We've become accustomed to fashion trends that cycle season after season, and TikTok microtrends that disappear after a few weeks. But aesthetics and approaches to interior spaces tend to stick around for years at a time. If you're looking to refresh your home this year, there's no doubt that you want your space to look stylish and feel current. But it's hard to know exactly what interior trends are out there and what's in fashion, so we asked a few designers for their thoughts on his 2024 out-of-date interior trends.
What will be our greatest gain? 2024 is all about being bold and taking risks. We say goodbye to everything traditional and focus on creating homes that truly reflect our personal style. Decorating your home means surrounding yourself with things you love. So stick to the trends that resonate with you and discard the rest. After all, style is subjective. But if you've been wanting to completely overhaul your all-white kitchen or revamp your minimalist living room, this might be the year. Here are the outdated home decor trends that designers are happy to do away with in his 2024.
Featured image of Brandi Joy Smith's Joshua Tree Cabin by Zachary Gray.
Out: Open kitchens everywhere
2024 is good news for those who crave peaceful meal preparation and cozy cooking.
“Open kitchens are becoming obsolete. After adjusting to working from home, people are craving compartmentalized spaces,” says Eddie Maestri, principal architect and founder of Maestri Studio. Because the hustle and bustle of home life is much different than it was pre-pandemic, we prioritize layouts and designs that allow us to break up tasks. A small space and closed kitchen provide an intimate private area for cooking and preparation. Who wants to look at a messy living room while making dinner preparation romantic anyway?
Diana Liu finishes off her living room's creamy white paint with light wood and chocolate brown accents.
Out: cool neutral
Gray interiors have been the norm for the past decade, but the cool neutral will officially be saying goodbye in 2024. “The crisp, cool tones of white and gray are outdated,” says Shelagh Conway, principal and founder of Triple Heart Design. Too many cool neutrals can make a room look and feel drab. We are all gearing up for a warmer, happier space. “Creamy white is the new white,” says Conway.
Read more: Top paint color trends for 2024, according to designers
Out: formal living and dining room
Remember when the dining room was off-limits except for special occasions? Or was it a luxurious living room reserved exclusively for the company? Jenna Morrow, principal designer and owner of Morrow Design Studios, says formal living spaces says it is a thing of the past. “Gone are the days when there was a ‘pristine’ room in the house,” she comments. Cozy, casual spaces serve double duty and continue to be very popular.
“2024 will see even more multifunctional spaces emerge as homeowners continue to spend more time at home,” says Moreau. “Every room in your home will serve a purpose this year, from the dining room that doubles as a home office to the kids' room that doubles as a study hub.”
Designer Claire Zinecker sources many of her Austin farmhouse pieces through the second-hand market.
Out: fast furniture
Buying quality furniture at a low price is always convenient, but Bianca Spinazzola, owner and designer of Spinazzola Interiors, is pleased to see a homeware version of fast fashion emerging. .
“The price tag may be good, but the trend of prioritizing quality over fast furniture reflects a desire for durable furniture that will last,” says Spinazzola. Ali Winkler, lead designer and founder of Ali Reeve Design, agrees. “Consumers are realizing that it's not worth it to buy cheap, quick-delivery furniture that is of poor quality and needs frequent replacement,” explains Winkler.
“People are now looking to invest in furniture that not only provides value but also stands the test of time. There is an emphasis on a shift towards sustainability and durability in design choices,” Spinazzola said. continues.
Out: Artificial wood
Moreau declares that the time has come to officially do away with engineered wood so that natural materials can reign supreme. It is not surprising that high-speed furniture is made of a man-made material – medium-density fiberboard. MDF contains formaldehyde, a known carcinogen, so there's a good reason to ditch it and go for the real thing.
“Think of furniture made from materials like Italian travertine or burl wood,” she says. “Not only are these pieces beautiful to display, but they are made from authentic elements, so no two pieces are alike.”
Combat the harsh influence of minimalism with meaningful touches. Camille achieves a softer look through her style of personalized shelves.
Out: cold minimalism
Minimalist interiors have been around for years, but the days of stark white walls and beige-on-beige furniture seem to be over. Alternatively, Spinazzola predicts that 2024 will usher in a new era of highly individual and adventurous design choices.
“We anticipate an even greater emphasis on attention to detail: meticulously designed pillows with woodwork, moldings, wallpaper, and trim,” she shares. “Incorporating originality allows for unique and personalized spaces.”
Kate Ahrens perfects the built-in look. Image by Suruchi Avasthi.
Out: traditional cabinet
Renovating your kitchen can be one of the biggest investments you make in your home. It's good to know that traditional kitchen cabinet doors are starting to become obsolete because if you avoid outdated cabinets, you can avoid big misfortunes in the future.
“Rather than traditional cabinet fronts, we're seeing more wood tones and panels, adding a nice touch of nature and texture to the heart of the home,” says Maestri. Another popular option? “Clients are choosing for built-in furniture to look like furniture,” he continues.
Choose reclaimed wood accents to soften the space and create a timeless look, like Ashley Merrill does in her Malibu home.
Out: Nautical-inspired
This may be controversial, but Devon Wedman, founder and design director of DGI Design x Build, says it's time to put Coastal California style aside. Coastal interior design takes inspiration from the beach, but ocean motifs sail far into the distance. “This gained traction after Modern Farmhouse disappeared, and I think people are ready for more drama and uniqueness,” she says.
Peach fuzz is the trendy shade of 2024, as seen in Kate Ahrens' living room. Image by Suruchi Avasthi.
Color: Vibrant color
With the arrival of cool-toned grays and whites, this year is set to be a year of bold and daring color palettes. “Spaces decorated in rich emerald greens, deep reds and chocolate browns will be popular,” Moreau predicts.
Sami Bernstein Spalter incorporates personal touches through design books and sentimental wall decorations.
: Highly personalized space
This year's homes are expected to be highly personalized, as 2024 is the year when cookie-cutter design options disappear. This can be a fun and unique challenge for designers and homeowners alike. “Who wouldn't want a design that feels like a one-of-a-kind masterpiece?” says Spinazzola.
Field: High quality furniture
With the rise of high-speed furniture, sustainability has become a top priority for many. Winkler has noticed that her clients prioritize and are drawn to high-quality furniture. “They understand that advanced workmanship and materials are worth the wait and investment,” Winkler says. Incorporating antique and vintage furniture is another way he ensures unique, high-quality furniture while keeping the carbon footprint low. “I'm drawn to furniture that tells a story, is well-crafted, and offers an element of surprise and delight,” she says.
Alex McCabe creates vibrant sanctuaries by combining unexpected textures and hues.
In: Make bold and dramatic movements.
We love soft neutrals, but 2024 is the year to step outside the box. Building a one-of-a-kind home means not being afraid to take risks. Splurge on a chartreuse headboard that's been sitting in your virtual cart for weeks (we know you'll love it) and give your bedroom a refresh. Wallpaper your powder room with a bold print you've been afraid to use before. Add some funky tiles to your kitchen or bathroom. Let this be a sign to have fun and follow your heart. Life is too short otherwise.