Interior decoration: What are the trends for 2024?

Successful interior decoration relies on design principles that ensure visual and functional harmony. Balance, harmony, colour, and texture are the cornerstones of a well-designed space.

Balance and harmony are essential for creating a welcoming atmosphere in any living space.

By using symmetrical or asymmetrical layouts, you can achieve a visual balance that provides a sense of stability and consistency with the environment.

This approach extends to colours, textures, and patterns to ensure a pleasant aesthetic experience.

The choice of shades can influence mood and perceptions, while contrast helps to draw attention and add visual interest.

In 2024, palettes combine softness and boldness to create spaces that are both dynamic and soothing (see details of trending colours below).

Texture and patterns bring a richness and visual complexity to a space. Their combination influences the appearance and feel of a room.

The harmonious integration of different materials and patterns can transform a flat and one-dimensional space into a rich and welcoming environment.

This ranges from cozy textiles in the bedroom to elegant metal finishes in the living room. Each element contributes to the visual story of the home.

A carefully thought-out design strategy for each room ensures that functionality aligns with aesthetic appeal while meeting the specific needs of each living space.

Planning the available space improves the functionality of a room. Consider the layout of the furniture and the activities that take place there, whether it's to encourage conversation, relaxation, or work.

First, the arrangement of furniture should facilitate a natural flow through the space, without obstruction.

In small apartments or in rooms that serve multiple functions, flexibility becomes a key component of planning.

Use modular or multifunctional furniture, such as a sofa bed, an extendable table, or adjustable wall shelves to adapt the space to changing needs and maximize every inch.

Also consider built-in storage systems, furniture with hidden storage space, or vertical solutions that free up floor space while keeping the home organized and airy.

Incorporate these elements strategically to create an interior that looks larger and more open.

The living room is often the heart of the home. Choosing comfortable furniture, strategically arranging the pieces, and layered lighting create a warm gathering space.

Incorporate plush sofas, inviting armchairs, and functional coffee tables to encourage interaction, while ensuring a layout that promotes ease of movement.

Lighting, both practical and atmospheric, transforms the ambiance of the living room, with reading lamps, pendant lights, and accent lighting balancing the natural light.

The bedroom is your personal sanctuary, a space dedicated to rest and relaxation.

The choice of bed, the quality of the mattress, and the selection of colours and serene lighting create an environment conducive to rest.

To encourage restorative sleep, opt for soft hues, high-quality bedding, and gentle lighting solutions, such as bedside lamps or dimmed lights.

High-traffic areas like the kitchen require an ergonomic organisation of workspaces, adequate storage solutions, and durable materials.

Ensure easy movement between the refrigerator, the work surface, and the stove, and provide ample storage space for utensils and supplies.

Opt for durable and easy-to-clean materials (quartz, stainless steel…) for their longevity and ease of maintenance.

In the bathroom, incorporate clever storage solutions to optimise space and install non-slip floor coverings to combine functionality and comfort.

Eco-friendly choices, such as low-flow showerheads and water-saving toilets, also reflect an awareness of sustainability in interior design.

Choosing the right furniture allows you to combine comfort and style, focusing on ergonomics, aesthetics, and the durability of materials.

Physical comfort is essential, especially for furniture you use every day like office chairs and sofas.

Ergonomics go hand in hand with well-being. Make sure that the furniture is not only beautiful but also beneficial for your health and comfort in the long run.

Choose furniture that provides adequate support, with adjustable features and good lumbar support for the seats.

Reflecting your personal taste, your furniture should complement the overall theme of your decor.

Whether it's a minimalist, industrial, or vintage-inspired look, the choice of furniture influences the general ambiance of the space.

Feel free to mix eras and styles for a unique interior, while maintaining visual coherence to avoid a sense of clutter.

In a world increasingly aware of environmental impact, choosing sustainable and high-quality materials is a priority.

Certified wood, recycled metal, and organic textiles are environmentally friendly choices, often repairable, and can therefore offer superior longevity.

Quality materials also withstand daily wear and tear better and ensure that your investments remain beautiful and functional year after year.

For a warm and welcoming atmosphere, create lighting strategies to incorporate both natural and artificial light.

