It’s been quite a ride in the design world this year. January kicked off with Maison&Objet and Paris Déco Off, and by spring we were at High Point Market and Salone del Mobile. Of course, fall brought return trips to the City of Light and North Carolina, before we wrapped up 2024 admiring the debuts at Design Miami.
The trends that emerged throughout the past four seasons have been equally exciting. We saw everything from untamed faux animal prints to mind-bending surrealist motifs make major waves in interiors.
No matter what styles you gravitate toward, a few themes were crystal clear: Sustainability is now the baseline for most designers; warm mineral tones are the new neutral; and maximalism is here to stay. With the help of interior designers who created superlative examples, Business of Home revisits eight looks that dominated 2024.
REPURPOSED PERFECTION
Upcycling was elevated to an art form this year, as seen in designs by Kara Childress, Breland–Harper, Layered Dimensions and countless others. “Nothing is a stand-in for the evidence of time, use and weathering like a reclaimed material,” say Micheal Breland and Peter Harper. “Most importantly, these materials allow us to use things that already exist, containing our footprint in a meaningful way.”
ANIMAL MANIA
Designers unleashed an array of unruly animal motifs in their projects this year, as evident in spaces by Area Interior Design, Robin Gannon and Tara McCauley. “Fashion trends and a shift away from minimalism both contributed to the popularity of animal prints in interiors this past year,” says McCauley.
COLORED GLASS
Old-school colored and stained glass designs took a markedly modern turn in contemporary spaces by designers such as Linette Dai, Jennifer Morris of JMorris Design, and Claire Staszak of Centered by Design. “Not only is stained glass gorgeous, but it reflects colored light throughout a space as sunlight moves through the room,” says Morris.
CORDLESS LIGHTS
Petite and portable, wire-free lighting was all the rage in 2024 thanks to designers such as James Thomas Interiors, Susan Galvani of Spruce Interior, and Kelly Wearstler. “Unlike harsh overhead lighting, cordless lamps create an intimate glow that elevates any experience,” says Tom Riker of James Thomas.
TERRA COTTA HUES
Rich orangey-brown hues warmed up a range of rooms this year, including designs by Kathleen Walsh, Linda Hayslett and Emma Beryl Kemper. “There aren’t many colors that can be as bold and intense as terra cotta, while also providing a grounding neutral,” explains Beryl Kemper.
FIERY FLAME-STITCHES
Colorful zigzagging stitches were a recurrent theme, bringing rhythm and graphic interest to interiors by Sarah Stacey, Christie Ward of Ward + Gray and Gary McBournie. “Flame-stitch patterns can be interpreted as traditional or contemporary, which makes them extremely versatile,” explains McBournie. “They also provide an opportunity to introduce coordinating colors in a subtle way.”
STATEMENT SILHOUETTES
Striking furniture and decor shapes took center stage, supplying designers including Ghislaine Viñas, German design studio Holzrausch, and Benjamin Johnston with a practical focal point. “Just like every great party needs a few wild personalities to make it a success, a room can have its own party animals through stunning silhouettes and patterns,” says Viñas.
SHIMMERY WALLCOVERINGS
Gleaming metallic-finished wallcoverings shined in interiors by Paloma Contreras, Elizabeth Mollen of Stone Textile Studio, and Ryann Swan Design. “Reflective surfaces and iridescent finishes add depth and dimension, creating an interplay of textures that feels both modern and luxurious,” explains Mollen. “This trend resonates with a desire for dynamic, eye-catching details that can elevate a space.”
