Owning a home offers the wonderful opportunity to express your unique style and preferences through design, creating a space that truly reflects who you are and how you live. Whether you prefer sleek contemporary lines or the cozy charm of a farmhouse, your home is a blank canvas awaiting your personal touch. However, it’s wise to consider the long-term implications of your design decisions on your home’s resale value. Opting for overly personalized or niche materials and finishes may limit the appeal to potential future buyers while choosing trends that are too fleeting can quickly render your home outdated.
To guide your design choices, we’ve compiled a list of top trends for 2024. It’s important to note that not all trends may suit every home, so it’s essential to carefully evaluate how these ideas align with your property’s overall aesthetic and potential resale value. If you’re considering selling or renovating your home, we’re here to help bring your vision to life while ensuring your investment has a maximum impact. If you plan to list or renovate your property, give us a call. We can help you realize your vision and maximize the impact of your investment.
1. Spa-Like Bathrooms
We could all use a little more relaxation in our lives—so why not bring the spa into your home? In 2024, more homeowners will remodel their bathrooms to turn them into personal oases.[1,2] If you’re undertaking a renovation, consider upgrading fixtures and materials. Handmade tile and custom cabinetry can add a touch of style and luxury. Trade stark whites for warm neutrals to create a more relaxed feel—think light wood tones, creams, and beiges.[3] Complete the look with soft ambient lighting from a backlit mirror or pair of decorative sconces.[2,3] If you want to maximize the mind-body benefits of a relaxing bathroom (and have the budget to spare), you might consider installing a steam shower, infrared sauna, or cold plunge tub. Not looking to spend as much? Even minor upgrades like a massaging showerhead or heated towel bar can add some pampering to your morning routine.[3] But remember, if you’re modifying your bathroom, it’s always wise to work with experienced and licensed professionals to avoid water damage that could lead to costly repairs.
2. Maximalist Decor
In 2024, maximalism is back in vogue, contrasting the neutral aesthetic that dominated design in recent years.[4]. While maximalism can be summed up as “more is more,” there’s nothing sloppy or cluttered about this look. Instead, it’s all about intentional curation.[5] Hallmarks of maximalist style include rich and saturated colours, bold wallpaper, statement rugs and furniture, and lots of art. And forget matching—maximalist interiors often include plenty of contrasting colours, textures, and patterns selected to complement one another.[5] If you’re trying to embrace maximalism on a budget, check out thrift stores. They’re often a great place to find unique furniture, colourful rugs, and interesting art or collectibles. Before you invest in rolls of vintage wallpaper, though, it’s important to note—if you plan to sell your home in the near future, the maximalist look won’t appeal to every buyer. We typically advise sellers to remove clutter and personal items to help buyers imagine their own future lives within the home. Sometimes, that means repainting or redecorating in a more neutral palette. Of course, this shouldn’t stop you from embracing your own style now—just be aware that you may need to walk back your aesthetic prior to selling.
3. Japandi Style
Not quite ready to embrace maximalism? Japandi style, which blends Japanese and Scandinavian influences, offers a more subdued approach that still has plenty of character. The look dates back about 150 years to a time when many Scandinavian designers were travelling to Japan for inspiration.[6] Japandi style brings together clean lines, simplicity, and a focus on natural elements and light. It emphasizes the beauty in imperfection, or “wabi sabi,” and a deep connection to Mother Earth. And like Scandinavian decor, the look prioritizes comfort and a sense of sanctuary in the home.[6] Interested in playing with Japandi? Common features include calming colour palettes and organic materials like raw wood and bamboo. Try softening harsh edges with softer textures, like cozy blankets and ceramic pieces. The look also minimizes clutter, but that doesn’t mean you need to be a minimalist. Instead, Japandi style embraces storage solutions like baskets, folding screens, and sofas with built-in storage to give everything a place.[7]
4. Mixed Metals
Mixing metals used to be a “no-no.” But in 2024, it’s definitely a “yes.” According to designers, mixing the colours and finishes of metal fixtures and hardware can bring visual interest to a room—as long as you go about it the right way.[1,8] The most important rule to keep in mind is to stay away from near matches, like brass and gold—that’s more likely to look accidental than intentional. Instead, go for bold contrast: Think polished nickel and matte black.[8] Some designers recommend using each metal at least twice in a room to make it look cohesive. Another good rule of thumb is to stick to two types of metals in a small room and two to three in a larger space.[8] Finally, you might think about playing with undertones (brass is warm, chrome is cool) to change the “temperature” of a room. And don’t be afraid of a little shine—many designers predict that a retro, high-polished look will replace matte finishes in 2024.[9]
