We’ve grown accustomed to fashion trends that cycle every season and even TikTok microtrends that fizzle out in a matter of weeks. But the aesthetics and our approach to interior spaces tend to stick around for years at a time. If you plan on refreshing your home this year, there’s no doubt you’ll want your space to look stylish and feel current. But because it’s tricky to know exactly what interior trends are in and what’s out, we’ve tapped a handful of designers for their thoughts on the outdated home decor trends of 2024.
Our biggest takeaway? 2024 is all about being bold and taking risks. We’re saying goodbye to all things traditional and focusing on making our homes true reflections of our personal style. Decorating your home is about surrounding yourself with things you love, so feel free to stick with trends that resonate and toss the rest. After all, style is subjective. But if you’ve been feeling the itch to overhaul your all-white kitchen or transform your minimalist living room, this may be your year. Ahead, discover the outdated home decor trends designers are happy to ditch in 2024.
Featured image of Brandy Joy Smith’s Joshua Tree cabins by Zachary Gray.
Out: Ubiquitous Open Kitchens
2024 brings good news for anyone longing for peaceful food prep and cozy cooking.
“Open kitchens are on their way out. People are craving segmented spaces after the adjustment to work from home,” Eddie Maestri, Principal Architect and Founder of Maestri Studio shares. We’re prioritizing layouts and design that allow us to compartmentalize our tasks, as the hustle and bustle of home life looks very different now than it did pre-pandemic. Smaller spaces and closed kitchens provide an intimate, private area for cooking and prep. Who wants to see a messy living room while romanticizing dinner prep anyway?
Out: Cool Neutrals
Gray interiors have dominated for the past decade-plus, but cool neutrals are officially saying goodbye in 2024. “The stark cool tones of whites and grays are out,” says Shelagh Conway Principal and Founder of Triple Heart Design. Excessive use of cool neutrals can make a room look and feel sterile, and we’re collectively ready for warmer, happier spaces. “Creamy white is the new white,” Conway remarks.
Read more: The Top Paint Color Trends of 2024, According to Designers
Out: Formal Living and Dining Rooms
Remember when dining rooms were off-limits except for special occasions? Or fancy living rooms reserved for company only? Jenna Morrow, lead designer and owner of Morrow Design Studios says formal living spaces are a thing of the past. “Gone are the days of ‘untouched’ rooms in our homes,” she comments. Cozy, casual spaces that perform double duty continue to be very popular.
“In 2024, we will see even more multi-functional spaces as homeowners continue to spend more time at home,” Morrow says. “From dining rooms that double as home offices to kids’ rooms that are also study hubs, every room in the home serves a purpose this year.”
Out: Fast Furniture
Buying cheap quality furniture can be convenient in a pinch, but Bianca Spinazzola, Owner and Designer of Spinazzola Interiors is happy the homeware version of fast fashion is on the outs.
“While the price tag may be nice, the trend toward prioritizing quality over fast furniture reflects a desire for long-lasting, durable pieces,” Spinazzola says. Ali Winkler, principal designer and founder of Ali Reeve Design agrees. “Consumers are realizing that it’s not worth buying inexpensive, quick-ship furniture that’s poorly made and requires frequent replacement,” Winkler explains.
“People are now seeking furniture investments that not only offer value, but also stand the test of time—emphasizing a shift toward sustainability and durability in design choices,” Spinazzola continues.
Out: Manufactured Wood
Morrow declares it’s officially time to ditch manufactured wood so natural materials can reign supreme. It should be no surprise that fast furniture is made from medium density fiberboard, a man-made material. MDF contains formaldehyde, a known carcinogen, which is reason enough to let it go and opt for the real thing instead.
“Think of furniture made from elements like Italian Travertine or Burl Wood,” she cites. “Not only are these pieces beautiful when they’re on display, but since they are made from authentic elements, no two items will look the same.”
Out: Cold Minimalism
Minimalist interiors have been around for years now, but the days of all-white walls and beige-on-beige furnishings seem to be behind us. Alternatively, Spinazzola predicts 2024 will herald a new era of adventurous design choices that are highly individual.
“I foresee a larger focus on attention to detail; millwork, moldings, wallpaper, and meticulously designed pillows with trim,” she shares. “By embracing originality, it allows for unique and personalized spaces.”
Out: Traditional Cabinetry
Renovating your kitchen can be one of the biggest investments you make in your home. Avoiding outdated cabinets can save you a lot of grief down the road, so it’s good to know that traditional kitchen cabinet doors are beginning to fall out of style.
“We’re seeing more wood tones and panels instead of traditional cabinet fronts, which add a nice touch of nature and texture into the heart of the home,” Maestri says. Another popular option? “Clients are opting for built-ins to look like furniture,” he continues.
Out: Nautical Inspired
This may be controversial, but Devon Wedman, Founder and Design Director of DGI Design x Build says it’s time for Coastal California style to step aside. Coastal interior design draws inspiration from the beach, but nautical motifs are sailing off into the distance. “This came in hot after Modern Farmhouse faded away, and I think people are ready for more drama and uniqueness,” she says.
In: Vibrant Colors
If cool-toned gray and white are out, this will be the year of bold and intrepid color palettes. “Spaces adorned with rich emerald green, deep red, and chocolate brown will be popular,” Morrow predicts.
In: Highly Personalized Spaces
Since 2024 is about ditching cookie cutter design choices, homes are looking to be highly personalized this year. This makes for a fun and unique challenge for designers and homeowners alike. “Who doesn’t want a design that’s a one-of-a-kind masterpiece?” Spinazzola notes.
In: Quality Furnishings
With fast furniture on the outs, sustainability is top of mind for many. Winkler is noticing her clients prioritizing and gravitating toward quality furnishings. “They’re understanding that it’s worth the wait and investment for elevated workmanship and materials,” Winkler says. Incorporating antique and vintage pieces is another way to ensure you’re bringing in unique, quality furniture that keeps your carbon footprint low. “I’m drawn to furnishings that tell a story, are well made and provide an element of surprise and delight,” she says.
In: Making Bold and Dramatic Moves
While we love a soft neutral, 2024 is the year of stepping outside the box. Creating a one-of-a-kind home means being unafraid to take risks. Give your bedroom a refresh by splurging on that chartreuse headboard that’s been sitting in your virtual cart for weeks (and that you know you’ll love). Wallpaper your powder room with a bold print you were once afraid to use. Add some funky tile to your kitchen or bathroom. Let this be your sign to have fun and follow your heart. Life’s too short not to.
