Meryl Streep doesn't use her bookshelves for books – and experts say her uber-minimalist aesthetic is ahead of 2024 trends

2024 may have introduced us to bookshelf wealth, the storage trend that prioritizes personality and maximalism. However, as with most design styles, a rival aesthetic emerges before too long – and in this case, it comes in the shape of Meryl Streep's (bookless) bookshelves.

The Devil Wears Prada actress exhibited her ultra-bare shelving, featuring only the most curated objects (none of which appear to be books). While bookshelf wealth is about filling almost every inch of our space with the titles and objects we love, Streep has opted for the opposite, leaving some shelves completely empty.

While the interest in bookshelf wealth is not expected to waver (and nor do we want it to, if this style works for you), Streep's shelves remind us that minimalism will prevail in 2024 – however, the actress is way ahead of the trend. Fans may remember this footage first surfacing in 2020, but four years later, it's never been more relevant.

'Minimalist and Bright Interiors: Minimalism will be a prominent theme in 2024. Homes will embrace a clutter-free, minimalist aesthetic with a focus on functionality and simplicity,' comments the team at Villeroy & Boch who recently shared their 2024 design trend report.

Experimenting with a minimalist style doesn't mean we need to sacrifice all our favorite possessions, as Streep reminds us. There is still room for some carefully selected pieces, and since they stand alone, they're sure to make even more of a statement.

'Decorative objects will feature in modest designs, carefully selected to discreetly blend into wider décor decisions,' they say. To take this look further, we should complement our shelves with a neutral-painted color scheme (again, much like Streep, who exhibits white-painted walls and contrastable black accents.

'To create a light and airy atmosphere, interior color palettes will consist of the same colors in various shades. This monochromatic approach will infuse rooms with a sense of serenity, while the clever use of shades will add depth and visual interest,' the Villeroy & Boch team add.

'In the coming year, these trends showcase a desire for homes that balance personality with order and tranquillity. The merging of playful boho and Scandi elements, along with the return to minimalist, bright spaces, underpins the importance of creating living spaces that are both personal and calm, as an answer to the changing needs and preferences of homeowners.'

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