Americans are redefining family life, placing a higher emphasis on connections with loved ones and their communities. Friendship has emerged as a cornerstone of these relationships, often valued more highly than traditional milestones such as marriage or parenthood. Regardless of age, the prevalence of solo living is on the rise.
We see 2024 design trends that are reflecting a concerted effort towards creating spaces that foster friendship and connections. Homeowners are looking for environments that promote camaraderie, community, and comfort.
CONSUMERS SEEK A MORE LOW-KEY APPROACH.
There's a prevailing trend towards what we call "quiet luxury," an aesthetic that exudes understated elegance and timeless appeal. Quiet luxury prioritizes simplicity and refinement. It's a style resonating with consumers who crave warmth, comfort, and a serene atmosphere in their living spaces.
Picture plush textiles that beckon you to sink in, complemented by a palette of warm neutrals to envelop the senses. Polished materials add a touch of opulence without overpowering the space, while organic elements bring a sense of harmony and connection to the outdoors.
Adding personality and depth to a space enveloped in “quiet luxury” is intentionally placed custom pieces and curated artwork for the finishing touch. Together, these elements create a sanctuary where luxury whispers.
MULTI-GENERATIONAL HOUSEHOLDS.
The American family has undergone profound changes in recent decades. Traditional notions of family life are being redefined, giving rise to a multitude of diverse living arrangements. One notable trend is the complexity of multi-generational households. Statistics show that about one-third of young adults are still living in their parents' homes as they navigate the transition to independence.
This change in thinking in family life has sparked a demand for homes with split bedrooms, soundproof interior walls and floors, dual laundry rooms, more bedrooms (multi-purpose rooms), separate entrances, detached guest houses, and multiple porches or patios.
A RISE IN OLDER ADULTS LIVING ALONE.
In 2020, 27.6% of individuals lived alone, and half of those solo households were owned by individuals 65 and older. This living shift among older adults underscores the importance of homes that are adaptable and supportive of aging in place. By featuring the unique features of your home that address this demographic group, you can highlight a living environment promoting dignity, autonomy, and well-being throughout the aging process.
PETS ARE PART OF THE FAMILY.
Most Americans own at least one pet, with more than a third owning multiple pets. 97% of those pet owners consider their pets to be integral members of their families. This deep connection to furry or feathery family members is reflected in consumer spending habits. A trend has emerged in catering to their needs and comfort, placing a growing importance on accommodating our furry companions in home design.
CONSUMERS ARE SEEKING PERSONALIZATION, REGARDLESS OF STYLE.
Many homeowners continue to seek a timeless, enduring style. Some prefer traditional bespoke details such as herringbone floors, crown molding, and thick beefy baseboards. Others are dipping into the laidback designs of the seventies, buying everything from retro cushions to headboards in a quest for nostalgia. And yet others craving the mid-century trend. Whether tastes range from simplicity to rooms flowing in excess, homeowners are striving for a customized, unique, feel-good space to call home. Overall, we are seeing a balanced collection of old and new to create a personalized, sophisticated, calming environment.
BLUE HUES ARE THE NEW ACCENT COLOR, COMPLEMENTING WARM NEUTRALS.
Interior designers continue to specify neutrals in warmer tones to create a welcoming environment and elicit feelings of comfort. Moving forward expect hues to become deeper, richer, and more saturated.
The dominant accent color will turn away from the pink and blush tones, moving towards the blues. Hues that evoke anticipation of the future, such as Sherwin Williams’ “Upward,” reflecting softness with a hint of hope, Benjamin Moore’s “Blue Nova,” offering depth, intrigue, and an undercurrent of reassurance, and finally shifting to Valspar’s “Renew Blue,” a more tranquil blue blended with green tones, that center on wellness.
COMFORT AND LOUNGING ARE KEY.
New sofa silhouettes signal a real return to comfort and lounging. Sales of chaise and L-shaped sofas are on the rise, offering modular, moveable components and hidden storage. Sofa backs have been lowered, armrests too, and cushions have become increasingly sink-in squishy, to increase coziness and the cocooning effects. To counterbalance the legginess of mid-century modern, many are specifying conversation-starter, statement pieces, and sculpted furniture – from curved accent chairs to small side tables.
TEXTURE ADDS LAYERS OF VISUAL INTEREST.
