Designers Already Love These 7 Living Room Trends for 2024

The End of Stark Minimalism

It’s been a long time coming, but interior designer Alice Leigh says 2024 will bring the official end of cold, all-white living rooms that embrace minimalism. Instead, we’ll see more comfort and coziness.  

“There is a rise of soft, warm nuances that are spirit-lifting and dopamine-enhancing,” Leigh says. “That’s not to say that we can’t incorporate neutral elements into a room—but it's about balance, warmth, and offsetting bold colors with gentle ones.” 

To ease your space into this look, Leigh suggests balancing your materials. Combine wools, linens, and velvets with harder finishes like brass, stone, and wood, she suggests.

An Update on Maximalism

According to Gena Kirk, the vice president of KB Home Design Studio, as minimalism fades into the background, a new take on maximalism will take centerstage.

While this aesthetic once focused on a whole lot of everything, everywhere, Kirk feels we’re about to see a channeled, targeted use of the key elements. 

“2024’s maximalism is also about how you mix and match to express your unique style," she says. "Think about pairing geometric shapes, textures, metals, and more throughout your home."

Whimsy, Fun, and Oversized Accent Pieces

Monica Breese, founder of The Designed Domicilio and a real estate broker with Compass, predicts more fun and whimsical accents in people’s living rooms in 2024.

“I’m seeing chunky accessories and oversized decor—curved lines also have some staying power, and we will continue to see into 2024,” she says.

Kirk agrees, noting oversized decor is popping up in many ways. "Small pendant lighting is out and is being replaced with bigger and better statement lighting," she says.

Personal Touches

According to Gideon Mendelson, the founder and creative director of Mendelson Group, 2024 will bring a rise of well-curated living rooms full of personal stories. 

“Decorating with meaningful pieces is not about chasing an aesthetic,” he says. “The true essence of this 'trend' lies in the subtleties—the cherished heirlooms and the intimate connection between a space and its inhabitant.”

Most importantly, Mendelson notes these touches don’t automatically mean high-end antiques. It can be anything fun or whimsical that calls to you during your travels, both locally and far off. 

Warmer, Softer Tones

Leigh notes that apricot, peach, and terracotta hues have been on the rise this year, and she feels this will only carry into 2024. 

“These really warm colors can feel so comforting in a living room and sit really well with brass finishes,” she says. 

Kirk agrees, and she feels this will be especially obvious with a rise of pastels in living rooms next year. 

“Pastels will see a rise in popularity—think mauve and light pinks and sky blues,” she says. “When incorporated thoughtfully, the colors can be mature, calming, and soothing.”

Sustainability Continues to Reign Supreme

Leigh predicts we’ll continue to see a lot of greenery, environmentally friendly materials, and sustainable design practices in 2024. 

“Sustainability is taking over the design industry, like sourcing and incorporating vintage finds instead of mass-produced, impersonal decor,” Leigh says. 

The End of Open Floor Plans

While open floor plans have been all the rage for quite a while, Leigh predicts this trend is coming to a close in 2024. If you have an open-plan space, however, don’t panic. 

You don't have to make structural changes or put back walls, Leigh says. Instead, try separating areas with bookshelves, folding screens, or more considered furniture layouts to achieve more defined spaces.