5. Wood Cabinetry And Accents
The all-white kitchen has been ubiquitous in recent years. But in 2024, classic wood cabinetry is back in a big way.[10] In fact, industry professionals surveyed by the National Kitchen & Bath Association predict that wood cabinets will be more popular than white in the next three years.[11] Natural wood tones offer a sense of warmth and natural beauty. And today’s cabinets aren’t anything like the heavy, dated versions of the past. Instead, light to medium versions—like white oak and walnut—and warmer undertones are trending.[12] The addition of wood-grain accents to painted kitchen cabinets—like with a contrasting island or range hood—is another popular option. And wood continues to be a favoured choice for flooring. A recent survey found that 40% of homeowners opted for either hardwood or engineered wood when renovating their kitchen floors.[13] You can also expect to see more wood in bathrooms in 2024. According to Houzz, last year, wood vanities surpassed white in popularity for the first time in recent years, and designers expect the trend to continue.[14] While white countertops and walls still dominate bathrooms, a wood-grained vanity brings a relaxed, organic element into the space.
6. Timeless Renovations
In its latest Kitchen Trends Study, Houzz found that “nearly half of homeowners (47%) opt for a timeless design as a sustainable choice during renovations.” Respondents cited long-term cost-effectiveness and environmental consciousness as their main motivators.[15] In a rapidly changing, technology-driven world, it’s no surprise that homeowners want a nurturing space with lasting appeal—especially if they plan to stay in their homes for years to come.[14] Traditional materials and quality craftsmanship lie at the core of timeless design, which some designers are calling “quiet luxury.”[16] Think of enduring classics, like hardwood floors, hand-crafted tiles, and marble countertops.[14] A timeless colour palette will also often include warm neutrals and muted shades of blue and green.[17] If you’re thinking about remodelling, it’s wise to incorporate as many classic elements as you can. These stylistic choices tend to hold up well over time, which can prolong the life of your investment and make it easier to sell your home down the road.
BEAUTIFY YOUR HOME WHILE BOOSTING ITS VALUE
If you’re thinking about making design changes—whether that’s repainting or a full remodel—it’s important to be informed about how your choices could impact your home’s resale potential. Buyer preferences can vary significantly based on your home’s neighbourhood and price point. Before you begin your project, reach out to us to discuss your plans and how they could impact the value of your home.
The above references an opinion and is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be financial, legal, or tax advice. Consult the appropriate professionals for advice regarding your individual needs.
Sources:
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HGTV – https://www.hgtv.com/design/decorating/design-101/2024-home-and-garden-design-trends
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The Spruce – https://www.thespruce.com/2024-design-trends-8411457
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The Spruce – https://www.thespruce.com/2024-bathroom-design-trends-8380169
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Calgary Real Estate Board – https://www.creb.com/News/CREBNow/2024/January/interior_design_trends_2024/
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Homes and Gardens – https://www.homesandgardens.com/interior-design/maximalist-decor-ideas
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The Spruce – https://www.thespruce.com/japandi-design-4782478
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House Beautiful – https://www.housebeautiful.com/room-decorating/a45851530/japandi-interior-design-style/
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The Spruce – https://www.thespruce.com/4-rules-designers-say-you-should-follow-or-ignore-when-mixing-metals-in-a-room-5199031
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The Spruce – https://www.thespruce.com/2024-lighting-trends-8365056
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Toronto Sun – https://torontosun.com/life/homes/2024-trends-youll-see-everywhere
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Good Housekeeping – https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/decorating-ideas/a45576463/wood-kitchen-cabinet-trend-2023/
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Better Homes and Gardens – https://www.bhg.com/2024-kitchen-trends-840656
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Houzz – https://www.houzz.com/magazine/28-home-design-trends-that-will-define-2024-stsetivw-vs~172317389
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Houzz – https://www.houzz.com/magazine/2023-u-s-houzz-kitchen-trends-study-stsetivw-vs~164970160
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Better Homes and Gardens – https://www.bhg.com/quiet-luxury-home-trend-7554026
