designer Julien Villenueve. ‘It creates an enveloping environment where all the family can sit together.’”
#4 WFH + Smaller Homes = Multifunctional Rooms
Millions of workers, especially those who are involved in “knowledge” gigs, will still be working from home next year, and the trend toward smaller living spaces has encouraged another design trend—multifunctional rooms. Predictably, this has led to a big boost in hideaway offices and other multifunctional design strategies.
According to Candace Shure of Shure Design Studio, “A small home office is all about smart WFH stations that can be disguised. To the unassuming eye, they'll look like a drink cabinet, a writing bureau, or perhaps an armoire. But what they hide is all your work stresses, strains, papers and bits.
“For most of our clients, this involves utilizing a spare bedroom as their home office that can still act as a guest room when needed. And for our clients who are tighter on space, we’ve helped them designate an area in the home that makes use of a clever piece of furniture that serves multiple purposes. Anyone can create a hideaway office by rethinking their existing furniture pieces or choosing items that can do double duty. A small desk becomes a larger nightstand in a guest room, or a coffee table that’s big enough for a laptop can tuck up next to a chair or sofa for working hours and then moonlight as a sleek side table when the workday is done.”
#5 Expect World Design Domination for Zellige Tile in 2024
Every year, the Acme Brick “What’s Hot” list uncovers one or two products that seem to have arrived from nowhere and suddenly are on the computer screens of interior designers around the globe. This year, Zellige tile, available from Acme, will explode in popularity.
According to editors at House & Garden, “Zellige tiles have become buzzwords when people talk about interiors.“ In short, Zellige (pronounced zell-idge) is a type of tiling that originated in Morocco, in which handcrafted tiles were made from a special blend of local clay and then glazed and fired, resulting in a surface with various irregularities that give each tile a unique look. That variety of tone, flatness, depth, and shade is perfect for lending character to whatever space is being tiled—hence Zellige’s popularity.”
Editors of Living Etc. add, “When it comes to kitchen or bathroom tiles, the shining yet modern Zellige tiles are taking over. People are obsessed with the hand-hewn look and subtle earthy tones of the classic Moroccan tiles right now, specifically the square shape and in varying shades of taupe and cream. These colors will add more of an impact to the space and accentuate the handmade characteristics that draw them to the tile in the first place.”
#6 Less Spending, More Impact
There’s an interesting social trend that, at first blush, has nothing to do with design but nonetheless affects it. Recently, observers of recent pop culture have noted that almost every economic group enjoys shopping in thrift stores. Everyone, it seems, loves a great bargain. Who knew? We ALL knew.
The architectural and residential real estate writers at The Wall Street Journal have consistently presented trends that change the way homeowners make design decisions. The newspaper points homeowners to inexpensive hacks that dramatically enhance what might be a “blah” space. These include:
- Swap Out the Shades: “It was the need to disguise bare bulbs and generic, big-box-store fixtures that drove Austin, Texas-based interior designer Lori Smyth to launch Tulip, her line of stylish, low-cost, 100% cotton shades designed to conceal lame lighting and mount easily to any ceiling.
- Create Rough Edges: “If your room has a personality deficiency, here’s another prescription: Pile on texture, suggests New York-based interior designer Katie McPherson. Her tools include lime wash from Portola, which dries with a patina and rings up at a wallet-friendly $79 a gallon. Another excellent choice is Romabio limewash, available from Acme Brick.
- Look in the Mirror: “Whether oversize or petite, mirrors can completely transform a room by reflecting light and showcasing unexpected angles.” The $150 ‘Azalea’ mirror from Sam’s Club dupes Anthropologie’s ‘Gleaming Primrose’ mirror, a viral sensation, at roughly one third of its price.”
- Hang It Up: “If a bathroom feels sterile, we’re a fan of adding a patterned shower curtain. Reach for Dusen Dusen’s $56 transparent ruby tulip-dotted version for instant pop.”
#7 Color it Calm
Preferences for nature-inspired hues will be evident again in 2024. This is also driven by concerns for emotional wellness. This source notes, “For a calming, relaxed, and welcoming interior, earthy tones are taking over. Hues such as ochre, tan, taupe, light pinks, and light grays are taking over bedroom colors and dining room schemes.”
“One popular color for wardrobes, ceiling, and walls is Farrow & Ball’s Jitney which is like a buttery taupe. The color is described as ‘atmospheric and soulful.’ Soft dusty pinks have been coming in more as well for a minimalist scheme.”
