At Livingetc, we love talking about interior design trends, though some people aren’t big fans of the word “trend.” They say trends aren’t timeless, but I see it differently. Trends aren’t just quick fads that come and go—they show how style changes and how the most creative minds in design are expressing themselves in new ways.
Sure, trends can become overdone and get replaced by something fresh. But the good news? If you genuinely love something and it reflects your personal style, it’ll never really go out of fashion.
Unless you’re constantly looking at beautiful homes and new designers’ work like I do (tough job, I know!), it can be hard to keep up with the latest design trends. That’s where we come in. This list highlights the interior design ideas we’re loving at Livingetc right now. It’s not a full rundown—there’s too much we’re obsessed with to fit in one article—but it’s a curated look at what’s exciting us most in modern home design. And don’t worry, we update it throughout the year so you’ll always be in the loop.
What are the biggest interior design trends of 2024 so far?
As our eyes start to turn towards the trends coming through for 2025, it feels like a great time to round up the ideas that have actually set the tone for decorating this year so far. No predictions — these are the trends we’re seeing used most, and the ideas around which designers are innovating frequently. Our list covers a lot of bases, from layout and color trends to ideas that are defining how we decorate different rooms in the house right now.
1. The Mood — Playfulism
Interior design is becoming more fun and carefree. What used to feel serious is now filled with joyful elements, a trend we’re calling “playfulism.” It’s all about bold, unexpected color combos, simple, cute patterns, and flowing shapes like curves and waves. While it might sound like a lot, it’s not about overwhelming the space. As designer Azar Fattahi from LALA Reimagined says, playfulism always has a calming touch, like neutral walls, to keep things balanced. It’s a fun way to design while still keeping a sense of harmony in any room.
2. The Decorating Trend — Statement Ceilings
One of the biggest changes in home decorating over the past decade has been how we treat ceilings. It used to be that ceilings were always painted white, no matter what the rest of the room looked like. But now, they’ve become a canvas for creativity. Whether it’s painting, adding panels, or going for bold wallpaper, ceilings are getting more attention. Interior designer Summer Thornton explains that a dramatic ceiling creates an immersive experience, surrounding people with the design and adding extra interest to the space.
3. The Kitchen Trend — Partitioned Spaces
This one might be a bit controversial—after all, isn’t the open-concept kitchen everyone’s dream? The answer is still yes, but it’s not for everyone. While the open-concept layout changed how we use our homes, some people are craving a bit more coziness and the option to create separation when needed. That’s why we’re seeing a return of closed-plan elements in kitchens, but in a way that offers the best of both worlds. Keith Flanagan, a contributing editor at Livingetc, notes that partition walls, interior glass windows, arched doorways, and free-standing cabinetry are being used to add structure without fully closing off the space.
4. The Bathroom Trend — Glass Bricks
One big trend we’re seeing is the return of materials that were once considered outdated or even ugly. Glass bricks, especially in bathrooms, are a great example. Once a relic of 80s architecture, they’re now being used as a cool, low-key way to push back against the overly luxurious look of modern bathrooms—like giant marble slabs and frameless glass screens.
Today’s glass bricks are more refined, though. Interior designer Bethany Adams says they’re lighter, brighter, and more colorful, adding a playful vibe to spaces while still providing privacy and light. She’s excited to use this Art Deco classic in future projects but advises making sure it fits your home’s style. As with any trend, it’s important to think it through before jumping in, or it could end up feeling outdated down the road.
5. The Lighting Trend — Noguchi-Style Pendants
Harsh overhead lights are out, and softer lighting is in. We’re now into wall sconces, hidden LEDs, and cozy accent lights for a warm, inviting feel at night.
A cool trend right now is using pendant lights in unexpected spots—like corners or next to furniture, instead of just floor or table lamps. The Noguchi paper lantern is a popular choice that’s making a big comeback. It can be expensive, but affordable versions are available, so you can easily add this stylish touch to your home.
6. The Color Trend — Light Blue
It’s tough to pick just one color trend for 2024, but pale blue has really caught our eye at Livingetc. This shade was a surprise pick for Color of the Year by several paint companies, but it’s growing on us fast.
Ellen Finch, our deputy editor, describes light blue as a “shape-shifter.” It’s a calm, dreamy color that can also be fun and lively, depending on what you pair it with. Whether you’re mixing it with other decor styles or colors, there’s plenty of inspiration out there to help you make the most of this trend.
7. The Paint Trend — Color Drenching
Color drenching might not be a new trend for 2024, but it’s definitely official now. It’s all about painting everything in the same color—walls, ceilings, trim, baseboards, and even doors. Some people even match their furniture and decor to create a fully monochromatic look.