Maximising the entry of natural light can radically transform a room by making it brighter and more welcoming.

Roof windows, light tunnels, or a balcony conservatory not only allow you to control the amount of light in your interior but also manage natural ventilation.

Placing sets of mirrors in strategic locations reflect and disperse light throughout the room.

Artificial lighting is divided into three main categories: ambient, task, and accent.

• Ambient lighting provides general illumination,
• Task lighting fixtures focus on specific areas for activities such as reading or cooking,
• And accent lighting highlights architectural features or works of art.

Combine these types of lighting to create functional and aesthetically pleasing spaces.

The choice of light fixtures, dimmers, and the colour temperature of bulbs can influence the ambiance of a room.

Warm lights create a cosy and welcoming atmosphere, ideal for relaxation spaces, while cooler lights are better suited for an office.

Dimmers allow for adjusting the lighting according to the activity or mood.

Customising your space with accessories and decorative elements is the final touch that reflects your style, while adding character and warmth to your interior.

Art and wall decor add personality to your space.

Create focal points with artwork, mirrors, or decorative shelves to liven up a blank wall.

Consider a gallery wall composed of your favorite pieces, or a large painting as a centerpiece to capture attention and spark conversation.

Alignment and spacing are key for a harmonious display, without overcrowding the space.

Introducing indoor plants adds life and colour to your home, and helps to improve the quality of the air you breathe.

Succulents, with their minimal watering needs and tolerance for varied light conditions, are ideal for those starting with plants or who have a busy schedule. They bring a touch of greenery without requiring a lot of maintenance.

At the other end of the spectrum, a small tree (lemon, orange, olive) or large tropical plants like the fiddle leaf fig (ficus lyrata) or the monstera deliciosa (false philodendron) add a dramatic and sophisticated element that evokes the lush interiors seen in home decor magazines.

Plants are practical for delineating open spaces. They create natural separations without obstructing the view or light. They can help define different "zones" such as a quiet reading corner or a productive workspace.

When choosing pots and containers, consider the style of your interior and the needs of each plant.

Terracotta pots with drainage holes offer a classic look and preserve the health of the roots thanks to their porosity, while ceramic or metal containers add a modern or industrial touch.

Incorporate soft rugs and textiles into your interior decor to transform the ambiance of a room without needing a complete renovation. These elements bring warmth, comfort, and vibrancy, and invite relaxation and escape.

A rug complements the furniture by visually anchoring the design elements together. Use rugs to define areas or add a comfortable base, especially in the bedroom, where they offer a sense of softness right from waking up.

Soft textiles renew your space according to the seasons or trends, without long-term commitment.

By rotating your cushions, throws, and curtains seasonally, you can easily introduce new color palettes, patterns, or textures and refresh the space without major investments.

Experimenting with patterns and textures also allows you to play with visual and tactile contrasts to enrich the sensory experience of the space.

Pair bold patterns with soft textures. Or mix textiles of different thicknesses and finishes to create visual interest while inviting relaxation and well-being.

Current trends in interior decoration combine style and functionality, durability, technological integration, and a modern interpretation of historical styles.

Furniture made from recycled or renewable materials, paints with low emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and sustainable textiles are environmentally friendly and tell a story for your interior.

Sustainability is reflected in thoughtful consumption choices and in the preference for quality and longevity over fast fashion.

Smart homes are no longer a futuristic idea, but a reality of modern interior design.

The integration of home automation technology, from voice control for lighting systems to smart thermostats, offers greater convenience and improved energy efficiency.

Your design solutions must now take technology into account, while elegantly hiding cables and aesthetically integrating devices.

Blending nostalgia and innovation, the reinterpretation of historical design elements with a modern sensibility is a movement that celebrates the best of both worlds.

This approach transforms ideas from the past by breathing new life into them.

Art Deco details, with their bold geometric lines, lavish patterns, and material opulence are reimagined in modern spaces with sophisticated restraint. They bring a touch of elegance and glamour without the extravagance sometimes associated with period interiors. Refinement has its place in simplicity.

The patterns and shapes of Mid-Century design, celebrated for their functionality and clean aesthetics, are particularly suited to the current era, where space and efficiency are paramount.

