As we bid adieu to 2023, we gathered our cohort of thought leaders in the design space to reflect on the passing fads of 2023 and the trends destined to last into 2024 and beyond. Across the board our experts predict a major return to warm earth tones and richly textured materials in 2024. Their answers covered everything from archways to LEDs, but focused largely on the theme of warmth in our spaces – a notable departure from the bright whites and shades of gray that dominated the past decade.
Read on to discover their insights from 2023 and predictions for what 2024 has in store.
In 2023, we appreciated Nature’s embrace – indoors and out.
Alvin Wayne: This year, we saw tons of color and more nature coming inside.
Victoria Tonelli: I think the most noteworthy change in 2023 was veering away from cool-tone neutrals like gray and bright whites and leaning into the creamier, earthy tones. I think a lot of us predicted that this change was coming and that warm neutrals would become loved by designers and our customers alike. This change has resulted in much warmer feeling spaces and neutral spaces that often have more depth of color and materials.
Adi Goodrich: 2023 brought less Zellige tile (Thank God) and more artist-made furniture in interior design projects. Big Win!
Anne Sage: We definitely saw a lot more color this past year than in previous years, and the “white box” house without much architectural interest seems to be less and less relevant. I do wish my “less big box furniture” prediction had turned out to be true in 2023, but alas we seem to be experiencing more throwaway purchasing than ever.
For 2024: Rich, textured materials will replace shine
Wesley Moon: I predict we’ll move away from brass tones and get more into pewter and anthracite finishes that are still warm, but not golden.
VT: I think texture will be everything in 2024. I love the mixing of materials we’re seeing. I have an unspoken rule for every space I design that we need a minimum of three very different textures of materials. Mixing plush velvet with smooth metals, rough stone and rich woods.
I think mixing all these contrasting materials can create layered, interesting spaces. I no longer want my spaces to feel “perfect.” The beauty is in these natural materials’ imperfections.
Aged brass, oiled rubbed bronze, blackened bronze, tarnished silver will all replace the satin brass trend that saturated the market a few years back. These finishes feel more organic and earthy and marry well with the shift towards warmer neutral and organic spaces.
…Especially when it comes to wood
AW: I think contrasting wood tones and smoked and tinted glass will be a big trend in materials for 2024 .
AG: I think people are going to go for more deep colored woods like cherry, red oak and mahogany.
AS: Walnut wood and other dark toned woods are going to continue to increase in popularity in 2024. I’ve been noticing that many new builds and renovations are opting for dark wood floors over the light, bright, white oak that was popular for so many years before.
Enter, Quiet Luxury: Embracing Refinement & Artisanal Pieces with a “Less Is More” Focus
VT: Quiet luxury is going to be a trend in 2024! Quiet luxury is a trend that has infiltrated both the fashion world and the interior design world. This is more of an interior design philosophy than a trend…It’s about refinement vs. loud and bold. In this “ trend” less is more, high quality materials are paramount and neutral muted color pallets are welcome. You want your spaces to feel effortlessly luxurious…The quiet luxury design aesthetic also coincides with the pull towards sustainable and durable materials and the push towards comfortable vs. Formal spaces.
AG: I hope people continue to create spaces with custom made pieces from craftspeople. It’s easy to source objects that are easy to find, but even better when those easy to find pieces are paired with something hand-made for the space. I also think less is more and we’ll see less decor in spaces.
AS: With interest rates being so high, many people are delaying searching for their forever house and choosing to stay where they are. So I think we’re going to see a ton of “make the most of what you have” design projects, DIY’s and low-effort renovations to extend the lifespan of a less-than-perfect home since more and more people aren’t interested in signing on for a new mortgage these days!
Technology in Design: LED, A.I. and more innovation on the horizon
WM: There needs to be more awareness and education concerning LED bulbs, especially with incandescent bulbs phasing out all over the country in 2024. People need to understand the importance of warm light in their home, and being sure the color temperatures match on all of their bulbs and fixtures. We need to press the bulb industry for more attractive, warm dim options, especially for lamps and candelabra bulbs.
AW: When it comes to technology, I think AI is going to be very helpful for designers when it comes to space planning and design presentations to assist in options.
…And the trends we’re leaving behind in 2023
WM: I hope we can leave behind all of the light fixtures that just have round glass balls all over them. Or exposed bulbs. Let’s be more creative with lighting.
VT: I really want to see the bright satin brass fully retired this year. It feels kitschy. I can get behind a chrome or even a beautiful aged brass but I think satin brass’ moment has come and gone.
AW: I would love to leave behind boucle and curved furniture in the past.
AG: Arches! I’m over them. I loved them, but I think they’ve become the new “Put a bird on it” / “Put an arch on it!”
AS: I really hope we see the popularity of the arched shape die down a little. Don’t get me wrong, I love a good arch—but I see many people turning their doorways into arches when the architecture of the rest of the house doesn’t necessarily support it. Trends are fun but not every home can do every trend!
