For 2024, I have a strong yearning for a departure from the prevailing cookie-cutter aesthetic that has permeated interior design. This conformity has been driven by the widespread availability of mass-produced furnishings, the uniformity seen in standard project homes, and the influence of platforms like Instagram. Designers, including myself, are championing this departure from the norm.
We advocate for a shift away from the conventional, pre-packaged interior design solutions where spaces are filled with entirely new and standardized pieces from ubiquitous retailers found in every city. Instead, the emphasis is on encouraging the integration of items that truly reflect the uniqueness of each client. This might include the inclusion of vintage, antique, handcrafted furnishings, artisanal creations, one-of-a-kind discoveries, and cherished heirlooms. This trend underscores the desire for individuality and personal expression in design.
Furthermore, I advocate for prioritizing artisanal pieces over their mass-produced counterparts, aspiring to see a broader range of materials and textures introduced into interior design. This can include the use of earthy elements, a mix of sleek and textural components, vibrant fabric patterns, and splashes of color.
In recent times, I have observed a growing client preference for comfortable and lived-in furniture, as opposed to the sterile and uniform aesthetic. Another approach to achieving a more unique look is through the incorporation of whimsical and unexpected elements as integral aspects of interior design. These elements encompass everything from playful and occasionally quirky artwork to unconventional design choices. By embracing such elements, spaces are infused with depth, character, and a touch of playfulness.
Ultimately, the aim is to spark a design revolution that celebrates individual and unique spaces. It’s disheartening that large retailers often dictate style by inundating the public with mass-produced, trend-driven pieces that lack personality. While it’s certainly acceptable to incorporate retail pieces, I urge a more creative approach, avoiding the creation of store-like floor vignettes. This approach emphasizes the need to blend retail items with unique, personality-filled pieces, avoiding the homogeneity that comes from adhering to a store-bought aesthetic. It’s not about rejecting retail pieces altogether; rather, it’s about challenging the notion that retail stores offer fresh, distinctive choices, when in reality, they often provide the same items to a wide audience, leading to homes that lack individuality and personal character.
photographs: Katie Ridder featuring a room with red walls, Jeffrey Bilhuber’s kitchen nook, and Dan Fink’s living room.