A fan favorite is back! In part one of a two-part series, we explore the ins and outs of what to expect in interior design for 2024. Five exceptional design firms give us the inside scoop to help freshen up our homes in the new year. Be sure to come back next month for more exciting prognostications.
Photographs by Martin Vecchio
Photograph by Diana Paulson
BOLD COLORS
“I think people are ready to show their personalities by proudly incorporating bold color choices in their homes. Statement islands, eye-catching upholstery, and stunning natural stones are just the beginning for our clients.” – Amanda Sinistaj, Ellwood Interiors
TEXTURES
“I think we can expect immersive spaces to continue to unfold. Leatherized countertops, plush velvets, bubbly boucles, and liquid-smooth metals create visual interest when they’re combined. But these features go beyond the visual; they’re a tactile experience—that’s a whole new level.” – Amanda Sinistaj, Ellwood Interiors
Resources at MDC: Fabrics, Kravet/Lee Jofa/Brunschwig & Fils, Schumacher, and Tennant & Associates; Wallpaper, Tennant & Associates; Sherwin-Williams Paint, Resource Center
Photograph by Beth Singer
Amanda says these are on their way OUT:
- GRAY – The all-gray house was a much-needed palette cleanser while it lasted.
- BARN DOORS AND SHIPLAP – The Modern Farmhouse style will be sticking around for a while, but shiplap and barn doors may have gained a bit too much popularity too fast, and now it’s being viewed as overdone.
- BRASS – I may be alone in this one, but brass finishes are not easy to match when using various vendors (i.e., plumbing and lighting) and the trend might not stick around if we aren't able to coordinate them with their counterparts.
Photographs by James Haefner
CLASSIC AESTHETIC
“A classic aesthetic always wins! Unexpected collections and touches also add personalization to our clients’ homes. It’s about the conversations the environment creates. Your home should always tell your story.” – Jane Synnestvedt, Jane Synnestvedt Interior Design
Resources at MDC: Pewabic Pottery Tile, Resource Center; Cornice boards, Decoroom; Fabrics, Rozmallin; Rug, The Ghiordes Knot
LARGE SCALE WALLPAPER
“Large scale, graphic wallpaper is definitely in. People are also craving more color. Warmer tones like beige, brown, and green are becoming more popular for interior design, as they can create a more inviting and uplifting atmosphere.” – Jane Synnestvedt, Jane Synnestvedt Interior Design
Resources at MDC: Wallpaper, Rozmallin
Photograph by Beth Singer
Jane says these are on their way OUT:
- GRAY – People are craving warmer spaces. Clients are looking to create spaces that feel cozy and inviting. Gray can be a cold and sterile color, so it's not always the best choice for creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
- SATIN NICKEL FINISHES
Photograph by Jeff Garland
DARK HUES
“Darker tones of deep greens and warmer blues in navy, coastal, and blue-gray finishes are finding their way into kitchens, primary suites, and home offices.” – Christopher Swint, MainStreet Design Build
Resources at MDC: Backsplash Tile, Beaver Tile & Stone; Benjamin Moore Paint, Resource Center; Light Fixture, Lighting Resource Studio
(Photo from left to right) Christopher Swint, Christine Ramaekers, Amy Fischer, and Steve Ramaekers, Mainstreet Design Build
WARM WOOD FINISHES
“Warmer tones on walls, and cabinetry have made a comeback in specialty species and finishes. For example, natural finish quarter sawn and rift cut oak adds texture, especially when combined with a light or dark cerusing (highlighting). And natural walnut is still strong—it mixes perfectly with white and light finishes.” – Christine Ramaekers, MainStreet Design Build
Resources at MDC: (Bathroom) Tile, Beaver Tile & Stone; Wallcovering, Rozmallin; (Kitchen) Light Fixture, Lighting Resource Studio; (Both spaces) Benjamin Moore Paint, Resource Center
Photographs by Jeff Garland
Photograph by Jeff Garland
MIXED METALS
“Mixed metals such as soft gold, nickel, and black are all hard-working finishes that blend well together depending on your overall style. Classic chrome remains a mainstay based on history and cost, but accent finishes can be added for a customized fit and finish.” – Amy Fischer, MainStreet Design Build
Christine, Christopher, and Amy say these are on their way OUT:
- COOL GRAY TONES – Whether on walls, cabinetry, or furnishings, cool, light grays are being replaced with warmer greige tones.
- MATCHING FINISHES – The days of matching all your metal finishes are gone. Stainless appliances are now matched with soft bronze, gold, or black fixtures. Bathroom fixtures, lighting, and hardware are coordinated with the style of the room—not simply coordinated with a satin-finish faucet. This design aesthetic continues throughout the home.
- FORMAL LIVING AND DINING ROOMS – Walls are still being broken down and opened up, and rooms that were once dedicated to formal gatherings are now being used for everyday activities: weekday meals, homework/home office, and informal gathering.
Photograph by Martin Vecchio
WOOD SLATS
“Transform walls and cabinet panels with wood slats.” – Amy Miller Weinstein, AMW Design Studio
DRAMATIC POWDER ROOMS
“Dramatic powder rooms provide an experience for guests.” – Amy Miller Weinstein, AMW Design Studio
Resources at MDC: Wallcovering, Rozmallin
Photograph by Martin Vecchio
Photograph by Martin Vecchio
WALLCOVERINGS
“Wallcoverings transform any space!” – Amy Miller Weinstein, AMW Design Studio
Resources at MDC: Wallcovering, Kravet/Lee Jofa/Brunschwig & Fils
Photograph by Martin Vecchio
BACKSPLASH MATERIALS AS A FOCAL POINT
Resources at MDC: Tile, Ann Sacks
Amy says these are on the way OUT:
- HEAVY USE OF BLACK – Branch out into other contrast colors that can add depth and warmth.
- TOO MANY CURVED ELEMENTS – A little goes a long way with this trend. A nice mix of geometric shapes is timeless and most pleasing.
- WALL ART WITH A MESSAGE OR QUOTE – For example, we’ve all had enough of ”Live…Love…Laugh” artwork.
Photograph by Beth Singer
WARM TONES
“At the Fall 2023 High Point Market, I saw a definite shift from cooler to warmer tones in home furnishings and wallcoverings, including the popularity of all shades of brown, beige, caramel, and camel.” – Nicole Withers, Jones-Keena & Co.
Resources at MDC: Couches and Chairs, CAI Designs; Velvet Couch Fabric, Decoroom; Chair Fabric, Kravet/Lee Jofa/Brunschwig & Fils; Throw Pillows, Schumacher; Ottoman and Shade Fabric, Tennant & Associates; Lighting, Lighting Resource Studio
VIBRANT INTERIORS
“Bold, eclectic, vibrant interiors will be in, as will saturated colors, intricate patterns, and a variety of textures. Personalization, antiques, and one-of-a-kind pieces will also be on the rise in the coming year.” – Nicole Withers, Jones-Keena & Co.
Resources at MDC: Couch, Chairs, and Coffee Table, CAI Designs; Couch Fabric and Magenta Velvet Pillows, Kravet/Lee Jofa/Brunschwig & Fils; Chair Fabric, Rozmallin
Photograph by Beth Singer
Nicole says these are on their way OUT:
- MINIMALISM – Minimalism is on the way out, making way for maximalism which encourages homeowners to mix and match, and express themselves throughout their homes.
- COOL TONES – Cool Tones are replaced by warm colors creating a comfortable and inviting atmosphere.