Upgrade Your Home With These 2024 Design Trends

One of the best parts of owning a home is the freedom to make it your own with design choices that reflect your personality and lifestyle. Whether you lean toward contemporary design or a farmhouse aesthetic, your home is your canvas.

Even so, it’s always smart to consider those decisions’ long-term impact on your home’s value. Choosing over-personalized or unpopular materials and finishes could make your home less appealing to future buyers. Selecting out-of-style or overly-trendy elements could cause your home to feel dated quickly.

To help inspire your design choices, we’ve rounded up some of the top trends we’re watching in 2024. Keep in mind not all of these will work well in every house. If you plan to list or renovate your property, call us. We can help you realize your vision and maximize the impact of your investment.

1. Spa-Like Bathrooms

We could all use more relaxation in our lives—so why not bring the spa into your home? In 2024, more homeowners will remodel their bathrooms to turn them into personal oases.^1,2

If you’re undertaking a renovation, consider upgrading fixtures and materials. Handmade tile and custom cabinetry can add a touch of style and luxury. Trade stark whites for warm neutrals to create a more relaxed feel—think light wood tones, creams, and beiges.³ Complete the look with soft ambient lighting from a backlit mirror or decorative sconces.^2,3

If you want to maximize the mind-body benefits of a relaxing bathroom (and have the budget to spare), you might consider installing a steam shower, infrared sauna, or cold plunge tub.³ Not looking to spend as much? Even minor upgrades like a massaging showerhead or heated towel bar can add some pampering to your morning routine.³

But remember, if you’re modifying your bathroom, it’s always wise to work with experienced and licensed professionals to avoid water damage that could lead to costly repairs. We can refer you to a trusted contractor for help.

2. Maximalist Decor

In 2024, maximalism is back in vogue, contrasting the neutral aesthetic that dominated design in recent years. While maximalism can be summed up as “more is more,” there’s nothing sloppy or cluttered about this look. Instead, it’s all about intentional curation.⁴

Hallmarks of maximalist style include rich and saturated colors, bold wallpaper, statement rugs and furniture, and lots of art. And forget matching—maximalist interiors often include plenty of contrasting colors, textures, and patterns selected to complement one another.⁴

Check out thrift stores if you’re trying to embrace maximalism on a budget. They’re often a great place to find unique furniture, colorful rugs, and interesting art or collectibles. Before you invest in rolls of vintage wallpaper, though, it’s important to note—if you plan to sell your home soon, the maximalist look won’t appeal to every buyer.

We typically advise sellers to remove clutter and personal items to help buyers imagine their future lives within the home. Sometimes, that means repainting or redecorating in a more neutral palette. Of course, this shouldn’t stop you from embracing your style now—just be aware that you may need to walk back your aesthetic before selling. We can advise you when the time comes.

3. Japandi Style

Not quite ready to embrace maximalism? Japandi style blends Japanese and Scandinavian influences and offers a more subdued approach with plenty of character. The look dates back about 150 years to when many Scandinavian designers traveled to Japan for inspiration.⁵

Japandi style combines clean lines, simplicity, and a focus on natural elements and light. It emphasizes the beauty in imperfection, or “wabi-sabi,” and a deep connection to Mother Earth. And like Scandinavian decor, the look prioritizes comfort and a sense of sanctuary in the home.⁵

Interested in playing with Japandi? Common features include calming color palettes and organic materials like raw wood and bamboo. Try softening harsh edges with softer textures, like cozy blankets and ceramic pieces.

The look also minimizes clutter, but that doesn’t mean you must be a minimalist. Instead, the Japandi style embraces storage solutions like baskets, folding screens, and sofas with built-in storage to give everything a place.⁶ If you’d like help implementing Japandi-style organization in your home, contact us for a list of recommended professionals.

4. Mixed Metals

Mixing metals used to be a “no-no.” But in 2024, it’s definitely a “yes.”

According to designers, mixing the colors and finishes of metal fixtures and hardware can bring visual interest to a room—as long as you go about it correctly.^1,7

The most important rule to remember is to avoid near matches, like brass and gold—that’s more likely to look accidental than intentional. Instead, go for bold contrast: Think polished nickel and matte black.⁷

Some designers recommend using each metal at least twice in a room to make it look cohesive. Another good rule of thumb is to stick to two types of metals in a small room and two to three in a larger space.⁷

Finally, you might think about playing with undertones (brass is warm, chrome is cool) to change the “temperature” of a room. And don’t be afraid of a little shine—many designers predict that a retro, high-polished look will replace matte finishes in 2024.⁸

Want help sourcing fixtures and hardware in a variety of finishes? Contact us for a list of our favorite retailers.