Highly textured surfaces and textiles are expected to add layers of visual interest in 2024. Look for textured wallpaper and paint finishes, like Venetian plaster to add depth and interest to rooms in the home.
FUN DETAILS.
Many are looking for a sense of playfulness in their homes. We are seeing a newfound interest in ruffles and fringe on window coverings and accent pillows. Others are getting fanciful with their food and dining table displays. Still, others are looking for pop art-inspired florals reminiscent of the iconic Unikko print, designed by Maija Isola for Marimekko.
TECHNOLOGY-ENABLED HOMES ARE INCREASINGLY THE NORM.
Technology is increasingly prevalent with consumers. Connecting home devices to create personalized routines that improve mood, productivity, and sleep is standard. Installing smart home features and home theaters creates an opportunity for a more connected environment. App-controlled heating features beneath tile floors are requested in higher-end bathrooms as well as motion sensor lighting for comfort and convenience. Top toilet trends in luxury are smart toilets that feature automatic lids, warming seats, and self-cleaning functions. Expecting such features to become a standard request in all home upgrades over the next three years.
CLEANABILITY AND DURABILITY REMAIN A PRIORITY.
Homeowners still seek cleanability and durability in their homes. Placing a big emphasis on quartz vanities and large slabs or solid surface panels as grout-less options for showers. Matte and brushed [metal] finishes are top picks as homeowners are less tolerant of watermarks with Spot Defense products being popular.
KITCHEN ISLANDS HAVE BECOME A FOCAL POINT.
Kitchens have always been the heart of the home, but they have become the focal point for comfortable and connected living, offering a convenient place for everyone to gather. Kitchen islands are being used not only as functional food preparation spaces but also as key dining spaces. Island shapes affording side-by-side seating for easier cross-table conversation are the most popular.
Environmental and cost-saving features such as faucets with filtration systems, taps for fizzy soda water, and steamy hot water dispensers for tea are topping the charts for kitchen picks.
Small kitchens are being planned carefully to maximize storage, function, and flow, with open shelving offering a visual break and an opportunity to highlight decorative elements like glassware and pottery remains popular.
In a recent survey conducted by NKBA, 55% of respondents desire “modern, contemporary design styles. With regards to color, we predict shades of green – from deep saturated forest greens to lighter earthier shades – will gain momentum throughout the year.
UTILITY SPACES OFFER UNIQUE DESIGN OPPORTUNITIES.
Similarly, utility and mud rooms are being combined with laundry rooms, reembracing color, and layering patterns in wallpapers and textiles.
BOUTIQUE BATHROOMS
Spa-inspired bathrooms, influenced by self-care spaces, are on the rise. Clients are looking for boutique hotel amenities and spa-inspired environments to create a sense of serenity and quiet luxury. A strong organic, natural influence will continue to be strong in bathrooms.
We continue to see features like frameless, doorless steam showers with rain heads, body sprays built-in seating, and curb-less entry. Stone, quartz, and marble materials are being paired with fluffy robes, scented candles, and mood lighting to create a sense of serenity and replicate luxury.
Additionally, beverage stations, refrigerator drawers, and miniature refrigerators are being added to primary suites. These hotel-like amenities offer a coffee in the morning or a nightcap at night, away from kids and potentially other points of stress or anxiety. But also adding the practicality of medications and cooling face creams.
THE GREAT OUTDOORS.
Like many restaurants and bars, kitchens connect visually with the outdoors with large banks of windows and walls while living rooms use retractable glass panels to extend spaces onto patios. Beyond increasing the ease of entertaining, connecting both visually and physically with nature has been shown to reduce blood pressure, heart rates, and overall cognitive performance.
In summary, the design trends of 2024 reflect a shift toward prioritizing connection, comfort, and versatility in living spaces. Americans are redefining family dynamics, emphasizing friendship and community while solo living increases across all age groups. Quiet luxury dominates, blending understated elegance with timeless appeal through plush textures, warm neutrals, and polished materials. Multi-generational households and older adults living alone are both becoming commonplace driving demand for adaptable homes, while pet needs are influencing design.
Personalization remains key, with blue hues emerging as accent colors and comfortable lounging taking precedence. Technology and kitchens are key for connectivity and convenience with boutique bathrooms and outdoor spaces promoting well-being. Overall, the trends signal a focus on creating inviting, individualized spaces that cater to evolving lifestyles and values.
SOURCE: ASID Trends 2024
