The interior design trends of 2024 are characterised by a longing for nature, emphasizing natural materials such as wood and stone, rounded shapes, and slat or groove patterns. The desire to bring nature into the home is a significant influence on interior design this year, driven by a preference for natural elements, as noted by Jan Kurth, the Managing Director of the German Furniture Industry Association.
The futuristically designed side table features a softly padded, fabric-covered cylindrical base that opens up like a blossom towards the top. Inset into the base is a round glass top. Photo: Cor.
Dark tones are gaining popularity in the kitchen and living areas, with black or anthracite lacquered surfaces paired with robust materials like oak, walnut, chestnut, or birch. Laminate and slat patterns, initially popular in kitchens, are extending into other spaces. Modern living room walls feature hanging glass vitrines, creating a contemporary ambience with indirect lighting and glass elements. Dining tables, whether made of wood or marble, adopt soft, organic forms suitable for smaller floor plans, and extendable options offer flexibility for gatherings. Padded dining chairs with armrests enhance comfort, while swivelling seats with gentle rocking motions automatically return to their original positions.
Upholstered furniture reflects a clear trend towards curved lines and comfortable seating through thick cushions. Fabrics include flat wool with subtle weaves or coarser textures, incorporating recycled yarns. The emphasis on natural tones such as off-white and greige is evident in textiles, with leather coverings in sand, terracotta, camel, or brown. Bold accent colours like natural blues and warm shades of red, rust, deep Bordeaux, along with new toffee and caramel tones, add vibrancy. Yellow accents bring a cheerful touch to the 2024 interior.
For smaller urban apartments, modular sofas that can be rearranged or easily adjustable sleeper sofas provide practical solutions. Sustainability is becoming a crucial factor in furniture purchases, with leading brands accepting used upholstered furniture for refurbishment or proper disposal.
Bedrooms prioritize cosiness, featuring veneered wood surfaces, solid wood elements, and lacquered finishes. Oak remains a dominant wood choice, often combined with light or dark-coloured lacquers. Beds with slender legs or floating designs contribute to a modern look, with comfortably padded headboards or wooden features. Wardrobes with sliding doors or textile fronts controlled by touch sensors offer customisable interiors with features like clothes lifts, tie compartments, purse drawers, and fabric-covered shelves.
In the bathroom, a focus on quality and comfort is apparent in the shift away from practical wet rooms to elegant and timeless, handle-less furniture. Wood decors or solid wood add warmth, and black accessories and fixtures are popular. Dark tones, natural colours, and bold shades like orange or blue, along with new designs featuring brass or stainless steel accents and coloured ceramic elements, showcase diversity in bathroom aesthetics. Lighting plays a significant role, with a trend towards indirect lighting for furniture and mirrors. LED lights with adjustable colour temperatures and dimming options, as well as voice or gesture-controlled lighting, enhance the overall experience.
The kitchen trend for 2024 revolves around groove-patterned fronts, creating a homely and artisanal charm. Handle-less wooden fronts with vertical slats, often regularly or asymmetrically grooved, are increasingly popular. These are combined with dark colours to emphasise a lounge-like atmosphere. Matte surfaces, anti-fingerprint properties, thin countertops, open shelves, and flexible railing systems for kitchen niches, even with workspace lighting for cabinets without overhead cabinets, remain in vogue.
While minimalist kitchen designs dominate, the modern farmhouse style with distinctive frame fronts is gaining popularity. Open kitchens emphasise a seamless transition to the dining and living areas, using elements like vitrines, shelves, or benches. Pocket doors, enabling the concealment of entire kitchen lines, contribute to a serene visual in open living spaces. The market introduces a new swivel fitting that imparts motion to open kitchen or living room shelves, revealing the closed back.
In addition to the use of regenerative energies and recycled wood in kitchen furniture, the industry is incorporating recycled plastic handles and drawer interiors made from the natural fibre hemp. Newly introduced 75-centimetre cabinet widths, primarily from the appliance industry, influence contemporary kitchen designs, allowing for larger vegetable compartments in refrigerators.
In summary, the interior design trends of 2024 focus on creating a natural, comfortable, and sustainable living environment, incorporating elements such as natural materials, dark tones, rounded shapes, and groove patterns. The integration of smart and sustainable features demonstrates a commitment to both style and environmental responsibility.