'I'm an interior designer – here are the trends to avoid in 2024 and what to do instead'
We recently reported on the biggest interior trends for 2024, which range from functional L-shaped and chaise sofas to the frivolous fun of retro checks, stripes and ruffles. And while we are always on the lookout for interesting design developments and new ways to invigorate our homes, not all trends are created equal.
Some trends are born on social media and prove to be fleeting, and there are those that don't serve us from a practical standpoint – read more about single-purpose furnishings below – and some are simply overhyped and lacking in character.
Here, interior designer Sam Greig at Swoon has shared some of the outdated trends to avoid in 2024, and what to do instead.
1. Single-Purpose Furnishings
'Just like the purge of single-use plastic, in 2024, single-use furnishings are on their way out,' says Sam. 'With the cost of living leaving consumers warier of value for money, multi-functional, utilitarian furnishings that offer more than just their initial use are in.
'In 2024, I am looking to see multi-functional furniture take on a more stylish appearance. Think chic ottoman beds with hidden storage, decorative sideboards with additional cupboard space, and glamorous bar carts that double up as side tables. Functional doesn’t have to mean frumpy!'
2. TikTok Fads
There is always a danger in buying into social media trends as they so often prove to be fleeting, and overexposure can lead us to tire of them.
'There is no denying that some viral designs trend for a reason – but if you are looking to purchase sustainably and responsibly to curate a timeless interior collection, oftentimes TikTok trends don’t possess the longevity you are looking for,' says Sam.
'Rather than impulse purchasing viral trends, I recommend curating your own cherished collection of furniture and accessories gradually, creating a unique and timeless home aesthetic that will stand the test of time.'
Shopping for vintage and antique furniture is a natural antidote to fleeting social media trends, and a relatively new wave of online stores and apps are making it easier to discover the best of secondhand. Marketplaces like Vinterior provide a platform for vintage resellers to sell their wares worldwide, while Narchie does so in a handy app format.
3. Ultra-modern aesthetics
'The ultra-modern design movement is interesting, I’ll admit, but it can come across as stark and impersonal, and looks fairly out of place in the average British home,' Sam explains. 'Instead of going all out spaceship, I like to create an eclectic mix of classic elements and modern influences. Neon lights look great with dark woods, and tech can be easily integrated or disguised with suave storage.'
2024 will lean a bit more retrofuturistic, with a lot of chrome accents like vases, side tables and lamps in fluid, organic shapes. These new pieces are highly polished and reflective to catch surrounding light in a lustrous and otherworldly effect.
4. The all-white wall obsession
We're all for a serene and neutral home, but too much white without any mitigating colour or pattern can become clinical and cold.
'Move away from monotone all-white walls and embrace warmer tones or bold accents that infuse personality and warmth into your living spaces, creating a welcoming and vibrant ambiance,' says Sam.
'Colour is the flavour of the home, and utilising it without fear is one of my biggest recommendations for those who are looking to elevate their interiors. Don’t be afraid of adding colour to your walls, furnishings, and accessories. A pop of sunset orange in a somewhat monochrome room can take a space from ordinary to excellent.'
5. Symmetry
'Gone are the days when a feature wall had to be uber symmetrical, or bedside tables need to match,' says Sam. 'In 2024, it’s time to embrace natural variation and more relaxed layouts to create a sense of spontaneity in every space.'
2024 will be all about the laidback designs of the seventies, that require a carefree and casual approach to decorating – neat, straight lines are replaced with curved and organic silhouettes, and low sofas encourage relaxation.
Sam continues: 'Introduce variety into your interior by mixing shapes, sizes, heights, and textures. For example, in place of a plain piece, fluted finishes and reeding are set to be hot in 2024.'
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