For most homeowners, springtime awakens the motivation to make their living spaces fresh and new. While it may not be a great time to make significant monetary investments in interior renovations, there are many affordable and DIY-able updates to consider.
When it comes to current decor trends, experts point to earthy colors, eco-friendly materials and lush greenery that creates a calming atmosphere. And, sustainability is a key factor in these design concepts. Also in the forefront are maximalism and personality-rich interior features, as well as focusing on a key decor element to set a tone.
Based on 2024 trend reports, following are a few ideas for those embarking on decorating endeavors.
ON THE WALLS
What’s one thing that every room has? Walls! Bold statement walls are trending, and can be achieved in a variety of ways.
To create interest and add personality to any room, think vivid paint colors and wallpapers with interesting textures and striking patterns. Regardless of your DIY experience level, it’s an affordable and accessible upgrade.
Saturated Colors
Light room interior with comfortable workplace near window
While a crisp, white wall will always be in style and a perfect backdrop for art, a bold, saturated paint color can instantly energize a room. It’s a pretty big commitment – bold hues change as the light in the room varies throughout the day. Experts recommend brushing samples on poster boards (some peel & stick samples are out there) and test-driving them in your space just to be sure.
Trends include:
- Chocolate Brown
- Caramel
- Sage
- Aqua
- Icy Blue
- Fiery Red
- Merlot
- Deep Plum
- Berry
- Peach
These new “Colors of the Year” from top manufacturers could inspire a complete change of scheme, but they also pair well with white-and-cream neutrals you may already have on your walls, as well as earthy tones of natural elements and green plants.
Cracked Pepper by Behr
This versatile, soft black works with everything from dusty pastels and metallic accents to rich, earthy shades and bold patterns and textures.
Persimmon by Sherwin-Williams
Sherwin-Williams recommends pairing Persimmon with neutrals such as Nearly Peach (SW 6339), Roman Column (SW 7562), and Cachet Cream (SW 6365). It is also well-balanced when paired with medium shades of gray.
Renew Blue by Valspar
Shades of blue proved popular in homes for the past few years. This green-influenced, plucked-from-nature hue – Valspar’s pick for 2024 Color of the Year – is a calming, meditative shade.
Wallpaper
Close-up of patterned wallpaper in retro interior
Continuing its “comeback”, wallpaper is an easy glow-up that adds both color and interest. You can create an accent wall and even use it in unexpected places you don’t see every day, like coat and linen closets.
Trends include:
- Statement Patterns
- Botanicals
- Textures
- Watercolor Patterns
- Retro/Vintage
- Landscape Murals
More brands may start offering removable peel-and-stick products, making wallpaper a more realistic choice for renters, people on a budget and even indecisive decorators.
PANTONE® Color of the Year 2024
Peach Fuzz
“Warm & Cozy”
This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Pantone Color Institute choosing a Color of the Year – and the world’s color authority determined that we are in need of warmth, coziness and comfort these days.
That sounds like a tall order for a muted mix of pink and orange; but Pantone’s Executive Director, Leatrice Eiseman, is confident that their choice was solid. “Peach Fuzz brings belonging, inspires recalibration and an opportunity for nurturing,” she stated. “Drawing comfort from PANTONE 13-1023 Peach Fuzz, we can find peace from within, impacting our wellbeing.”
When choosing its color of the year, the Pantone Color Institute considers how the shade can be applied to a variety of materials and textures across many different areas of design.
The complexity of Peach Fuzz can find a place in the homes of both minimalists and maximalists. “Some may take a more minimalist approach, pairing it with neutral tones, i.e., grays, camels, indigos,” says Laurie Pressman, Pantone Vice President, adding that maximalists may choose to use the color in unconventional ways.
“The color we select is the one we see building in importance across all areas of design,” she continues. “It is the color that has the ability to communicate the color message that best reflects what is happening in our global culture at a specific moment in time.”
DECOR & MORE
Trend: Biophilic
The focus of this concept is creating a stronger connection with nature, a sense of calm and escape – bringing outdoor elements inside. Benefits include increased well-being and productivity. This can be achieved with large windows, indoor plants, living green walls and natural materials like stone and wood.
Oversized Branch Arrangements
A fun and earthy DIY flower alternative, these beautiful and zero-cost displays can be made with materials found in the yard. Clip a few sturdy angular branches, like magnolia and oak, so they’re at least twice the height of your vase. Add water and voila!
Trend: Retro Vibes
What was out … Well, you know the rest. Retro decor and furnishings are having a moment, but with a modern twist. Combine antique furnishings or decor with modern pieces, art, bedding or wallpaper to create interest and personality.
Trend: Good Scents
Of course, you want your home to smell good! Everyone is looking for non-toxic scents, being more mindful of the ingredients in diffusers, candles and plug-ins. Choose good-smelling scents that are also good for you!
Trend: Spa-Like Bathrooms
Aside from investing in wellness spa amenities such as ice baths/cold plunge pools and heat/sauna therapy for health and relaxation, there are inexpensive ways to create a spa ambiance.
Plants: Choose varieties that thrive in a humid environment and in the light the space receives, then place potted houseplants on the floor, countertop and other bathroom surfaces, or try hanging one (or more) from the ceiling.
Declutter: Countertop clutter and jam-packed cabinets aren’t conducive to relaxation.
Plush Towels: A spa-like environment requires fluffy, luxuriously soft bath towels. Display extra towels in a rolled arrangement, or create a stack with crisply folded edges. For an extra special touch, invest in a towel-warmer rack – a bit of luxury every time you step out of the shower.
Install a Spa Shower Head: This upgrade can turn your daily routine into a rejuvenating experience. Consider features like massaging spray patterns, a handheld component, or a rain shower head that sprays water from directly above. If you have room in your budget, consider upgrading other bathroom fixtures.
Color Creates Calm: Choose soft, muted colors to establish a tranquil environment – warm neutrals and nature-inspired tones create a peaceful vibe. Avoid bold, high-contrast such as black and white or blue and orange, which are energizing rather than calming.
Upgrade Your Bath Products: Aesthetically-pleasing toiletries that blend with your color scheme reinforce the spa ambience. Decant them in pretty bottles – clear glass jars are great for cotton rounds and other small toiletry items. Organized on a vanity tray, they add a spa-worthy touch.
Incorporate Calming Scents: Add an aromatherapy element with calming scents like lavender, rosemary, or ylang-ylang. Essential oil diffusers and scented candles set a tranquil mood. A simple bundle of eucalyptus hung in your shower adds a fresh burst of fragrance when you turn on the water.
Add a Cozy Seat: If you have the space, position a side chair near your tub or shower enclosure to make the room feel extra inviting, create a comfy spot to towel off. Of course, the fabric should be able to withstand a little steam.
Trend: Mixing Styles
Your aesthetic may not be consistent, and that’s okay! Go with it. Mixing styles allows you to choose styles that resonate with you and express your personality – traditional and modern elements or vintage and contemporary pieces. You can embrace the mix of decor elements between rooms and spaces and add more colors, textures and finishes.
Hitting the re-fresh button on your home decor can start you on an exciting adventure! Create a plan and enjoy the journey.
