Just like the fashion world, the world of interior design is subject to the whims of an increasingly sped up trend cycle. We've seen TikTok and Instagram spruik a myriad of design aesthetics – aesthetics that have since seen a resurgence in popularity like Mid-Century Modern furniture and funky 'Cottagecore' table settings. It's difficult to know what feels timeless and what's ephemeral. And more importantly, it's challenging to figure out what exactly is coming up next.
We thought we'd nail down some of the interior design and decoration trends that we're forecasting for 2024, so you can stay ahead of the curve.
1. Undone maximalism
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I think it's safe to say that we are no longer careening toward the truly unachievable and unsustainable level of homeware minimalism that seemed to dominate much of the interior trends for the last decade or so. Kim Kardashian's monolithic empty home is no longer the epitome of taste. Instead, we're seeing people reaching for pattern, for book stacks, for open shelving and gallery walls. It's not about being messy per se, but about making a space feel lived-in, functional and fun. Try checking out In Bed Store, MUD Australia and Saloon Store for fun, unpretentious homewares.
2. Scandinavian Design
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Our obsession with Copenhagen and its neighbouring meccas has only grown over the last few months (we advise you check out Nuria Val's postcards from Copenhagen Fashion Week or our favourite Scandinavian interior Instagram accounts for inspo). The focus here is on functionality and clean lines, but not without a bit of fun. You'll find some of our favourite Scandi-inspired decor at Tekla, Marimekko and of course IKEA.
3. Japanese Wabi-Sabi
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Japanese Wabi Sabi is a decor style that never really fell out of fashion, but has certainly been rising in popularity over the last few years again. The Japanese approach to interiors is all about finding beauty in imperfection, in simplicity and in the natural world. Bringing lots of organic shapes and textures into your space – like wonky ceramics from your local pottery studio or market, asymmetrical lanterns and wood or stone furnishings – help to round out this look. Take a look at Provider Store, Deiji Studios, Made In Japan and Everyday Needs.
4. Farmhouse Chic
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It seems like we're all just dreaming of escaping to the countryside these days, and it's little wonder that our homes are starting to reflect this trend. Exposed wood beams, rustic shabby-chic antique decor and furnishings that look they were pulled straight from the farmhouse – this design aesthetic is all about a feeling of tranquility. If you're not sure where to start, check out Klay NZ or Pottery Barn.
5. Brightly coloured feature walls
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Moving away from the stark all-white decor that seemed to swallow just about everybody's house whole in the 2010s, personality is now being injected back into spaces via vibrant wall colours. Whether it's a focal wall or a whole room, it's a great and inexpensive way to bring about a deeper sense of character to your space.
6. Funky dining chairs
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There's been an influx in interesting and distinctive seating design as of late – of course the popularity of bold statement sofas are on the rise as well. We're loving seeing a boring dining table dressed up with fun, colourful or unique dining chairs. Furniture designer HAY's Rey Chair (pictured) is one bold example, but you can also find some funky vintage ones on sites like Curated Spaces.
7. Vintage lamps
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If you're anything like us, you know that the key to interior design is lighting. A perfectly beautiful room by day can be utterly ruined under stark, white, overhead lighting. Of course the 1950s Noguchi pendant lamps have become ubiquitous of late, along with vintage lamps, but the more obscure, niche or unique the better here.
8. Statement artworks
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Particularly for those of us just graduating from the the period of our life when 'artwork' in the home consisted of posters and photo booth image stuck on walls with blue-tac, the idea of delving into the art world can be particularly scary. Not only can prices be exorbitant, but it's challenging to figure out where to find art for sale in the first place. But statement artworks are a way to instantly give your space some personality – and are an easy talking point with guests. Big, abstract, and vibrant canvases can offer a punch of colour and texture to a once-barren wall. We suggest visiting your nearest art gallery to check out what's on display, or to request a catalogue of what's coming up.
9. Stripes
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Patterns seem to filter through the trend cycle just as quickly as they do in fashion. We had our moment with ginghams; now checkerboard prints are all the rage. But we're forecasting stripes to be the next pattern adopted by the masses in 2024. From bed sheets, to sofa cushions to wall paper, you only have to look at the popularity of brands like Tekla to see the trend catching on.
10. Kitch kitchen wares
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Bulbous dinner plates from Gustaf Westman and every-colour Le Creuset pots are infiltrating the kitchens of Influencers and celebrities the world over. Long gone are the days of a perfect white porcelain dinner set. Instead, we're seeing an influx in funky, unique and handmade kitchen wares in 2024. Why not invest in a snazzy salt and pepper shaker duo? Or perhaps some hand-painted Italian pasta bowls? We're loving Soft Edge Studio, Lawn Bowls, and Kate Mitchell Glass.
11. Chrome furniture
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With the mid-century modern trend still in full swing, it's only natural that we're seeing pops of chrome in furniture – from table legs to shelving units. Of course, there's the classic USM Haller modular furniture, and a plethora of Wassily chairs on 1st Dibs. If you're looking for something a little easier to integrate, take a look at the chromatic floor lamp options from Finnish Design Shop.
12. Colourful kitchens
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If you've been lusting after the green kitchens of Kendall Jenner, Dakota Johnson and Emma Chamberlain, then let us be clear that the time for colourful kitchen cabinetry, tiling and benches is here and now! Let's move away from the boring white and slate grey kitchens of the last few decades, and instead embrace some fun in our cooking spaces. We'd be checking out Porter's Paints, accented with some copper cookware from Pottery Barn, and some unique lighting fixtures from CLO Studios.
