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Read our round-up of the latest interior design trends, to inspire quick updates and help you nail down bigger plans.
Interior style morphs and shifts, and at times takes dramatic turns, influencing colours, shapes, materials and fittings. And 2024’s ’newstalgia’ trend has us looking back to move forward. The term combines the familiarity of the past with sparks of joy and excitement, explains Bunnings trend and design manager Jane Wright. “This year is all about self expression: creating a space that’s mood-boosting, playful and reflects individual personalities,” says Jane. “We’re shrugging off cool and careful minimalist style and hunting down bold decor to refresh our living spaces on a budget.” And along with a focus on dramatic yet nostalgic interiors, there’s a drive towards sustainability and a need to connect with nature.
Sophisticated spaces with a feeling of understated luxury and warmth come to the fore. Curved and linear designs remain, but with a touch of old-school glam. “Design classics from the 1970s and ’80s are back in fashion, but with a twist – they’ve been modernised and reimagined in rich colours, textures, patterns and finishes,” says Jane. Warm woods, glass, lacquer finishes, geometric shapes and bold patterns in tiling and textiles all feature, as do tactile, nostalgic textures, such as velvet, bouclé and shag, for cushions, throws and rugs. Colours like smoked paprika, pomegranate and caramel can bring both warmth and drama to painted walls, furnishings and accessories.
The handmade movement is in full swing and decor that feels both crafted and authentic, with traditional techniques like caning and rattan weaving, is celebrated. Vintage, unique finds and upcycles are also in demand. “We might invest in a single statement piece that brings us joy every time we look at it. Or we might look to upcycle, rehome, repaint, re-love or repurpose nostalgic or inexpensive pieces that provide us with comfort,” says Jane. Rugs appear handmade and ceramics naturally aged. Soft furnishings use weaves, linen and natural cotton, giving a stripped-back, sustainable feel. ”Look for freeform designs that are wavy, mushroom-shaped and geometric – anything that has a handmade look to it,” she says.
Connecting with nature is known to have a positive impact on our physical and mental wellbeing. It’s a huge inspiration for this year’s style trends, with designs that amplify wellbeing and stability. “The focus of this trend is creating calming spaces we can retreat to, encouraging a connection with our natural surroundings,” says Jane. The trend can be achieved with the use of authentic, natural materials, like timber wall panelling for an organic, textured backdrop to a room, travertine for floor tiles, stone plant pots and ceramics. Using colour, such as browns, leafy greens and flower golds, is another option. “The emphasis is on selecting nature-inspired colours, pieces and materials that update spaces, rather than transforming them,” says Jane.
Our desire to create homes that are individual is a key driver to saying goodbye to the all-white kitchen and bringing colour in, says Giorgia Manenti at Kaboodle Kitchen. “Shades of blue and green, once considered bold and daring choices in kitchens, now effortlessly integrate,” she says. “Inspired by nature, these colourways blend with most interior palettes while also adding some personality and charm to the space.” Cool metals are making a comeback with chrome, aluminium and steel bringing a new shine. “Adding a sleek and contemporary vibe, cool metals enhance a kitchen’s aesthetic appeal,” says Giorgia. “Most appliances come in chrome, steel or aluminium finishes, allowing you to match hardware and accessories to maintain cohesion.”
A flush of colour is edging out the all-white bathroom, with bold shades, more subtle hues and earthy tones emerging. Look out for traditional wallpapers and patterned tiles, and lighting with customised shapes and mood options. Increasingly, bathrooms will have sustainable features (water-saving fixtures, eco-friendly products and more natural light). Soothing textures such as timber, stone and plants will be popular, combining well with sleek and modern touches.
Master a modern look, with this guide to contemporary kitchen colour trends.
Photo Credit: Alex Reinders, Living4media/Ton Bouwer
