Architecture

5 interior design trends to watch in 2024

Warm minimalism, sustainable designs, biophilic elements, multi-functional spaces, and bold colors are shaping modern interiors.

Pierre-Jean Hillion
by Pierre-Jean Hillion on Jul 24, 2024
5 interior design trends to watch in 2024

Staying aware of the main interior design trends is crucial for creating modern and stylish spaces.

But trends, while they are inspirational, can also quickly disappear. Among the dozens of trends we see each year, not all of them stay in the long run.

That’s why we decided to select the top five interior design trends for 2024, that, in our opinion, are the present but also the future of interior design.

Those trends shape the way interior designers work and draw, so we give in this article expert tips on integrating those trends into your projects.


1. Warm Minimalism

What is Warm Minimalism?

Warm minimalism merges the sleek, uncluttered lines of traditional minimalism with cozy, inviting elements. This trend focuses on using neutral color palettes, natural materials like wood and stone, and soft textures to create serene and welcoming spaces.

Warm Minimalism Living Room - credit: Ingalls
Warm Minimalism Living Room - credit: Ingalls

Why this trends matters: In an era where people seek simplicity amidst their busy lives, warm minimalism offers a retreat without sacrificing comfort. The inclusion of warmer tones and natural textures helps in creating a homely, calming environment that feels lived-in and personal.

Warm Minimalism Living Room
Warm Minimalism Living Room

Expert Tips to implement Warm Minimalism into your Interior Design projects:

  • Layer Textures: Combine smooth surfaces with textured textiles like wool and linen to add depth. For example, use a sleek wooden coffee table paired with a woolen throw or linen cushions.
  • Natural Elements: Incorporate plenty of wood and stone to bring in warmth and a touch of nature. Think about wooden floors, stone countertops, or a mix of wooden and stone furniture.
  • Soft Colors: Opt for neutral hues with warm undertones, such as beige, taupe, soft browns, and muted terracotta. Consider painting walls in soft beige and complementing with taupe furniture.

2. Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Designs

What is Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Design? This trend emphasizes the use of eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient appliances, and sustainable furniture. The focus is on creating interiors that are as kind to the planet as they are beautiful.

Sustainable Living Room - Credits: Spacejoy via Unsplash
Sustainable Living Room - Credits: Spacejoy via Unsplash

Why this trends matters: With growing environmental concerns, sustainable design is not just a trend but a necessity. Consumers are increasingly aware of their ecological footprint and demand interiors that reflect their commitment to sustainability. This trend is not only about aesthetics but also about making responsible choices that contribute to a healthier planet.

Wood style Living Room
Wood style Living Room

Expert Tips to implement Sustainable and Eco-Friendly elements into your Interior Design projects:

  • Recycled Materials: Use reclaimed wood, recycled glass, and other repurposed materials to reduce waste. For instance, a dining table made from reclaimed wood or countertops from recycled glass.
  • Energy Efficiency: Invest in LED lighting, Energy Star-rated appliances, and smart thermostats to lower energy consumption. Install energy-efficient windows and doors to maintain indoor temperatures.
  • Sustainable Furniture: Choose furniture made from sustainably sourced materials like FSC-certified wood or those certified by environmental standards like Cradle to Cradle. Look for brands that prioritize sustainability in their production processes, such as using non-toxic finishes and eco-friendly fabrics.

3. Biophilic Design and Integrated Greenery

What are Biophilic Design and Integrated Greenery? Biophilic design aims to connect interiors with nature through the use of plants, natural light, and organic materials. This trend emphasizes the health benefits of integrating greenery into living spaces, which can reduce stress, enhance creativity, and improve well-being.

Biophilic Design in the Workplace
Biophilic Design in the Workplace

Why this trends matters: Research shows that biophilic design can reduce stress, enhance creativity, and improve well-being. By bringing the outside in, we create spaces that not only look good but also promote a healthier lifestyle. This connection to nature is especially important in urban settings where access to green spaces may be limited.

Biophilic Living Room
Biophilic Living Room

Expert Tips to implement Greenery and Biophilic design into your Interior Design projects:

  • Indoor Plants: Use a variety of indoor plants to create a lush, green environment. Consider vertical gardens or green walls for a dramatic effect and to maximize space. Choose plants like snake plants, pothos, and ferns for their air-purifying qualities.
  • Natural Light: Maximize natural light through large windows, skylights, and glass doors. Use reflective surfaces like mirrors to enhance the natural light in a room.
  • Organic Materials: Incorporate materials like wood, stone, and bamboo to enhance the natural feel of the space. Think about wooden furniture, stone feature walls, or bamboo flooring.

