2024 Design Trends & How to Apply Them to Your Exterior
One thing I really look forward to every winter is reading up on all of the design trends that experts in the industry are predicting will dominate the new year. 2024 feels especially exciting because most of the trends seem to be getting bolder, but in the best way possible. I feel like no matter what your tastes are, there is something for everyone this year, and I’m really excited to see where things go.
So with that in mind, I thought it would be fun to highlight some of the interior design trends that are set to be big in 2024 and how you could apply them to your exterior.
Nature Inspired
Nature-inspired interiors really took off during Covid-19 and that trend has only grown in popularity ever since. It’s unnatural for humans to spend so much of their lives spent indoors, so it makes sense that many people are seeking to strengthen their connection with nature by incorporating it into their living spaces.
Within our homes, this trend embraces the use of organic building materials like travertine, terracotta, plaster, and marble. Oversized windows are often used to bring in more natural light, essentially blurring the lines between the indoors and out. Sustainable materials such as wood and stone are being used in furniture and decor, while botanicals, sculptural stems, and branches add character in a way that other decorative objects just can’t match. Finally, earthy colour palettes are replacing the white on white we’ve been seeing for so many years, the end result being a serene and harmonious living space.
Many of these nature-inspired elements can easily be incorporated onto an exterior. Cladding materials in earthy colours can be used in combination with natural materials such as wood and stone. Oversized windows not only transform an interior space, they can also add character and personality to a façade.
Inviting outdoor living areas are another great way to connect with nature, so don’t shy away from expanding into your backyard. Even a small deck, patio, or balcony can be turned into an outdoor oasis with the right furniture, lighting, and decor.
Statement Lighting
After years of black and brass metals dominating the design world, we’re finally starting to see chrome and silver reemerge, something I’m personally very excited about. If you’re still a fan of black and brass don’t worry, they aren’t going anywhere, but we will start seeing more and more of those metals in a high gloss finish.
In terms of styling, lighting is leaning even more towards art these days, with vintage and retro inspired lighting adding charm & elegance to a variety of interior spaces. “Wabi-sabi” inspired light fixtures are also on the rise, which isn’t surprising considering that nature inspired interiors are still trending, so expect to see more curvy, organic light fixtures made of natural materials.
These trends are also making their way into exterior lighting, and many companies are offering options that are bold in design & finish, incorporate natural elements, or have a charming vintage look and feel to them. Below are just a few of my favorites:
Chrome & Silver
High Gloss
Vintage & Retro
Wabi-Sabi (Nature Inspired)
Silver Metal
Metallic shades, specifically cool silver tones, have recently emerged again in the fashion space so it makes sense that they are also making their way into the world of interior design. Designers are predicting that aluminums and silver will grow in popularity this year, a refreshing change after years of gold and black. This particular trend seems to reflect the style preference of younger generations and can be found in everything from home decor to plumbing fixtures to furniture. We’re even seeing it in unexpected places like kitchen countertops and cabinet doors.
As for applying this trend to your exterior, the options are truly endless. Lighting is a fairly obvious option that we’ve already covered, but don’t forget about your entry door hardware, address plaques, and mailboxes. If your looking to make a more dramatic change, you could also consider a stainless steel door, aluminum siding, or metal roofing & rainware.
Embracing Colour
Life is looking a lot bolder in 2024, with colour experts predicting that people will be gravitating towards warm, earthy palettes that include beige, terra cotta, chocolate brown, sage, and earthy reds. With Pantone declaring Peach Fuzz as the colour of the year, corals, pinks, yellows, and oranges are also expected to take over. While many experts agree that colours will feel a bit warmer this year, we’re also seeing an influx of coastal-inspired turquoises as well as some soothing blues and rich, deep greens. It feels like almost anything goes this year, with all experts agreeing that colour will be more personal then ever.
Adding colour to your exterior doesn’t have to be complicated. Simply painting your front door is a fun way to add some personality to a tired looking façade.
But if you really want to embrace the trend, don’t feel like you’re limited to just the front door. Garden gates, accent trims, garage doors, and other outdoor accessories like planters, window boxes, and mailboxes are all areas where you could look at adding a pop of colour to your exterior.
Sustainability
Sustainability continues to be on everyone’s mind, with both companies and consumers being more mindful of their environmental impact and looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprint.
Brands are constantly seeking out ways incorporate more sustainable materials into their products; think aloe fibers in rugs and plaster made of natural seaweed fibers, while designers have also noticed an increased demand for unique artisanal pieces. In a world that’s becoming saturated with perfection and AI images, the uniqueness of these handmade pieces is so refreshing. Heirloom and vintage items infuse life and personality into our spaces in a way that mass produced items just can’t compete with.
Sustainability isn’t limited to new construction and interiors, one of the simplest changes you can make to the outside of your home is through your landscaping. Native plants are naturally adapted to your regional environment and because of that, will better support the surrounding ecosystem and require less maintenance (ie. chemical usage) on your part. If you live in a hotter, drier climate, consider drought tolerant plants or xeriscaping (also known as drought-tolerant landscaping) so that less water is needed to sustain your yard space. Rain barrels are also a great way to help conserve water usage while also supporting your garden’s needs.
Solar panels have really grown in popularity and can fairly easily be installed onto an existing home, but the options don’t stop there. If you are looking at an exterior renovation or have any sort of outdoor construction planned this year, take some time to look into what natural and recycled materials are available to you. There are a lot of options out there for everything from siding, to decking, to fencing.
Which of these trends are you most excited about? Let me know in the comments below!
BY EMILY RADKIE