Incorporate these elements into designs that favor open spaces, natural light and clean lines, while adding warmth and character through the use of natural wood, textured fabrics, and earthy colours.

This fusion of old and new allows you to create unique interiors that tell a story. It also encourages a more sustainable approach to decorating, valuing quality and timeless design over the incessant cycle of fleeting trends.

Beyond mere aesthetics, selecting colours involves thinking about the ambiance and energy you want to infuse into every corner of your home.

The art of the colour palette in interior design lies in its ability to evoke emotions and create visual harmony.

Introducing colourful accents is a dynamic technique to break the monotony and inject an element of surprise into otherwise neutral spaces.

Whether it's a bold accent wall, vibrant cushions, or artwork, these splashes of colour transform the atmosphere of a room.

Golden rule: create a common thread of colours or shades that is found from one room to another to weave a visual continuity that ensures a smooth transition and a sense of unity. For example, a colour accent in the living room can reappear as details in the bedroom, creating a subtle link between the spaces.

Warm shades such as terracotta, ochre, cream and beige transform living rooms and dining areas into welcoming and cozy spaces, perfect for relaxation and gatherings. Their vitality and warmth invite conviviality, while earthy brown and rust orange add a vintage and natural dimension that enriches the authentic character of living spaces.

By contrast, a vibrant blue or green injects energy and freshness by revitalizing interiors with a cheerful yet subtle ambiance, also offered by pastel yellow and soft pink. Glacier blue brings a touch of coolness, ideal for refreshing the atmosphere of a room.

Neutral and natural tones, with their clayey hues and shades of yellow, create a soft and classic backdrop that confers a nostalgic and warm touch.

Off-white, flax, and ecru maximise the sense of space and light, while peppered gray offers a sophisticated neutral base that harmonises easily with the rest of the decor.

Together, these colour palettes form a harmonious spectrum that ranges from warmth and friendliness to calm and focused spaces, perfect for every room in your home.

To learn more, find tips from Patrick O’Donnell, Brand Ambassador for Farrow and Ball, artisanal paint and wallpaper manufacturer: Living room paints: all the trendy colors for 2024.

Opt for durable and easy-to-maintain textiles, capable of withstanding frequent use and traffic.

Microfiber fabrics, synthetic leather, or treated cotton canvases offer durability and ease of maintenance without sacrificing elegance.

These practical choices allow you to enjoy your space without worry, while maintaining a neat and stylish look.

Egyptian cotton sheets, cashmere blankets, or velvet bedspreads wrap the room in a sense of luxury and softness.

The selection of fabrics with rich textures and soothing colours establishes a serene atmosphere. The mix of bold patterns and subtle textures introduces depth and visual interest to your interior decor.

For example, you can pair a geometric-patterned rug with solid velvet cushions for a dynamic and harmonious living room. Also, combine flowing curtains with a textured sofa throw for a touch of sophistication.

A rug that defines the dining area, cushions that add a pop of color to a living room, or a cozy throw... These elements inject colour, texture, and comfort into every corner of your home.

DIY interior decorating projects allow you to express your creativity while saving on your budget. They also encourage a sustainable approach to decoration, through the reuse and recycling of existing pieces.

Embark on creating personalised wall art, for example, to turn a blank wall into a lively gallery. Painting, collage, or even fabric murals leave your personal mark on the walls.

Elevate shelves to decorative elements by building or revamping them. This optimizes the storage in your home while adding an aesthetic touch to these utilitarian spaces.

Furniture makeovers, in general, are an exciting avenue of DIY projects, where old, tired furniture is transformed into beautiful and functional pieces.

This approach not only gives a second life to objects destined to be forgotten, but it also allows you to tailor your furniture to the aesthetics of your home.

Through sanding, painting, or even replacing hardware, you can transform second-hand finds or inherited pieces into treasures that enrich your interior.

To feed yourself with new DIY decor ideas, look for DIY and Decor sections on social networks like Pinterest or Instagram. Also explore the Decoration section of VELUX Magazine.

And of course, consider hiring an interior decorator. On the cutting edge of the latest trends, this professional will be best able to bring your interior decor dreams to life.