As we edge closer to the start of a new year, we thought we would ask a collection of interior designers for their New Year decorating resolutions for 2024.
From using beautiful blue color schemes to championing a renaissance of metal with bespoke ironmongery, these innovative design ideas, which tap into some of the latest New Year decorating ideas and interior design trends, are what the experts are excited to use in their projects in 2024.
Whether you're looking into ways to refresh your home for the New Year or require some design inspiration for a big remodel, the beginning of a new year is the perfect time to embrace change.
This is how interior designers are embracing the start of a New Year
Our collection of decorating resolutions from a whole host of talented designers can provide you with valuable insight into what the world of interior design is going to look like in 2024.
1. A distinctive use of texture
'I absolutely love the texture of boucle and am torn to say this, but I do feel that it is now slightly overdone. In the pursuit of distinctive textures, I am officially biding adieu to the ubiquitous ivory boucle, and will be championing the use of chenille and the inclusion of velvet, mohair, tweed, and suede instead,' says Donna Mondi, founder and president of Donna Mondi Interior Design (DMID).
If you've got your heart set on using boucle in an upcoming project, why not embrace a different color instead of cream or white? We think a jewel-toned palette can wonderfully complement the tactile texture of boucle, helping to create an enhanced cozy and cocooning feel across furniture and soft furnishings.
We explore in our dedicated feature, what's replacing boucle.
Donna Mondi is an interior designer and founder of Donna Mondi Interior Design, a premier interior and product design firm with offices in Chicago and Denver. Dona founded the firm in 2001, and is passionate about crafting interiors that capture the essence of luxury while remaining functional and livable.
2. Majestic metals
Could 2024 see the beginning of a new era for industrial decor and decorating with metal? Our designers seem to think so.
'For 2024, Donna Mondi Interior Design is turning the page on the outdated "oil-rubbed bronze" era, and will be aiming to reintroduce bronze finishes with authenticity and warmth. We resolve to embrace the hand-forged excellence of true bronze. These finishes not only stand the test of time but also add a tactile and genuine feel to your spaces, avoiding a regression into design eras best left behind,' says Donna Mondi.
Charu Gandhi, founder and director of interior design firm, Elicyon also supports this and says, 'Elicyon has long championed exceptional craftsmanship, and continues to work with talented individuals to create one-of-a-kind pieces for the studio's projects. This is particularly evident in the case of bespoke ironmongery, which is experiencing a unique resurgence. Featuring unconventional shapes and personalized designs infused with specialist details, ironmongery and bespoke fixings can completely change the look and feel of a home, and we are excited to further embrace this in 2024.'
Charu Gandhi is the founder & director of Elicyon. Charu Gandhi is a qualified Architect, registered with RIBA and ARB, who studied and taught at the Architectural Association.
3. Prioritizing timelessness over trends
'I feel like there has been a big rise over the past year in very specific design motifs linked to viral culture trends, such as Barbiecore and Tomato Girl – and don't get me wrong, these trends are a lot of fun, but one of my design resolutions for 2024 is to prioritize timelessness over trends,' says interior designer, Kathy Kuo.
'I want to work with my clients and customers on creating spaces that are soulful and designed to stand the test of time thanks to high-quality materials, practical design elements that serve daily life, and an eye towards sustainability. Premium furniture that you'll be able to have for decades to come is ultimately better for the earth and for your wallet,' says Kathy.
Interior designer Jo Littlefair, co-founder and director of Goddard Littlefair agrees and says 'More and more, we are seeing a holistic approach to sustainability in interior design, where consideration is not only given to the materials used, but also to the careful and strategic planning of the space itself. At the heart of our philosophy, and an ethos that will be at the center of all of our designs for 2024, is the creation of schemes that possess a timeless quality, ones that will resonate and remain relevant for years to come.'
For further inspiration, we ask designers for their tips on the topic, how do you design a home that never dates?
Kathy Kuo is a celebrated interior designer and international guru within the home and lifestyle space. She has 20+ years of experience in the design industry and is currently based in New York City.
Jo Littlefair is an interior designer and the co-founder and director of Goddard Littlefair, a London-based interior design firm founded in 2012.
