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We’re seeing more colour, personality and fun in homes in 2024. Gone are the swathes of white and marble of a few years ago, and in their place are bold, energising colours like rich green, cobalt blue and accents of red, along with colourful, statement marbles, richly grained timbers and playful wallpaper patterns.
After years of minimalism, joy is the new buzzword. People no longer want to play it safe – they are looking to create one-of-a-kind spaces that feel good to be in and tell their story.
Lived-in and inviting is the goal. Think open shelving, gallery walls, patterns in unexpected places like powder rooms, and a confident blending of eras, such as a sleek, contemporary sofa paired with a quirky, vintage floor lamp, or flat-face kitchen joinery with decorative tapware.
But functionality remains a priority – homeowners expect spaces they spend so much time in to work seamlessly. There’s growing demand for custom joinery in high-use areas like kitchens, laundries and living spaces, along with smart-home systems that automate elements like heating and cooling, entertainment and security.
Homeowners are looking towards design that helps them sit a little more lightly on the earth. Natural materials like bamboo and reclaimed and ethically sourced wood are in the spotlight, alongside low-tox and low-VOC (volatile organic compound) paint finishes, and natural, untreated upholstery fabrics, like linen and cotton.
The “buy once, buy well” philosophy has extended to furniture and homewares, with people prioritising simple, well-crafted pieces in quality, natural materials that will last over fleeting trends. They’re also upcycling and repurposing where they can, whether it’s donating their dated but still-functional kitchen carcass or giving wooden furniture a new life with fresh paint.
Having a connection to nature is not only good for our health but makes us happier and more productive – and homeowners are here for it in 2024.
People want to draw the outside in, be it with generous window and door openings that connect to the garden and boost light and air flow; warm, earth-drawn colour palettes featuring terracotta, clay and tan; timber-clad walls – or all three!
Textural and botanical-patterned wallpaper and upholstery fabrics are other ways to foster a connection with the landscape. “Wallpaper can add tactility and comfort, evoking the sense of nature by imitating natural textures,” says Paula Taylor, Senior Stylist and Trend Specialist at Graham & Brown. “This year, we are seeing a rise in organic pattern, either forest ferns or tropical palms. Murals that mimic scenic patterns found in nature are also popular.”
Blame it on TV shows like Succession, but understated elegance is a major design trend of 2024. Centred around timeless and serene living spaces, they effortlessly blend old and new, with classic furniture pieces, sustainable building materials and discreetly integrated smart technology that helps simplify everyday life.
Elevated detailing is key to adding visual interest. Think fluted wall panelling, character-edge joinery, ribbed glass, and living brass hardware that builds a patina over time.
Also expect plenty of curves. “From rounded furnishings to arched doorways and recesses, curves are perfect for creating the soft and comforting ambience people are craving in 2024,” says Lauren Ford, General Manager of Marketing at Gyprock. They can also dial up the wow factor, she says: “Add drama with a curved ceiling, bring in softness with a curved wall, or use an archway to break up a large, open-plan room.”
Curved features don’t have to be difficult or costly to achieve. Products like Gyprock Flexible, which is a bendable plasterboard sheet designed to create small-radius curves, allow you to craft curved feature walls and ceilings, jazz up columns and more with minimal hassle and expense.
Home is no longer just for rest and relaxation – it’s where people work, entertain, exercise and learn new skills. As such, homeowners are calling for multi-functional living spaces that can adapt to their changing needs.
Open floorplans morph from work-from-home space to workout zone or crafting corner thanks to the inclusion of sliding doors and room dividers, while a built-in study nook in the kitchen means the homeowner can catch up on emails while prepping dinner.
Furniture is space-saving and multi-purpose – think modular sofas, extendable tables that go from desk to dining table, stools that double as side tables and even hidden storage.
Given the rising cost of living, people are relaxing and entertaining more at home. As such, expect more demand for strategically placed window seats and reading nooks where homeowners can enjoy a quiet moment, and features that make hosting easy, like outdoor areas with sunken firepits and outdoor kitchens, and living rooms with built-in fireplaces, oversized sofas and conversational layouts.