4. Multi-Functional Spaces

What are Multi-Functional Spaces? Multi-functional spaces are designed to serve multiple purposes, optimizing the use of available space. This trend is particularly relevant in smaller homes and apartments where every square foot counts.

Multifunctional Kitchen/Living Room - Image: ©Júlia Tótoli
Multifunctional Kitchen/Living Room - Image: ©Júlia Tótoli

Why this trends matters: The rise of remote work and changing lifestyles necessitates flexible spaces. Multi-functional design allows for the seamless transition between work, leisure, and social activities within the same area. This flexibility is crucial in modern living, especially as rents in big cities like New York, London, and Paris rise, making larger apartments less affordable.

Multfunctional Dining Room
Multfunctional Dining Room

Expert Tips to create multi-functional spaces:

  • Modular Furniture: Invest in furniture that can be easily reconfigured, such as sofa beds or extendable dining tables. Look for pieces that serve multiple functions, like ottomans with storage.
  • Built-In Storage: Use built-in storage solutions to keep spaces clutter-free and adaptable. Custom-built shelves, cabinets, and hidden storage can make a big difference.
  • Flexible Layouts: Design open-plan layouts that can be easily divided with screens or movable walls to create distinct zones as needed. Consider using furniture as dividers to delineate different areas.

5. Bold Colors and Patterns

What are Bold Colors and Patterns? This trend involves using vibrant hues and striking patterns to make bold design statements. It encourages creativity and personalization, moving away from the more subdued palettes of recent years.

Bold Yellow and Orange Colors
Bold Yellow and Orange Colors

Why this trends matters: As people seek to express their individuality and create unique spaces, bold colors and patterns offer an exciting way to infuse personality into interiors. This trend allows for playful combinations and eclectic decor, encouraging a more dynamic and expressive approach to design.

A bedroom using a bold, furnished style
A bedroom using a bold, furnished style

Expert Tips to implement Bold Colors and Pattenrs into your Interior Design projects:

  • Accent Walls: Use bold colors on accent walls to create a focal point without overwhelming the space. Examples of bold colors include deep blues, vibrant greens, and rich burgundy. A bright blue or deep red wall can instantly transform a room.
  • Pattern Mixing: Don’t be afraid to mix different patterns in textiles, such as rugs, cushions, and curtains, for a lively, dynamic look. Stripes with florals, or geometric patterns with abstract designs, can add visual interest.
  • Balanced Boldness: Balance vibrant elements with neutral tones to maintain harmony and prevent visual chaos. Use bold colors in smaller doses, complemented by neutral furniture and decor.

Want to integrate those trends into your projects? Rayon is here to help you draw you plans

Rayon allows you to create beautiful architectural drawings easily
Rayon allows you to create beautiful architectural drawings easily

Use our complete palette of styles to integrate bold colors and patterns:

Rayon offers a comprehensive palette of styles, allowing interior designers to add a personal and beautiful touch to their drawings. Whether you’re looking to incorporate bold colors and patterns or achieve the warm minimalism aesthetic, our style help you do it easily. Textures, colors, line thicknesses, and more, enable designers to customize every element of their plans.

Get our library of 2,000 Blocks to include plants for biophilic designs or energy-efficient furniture:

Rayon's extensive library of over 2,000 CAD blocks helps designers illustrate floor plans with various elements, including plants for biophilic designs and energy-efficient furniture for sustainable projects. This rich resource makes it easy to integrate diverse design elements seamlessly, ensuring that every detail aligns with the latest trends.

Create fully customizable spaces within our app:

With Rayon, every design element is fully customizable, making it ideal for creating multi-functional spaces. Designers can easily adapt layouts to serve multiple purposes, ensuring their projects meet diverse client needs. Our platform supports dynamic and flexible design processes, helping you stay ahead of the trends and create spaces that are both functional and stylish.

With Rayon.design, interior designers can seamlessly integrate these top trends into their architectural drawings and floor plans, creating stylish, functional, and on-trend spaces for 2024.

👉 Try Rayon.design for free