2024 Trend Report (so far)
I've got an exciting lineup for you today, a curated list of home design trends that I've taken special note of.
Some of these concepts might just phase out, some might be here to stay.
My specialty up until most recently was in kitchen design so let's start with kitchens.
Chunky countertops
It's all about adding some visual heft to your kitchen and bathroom surfaces. This trend involves the use of thicker countertop surfaces to create a luxurious look. The thickness of these countertops adds visual weight and depth to the space, making them a focal point in modern kitchen designs. The look gives a sense of solidity and durability. It works with pretty much any kitchen style. You can even do a wooden chunky countertop. This countertop style features clean lines and straight finishes. Of course, the thicker the countertop, the more expensive it is. Maybe that's the idea.
There's a great kitchen island at the front window of Poggenpohl in Gastown ↓
A picture I took of the display kitchen closest to the window.
2. Statement island countertops
Turning the island into a focal point by incorporating dramatic stones and colors, sometimes with waterfall sides that put the slabs on full display. I have seen this done with a different countertop than the ones around in the kitchen, with a whole different grain and texture or color.
3. Butler's Pantries
One time I accidentally mentioned this to a client and she was like “I love the idea, I want this” but her kitchen space was too small to incorporate something like this and I was kicking myself for having said anything. It's basically a secondary kitchen space, like a walk-in pantry.
It's a little room attached to your kitchen that is for storage mostly. It helps minimize clutter in the main kitchen by creating space for pantry food, small appliances and extra countertop space. Sometimes there's even a smaller sink in there.
It’s like a mini kitchen/pantry space that is attached to your kitchen.
It’s really trendy to make the doors to the butler’s pantry look like the rest of the cabinets and, like a secret door that leads to this pantry space.
Now let's step outside really quick and look at a garden trend.
4. Meadow gardens
People want to live large in their backyards and it seems that a trend is leaning towards a very meadow-like garden (bring in those ornamental grasses!)
Grass lawn alternatives that are more drought tolerant and don't require much watering is also growing in popularity.
The vibe is lush and natural, maybe even slightly overgrown, full of native and climate-appropriate plantings that attract wildlife and pollinators.
5. Four Post Beds
Ok, to be honest I’m not crazy about this one but I’ve been seeing it more and more. I suppose I can look stylish. It’s definitely a statement piece.
The Four Post Bed features four vertical columns or poles, often made of wood or metal, that extend up from the bed frame. It combines traditional craftsmanship with modern design sensibilities.
It can come with or without a canopy, depending on the look. The kind I have been seeing a lot is the open frame design, which is more airy than with a canopy on top. A bed canopy adds drama and makes a bedroom feel more cozy.I just don't like the empty 4 post bed cause I think it kinda cuts the field of view rather than having everything be more open.
6. Color drenching (Paint)
Paint eryting. Even the trims and the ceiling. Color drenching involves saturating spaces creating a uniform room all around. Trendiest seem to be moody colors and of course neutrals. This trend encourages painting entire rooms, including walls, ceilings, and even trim. For those seeking a moody interior, deep colors can set a dramatic tone, aligning with the prevailing trend towards darker neutrals. On the other hand, for a more neutral approach, soft and subtle shades of creams or taupes can be used to achieve a serene atmosphere.
Beige and gray are kinda phasing out.
Moody colors have been making their way into interiors for the last couple of years. If not on the walls then on furniture.
Plums, chocolate browns, jade greens, reddish browns, dusty tones.
Definitely some warmer wood tones.
Speaking of warm browns
7. Midcentury modern
is making kinda a comeback but in a 2020s style (often times lesser quality, mass-produced like). Midcentury furniture pieces, color palettes and architectural details.
I mean who doesn't love mid-century?
Spaces both feel nostalgic and contemporary, fits into almost any kind of lifestyle.
I think we can tribute this to creators like Paige Wassel. Her style is very mid-century and she is a major influencer in the interior design online space.
Key features of the trend are the tapered legs, statement lighting fixtures, and bold geometric patterns.
I myself am very into it.
Very sophisticated and comfortable.
8. Silver
Interiors follow fashion. There’s this industrial Y2K aesthetic that’s really prominent in personal style and that is seeping into interiors as well.
It is both sleek and grimy.
Look at this kitchen,
As for pieces to add to an interior I think of the rivet series from FRAMA.
Silver (like aluminum), not mirrored.
Mirrored furniture is out, that’s 2010 glam.
Not only y2k but can also have a look of old silver like sterling silver. One with a darker hue underneath and that you have to polish.
Think more of like a knights armor or antique silverware with a bunch of carvings on it.
9. Pictures leaning against the wall
A bunch of framed pictures or photos not necessarily nailed on a wall.
People are putting art Inside cupboards, on kitchen counters, on bookshelves or as in the case I’m specifying here, just leaning against a wall. Layered often times.
Mine around my house look like a bunch of frames stacked kinda waiting for something. One behind the other, all stacked against each other.
It involves arranging multiple artworks of varying sizes and styles in a casual but appealing manner.
Its a flexible way to display your art, allowing for easy rearrangement and experimentation with compositions.
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These are design trends in my world and I will continue to explore, following trends, their emersion, evolution and end.