True story: years ago, nearly a decade now, I blew it in an interview with Oprah Mag {the home and garden sector}. A writer {not Oprah, but it still felt exciting, stay with me} scheduled a phone call with me. You see, I’ve always been a HUGE fan. Like, dead-serious Oprah stalker, cry if she walked into the room, fan. Jamin would come home from work in our early parental days to find me perched on the end of the sofa, ready to recite the day’s topic from her show whilst feral children ate snacks at our feet. I had it saved on the DVR, people. From changing sheets on a schedule to the latest book club read, her topics were my afternoon comfort watch. Conversations with friends would often begin with “last week, on Oprah…” because, to me, she was the upper echelon of current events and important topics. So, when they contacted us to schedule a call, I was stoked. This was my moment. It all felt like a dream.
But when they called me up and broached the topic of trends and what was ‘out’, I honestly froze. I wasn’t exactly made aware of said topic ahead of time and they needed a quote for this article they were working on. You see, if you’ve been reading here for a while, I’m not going to tell you what’s out. I don’t really adhere to trends or agree with them. I like to gently guide our clients and help them make wise decisions that make sense in their homes because sometimes it’s all about perspective. The topic tends to cause a panic in the design world. So this was a multifaceted topic for me, and more complicated than blurting out “OMG BRASSSSSSS” just so they would quote me in their latest article.
If the me now could go back and coach younger {more naive} Ash for a succinct answer, I would. But back then, it felt a bit cringe. I tried, and when the caller pressed on what was “out,” I muttered something about plaids being classic and always “in,” and they {the 25-year-old on the other line who officially thought I was a mumbling idiot} never called me back again.
I then went and scratched out “Appearing on Oprah” on my list of life goals I had posted on the wall, a-la Steve Buscemi in Billy Madison. There was a lipstick moment with “Electric Light Orchestra”, and everything.
I’m not ready to proclaim my utter disdain for one home element when it might be something that brings someone else joy in their space, all for the sake of article fodder. I fumbled the ball because I honestly felt like that was the vibe of the questions at the time. I also felt like a failure. It’s a good thing I didn’t base my entire career on that one phone call.
Fast forward to now: The topic of trends is still usually centered around proclaiming what’s “out,” and I don’t believe it has to be negative. Just click on any article a-la home publications via Facebook, where everyone named Cassandra is currently shouting from the rooftops their utter disdain for grey. {We get it, Cass. We really do.}
I couldn’t decide if it was funnier that the article was about trends and everyone took the time to comment on their hatred for gray vaguely, yet vehemently, or the fact that I actually took the time to read the comments. {I spied one comment where someone kind of specified.} It always comes down to the application and relevance to the space, amongst other things. For the record, the torn jeans comment was my fave. This isn’t Vogue, SHEILA. Read the room.
So, I told you this little story to let you know you’re not alone when it comes to trends in the home. And it’s okay to stand your ground, even if the person you don’t know on the other line makes you feel dumb in the moment. Lessons and metaphors in the new year. Yay.
Helping clients make innovative, classic decisions to last for the long haul is in my job description. I’m also here to spot trends as they’re coming and going and keep a finger on that pulse, whether I acknowledge them or not. So today, I’m covering a little of what we’re seeing more of with our own clients and upcoming projects, along with the design trends of 2024, maybe from a more classic standpoint. Just the good ones, if you don’t mind.
Here are 15 design trends to watch in 2024. {The Handmade Home’s version, anyway.}
1. Timeless Style.
An emphasis on the classics. It never goes out of style, so it made sense to start here—a continued love for subway tile and hardwood floors – the classic finishes and applications that feel timeless. I would throw in natural stones for kitchens and bathrooms, too. Stick with the things that have been around for decades.
See also: herringbone.
Long live herringbone.
2. Color in the Home.
This is the one topic I will always be passionate about, and I actually don’t see it as a trend. Neutrals have had their moment, but people are trending towards more color in their spaces. {Is this what Cassandra was so angry about? I feel you, Cassandra.}
3. A Classic Take on Switches and Knobs
People are opting out of smart home options with previously minimal looks in search of switches and knobs that evoke a sense of that lost craft. We love a good, classic choice when it comes to these accents. This seems silly, but it’s all in the details for us, and this is a good one.
4. Extension Spaces, Customized.
Think Butler’s pantries, laundry rooms, and more, with lots of character. The spaces that work hard for you don’t have to be boring. And we agree. Our clients want more personality in those spaces. You tend to spend more time there, so you may as well be surrounded by beauty when doing so.
5. An Emphasis on Private Spaces
Bathrooms and closets still have a big moment in the name of escapism. As far as closets are concerned, we say it doesn’t have to be a big, luxury walk-in. You know, the kind that can feel unattainable unless you take over an extra bedroom in your home? A simple customized space that works hard for you and does so beautifully will definitely suffice. And In our world, attention to those bathrooms will always be “in”.
6. Art Gallery Walls.
Walls that showcase a homeowner’s personality, whether a gallery wall for family photos or collected and created art, will always be in style. In general, we’re seeing clients lean heavily into more individualized personality for their spaces in the upcoming year.
7. Mixed Metals
(Again!) They’re still having ‘a moment’, but we’d argue that it also feels like a classic choice. We agree that it works and feels more curated over time for a classic feel. We love a good space where the metals lean toward that collected feel. In other words, do what you want. This leads us to…
8. Spa-Like Bathrooms.
We’re seeing a continued uptick in these requests, along with green & tranquil blues. Creating an escape for a one-of-a-kind daily experience, will never go out of style.
9. Bringing the Outdoors In
Think big windows and lots of light. Alongside bringing the indoors out.
We’ll be seeing another emphasis on outdoor spaces this spring, again. It’s always a great way to make use of fresh real estate.
Okay, fine, I’m officially ready for spring.
10. Bespoke + Handmade.
We will always be as passionate about this element as we are about color. Thus our company name. Showcasing art and handmade elements never go out of style, but it’s an even bigger deal this next year. Think of using one-of-a-kind finds or creations alongside collected and heirloom pieces. Antiques and flea market finds never go out either. Make a home uniquely yours is something you’ll never regret.
11. Wallpaper + Doors.
Which leads us to… wallpaper and doors. It’s probably one of our most favorite elements. It’s the little details that make a significant impact. And it’s all in the accents that make the big difference.
12. Flex Spaces
Versatile spaces that work hard. Clients no longer want to commit to one thing in a space. This has been “in” for a while but will continue to be, in the next year. Utilize those areas in different ways to serve those that live there well.
13. Creative Storage
Anything that makes our client’s lives easier regarding storage is always a classic route.
While we’re on that topic, appliance garages are also having a moment in kitchens. Stay tuned.
14. Mudroom Spaces.
There’s a continued uptick in mudroom spaces, and requests to make space for them in the home. Again with the common theme of spaces that work hard. These haven’t budged from the list for a few years now, and are still in high demand when it comes to functionality.
15. An emphasis on Comfort.
Because home is where you escape. Realistic spaces that feel welcoming are actually at the top of the list this year.
What’s Out?
{The only way I’ll approach it}
1. Overthinking it.
2. Letting something {a bad choice in the past, perhaps?} hold you back.
3. Not listening to your designer. {Whom you hired for a reason.}
The end.
We hope you’ve enjoyed this realistic roundup. Have an inspired day!
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