We trust our readers' tastes, so when we asked for our Instagram followers' trend predictions for 2024, we were all ears. So many of the suggestions were styles we too have been talking about and focusing on at the start of the year, and one thing they all have in common was they were more about creating timeless characterful spaces, than following trends (ironically this is a huge interior design trend for 2024).
But we wanted to get some extra insight from interior designers too. What do they make of your predictions? Why are these styles on the rise? And how can you bring them into your homes?
5 trend predictions for H&G's followers (and what designers think)
Out of all the trends suggested, these were the five that were the most reoccurring. They all feel more like classic interior design styles than trends, which does make sense as 2024 is shaping up to be the year of the anti-trend, but let's get the experts' opinions.
1. Decorating with dopamine colors
Dopamine decor has been a slowly emerging trend over the last few months. So far it's been a lot about color, but it's also about just decorating in a way that makes you feel happier in your home – whether that's with a bold palette or a neutral scheme.
'We all need some joy in our life and what better way to do so than inject some color into our interiors, explains Patrick O'Donnell, color expert at Farrow & Ball. 'Whilst committing to decorating a whole room in brights might feel too much, a judicious splash here and there will induce a smile but not overwhelm a space!'
'One great way is to paint your floor in Modern Eggshell, be it bedroom, kitchen or living room – just make sure it’s fit for purpose and will take floor paint. For something more discreet, a cunning ‘home office’ neatly tucked away in a cupboard so one can close the door – a great backdrop for the creative in us all! Finally, bring in a touch of sunshine and paint your window reveals in a bright yellow such as Babouche will bring a little hint of summer even on the gloomiest of days.'
2. Layering up different materials and textures
Textures and plenty of natural materials was a top trend prediction from our readers, and this is definitely in the same vein as elevated neutral spaces. Bringing layers into neutral spaces can give them as much interest as bolding decorated rooms, plus you can use an abundance of texture to soften more practical space. Case in point this neutral kitchen, filled with natural materials and vintage accents.
'We decorated this kitchen with vintage bamboo swivel barstools, handmade clay pendants, and various bowls, vases, and cutting boards found from local artisans, antique fairs, and flea markets,' explains designer Jihan Spearman.
'Sourcing vintage items enables us to respect mother nature by using items that already exist while supporting artisanal makers who help us preserve those older items. The slight variation in vintage items create one-of-a-kind spaces that not only elicit an emotional response from those in the room but enhance the well-being of all of the people involved in bringing that piece to life. These vintage items are made with enduring materials and rough textures that mimic the rugged natural beauty of the coast and the palette nature provides. The result is a warm, harmonious kitchen impersonating the unique world around us.'
3. Elevating neutrals
Decorating neutrals came up a lot in the comments, but not just neutrals elevated neutrals. Making more of a neutral scheme by layering up different shades to create a tonal scheme that has plenty of depth and interest. And not just using colors you would usually class as 'neutral' but treating colors with a bit more too them like a neutral – think easy-to-use sage greens, pale plaster pinks and earthy terracotta tones.
'Loving all the neutrals and texture. The beautiful sage green and deep terracottas have been a refreshing change from gray. The grays we were using in 2023 are warmer and the whites are softer,' explains Susan Hayward, Founder, Susan Hayward Interiors.
Patrick agrees that the love of neutrals will continue year on year due to their versatility, however just be aware when choosing a neutral scheme they are chameleon shades and we change under different lights and aspects. 'Neutrals can transform the appearance of light in a room, so absolutely take into consideration the aspects of the space before you decorate to avoid ending up with dreary and soulless!' he warns.
'For south facing, you can run the whole gamut from cooler, bluer tinged whites which will feel fresh and clean for a minimalist aesthetic, to warmer toned whites that will create a soft glow in full sun. In north-facing rooms, potentially the trickiest to decorate, you really need to err on off-whites that contain some yellow or red pigment to inject some much needed warmth- think Dimity or White Tie as the perfect just off whites here!'
4. Embracing (understated) pattern
This suggestion really caught our eye. With a slow rise in a use of color, we are also seeing more love for decorating with pattern, but specifically subtle patterns. Layering a few of these understated prints within one space is a guaranteed way to add character to a room – a stripe with a small and not to busy floral, a cute wavy print with checkers, it a look that falls more on the traditional side but pick the right print and color combinations and it can feel both current and classic.
'Understated patterns are one of my very favorite design motifs,' says designer Kathy Kuo. 'If you choose patterns that feel subtle and understated – perhaps in muted colors – it becomes so easy to mix and match them, and pair them with just about any color scheme. I love the idea of mixing different plaids that are in the same color family, or mixing stripes with florals. You can try a similar motif by mixing different types of textiles as well!'
5. Mixing vintage pieces with current styles
Transitional design is having a moment for sure, and it's backed by our readers, many of whom said their trend predictions were more mixing of old and new. What you get here is far from a trend-led space, by blending different eras you create timeless rooms that never date.
Jennifer Verruto, Founder and CEO, Blythe Interiors predicts this mix-and-match style will only grow in popularity this year, 'Unapologetically mixing pieces from vastly different eras and styles. YES, that Victorian-style table lamp does have a place in your ultra-modern home, and in fact, that type of style mixing is exactly what we’re going to see more of in 2024.'
'Vintage decor is continuing to gain popularity. Decorating with meaningful pieces is not about chasing an aesthetic but curating spaces that resonate with authenticity and personal stories,' adds Gideon Mendelson, founder and creative director of Mendelson Group. 'It's about understanding the individual, valuing the richness of thoughtful materials, and balancing color to create a sense of timelessness. The true essence of this 'trend' lies in the subtleties, the cherished heirlooms, and the intimate connection between a space and its inhabitant.'
There are very few rules with this look, it is a very personal style that comes together over time and cannot be quickly curated. However, a few things to consider are having the right balance with your styles, having a thread of consistency so theirs still some cohesion and don't focus too hard on how things are 'working'.
All of these trend predictions are ones we are sure to see plenty more of throughout 2024 – more color (even when it comes to neutrals), more pattern, and more personality. Timeless is the key 'trend' for this year, and we are already seeing a big shift away from the micro trends and 'core' trends that have come and gone in seconds, towards those classic trends that have always been around in some form.
