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Interior design trends, much like fashion trends, often respond to cultural shifts – such as mini skirts and wide-leg pants reflecting women’s empowerment, or minimalist decor stemming from the simple living movement. These aren’t hard rules of aesthetics to live by; rather, they help inspire and cultivate personal taste.
As we settle into 2024, we’re looking ahead at the home decor trends that may add more comfort, oomph, and enjoyment to our living spaces. We connected with Toronto-based interior designer Brit Johnston, founder of The Style Co. Interiors, who helps create more functional, beautiful homes for the people who live in them.
The theme of the year is ‘less is more,’ she says, emphasizing the value of playing with accessories that won’t break the bank. Always keep the focus on the individual rather than the trend, advises Johnston. If you know what you love and value, it won’t age – you can simply change things by adding in a couple of different accessories.
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Here are the 2024 home decor trends and easy update ideas to inspire.
Creating lighter spaces with moody accents
“I think we were on the trend of dark spaces; very moody dark paint. I think we’re going to see that lighten up,” says Johnston. Spaces will move away from moody paints on ceilings and walls – everything the same colour –and towards lighter spaces with moody colours within millwork, like interior doors and trim, darker furniture and accessories that can be easily replaced.
Lighting fixtures are an easy way to incorporate that moodiness into a space without it overpowering. These LED wall sconces are battery-operated so you can simply affix them to your bathroom, hallway, or bedroom wall and they’re ready to use sans electrician.
Want lighting that’s slightly more dramatic? Consider a dark chandelier instead.
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Investing in natural stone
An appreciation for the beauty and longevity of natural stones is once again emerging. I think we’re going to see lots of travertine and marble side tables, dining room tables, and coffee tables more than in tiles, backsplashes, and countertops, says Johnston. Natural stones, including porcelains and quartz, will also take center stage in accessories like vases and dishes.
A luxe standalone piece that will add some elegance to the home. Featuring a brass shield to reflect and amplify the floral designs within the travertine base, this gorgeous vase will be a sure conversation starter.
Price a little steep? Place a spiky frog onto this travertine bowl to create a similar eye-catching floral feature instead.
Adding wallpaper – even to furniture
“I think we’re seeing more wallpaper now than our grandmas applied,” says Johnston. Adding wallpaper traditionally, or to furniture like dressers and nightstands. If you’re worried about wallpaper getting dated, Johnston recommends choosing textured wallpaper, like grasscloth or wool, instead of patterns. You can also get creative and turn fabrics into wallpaper, says Johnston.
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Quick and easy to install, the peel-and-stick wallpaper makes it easy to transform old furniture into new designs.
But if a bold print isn’t your style, try playing around with a brown grasscloth instead.
Being adventurous with textiles
From bedding to drapery, bold patterns will become more popular. Johnston says the staples of neutral bed linens and sheets will remain the same, while quilts, blankets and duvet colours will be bolder and more colourful. The same will be true for drapery, which will move away from neutral aesthetic to bolder colours and patterns.
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Peaco*cks in a floral forest make up the stunning design of this soft and luxurious quilted bedding that invites anyone into a restful sleep.
On a tighter budget? This navy blue botanical bedding set could be a lovely option – plus it’s reversible so you have more than one design to work with.
Playing with wall details
For a time, walls kept a low profile but now there’s a resurgence in adding details to walls. Whether a traditional design or contemporary like a slatted wall, adding beautiful details creates a custom look to a finished space, says Johnston. You can be really creative with applied mouldings and panellings, and it’s one of the easiest things to do yourself, says Johnston.
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For a bathroom, hallway, office or nook, there are endless options to incorporate wall panels into the home. We had to shout out this hex mosaic wall panel in premium natural wood that will have anyone saying ooh la la upon first sight.
A close runner-up are these sleek walnut wood slat panels that are easy to install and help with noise reduction.
Focusing on statement pieces
Bigger statement pieces as opposed to lots of little pieces will be on the rise this year, says Johnston. Less is more overall, and it can make a space look tidier. From artwork to extra-large vases, the focus will be on stand-out items that draw attention.
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Get creative with how a well-selected statement piece might add interest and accentuate your living space. Whether it be a statement mirror, an incredible table centrepiece or a large, fun faux plant.
Adding pops of pink
“Beautiful, soft saturated pink is coming back,” says Johnston. And these work especially great in neutral or moody coloured spaces where the soft, vibrant hue can add some cheerfulness and delicateness.
There’s no easier way to update the look of a living room than by changing up your sofa accessories using throws and pillows. Swap in these pretty in pink pillows to add a touch of colour or contrast to a couch.
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Wood elements in the bedroom
Adding more wood and natural elements to the bedroom will be on the rise, says Johnston. Wood bed frames will take preference over upholstered beds, along with more natural furniture, like chairs, shelves and nightstands.
A sleek and simple design that will never go out of style. This versatile side table with a lower shelf can easily turn from nightstand to plant stand, or even a stool for a walk-in closet.
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Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
As an expert and enthusiast, I have personal experiences or expertise. However, I can provide information on various topics based on the search results I have access to. Here is some information related to the concepts mentioned in this article:
Interior Design Trends in 2024
The article discusses home decor trends for 2024, as shared by Toronto-based interior designer Brit Johnston. Here are the trends mentioned:
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Creating lighter spaces with moody accents: The trend of dark, moody spaces is expected to lighten up. Instead of using moody paints on ceilings and walls, the focus will be on lighter spaces with moody colors within millwork, such as interior doors and trim, as well as darker furniture and accessories that can be easily replaced.
-
Investing in natural stone: There is an appreciation for the beauty and longevity of natural stones. The use of natural stones like travertine and marble is expected to increase in side tables, dining room tables, coffee tables, and accessories like vases and dishes.
-
Adding wallpaper, even to furniture: Wallpaper is making a comeback, not only on walls but also on furniture like dressers and nightstands. Textured wallpapers like grasscloth or wool are recommended to avoid a dated look. Fabrics can also be turned into wallpaper for a creative touch.
-
Being adventurous with textiles: Bold patterns are expected to become more popular in bedding, drapery, quilts, blankets, and duvets. While neutral bed linens and sheets will remain staples, there will be a shift towards bolder and more colorful quilts, blankets, and duvets. Drapery will also move away from a neutral aesthetic to bolder colors and patterns.
-
Playing with wall details: Adding details to walls is becoming popular again. This can include traditional designs or contemporary options like slatted walls. Applied moldings and panelings can be used to create a custom look, and they are relatively easy to do yourself.
-
Focusing on statement pieces: Instead of lots of small pieces, the trend is towards bigger statement pieces that draw attention. This can include artwork, extra-large vases, or other stand-out items that add interest to a space.
-
Adding pops of pink: Soft saturated pink is making a comeback and can be used to add cheerfulness and delicateness to neutral or moody colored spaces. Pink throw pillows are an easy way to update the look of a living room.
-
Wood elements in the bedroom: Adding more wood and natural elements to the bedroom is expected to be popular. Wood bed frames, natural furniture like chairs, shelves, and nightstands are mentioned as examples.
Please note that these trends are based on the opinions and observations of the interior designer mentioned in the article. Individual preferences and regional variations may influence the popularity of these trends.
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