A Look Back at 2024 Interior Design: Hits and Misses - Spaces by Dee

As 2024 comes to a close, it’s time to reflect on the trends, ideas, and innovations that defined the year in interior design. From bold aesthetics to functional upgrades, some concepts took the industry by storm, while others quietly fizzled out. Whether you’re a design professional or a home enthusiast, this recap will guide you through what was hot and what was not in the world of interiors this year.

From a personal standpoint, I feel like 2024 was a relatively quiet year in interior design. Looking back, there weren’t many standout moments that left a lasting impression on the industry. I’m just being honest. The reality is that many people have faced challenging financial years recently, and 2024 wasn’t exactly the time to splurge on home decor. That said, I’m optimistic about 2025. With a bit more financial stability on the horizon, I believe people will have more disposable income to invest in their homes. This could open the door for bolder design choices, creative updates, and a renewed focus on making spaces truly reflect personal style.

What Was Hot in 2024

1. Quiet Luxury Aesthetic

This year, people were all about quiet luxury in their home and interiors. This aesthetic is all about being bougie but subtle. This meant high quality pieces that were simple looking. It’s a subtle way to flex, as the kids would say.

2. Sustainable Design

Sustainability continued to dominate, with homeowners and designers prioritizing eco-friendly materials and practices. From reclaimed wood furniture to low-VOC paints, conscious choices were a major focus in 2024. Brands offering transparency in sourcing and manufacturing gained significant traction.

3. Statement Stone

Veined marble and dramatic stone slabs were everywhere, becoming focal points in kitchens, bathrooms, and even living spaces. Bold, colourful stones like green marble and onyx added an artistic touch to countertops, backsplashes, and custom furniture pieces.

4. AI-Driven Interior Design

The integration of AI tools like virtual room planners, mood board generators, and 3D rendering software made waves in the industry. Both professionals and DIY enthusiasts used these tools to streamline the design process, visualize concepts, and experiment with layouts—all in a fraction of the time traditional methods required. Read I Tried the Best 3D Room Visualizer AI, Here is my Review.

5. Maximalist Colour Palettes

While minimalism isn’t going anywhere, 2024 saw a resurgence of bold, saturated hues. Jewel tones like emerald green, cobalt blue, and deep magenta made their way into interiors, often paired with layered patterns and textures for a vibrant, maximalist look.

Misses of 2024

1. All-White Interiors

The reign of stark, all-white spaces finally took a backseat this year. Once a go-to for achieving a clean and minimalist look, the style started feeling sterile and outdated to many. Designers and homeowners alike opted for warmer, more inviting palettes instead. I believe this trend will continue well into 2025.

2. Open Floor Plans

While open floor plans have been popular for years, 2024 marked a noticeable shift toward creating defined spaces. The pandemic-era emphasis on functional zoning stuck around, with more people choosing to carve out separate areas for work, relaxation, and dining. Read How the Pandemic Changed our Homes.

3. Farmhouse Everything

The modern farmhouse aesthetic, with its ship lap walls and rustic charm, saw a significant decline. While some elements, like natural wood, remain timeless, the overly staged and uniform farmhouse look felt overdone in 2024. Homeowners leaned into more eclectic or urban-inspired styles instead.

4. Cheap Fast Furniture

The trend toward conscious consumption extended to furniture, with fast furniture brands losing their appeal. Consumers increasingly favoured investing in higher-quality, timeless pieces that were built to last, both for sustainability reasons and aesthetic longevity.

5. Industrial Overload

The overly raw, industrial style of the early 2010s finally lost its edge this year. Exposed pipes, concrete walls, and Edison bulbs began to feel cold and impersonal, making way for softer, more curated styles.

Looking Ahead to 2025

As we move into 2025, expect these trends to evolve even further. Sustainability will remain a core focus, with innovation driving new materials and techniques. Warm, inviting interiors are here to stay, while technology will likely continue reshaping how we design and experience our spaces.

Interior design in 2024 was all about balance—finding harmony between aesthetics, function, and responsibility. Whether you embraced the quiet luxury look or said goodbye to industrial overload, this year highlighted the ever-changing nature of the design world.

What I Predict for 2025

In 2025, I predict we’ll see a return to minimalism in interiors—but with a twist. This won’t be the stark, overly simplistic minimalism of the past; instead, it will maintain the boldness of maximalism. Think fewer pieces, but each one making a big impact.

Expect to see funky, statement-making art, furniture with unconventional shapes, and a growing trend toward more casual, relaxed spaces. This blend of simplicity and bold expression could redefine what minimalism looks like in the modern home.

What were your favourite (and least favourite) trends of 2024? Let me know in the comments below!