5. Wood Cabinetry And Accents

The all-white kitchen has been ubiquitous in recent years. But in 2024, classic wood cabinetry is back in a big way.⁹ In fact, industry professionals surveyed by the National Kitchen & Bath Association predict that wood cabinets will be more popular than white in the next three years.¹⁰

Natural wood tones offer a sense of warmth and natural beauty.11 And today’s cabinets aren’t anything like the heavy, dated versions of the past. Instead, light to medium versions—like white oak and walnut—and warmer undertones are trending.⁹

Adding wood-grain accents to painted kitchen cabinets—like with a contrasting island or range hood—is another popular option.¹² Wood continues to be a favored choice for flooring. A recent survey found that 40% of homeowners chose hardwood or engineered wood when renovating their kitchen floors.¹³

You can also expect to see more wood in bathrooms in 2024. According to Houzz, wood vanities surpassed white in popularity last year for the first time in recent years, and designers expect the trend to continue.¹² While white countertops and walls still dominate bathrooms, a wood-grained vanity brings a relaxed, organic element into the space.

Dreaming about new cabinets or hardwood floors? We’d happily share a list of recommended trade professionals who can help.

6. Timeless Renovations

In its latest Kitchen Trends Study, Houzz found that “nearly half of homeowners (47%) opt for a timeless design as a sustainable choice during renovations.” Respondents cited long-term cost-effectiveness and environmental consciousness as their primary motivators.¹⁴

In a rapidly changing, technology-driven world, it’s no surprise that homeowners want a nurturing space with lasting appeal—especially if they plan to stay in their homes for years to come.¹²

Traditional materials and quality craftsmanship lie at the core of timeless design, which some designers call “quiet luxury.”¹⁵ Consider enduring classics like hardwood floors, hand-crafted tiles, and marble countertops.¹² A timeless color palette often includes warm neutrals and muted shades of blue and green.¹⁵

If you’re thinking about remodeling, it’s wise to incorporate as many classic elements as possible. These stylistic choices tend to hold up well over time, prolonging your investment’s life and making selling your home easier. Contact us for a free consultation for advice on an upcoming project.

BEAUTIFY YOUR HOME WHILE BOOSTING ITS VALUE

If you’re thinking about making design changes—whether repainting or a full remodel—it’s important to know how your choices could impact your home’s resale potential. Buyer preferences vary significantly based on your home’s neighborhood and price point. Before you begin your project, reach out to discuss your plans and how they could impact the value of your home.

The above references an opinion and is for informational purposes only.  It is not intended to be financial, legal, or tax advice. Consult the appropriate professionals for advice regarding your individual needs.

Sources:

1. HGTV – https://www.hgtv.com/design/decorating/design-101/2024-home-and-garden-design-trends
2. The Spruce – https://www.thespruce.com/2024-design-trends-8411457
3. The Spruce – https://www.thespruce.com/2024-bathroom-design-trends-8380169
4. Homes and Gardens – https://www.homesandgardens.com/interior-design/maximalist-decor-ideas
5. The Spruce – https://www.thespruce.com/japandi-design-4782478
6. House Beautiful – https://www.housebeautiful.com/room-decorating/a45851530/japandi-interior-design-style/
7. The Spruce – https://www.thespruce.com/4-rules-designers-say-you-should-follow-or-ignore-when-mixing-metals-in-a-room-5199031
8. The Spruce – https://www.thespruce.com/2024-lighting-trends-8365056
9. Good Housekeeping – https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/decorating-ideas/a45576463/wood-kitchen-cabinet-trend-2023/
10. Better Homes and Gardens – https://www.bhg.com/2024-kitchen-trends-840656
11. Real Simple – https://www.realsimple.com/2024-kitchen-cabinet-trends-masterbrand-7974600
12. Houzz – https://www.houzz.com/magazine/28-home-design-trends-that-will-define-2024-stsetivw-vs~172317389
13. Houzz – https://www.houzz.com/magazine/10-kitchen-trends-to-watch-in-layouts-features-and-more-stsetivw-vs~165050822
14. Houzz – https://www.houzz.com/magazine/2023-u-s-houzz-kitchen-trends-study-stsetivw-vs~164970160
15. Better Homes and Gardens – https://www.bhg.com/quiet-luxury-home-trend-7554026