We haven’t yet packed the turkey or cut the tree, but when it concerns our homes, we’re currently looking ahead to the brand-new year. In thinking about how we might revitalize our areas in 2024, we asked numerous Southern designers to share their home style forecasts and what patterns we can expect to see grow in appeal– and which ones will lose their luster. From thoughtful details to painted wood walls, these are the biggest design trends of 2024 according to Southern designers.
A Show of Restraint
” Design is presently welcoming restraint and I believe we’ll see more of this pared-down aesthetic in 2024,” states Marie Flanigan, a decorator based in Dallas. I begin developing a space with the essentials and then look for thoughtful methods to include additional finishes and textures.
A Shift Towards Neutrals
” Honestly, I am incredibly into color,” states Jacksonville, Florida, designer Andrew Howard. “But I think we will start seeing a turn towards more neutrals in 2024 and into 2025. Fabrics will become plusher and more welcoming, and they will be interesting enough that color and pattern will not constantly need to set the tone.”
Warmer Hues
” I believe we will see a great deal of rich, earthy tones such as Farrow & Ball’s Setting Plaster and French Gray, 2 of my favorites,” says Richmond, Virginia, designer Lizzie Cox, who also loves bright yellows and turmeric-like colors. “Painting rooms full-scale (trim, ceilings, walls) in these warm tones will be a stunning, elevated look for any space.” Jessica Davis of Atlanta-based Atelier Davis also prepares for a continued welcome of earthy tones, like “browns, mossy greens, raisins, and ambers,”
Designer Laura Kay was ahead of the curve in her own Lookout Mountain, Tennessee, home, shown above.
Saturated Cabinet Colors
While some designers are forecasting a general pattern towards neutrals and earth tones, others are welcoming bolder hues in practical areas. North Carolina designer Charlotte Lucas is getting in touch with purple shades, like eggplant and plum; she’s so offered on aubergine that she’s even using it as the cabinet color in her personal cooking area restoration.
Classic Details
” We think there’s more of a desire to have pleated upholstery information on furniture,” states Dallas designer Jean Liu. “It’s a twist on a traditional design that still looks crisp and fresh.”
Layered Furnishings
Gainesville, Georgia, designer Maggie Griffin predicts that next year will bring “interiors utilizing diverse, discovered pieces where a gorgeous antique is paired next to a modern-day item.”
Above, house owner and writer Frances Macdougall took this method in her Birmingham home with charming results.
An Appreciation for the ’70s
Raleigh, North Carolina, decorator Niki McNeill Brown expects throwbacks as well: “I’m looking forward to see all the ’70s- inspired colorways getting in wall coverings and fabrics!”
Up-for-Anything Materials
” Right now I am seeing homeowners wishing to purchase home furnishings and finishes that will stand the test of time, kids, and family pets,” says Atlanta designer Liz Williams. “In 2024, I think performance materials and carpets, as well as indestructible floor covering and countertops, will be even more popular.”
Outdoors Influence
” Windows keep growing and bigger, and we are letting the view and the light outside become our focal point instead of the furnishings,” states Howard. “And if that holds true, I feel like a more neutral backdrop is very important. Sort of a go back to relaxing.” Atlanta decorator Andi Morse echoes this, noting that next year’s style priority will be homes that are “comfy and comfortable.”
The dining room envisioned above, designed by Laura Hodges for our 2023 Southern Living Idea House, makes the case for natural light and a neutral combination.
A Move Away from Wide-Open Spaces
More Painted Wood Walls
” They create such a warm environment inside a home,” states Howard. “I know a few of us have tired of them from hearing the word ‘shiplap’ on every design program, however it is a terrific appearance and it constantly has been. We do not need to fight against it since we wish to buck the patterns of the shows!”
The above living room by Allison Allen shows his case.
Fun-Loving Lampshades
Conical tones with a very narrow opening at the top and much bigger, larger openings at the bottom are an existing go-to for Birmingham, Alabama, designer Caroline Gidiere. Cox agrees: “Whether in a custom fabric or an easy paper or linen, this design of shade takes any light up a notch.”