My top 10 favourite design ideas for 2024

The top interior design trends for 2024 go from the functional to the frivolous. The pragmatic in me always loves ideas on saving space with L-shaped and chaise sofas, turning awkward alcoves into cozy nooks or seating with storage, and saving money (and the landfill) by shopping vintage.

I've always loved the laidback designs of the seventies, buying everything from cushions to headboards in an assortment of retro checks, stripes and ruffles, and using high-shine chrome and lacquered finishes.

Then somewhere in the middle, greys are being replaced by warmer beiges, off-whites and blush pinks, boucle fabric enters the bedroom, and wood and marble finishes are replaced with replica ceramic tiles.

1. Statement pieces

   I like sculptural furniture or making your smallest side table a big statement. Out with filler pieces, in with conversation starters.

2. New neutrals

   Again, Scandinavian-inspired design, from cool and minimalist to cozy, brings in warm neutrals in 2024. Greys are being swapped for earthy beiges, contemporary off-whites and taupes that sit with the natural materials and modest decoration of Scandinavian homes.

3. Ruffles

   Ruffles for the most part applied to cushions and table linens are adding a bit of fun and whimsy to our homes.

4. The one-wall kitchen

   Small kitchens need a good deal of planning, but the one-wall kitchen can be an exercise of thinking outside the box. A small layout can have storage capacity, functionality and flow. It's easy to install a whole row of cabinets on a one-wall kitchen, but that can be imposing. Adding open shelving can be a relaxed and visual break.

5. L-shaped and chaise sofas

   Sales of L-shaped and chaise sofas are rocketing, as we see more value in a single XL piece than an arrangement of two-seaters and armchairs. Many have modular components, reflective, and hidden ottoman storage for a big use of space.

6. Illustrated tiles

   Whimsical illustrations have superseded geometrics as a way to introduce colour, pattern and depth to tiles.

7. A seventies revival

   The migration of vintage and antique sellers is bringing back all things retro, with the free-spiritedness and optimism of the 70s. Dark woods, lacquered surfaces, shaggy faux fur rugs and furniture that sits low to the ground.

8. Chrome

   Chrome is not a new material in the home, it has a presence in bathrooms and kitchens, but a retro-futuristic take sees chrome softened and curved into fluid, organic shapes in vases, side table and lamps.

9. Vintage and antiques

   Buying vintage and antique furniture is often a shortcut to creating a home that is full of personality and charm.

10. Heritage

    Heritage influences started in our kitchens, where we've seen traditional design details like farmhouse sinks, pantries and café curtains return. There is a distinct emphasis on entertaining in this trend, in the rollout bar carts topped with gleaming cocktail shakers and champagne buckets, and mismatched tableware poised for an informal dinner party.

Decorating in 2024 is going to be a lot of fun, with new relaxed silhouettes, playful trimmings and a nostalgic dip into our design past. I hope you can try to inject some of these ideas in your existing space. Start with small pieces that can be inexpensive. And visit vintage and thrift stores for those retro treasures.

If you do, take a photo and head over to social to share it! Tag me please. (@vitt_inthecity)