It’s that time of the year when everyone is releasing their 2024 home design predictions — and these prognosticators may or may not be right. However, when Houzz released its top 10 predictions, I took notice. That’s because Houzz has 65 million homeowners and design enthusiasts in its community, along with 3 million residential construction and design professionals. So, Houzz might know a few things about how people are designing their homes.
These are the Houzz top 10 home design trend predictions for 2024.
Blending Backsplashes
Tile backsplashes have long been popular in kitchens. However, Mitchell Parker, Houzz home design expert, tells me that designers on Houzz are visually breaking up those expanses of tile. “Some designers are now installing a slab of stone or quartz behind the range or cooktop, while keeping the surrounding backsplash areas tiled,” he says. The slab is often the same material as the countertops. “This gives the kitchen a vertical display of graphic veining or other interesting details to create a striking focal point that’s easy to wipe clean,” Parker explains.
Heather Mastrangeli, principal designer at Innovatus Design in Downers Grove, Illinois, also believes that blending backsplashes will be a hit in 2024. “You can also expect that the accent material, tile or otherwise, will be used in other parts of the kitchen as well,” Mastrangeli says. “Wine bars, dry bars, and even the back of glass door cabinets will have a splash of the accent tile.”
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Timeless Style
It’s called a ‘‘timeless’’ style for a reason. While other trends may come and go, some are enduring. “We continue to see many homeowners on Houzz who prefer more traditional details and materials that create a timeless style,” Parker says. Even in modern homes, he says homeowners want the quiet luxury created by using brick, handmade clay tiles, arches, and rustic wood elements.
In fact, opting for a timeless style is one of the easiest ways to achieve longevity in a remodel. “Many of my clients want their investment to stand the rest of time, and weaving in timeless elements is a great way to achieve this,” Mastrangeli says.
However, be sure to integrate functional elements in this quiet luxury style. “On the surface, a kitchen may look timeless, but under the hood, rollouts, secret power outlets, upgraded lighting, sustainable features, and high-performance materials are making these spaces better than ever,” Mastrangeli explains.
Herringbone Everything
The angular shape of herringbone creates interest in any space. And Parker points to it as another classic design element that is experiencing a renaissance. “It’s becoming the go-to pattern for kitchens, bathrooms and more,” he says. “But the typically horizontal zigs are beginning to zag in new directions — diagonally or vertically — to create an updated look with visual interest, movement and texture.”
It's a trend that Mastrangeli is already seeing, and she agrees it will be hot in 2024. “Herringbone creates visual texture and adds sophistication to a space, so expect to see herringbone tile, flooring, fabric patterning and more, since this is classic and timeless.”
Warm Neutrals
According to Houzz, there’s already a shift from stark whites and cool grays toward shades of beiges, rich browns, creamy off-whites, and other warmer neutrals. “We first predicted this infusion in the kitchen, but the look is beginning to dominate throughout the home to offer a calmer, more welcoming environment,” Parker explains. “Designers on Houzz recommend incorporating different tones, textures and patterns to create a more layered look that gives a room seasonal versatility.”
Although cooler tones have run their course, Mastrangeli believes the color palette will still be light and bright. “However, you’ll feel like you’re getting a warm hug walking into the space, as these warm neutrals create a cozy feeling — and cozy is in for 2024,” she says. Especially when you’re trying to create a luxury hotel bedroom at home.
Blues In Focus
Some colors may increase your home’s selling price, but always expect to see blue in any reputable color collection. In fact, Parker says many paint companies are choosing blue as the color of 2024. “Whether it’s a sky-inspired hue or a deep watery color, look for an array of blues to be featured more prominently in decorative materials and housewares in the coming year,” he says.
Mastrangeli has always incorporated blues in her home designs, and expects them to be more popular among clients next year. “Deep saturated navy blues are moving over to make way for tranquil ocean blues, and by the end of 2024, expect to see more sea glass green too,” she says.
Mud-Laundry Rooms
Few spaces combine as well as a laundry room and a mudroom — especially when family members tend to track dirt into the home. “This setup is growing in popularity, especially among families with kids who play sports, but even for muddy boots and sand-laden swimwear and beach towels,” Parker says.
And there are ways to make the combo space even more functional. Parker recommends a utility sink to soak dirty clothes or delicates, and a pull-down faucet to rinse muddy footwear. “Also, a bench makes it easy to take off and stores shoes and boots, while cabinets, hooks, and cubbies provide practical storage solutions,” he says.
Handmade Features
Custom features and personalized elements initially gained prominence at European design shows, but Parker says this trend is showing up in the most popular U.S. photos on Houzz. So, what does this design trend entail? “Handmade tiles, custom bathroom vanities, and other bespoke elements, create a feeling that the homeowner has something truly unique and special,” he says.
In addition, homeowners are customizing their homes with bespoke lighting, custom window treatments, architectural detailing, and handmade rugs, according to Mastrangeli. “People are done with having the same thing as everyone else and there’s value in having a unique space,” she says.
Appliance Garages
You have a place to store your vehicles and clothes when they’re not in use, so it makes sense to also have a place to store your kitchen appliances. “Countertop appliances such as blenders, coffee makers, and toasters can be concealed, while keeping them easily accessible and organized,” Parker says. Admittedly, appliance garages have been around for years, but they’re experiencing a resurgence in popularity. “Homeowners seek to declutter their homes and incorporate more gadgets into their kitchens — and better-looking and harder-working options are being designed,” he explains.
For example, Mastrangeli says appliance designers are getting quite creative in appliance concealment solutions. “If a space is large enough, entire walk-in pantries become appliance garages, while in smaller spaces, appliances will be hidden in garages and cabinets,” she says. “And appliance garages also include power outlets, so appliances don’t have to move far to be used.”
Plantings Between Pavers
Whether it’s driven by aesthetics or as a byproduct of maintaining on-site drainage, Parker says there’s increased interest in greenery tucked between pavers. “Garden paths and patios made of pavers separated by ground cover have gained popularity on Houzz due to their natural look, permeability, and design versatility.” It’s a design trend that certainly adds interest to any outdoor space. “This approach softens pathways, breaks up large expanses of hardscape, and generally makes a walkway or patio feel more like a lush, living part of a garden,” he says.
Fluted Cabinets And Details
The last home design prediction is an increase in fluted details. “This trend has been on display at design shows throughout the year, accenting everything from kitchen islands to bathroom vanities to living room furniture,” Parker says. “The aesthetic creates a thick, often rough statement-making detail beneath island countertops, bathroom vanities, and dining room tables, adding visual texture and interest.”
