If you’ve been looking to refresh your home, now couldn’t be a better time.
As we step into 2024, the world of interior design is undergoing a fascinating evolution, bringing forth new trends and ideas that promise to redefine our living spaces.
Our team of Design Studio experts, Hanna, Sandy, Kim, Marla, and Erin, are here to help you transform your home by defining this year’s Design Trends. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most exciting design trends predicted to shape the way we live and experience our homes this year.
Hanna Gawne: Design Studio Associate
Introducing Induction Cooktops
Induction cooking, a long-time staple in Europe, is now winning hearts in the U.S. and Canada. This cutting-edge technology, embraced for its efficiency, has become a kitchen must-have. It promises simplified meal prep, culinary perfection, and more time for you to kick back and enjoy life. Even better, this innovative technology doesn’t skimp on aesthetics – the sleek flat design is remarkably chic and will integrate beautifully into a broad variety of kitchen designs.
How does it work?
An induction cooktop is an appliance that uses electromagnetic fields to heat cookware directly. Unlike traditional gas or electric cooktops, induction cooktops create a magnetic field when turned on, inducing heat in ferrous material cookware (such as cast iron or magnetic stainless steel) placed on the surface. This results in rapid and precise heating, with the cookware generating heat extremely quickly. Induction cooktops offer safety benefits, as the cooktop surface remains cool to the touch, and are energy-efficient due to minimal heat loss.
Sandy Bounnoi: Senior Design Studio Consultant
Adding Personality to Spaces
In 2024, the era of all-white interiors is giving way to a vibrant comeback of bold colours. Homeowners are now keen on infusing depth, dimension, and personality into their living spaces. Whether through a colourful backsplash, accent walls or even in larger elements like kitchen cabinets, – this trend is all about making a statement. The versatility of bold colours helps homeowners express themselves and add a sense of fun and liveliness to their spaces. Do you see more colourful furniture, decor, and architectural details entering your home this year?
Erin Hill: Junior Design Studio Consultant
Innovative & Sustainable Designs
2024 is set to witness an increased focus on Smart Home solutions and sustainable design materials. From cork flooring to mycelium and even Japanese shikkui plaster features, there’s a growing emphasis on utilizing eco-friendly and rapidly renewable resources to help make your home environmentally conscious.
Activa’s Net Zero and Net Zero Ready homes, designed to have minimal environmental impact, are quickly gaining popularity – offering homeowners sustainable living in addition to long-term cost savings with the home’s energy-saving features.
Marla Jutras: Design Studio Consultant
Modern Zen Bathrooms
In alignment with this year’s overarching theme of ‘feeling’ and well-being, a Zen bathroom allows you to feel calm and tranquil whether it be first thing in the morning or at the end of a long day. Having a well-designed space with earthy colours is a great way to generate a soothing sensation of calm neutrality. Choose nature-inspired elements and shapes to complement the colour scheme, like wood, stone/concrete, marble/quartz, porcelain wall or floor tile and marble-veined quartz countertops. For a softer look, consider gold or brass accents. For those seeking a bold statement, matte black creates a stark contrast when selecting light fixtures, hardware, and decorative elements. Both will infuse the space with a sense of opulence and warmth while maintaining a balanced, tasteful aesthetic.
Kim Luong: Design Studio Manager
The Perfect Neutral Balance
Speaking of light and dark tones, are you struggling to choose between the two? 2024 introduces a revival of mid-toned wood colours, providing the ideal neutral balance that complements various décor settings. Warm caramel, taupe, or sand tones are preferred – steering clear of orange or grey undertones. Mid-toned woods can be seamlessly integrated into cabinetry, flooring, and furniture, and offer a timeless design aesthetic. Another great benefit is that these hues will evoke a powerful sense of grounding and connection to your home.
Elevating Spaces with Elegance
In the world of kitchens and bathrooms, it’s not just about functionality; it’s about creating a sanctuary of style. Enter the trend of adding “bling” to your home through jewel-like elements such as lighting, hardware, or faucets. These chic pieces serve as focal points, transforming kitchens and bathrooms into spaces of elegance. The key here is moderation – like the jewellery you wear, consider one or two unique pieces to stylize your space. Too much bling can be distracting! For this trend, remember that “less is more.”
what’s your favourite up-and-coming style for 2024?
As we embrace these trends, 2024 promises to be a year where style meets sustainability – creating homes that reflect individuality while embracing a greener, more mindful way of living. Have a space that reflects on of these Design Trends? We want to see it! Follow and tag @builtbyactiva in your home décor photo on Instagram or Facebook for a chance to be featured on our social media feed or blog!