7 Design Insights for 2024

Good design is about much more than aesthetics. It provides an immersive experience—one that can change your mood with color, texture, lighting, fragrance, and other sensory elements. And when you add personality to the mix, it creates an even more powerful and emotional space. As you consider your home improvement plans this year, keep these design tips and trends in mind.

Luckily for all of us, good design is available at every price point, and we can find inspiration anywhere. That explains why today’s home designs reflect a cultural shift from distinct design trends, like traditional and modern, to more personalized, experiential, and eclectic spaces.

“People have a global view, are traveling more, and are having shared experiences on social,” says Maris Borris, CMF Lead Designer, Delta Faucet Company. “With just a few clicks, you can virtually step inside homes of people from around the world.”

Thanks to these global influences, style definitions are evolving and merging, so don’t worry about staying true to a specific design style. Feel free to mix and match designs that are meaningful to you.

From pantries to laundry rooms, no space is too small—or too insignificant—to be ignored. Every niche and flex space presents an opportunity to not only reflect your style but also your interests and hobbies, such as coffee or crafting. With thoughtful design, every space in your home can work harder for you.

The “bigger is better” kitchen trend has migrated to the primary bath. According to the National Kitchen and Bath Association and Houzz, people are knocking down walls and taking space from other areas, such as closets, to increase the size of the bathroom, especially the shower. The larger footprint also provides an opportunity to add everyday luxuries, like a beverage station or sitting area.

Wellness is the new luxury. Fortunately, an array of innovative products and technologies make it possible to bring the spa-like experience into your home, including steam showers that relax and rejuvenate, appliances for healthy cooking, and filtration systems that deliver pure, great-tasting water. Even in a tight space or on a small budget, you can bring wellness features into your home. A soothing wall color can make an immediate impact, and simple upgrades—like a multi-function shower head or bidet seat—can enhance the spa-like feel of your bath.

Today’s kitchens and bathrooms are also incorporating technologies that blend seamlessly into your day, like programmable heated flooring and lighting; motion-sensor lighting in drawers and cabinets; smart toilets; and touch, voice-activated, and touchless faucets. Whether you’re quick to try the newest gadgets or consider yourself a late adopter, you’ll find that these technologies can help improve and simplify your daily routine.

Design is becoming more inclusive and versatile in both the bathroom and kitchen. From no- or low-threshold showers and adjustable hand showers, to microwave drawers and touchless faucets, inclusive product and design choices can make a space easier for everyone to use.

Sustainability is another core trend in today’s designs, and there are many different ways to make your remodel eco-friendly. For example, you can donate products replaced during a remodel; choose high-quality, durable products that conserve water and/or energy; and design spaces that help you live sustainably every day, such as incorporating separate trash, recycling, and compost bins into your kitchen.

 

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It’s perfectly okay to keep the same design style in every room, but it’s no longer a “rule” of good design.

“People want to express their creativity and are intentionally creating design conflict,” explains Borris. “Each room can be a different design journey.”

Paint and peel-and-stick wallpaper can personalize any space, and they’re easy to change out if needed. Specialty finishes on faucets, accessories, and hardware are another great way to create a bold look that makes a personal statement.

Ultimately, today’s design trends are about creating personalized spaces that simplify and enhance your everyday life. So let your personality shine through and design for the way you want to live.