We love trends, they are fun and fresh and say a lot about the mood of the time, and no matter how short-lived they usually always leave a mark on the wider interior design world. However, whenever we cover interior design trends, it always comes with a slight word of caution. Leaning too much into trends can leave you with spaces that date quickly and feel impersonal and instead, we should be looking to bring these styles in a way that's timeless and transitional.
While in 2023 we had a lot of 'core' trends that, whilst creative and exciting made the interior design world feel very closely connected with pop culture, 2024 so far has been leaning away from any of these fast trends and taking an 'anti-trend' approach.
The term 'anti-trend' is not new, however, we have never heard it more than in the last few months. It is, exactly as it sounds, a shift away from this need to follow anything that's 'on trend' and instead follow what feels right for your personal interior design style – creating spaces that are characterful and full of depth.
What are anti-trends?
The term 'anti-trend' has been around in the fashion world for decades, referring to styles that are classic and timeless, they transcend trends. It's only recently the term has been used more often in interior design, and it refers to exactly the same look, apart from rather than white shirts and classic denim, we are looking a colors and furniture that stand the test of time. In short 'anti-trend' is another term for a style or a look that just never dates.
Of course, there is absolutely nothing wrong with introducing trends into your home, and when we speak with designers about the anti-trend concept they are often so quick to mention this. Anti-trend styles aren't about shunning trends altogether, the idea is more about only embracing the ones that you love and will work with the style you already have, and not leaning into every passing trend.
Why are designers more anti-trend in 2024?
When we asked designers why the term anti-trend and the styles behind it has come up so much so far in 2024, the answers were all very similar – trends rarely create unique and classic spaces. As designer Bethany Adams explains, 'I think the past few years have been trend overload: Terrazzo! Arches! Checkerboard! Plaster! and every space has started to look a little too familiar.'
'I'm excited to see designers and homeowners alike embrace the wacky and unique parts of their personalities and styles and bring that into their homes. We're always going to be influenced by the beautiful spaces we see in magazines and online, and that's ok, but putting your own spin on things is half the fun!' she adds.
Bethany Adams is an interior designer, a member of ASID (American society of Interior Designers), AIA (American Institute of Architects), and a certified interior designer with the Kentucky Board of Architecture. Bethany holds a B.F.A.. in interior design from Harrington College of Design in addition to a B.A. she earned from Georgetown University.
Designer Kati Curtis agreed that trends run the risk of everyone's homes just looking the same. A better approach is to find your own interior design style, and look way back for influence rather than what's 'on trend' right now. She explains, 'In my opinion, it’s never about trends as the work that we do is designed to typically last 20 years or more.'
'2024 more than any other year I think signifies a revolutionary shift in interior design, where personal style reigns supreme over prevailing trends. As more and more designers and their clients embrace this 'anti-trend' year, the beauty of individual expression becomes evident in living spaces that reflect the unique tastes of our clients.'
'Whether one leans towards the simplicity and tranquility of minimalist decor or the abundant detailing of maximalism, every style can be incorporated into a successful design. Rounded shapes, the textured allure of bouclé, and the colorful patterned chic of concrete tiles are still going strong, and we can’t help but acknowledge these on our projects. However, the true essence of design in 2024 lies in the freedom to curate spaces that are authentic, without the constraints of mainstream trends.'
Kati Curtis is the founder of Kati Curtis Design, an design firm based in New York City specializing in classic design with a global influence. Kati founded the studio in 2005 after 12 years of working with international architecture and engineering firms.
Designer Emily Henderson rightly pointed out to us that social media has a lot to do with how trends are forming now and the fact that they come and go so fast could be the reason why the anti-trend has become so popular. We have never written about so many TikTok trends, and that's because while they may have originated on social media, they are styles that gain traction beyond a 'for you page' – bookshelf wealth, the unexpected red theory to name a few.
'I do think that there is a shift away from big, long-lasting trends and that is because of how quickly social media moves,' says Emily. 'Most of what is "trending" is gone before people and retailers can wrap their heads around them, let alone produce something within the time they're still hot. But trends are definitely still alive and well so it's up to the individual to truly feel out what feels most authentic to them because said trend might not be "popular" in a couple of months.'
Emily Henderson is Emily Henderson is a stylist, interior designer, HGTV host, and founder of Emily Henderson Design which she's been running for over a decade. Emily provides us with style inspiration every day over on her Instagram, and her blog is a great source of ideas for DIYs and making the most of your space.
How to design a home that transcends trends
So how do you design a home that never dates? How can you embrace the anti-trend trend? Well, unlike most trends, you can't buy into this look, despite the name, anti-trend isn't really a trend at all, it's about creating spaces that you love based on styles and pieces that you love. That might not mean leaning into one particular style, it's usually mixing elements that you like from lots of different styles and eras to create transitional spaces.
Kati Curtis is a big advocate of the mixing of styles and of old and new to create timeless rooms that feel both classic and current. She explains, 'Integrating the old with the new is at the heart of what we do, telling a story through a blend of timelines and styles. We work with our clients’ cherished possessions – be it an heirloom armchair, a vintage rug, or a series of eclectic art pieces – and pair them with contemporary elements to forge a space that transitions seamlessly between past and present.'
'This interplay not only gives a timeless aesthetic but also preserves the sentimental value of each object. The result is a curated design that resonates with the owner's personal history, while still maintaining a fresh and modern ambiance that transcends trends.'
Kati Curtis is a big advocate of the mixing of styles and of old and new to create timeless rooms that feel both classic and current. She explains, 'Integrating the old with the new is at the heart of what we do, telling a story through a blend of timelines and styles. We work with our clients’ cherished possessions – be it an heirloom armchair, a vintage rug, or a series of eclectic art pieces – and pair them with contemporary elements to forge a space that transitions seamlessly between past and present.'
'This interplay not only gives a timeless aesthetic but also preserves the sentimental value of each object. The result is a curated design that resonates with the owner's personal history, while still maintaining a fresh and modern ambiance that transcends trends.'
We love the concept of anti-trend and it's easy to see why it's so huge in 2024 as designers and homeowners alike look to create timeless homes that really reflect them as a person filled with character and interest. But as all the designers mention here, interior design trends are always going to impact styles and they are fun to lean into if it's a look you are drawn to and naturally fits with your home. The key here is balance, you want that perfect balance between trendy and timeless.
