As we look ahead to home design trends in 2024, the scene is bursting with deep, rich colors and sleek natural elements. Minimalism continues its steady march, and simpler elements with clean lines that are casual and livable will guide the foreseeable future.
Bolder, Richer, Cleaner: Designing the Modern Home
September 2023
by stephanie hobby
As we look ahead to home design trends in 2024, the scene is bursting with deep, rich colors and sleek natural elements. Minimalism continues its steady march, and simpler elements with clean lines that are casual and livable will guide the foreseeable future.
photo courtesy of Davidson Home Furnishings and Design
Tiffany Davidson-Blades, of Davidson Home Furnishings and Design says the number one new trend is the greater use of pattern and color. “We are emerging out of a long run of neutrals - and gray in particular - to fun, rich, vibrant colors in not only small ways but in big ways,” she said, adding that nothing is off-limits. Walls, cabinets, and upholstery like sofas, chairs, and furniture are getting splashes of warm, retro-like colors such as gold, green, rust, and brown. She also sees indigo blue, blush, and saffron mixed with stable neutrals such as black and khaki.
photo by Nathan Satran
Ragan Yetley of Beyond the Box agrees, saying there has been a recent shift from all-white cabinets toward bolder and richer blues, greens, burgundies, rusty reds, oranges, and yellows. “People want that color pop, but they don’t want it to be too overwhelming or trendy,” she said.
Sustainability is another aspect of home design that is in high demand. Yetley says that all Beyond the Box cabinetry is certified to be environmentally friendly, whether from using domestically sourced, rapidly-renewable wood or recycled materials.
photo courtesy of Davidson Home Furnishings and Design
Davidson added that along those lines, clients are turning to home accents that are found or curated, collected on travel, inherited, found in a boutique shop, or are otherwise unique and tell a story.
She said dramatic chandeliers are no longer confined to entryways and dining rooms but are also making their way into great rooms and even bedrooms. “Any room where it can be an important design element, as well as functional,” she said.
Natural wood elements are also becoming a staple in homes. “Wooden cabinets are not the natural oak raised panels of the past, they’re more toned-down wood colors that are sleeker, and we are typically seeing almost all slab now, or the really skinny shaker-style cabinet,” Yetley explains.
photo by Nathan Satran
Conner Bokma, co-owner of CB Built, says natural wood is making its way back but adds that clients today want a lot of clean, straight lines. For years, homeowners wanted a nook above the kitchen cabinets to display knick-knacks or plants. Today’s generation, however, is moving toward decluttering their lives and wants their homes to reflect that look. Kitchen cabinets now extend higher and are typically flush with the ceiling. “We create the space to be simple, clean, and modern,” he said.
Bokma has been building in The Nines subdivision, focusing on offering luxury on a smaller footprint, another emerging focus of homebuyers. Many people are downsizing after their children grow up and leave home, and they don’t want to care for as much space but also don’t want to downgrade. “They’re looking for an efficient space where we maximize the square footage, making it feel and appear bigger than it is through increased ceiling height, door height, and larger windows to bring in a lot more natural light, and then we put everything on one story.” Keeping everything on one level while expanding door frames and not installing stairs means the home will age well with the occupants, as they may need to rely on wheelchairs and walkers for future mobility.
Technology is also making its way into homes in Billings, albeit more slowly than in other parts of the country. Offering practicality and convenience, smart appliances and smart home systems, with a concentration in the kitchen and bathrooms, are popular options for people interested in controlling their homes via their phones. Looking at your phone to determine whether you left your oven on - and to turn it off remotely - can save you a frantic trip home.
Large pantries are also in vogue and likely have staying power. “I think being able to keep your kitchen as clean as possible is driving that,” Yetley said. “We’re used to seeing the blender, toaster, coffee maker, and other gadgets on the counters, but a pantry allows you to have a fully working space without it being on display for everyone.”
photo by Nathan Satran
Outdoor kitchens and living spaces are another strong trend that continues to grow. Bokma says upgraded patios are very much in style. Gas hookups for outdoor kitchens, 220 power for hot tubs, and space for outdoor TVs and motorized blinds are in demand. “It allows you to really entertain without having as much house to take care of,” he said.
To avoid being too trendy - and risk redoing everything again in ten years - you ultimately need to take a close look at what you and your family will need, decide what looks you love, and don’t invest too heavily in trends. “I think the key to following trends is to create an overall vision and classic style for your home,” Davidson said. “As trends come and go, you can easily incorporate those that appeal to you and fit your look.”
Don’t miss the latest trends and home inspiration at this year’s Parade of Homes, running September 15, 16, 17, and 23, 24. Grab your tickets!
Originally printed in the September 2023 issue of Simply Local Magazine
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