It’s a new year and with it comes the feeling of needing a change. The whole “new year, new you” thing. Whether it’s losing weight and getting healthy or refreshing your decor, there’s something about flipping that calendar to the brand new year that makes people feel the need to make some updates. Now I’m not going to help you with the losing weight part (although I have been on a healthy eating plan since Labor Day and am seeing results!), I can definitely help you in the home decor department.
I don’t know about you but I love me some HGTV. I just don’t have as much time to watch TV as I used to (hello entrepreneurship!). However, there are a select few that I will try to get caught up on whenever I have a free minute. While watching lately, I’ve noticed some trends that are leaving and some that are popping up more often. And with it being the beginning of a new year and in the process of putting away the holiday decor, it always feels like the house is empty and in need of an update. Here are some of the decorating trends for 2024 that I’ve been seeing:
Earthy Tones/Warm Neutrals
Everything being a shade of white or gray is on the way out. Warmer, earthy colors and accents are showing up more and more in designs. You know how fashion comes back in style if we wait long enough? It’s the same way with home decor. Browns, beige, and all the warmer colors are making their way back into homes. So if you haven’t updated in awhile, you may be good!
Spa-Like Bathrooms
A bathroom is an escape for some people. Making it more spa-like is a great way to achieve that. Adding pretty tile to the vanity wall with some unique sconces next to the mirrors gives that spa feeling. Making it light and bright or dark and moody, either way is perfect. And if you want to do a full remodel, a wet room is pretty much as spa-like as you can get. Having a free-standing tub inside the shower?.… That’s the chef’s kiss!
Bringing The Outdoors In
Bigger windows, adding plants (real or faux), and bringing in the texture and colors of the outdoors is the best way to add the natural look and feel to a space. This also goes along with the earthy tones and colors that are coming back as well. The greens and browns of nature have a way of making your space feel alive and happy. The bigger windows might be something you can’t add without doing some major renovation but one way to make your current ones feel bigger is to change your window treatments. If you can, remove them completely. The more sunlight that can enter your space and the more open it is to the outdoors, the better you will feel.
Bolder, More Colorful Kitchens
White kitchens and living areas are classic but the wood tones are becoming more prevalent again. If you have wood cabinets, don’t be too quick to paint or replace them. Instead embrace them! If they are dark wood, lighten the look of the room with lighter countertops and backsplash. Add new knobs and pulls to update the cabinets. Painting the island cabinets a different color can also add more of your personality to the space.
Dramatic Hoods
If you look through Pinterest or watch a design show, you would be hard pressed to find a microwave above the range in a newly designed kitchen. Undoubtedly they all still have microwaves or air fryers, but they are hidden in the island, butler’s pantry, or appliance garage. Now above the range, there is usually a beautiful, dramatic hood that is the focal point of the whole kitchen. There are many ways to achieve this look, some without spending loads of cash, while others cost almost as much as the whole room of cabinets.
Customized Extra Space
Customization is a buzzword lately. Whether you’re doing the work yourself or hiring a contractor, making the space custom to the owner is where it’s at. Adding something fun and functional to a space that is specific to you can really make you love your home. Think about what would make your life easier. What’s one of your hobbies or favorite things to do during downtime? Build a space to emphasize that. Like to read? Build a small library/reading area. Love wine/cocktails? Find a space to add a bar or wine rack. Are you a gourmet chef? Turn a closet into a butler’s pantry. Your home should reflect who you are. Too many times I’ve heard people say, “That’ll hurt the resale value”. But what if it helps? Or what if you live in this home for another 20 years? Don’t you want to enjoy it and have it fit you, your style and needs? Don’t live your life for someone else. Okay, enough of my soapbox 🙂
This is just my take on the upcoming trends for the new year. I know there are others and they change based on where you are in the world. But at the end of the day, it’s your home. No matter what the design trends are for your little corner of the world, it’s your space and it has to feel comfortable, inviting, and calm to YOU and your family. Go with your style and ignore the rest. Not sure what your style is? Get my quick little guide to help point you in the right direction.
