Design trends come and go. What was trending in the first half of the year may not be in the second half. Hotel Business connected with Debbe Daley, interior designer and author of “Interior Motives: Designing a Career With Passion,” to get her take on the design trends for the back half of 2024.
What are the color trends you see in design for the second half of the year?
After visiting High Point’s fall 2024 market in April, green, blues and browns are trending. More brown pieces of furniture in accent tables and burled wood species with blonde and brown tones will be seen.
Bold and moody colors on walls will also take center stage in room decor. Contrast design is another trend that will be popular, as well as accent pieces that allow for a color contrast. Black, dark blue, olive and terracotta are some of the colors that will contrast with the design of a space using light-to-medium colored furnishings.
What are the furniture trends for the rest of 2024?
Furniture trends seem to be leaning towards more rounded softer shapes and curves in upholstery furniture and many interesting textures in case goods, such as accent tables, dressers and even bathroom vanities. Rattan is still holding its strong place in the trend category for every room. Color or painted rattan pieces in dining chairs, coffee tables and even bed frames are sporting color. Texture is also a trend and design element that will be noticed even more in all design elements, as well as framed mirrors, area rugs, wood mixed with rattan sofa frames and chairs. Leather and rattan pieces embellished with mixed metal hardware on consoles and dining chairs are also on trend.
Are there any other trends you see emerging for the back end of the year?
Traditional style is making its way back, as well as more antique pieces integrated with new furnishings. Wallpaper is back in a big way. The design industry has been using large-scale patterned wallpaper for a few years now, and it has already made an impact in the design world and in client projects. Patterns of bold, moody florals and geometrics are making a statement in a room. Multicolored grasscloth with metallic backgrounds will always be in style, and large and bold is beautiful
Animal prints will be emerging even more in all colorways of terracotta, green and black gold. They will be noticed more on upholstery, accent chairs, pillows and ottomans. Collage-created pieces of upholstered furniture will provide a more custom look as well as adding embellishments of tassels, trims and nailhead designs to the piece.
The awareness of sustainability in design is growing and will continue to grow with the intent to reduce the environmental impact while maintaining functionality and appeal. Some sustainable materials to look for in products:
- Bamboo and rattanused in furniture, flooring and decorative accents.
- Reclaimed wood pieces used in creating dining tables, bookshelves, artwork and accessories.
- Recycled glass in lighting fixtures and tiles.
- Fabrics made from organic materials such as cotton, linen, hemp and wool.
- Recycled plastics and metals are also being used in light fixtures, and decorative accessories and area rugs.
More use of plants in a space creates a calm sanctuary. Being more aware of why certain elements in a design piece such as geometrics and shapes are selected and appealing is all part of science in design. Being more educated on this topic will also be trending as the year progresses.
Do you see any current trends fading away or just used less as the year goes on?
The gray trend has gone away. Please do not add any more gray to interior-designed and decorated spaces. The same goes for farmhouse modern.
Can you tell me about your book and why you decided to write it?
Writing my book was inspired by women who would ask me how I became so successful in my business, how I started and how I made it all work. Most of these women were taking my Interior Design 101 course that I teach for a local community college. These women were like me when I started in the field—single moms, change of career women or just trying to pivot from a lifetime career into something more creative.
I would listen to their stories and share my own. I wanted to help shed some light on their situation and that being successful is different for everyone. For me, I had to make my career work to support a child and myself. Sharing stories of finding your passion and turning it into a viable career gave me the power to inspire others and motivate them. I also wanted to be a good role model for my daughter—to show that staring fear in the face only makes you stronger. Pivoting is a good thing and finding what one is good at makes for a happy work-life balance.