For many years, designers and builders have captured this warm, earthy feel with interior accent walls composed of Acme’s thinBRIK.
#8 Arches Triumph
Time for a little design history lesson. Arches were first used in the 2nd millennium BC in Mesopotamia, but the technique was mastered by the ancient Romans, who used arches in bridges, aqueducts, and even in domestic buildings. As soon as our early ancestors aimed to build higher, they utilized arches because they allowed weight to be evenly dispersed. Arches were used so frequently that they continue to act as a nod to classic architecture. It’s true: Everything old is new again, especially in interior design.
Several design media noted that arches will be hot in 2024 because they add a whimsical touch to spaces, giving them an old-world charm while also framing important spaces. “Arches have managed to stay in trend due to their timeless appeal and versatility,” say Rashi Bothra and Ruchi Gehani, founders and interior designers of Azure Interiors.
“These add a touch of elegance and character to a space, creating a sense of architectural interest and sophistication. Arches come in various styles and sizes, making them adaptable to different design aesthetics, whether it’s classic, contemporary, or even minimalistic.”
#9 Homes Will Continue to Get Smarter
The “internet of things” continues to drive design. Why? Because of the two most important words in a contemporary family’s lexicon: time and money. Smart homes save both.
Several designers and websites, including this one, note, “Smart tech continues to revolutionize how we live. In the coming year, technology seamlessly integrates into our surroundings, enhancing comfort and convenience even more. From voice-activated lighting design trends and smart glass to artificial intelligence (AI)-driven home management, these innovations make daily life easier, more efficient, and undeniably cool.”
They also save time (from constant adjustment) and money (on utilities).
#10 The Future of Natural Lighting Is Bright
Pundits have slyly opined: “If you remember the 60s, you weren’t there.” However, if you remember the ground-breaking Broadway musical “Hair,” you are, well, still groovy. One of the hits from that show is also a design trend for 2024. “Let the Sunshine In!”.
Design website Decorilla sings the praises of natural sunlight. “In line with the green trend of inviting the outdoors in, lighting follows suit. In fact, a sunny ambiance is the ultimate design accessory in 2024. Welcome the benefits of natural light into your home—think large windows, skylights, and strategically placed mirrors to amplify the effect.”
Time To Let These Old Trends Go—ASAP
Nothing screams “I’m a design loser” like trying to hang on to some look that is SO over! Okay, “loser” might be a little harsh. However, if you insist on keeping these elements in your home, well, you’re not getting a trophy like all the other kids. Capeesh?
10 Décor Trends That Are Gone and Should Be Forgotten
- All-White Upholstery: This design was done back when Kim and Kanye were still an item. Warm colors on sofas and chairs look better and hide wine stains longer!
- Open-Concept Floor Plans: The work, play, and stay-at-home days of the roaring 2020s are done, so put some walls up, will ya?
- Generic Stuff: While there’s nothing wrong with buying a perfect little piece from mass appeal stores like Target, Wayfair, or Ikea, why not hit the thrift store or antique mall and get something with a little more character?
- 2010 Farmhouse Look: If you think shiplap is still chic, you have not been paying attention for the past 10 years. While you’re at it, go ahead and send those sliding barn doors back to the country!
- Boho a No No: Life is too short for a full-blown bohemian rhapsody (think macramé in the living room, bedroom, kitchen, and bath). Please. Make it stop.
- Cane and wicker: If you have lots and lots of wicker furniture spread throughout the house and patio, it’s time to give it a new life. This look is over. Sorry.
- Boucle: Looped yarn rugs had a certain, je ne sais quoi, relaxed look several years ago. That was then. This is now. Now they look ratty.
- All White Kitchens: You may love that all-white kitchen, but behind your back, your design-savvy buds are quietly snickering. Time to get some color to pop up in there.
- Recessed lighting: This one has been DONE for several years. Kick the cans…out of the living room! While you’re at it, get rid of that old popcorn ceiling.
- Open kitchen shelves: You might need to find a new place to display that vintage Fiestaware. Open shelving has gone the way of the rose gold kitchen faucets. Buh bye.
That’s it for 2024—the good, the bad, and the awful. What do you think? Let us know just how wrong you think this little look into the acrylic ball went. Click here and unload on us.