4. Using beautiful blue palettes
Blue has dominated Colors of the Year predictions for 2024, so expect to see beautiful blue color palettes being celebrated for next year's color trends and paint trends in the home.
'While we’ll still be seeing a dusty, organic and earthy color palette across interior design in the new year, blue room ideas will have their moment. I love a cornflower blue and can’t wait to play with Benjamin Moore’s color of the year, Blue Nova,' says Dan Mazzarini, principal and creative director of BHDM Design and ARCHIVE.
Jo Littlefair also adds, 'A particularly dramatic and enduring palette is the combination of rich midnight blues accented with warm metallic shades. The deep, velvety richness of a gray-tinted blue offers a sense of depth and luxury. When juxtaposed with metallic accents, the result is an opulent mix. This palette effortlessly bridges the gap between contemporary and timeless elegance, making it a staple for those desiring a space that radiates enduring luxury.'
Dan Mazzarini is an award-winning interior designer, principle director at BHDM Design and founder of Archive by Dan Mazzarini. With an extensive portfolio of residential projects across the US, Dan has also worked with a number of renowned brands such as the Harvard Club of New York, Google, Ralph Lauren, Kate Spade, and Calvin Klein.
5. Embracing pattern play and bold colors
2023 has seen many of us move away from decorating with neutrals such as gray and white, in favor of more colorful room ideas that showcase bold color pairings and a wonderful display of patterns.
'People are looking to have more fun with colors and textures, experimenting tastefully with bright and bold design rather than sticking to the neutral, muted palettes that have dominated modern design in recent years. Infusing spaces with a playful attitude and moving away from predictable color palettes brings a youthful and fresh take to a space. We are excited to embrace this playful, joyful attitude in 2024,' says interior designer, Courtney Brannan from Champalimaud Design.
We explore the rise of the feel-good dopamine decor trend in our dedicated feature.
Courtney Brannan is an interior designer and principal at Champalimaud Design, a NYC-based interior design studio. Courtney earned her Bachelor of Science in Interior Design from Auburn University before moving to New York City, and has worked with the practice for more than a decade.
6. Taking bold, dramatic design risks
This braver use of color in the home leads on nicely to how many of us are taking bigger and bolder design risks in our spaces, to create an interior design that truly reflects our personality and sense of style.
Devon Wegman, founder and design director of Devon Grace Interiors says, 'I think 2024 is going to be all about bold, dramatic moves. People are tired of playing it safe (at least we are) and sticking with neutral, soft textures everywhere. Today, we're incorporating more and more graphic stone, provocative artwork, area rugs and large statement chandeliers in spaces. People no longer want their home to look just like their neighbors, but instead, they want their home to be one of a kind, and to do that, it's critical to take risks.'
Interior designer Devon Wegman launched her interior design firm, Devon Grace Interiors, in 2016, introducing her eye for modern, textural designs to the Chicago market and beyond. She has a Master of Arts in Interior Design, and has worked for prestigious architecture and design firms in Boston, New York, and Chicago.
7. A nod to nostalgia
'There has been a delightful resurgence in nostalgic design elements that connect us to the comforting embrace of the past over the past year. This nod to nostalgia celebrates the comforting embrace of years gone by through design elements such as a revival of chintz and arts and crafts. It's as if we are collectively yearning for a slower pace of life, one that is reminiscent of simpler, bygone eras. As we move into a new year, we’ll continue to look to the past for inspiration and comfort,' says Jo Littlefair.
From decorating with vintage and decorating with antiques to celebrating nostalgic prints and patterns, a beautiful mix of the old and new will always make for the most characterful of interior designs.
FAQs
What color furniture is in style 2024?
Of course, classic colors such as brown, black and cream will always remain a popular choice for furniture as they are so versatile, and can seamlessly integrate into a whole host of spaces.
However, as we have explored in this piece, many of us are moving away from these neutrals in favor of 'new neutrals' with more personality and depth.
For 2024 furniture color trends, expect to see enduring colors of nature take center stage. From rich greens to deep blues, these natural palettes can create a wonderfully grounding and relaxing feel, and can help to add color and character to a room without being too intense.
For further trend inspiration for the New Year, we explore the 2023 trends that designers agree we need to bring into the new year.
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