Reflecting on the year 2023, Paolo De Simone, the Creative Director of Wimberly Interiors, has identified 11 prevailing interior trends that have shaped our living spaces. Looking ahead to 2024, he envisions elevating these trends with thoughtful gestures to ensure a timeless and elegant aesthetic.
Beige on beige
While we appreciate the simplicity of a monochrome and calming color palette, an excess of tonal beiges can risk appearing monotonous or, dare we say, downright dull. To cultivate a warm and welcoming interior using neutral tones, we propose incorporating a mix of textures and geometric elements to evoke both visual and tactile interest.
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Introducing textures like travertine and using limewash paints on walls can immediately add depth and variety. Soft furnishings, such as a plush high-pile rug, floor-to-ceiling curtains, and cushions, contribute to a sense of warmth. Consider anchoring the space with a striking suspension light. Thanks to advancements in lighting technology and manufacturing methods, contemporary lighting designs now serve as captivating functional art pieces within a space. Whether opting for dynamic installations to make a bold statement or choosing understated pieces that highlight materials like washi paper, the possibilities are yours to explore.
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To the max
In interior design, we firmly believe in the principle that "more" doesn't always mean "better." While we value personalization for a meaningful and modern luxury, our focus is on achieving a harmonious balance, not clutter. Curating thoughtfully is essential—always edit and reassess. Amid collecting memorabilia and DIY projects, especially during times spent at home, it's crucial to step back and ask: Does this reflect my personality and support my lifestyle? Is it aesthetically pleasing and calming, or is it overly loud and distracting?
The dark and moody type
The use of black in interior design can be incredibly impactful, but its success depends on a well-balanced approach. Dark walls add drama and practicality, like making a large TV blend into the background while ensuring your designer sofa stands out. To achieve this equilibrium, introduce elements that counterbalance the darkness, such as a lighter ceiling or flooring for visual contrast. Explore various dark tones like taupe or midnight blue to add depth without overwhelming the space. Harmonizing with biophilic design principles is crucial. Ensure unobstructed windows for natural light, supplemented by warm ambient lighting. This not only enhances aesthetics but also supports long-term mental well-being.
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Terrazzo is back
Terrazzo boasts a bold and commanding visual presence, making it a natural favorite on Instagram. However, its widespread popularity has led homeowners to crave more uniqueness, steering away from mass adoption. If you still fancy terrazzo's charm, opt for subtlety. Use it as a nuanced accent, like a side table or bathroom sink backsplash. Consider tonal speckles for a timeless touch, avoiding an overwhelming Max Lamb-style approach.
Designs on Art Deco
While we appreciate symmetry, streamlined geometry, and clean lines, a complete embrace of Art Deco can risk appearing dated and overly formal. We recommend infusing elements from various influences to achieve a more contemporary design style. For instance, draw inspiration from Art Deco's sleek and elegant geometric lines or incorporate select furniture pieces, such as lighting fixtures or a sideboard, to infuse the space with the essence of the roaring era.
Opulence is key
Historically, opulence in interior design has been linked to the inclusion of exotic marble, luxurious chandeliers, elaborate furnishings like Chesterfield sofas, plush velvet upholstery, and the polished elegance of chromed finishes. The emphasis is on crafting spaces that effortlessly combine comfort and functionality with an air of opulence, where each element is carefully selected for both aesthetic charm and practical use. Today, opulence is less about extravagance and more about expressing personality, aligning with the notion that modern luxury is personal, meaningful, and contextual.
Go mass
A home is an intimately personal haven, a place for rejuvenation. Mass-produced items, while cost-effective, often fall short of capturing the individual dweller's unique personality. To strike a balance between budget constraints and creating an exclusive space, consider a mix-and-match approach. Embrace artisanal pieces that celebrate local artistry; it's through this distinctiveness in design that a home can truly acquire a unique and personalized character.
Minimalist to the max
An overemphasis on minimalism in homes can create an environment lacking in personality and warmth. While the idea of streamlined spaces is attractive, taken to extremes, it can render a home stark and unwelcoming. The absence of personal touches, color, and decorative elements can leave residents feeling detached from their living spaces, making it difficult to establish a sense of belonging and comfort.
Moreover, an excess of minimalism may prioritize aesthetics over functionality. Homes should be designed to meet the practical needs of their inhabitants. When minimalism removes essential storage, comfortable furnishings, and necessary items, it can result in a space ill-suited for daily life. Striking a balance between minimalism and practicality enables a more comfortable and functional living environment.
Matching marble
Vein matching in marble design is often deemed superior to book matching for several compelling reasons. Firstly, it prioritizes the preservation and enhancement of the natural patterns within the marble. By carefully aligning the veining and characteristics of individual slabs, this technique creates a continuous and captivating flow that showcases the inherent beauty of the stone. In contrast to book matching, which can disrupt the design, vein matching achieves a more visually pleasing and harmonious result.
Secondly, vein matching provides greater design flexibility. It allows for creativity while maintaining a sense of continuity, making it an excellent choice for projects where a balance between creativity and consistency is desired. Designers can strategically position the veins to emphasize focal points or create dramatic visual effects, providing a wider range of artistic possibilities compared to the rigid symmetry of book matching.
Lastly, vein matching often results in a more cost-effective and efficient use of marble. It minimizes material wastage since slabs are selected and cut based on their natural patterns rather than being discarded for bookmatching symmetry. This efficiency not only reduces project costs but also aligns with sustainable practices by minimizing resource consumption. In summary, vein matching stands out as a preferred technique in marble design due to its ability to highlight the stone's natural beauty, offer design flexibility, and contribute to cost efficiency and sustainability in projects.
Be open
Cleaning open shelving can be incredibly time-consuming due to its exposed nature. Without careful curation, it may result in visual clutter, detracting from the desired aesthetic. While the idea of showcasing decorative items for an open, airy feel is attractive, an excess of open shelves can overwhelm a space, resembling an uncurated museum.
The trend of incorporating open shelving in kitchens, while popular, introduces challenges related to visual clutter. Mismatched cookware, plates, and utensils can create a chaotic look rather than an organized one. When planning a home, achieving a balance between privacy and the items you wish to emphasize is crucial. It ensures that the showcased items are highlighted without compromising the overall organization and visual appeal of the space.
Home or hotel?
The surge in the desire for a "vacation at home" trend is driven by the pandemic, with homeowners seeking a retreat within their own spaces. While incorporating lessons from hospitality design can enhance a home, mimicking a hotel-like aesthetic may result in a lack of individualism, rendering the space impersonal and devoid of a unique personality. This imitation can lead to restricted functionality since hotels are designed for shorter stays, often requiring built-in features that create inflexible spaces unable to adapt to changing lifestyles. Additionally, the cost of such renovations may not be appealing due to the required built works.
A home, where much of one's time is spent, benefits from personalization to establish a significant emotional connection. Include personal touches like family photos and meaningful artworks. Introduce comfort and warmth with soft textiles such as plush rugs and throws, and create a comfortable seating arrangement for the ultimate sanctuary, fostering a sense of decompression.
