I haven't stuffed a turkey or pruned a tree yet, but I'm already looking forward to the new year when it comes to the house. As you consider how to refresh your spaces in 2024, we asked several Southern decorators to share their home design predictions, trends they expect to grow in popularity, and which ones will lose their luster. asked to share. From thoughtful details to painted wood walls, these are his biggest decorating trends for 2024, according to the Southern designer.
show of restraint
“Right now, design is embracing restraint, but I think we'll see more of this pared-back aesthetic in 2024,” says Dallas-based decorator Marie Flanigan. “I love working with homeowners to create and edit rooms. I start designing a space with basic elements and then thoughtful ways to incorporate additional finishes and textures. Next, remove anything that seems unnecessary or unintentional. This approach ensures that each detail makes a statement and contributes to the overall aesthetic.”
transition to neutrality
“Honestly, I'm really into color,” says designer Andrew Howard of Jacksonville, Florida. “But I think from 2024 to 2025 we will start to see a shift towards more neutrals. Fabrics will become more luxurious and glamorous, and colors and patterns will become so interesting that they don't always have to set the tone. It will be.”
Hector Manuel Sanchez Styling: Holly Smith
warm colors
“I think we'll see a lot of rich, earthy tones coming up, including Farrow & Ball Setting Plaster and French Gray, two of my favorites,” says Lizzie Cox, a designer in Richmond, Virginia. She also loves shades like sunny yellow and turmeric. “Painting an entire room (trim, ceiling, walls) in these warm tones will give any space a beautiful, elevated look.” Jessica Davis of Atlanta-based Atelier Davis agrees, “Brown, mossy We look forward to continued acceptance of earth tones such as green, raisin, and amber.
Designer Laura Kay was ahead of the curve in her Lookout Mountain, Tennessee, home pictured above.
saturated cabinet colors
While some designers are predicting an overall trend toward neutrals and earth tones, others are embracing bolder hues in utilitarian spaces. North Carolina designer Charlotte Lucas calls for purple hues like eggplant and plum. She's obsessed with eggplant and even uses it as a cabinet color in her personal kitchen renovations.
classic details
“I think there's a lot more demand for pleated upholstery details in furniture,” says Dallas designer Jean Liu. “It’s a twist on a traditional style, yet looks crisp and fresh.”
In the living room, natural light reflects McDougall's eclectic style.
Hector Manuel Sanchez.Styling: Christina Lessel
layered furniture
Maggie Griffin, a designer in Gainesville, Georgia, predicts that next year will see “eclectic found-piece interiors that combine beautiful antiques with modern objects.”
Above, homeowner and author Frances McDougall uses this approach in her Birmingham home with fascinating results.
appreciation for the 70's
“Another trend [we’re seeing] Is this a return to the 1970s style of making beds?” Liu points out. “I heard it's called the 'monastic bedmaking style.'” Lately, our clients have definitely embraced this simpler bedroom look. ” Decorator Niki McNeil Brown of Raleigh, North Carolina, similarly anticipates a throwback, saying, “I look forward to seeing all the '70s-inspired colorways incorporated into wallpapers and fabrics.”
Material that can be used for anything
“Right now, we're seeing homeowners want to invest in furniture and finishes that will stand up to the test of time, kids, and pets,” says Atlanta designer Liz Williams. “I think we'll see not only unbreakable floors, but also high-performance fabrics and rugs.” And countertops will become even more popular. ”
Laurie W. Glenn.Stylist: Matthew Gleeson
external influences
“Windows are getting bigger and bigger, and the focus is now on the outside view and light, rather than the furniture,” says Howard. “If that's the case, I feel like a more neutral background is important. It feels like you're back in your comfort zone.” Atlanta decorator Andy Morse echoes this sentiment, making it a design priority for next year. He noted that the property would be “comfortable and cozy”.
The dining room pictured above was designed by Laura Hodges for the 2023 Southern Living Ideas house and incorporates natural light and a neutral palette.
Escape from spacious spaces
This spirit of cozy décor also applies to the layout of the home, Morse points out. “[I think we’ll be] We’re moving away from open floor plans and toward smaller, more intimate floor plans,” she says.
Brian Woodcock.Styling: Page Mullins
Other painted wooden walls
“They create a very warm environment in the house,” says Howard. “I know some people are tired of hearing the word 'shiplap' at every design show, but it's a great look, and it always has been. We wanted to buck the trend on the show, so we wanted to go against the trend. There's no need to resist it!”
The family room above by Alison Allen proves his point.
fun lamp shades
Conical shades with a very narrow opening at the top and a much larger and wider opening at the bottom are the current go-to for decorator Caroline Zidiere of Birmingham, Alabama. Cox agrees. “Whether it's custom fabric or simple paper or linen, this style of shade will elevate any lamp.”