This trend replaces harsh contrasts, like colorful walls with white ceilings, with a more harmonious and cozy feel. Lia McNairy from LaLa Reimagined explains that, with all the chaos in the world, creating a calming, all-in-one-color space is more important than ever. It’s like wrapping yourself in a comforting, jewel-like cocoon.
8. The Wallpaper Trend — Classic Frescoes
It hasn’t been fussy prints or accent walls that have been the emerging trend in wallpaper this year — it’s the return of the traditional-style mural. We might have seen modern wall mural ideas peak in popularity a few years ago, but designers are now instead turning to heritage and heritage-inspired designs wrapped around every wall in a room.
‘Transportive vistas that take you to another time and place — whether exotic botanicals or picturesque waterscapes — have undoubtedly come through as the big wallpaper trend, favored by A list designers,’ says Lilith Hudson, Livingetc’s trends editor.
9. The Era — 70s Chic
Choosing between the 1990s and 1970s for design inspiration this year is tough because both are making a comeback. The 90s are popular with Gen Z, featuring nostalgic elements and ravecore vibes, with materials like chrome making a return.
But for luxury design, the 70s are really shining. At Milan Design Week, retro textures and bold color combos—like shag pile, chenille, and rich shades of purple, green, orange, and burgundy—were everywhere. Pip Rich, Livingetc’s executive editor, notes that Italian brand Baxter best captures this trend. It’s all about 70s style with a touch of elegance, using deeper, richer colors and materials that add a sophisticated twist.
10. The Table Trend – Irregular Shapes
There’s a new trend in dining furniture that’s changing how we sit around the table. Instead of the usual shapes like rectangular or round tables, designers are using tables with unique angles. This new style makes it easier for everyone to chat and enjoy each other’s company.
Kristen Peña from K Interiors showcases this trend in her Napa Valley project. She says it changes the dining experience by removing the traditional head or end of the table, so everyone feels more included.
11. The Sofa Trend – Croissant Styles
Last year’s sofa trends, like curved boucle sofas and the Camaleonda, are still popular. But now, designers are evolving these styles with new shapes. Instead of the classic curved sofa, we’re seeing more “croissant” shapes with lower backs.
Lauren Moore from Design Assembly LA explains that this shape works well for open-concept spaces because it looks good from all sides and doesn’t need to be pushed against a wall. She likes how low-backed sofas look stylish from both the front and back.
12. The Fabric Trend – Chenille
Chenille is making a comeback, and it’s easy to see why. This fabric was all over Paris and Milan design weeks this year.
Chenille is like a step up from the velvet trend. Velvet sofas are everywhere, but it’s getting tough to tell apart the expensive ones from the cheap ones. Chenille adds more depth, richness, and texture compared to velvet. It also has a tactile quality similar to boucle and fits well with the retro, 70s-inspired style we’re seeing.
13. The Metallic Trend — Chrome
Brass is the metallic trend that’s not going anywhere anytime soon, but cool metallics — silver, aluminum, polished chrome, brushed steel — have all made a surprising comeback this year in interior schemes.
‘There is something about a cool metallic that has a level of sophistication that sometimes brass can’t pull over,’ New Jersey-based designer Sarah Storms tells us. And we know what she means. Chrome, and finishes like brushed steel, have an understated effortless about them — they make a room feel less-considered, less-designed which, in the right place, equates to just the right amount of chic.
14. The Accent Chair Trend — It’s Still Boucle
Boucle accent chairs are still in style for 2024, but they’re changing a bit. Instead of last year’s bright white, boucle now comes in a more sophisticated look with a looser, textured design. It has peaks and troughs, not just a smooth surface. This year, boucle also comes in colors like beige, gray, and black, adding more depth and elegance. This new take moves away from the fluffy ‘teddy bear’ look and keeps the cozy appeal while looking more modern and refined.
15. The Wood Trend — burled wood
Burled wood is coming back as people move away from minimalist designs and want more interesting textures. This wood is popular again because of its unique patterns and warm colors, which add a vintage and crafted feel. Nina Lichtenstein says it brings warmth and personality to rooms, making it a nice change from plain, minimalist styles. While it’s been used in furniture like credenzas and headboards, we’re likely to see more creative uses for it soon. This trend is all about adding character and coziness to our homes.
16. The Rug Trend — Irregular rugs
Irregular rugs are really catching people’s attention with their unique shapes and designs. Unlike traditional round or rectangular rugs, these have unusual forms like curves or angles. They’re all about being creative and different. Cat mentions that scalloped edges are still popular, and she loves them. One example is Henry Holland’s Diagonal Melt rug, where the stripes look like they’re melting into the corner, making it a standout piece. These rugs aren’t just functional; they’re also a stylish statement in any room.
