Since the calendar turned to 2024, the internet has been abuzz with trend reports and home decor predictions that offer a glimpse into what lies ahead in the world of interior design.
For many, these lists may seem overwhelming, especially if you're not planning to embark on a full-scale renovation this year. But fret not; there are simpler ways to elevate your home by getting creative with a DIY project or two.
Below, we'll introduce you to 7 home trends experts predict will be big in 2024 and the DIY projects that can help you breathe new life into your living spaces.
DIY Projects That Will Elevate Your Home
Get your toolbox ready. From textured walls to living walls, home renovation experts predict these DIY projects are exactly what you need to elevate your home in 2024.
1. Using reclaimed materials
As more and more of us aspire to make eco-friendly home improvements in 2024, it's no surprise that using reclaimed and recycled materials is gaining popularity among DIY enthusiasts.
Beyond their environmental benefits, reclaimed and salvaged materials bring a distinctive 'well-loved' quality that enriches interior designs with texture and depth. The weathered patina of reclaimed wood, for instance, can seamlessly enhance a home with a modern rustic style, while salvaged fireplaces and reclaimed bricks effortlessly complement modern farmhouse aesthetics. These materials possess a timeless charm, making them an ideal choice for elevating your home's overall look.
If you're seeking a quick and manageable DIY project that can be completed in an afternoon, consider exploring your local antique market for a set of vintage drawers and transform them into a unique plant display. Alternatively, give rustic scaffolding boards a fresh lease on life as distinctive kitchen shelves, or reimagine tin ceiling tiles as a one-of-a-kind kitchen backsplash.
For those willing to take on a slightly larger project, a salvaged barn door can be flipped into a statement headboard, and ordinary internal doors and windows can be replaced with antique shutters to achieve a truly bespoke finish.
2. Adding texture to walls
While the memories of popcorn ceilings and orange peel walls might remind you of outdated interior design trends from yesteryears, wall texture is poised to make a stylish comeback in 2024.
Embrace the classic elegance of a knockdown finish or the rustic charm of limewash paint to infuse subtle drama into your walls. For a touch of warmth, consider decorative plasters like stucco or tadelakt. The beauty of these unique finishes is that they can be applied to your walls through a DIY approach using a trowel or roller, making it a cost-effective way to enhance your home's ambiance.
And remember, texture doesn't have to be just tactile. There are plenty of ways to introduce visual texture to your walls. Leading industry names like Benjamin Moore are bringing color-washed walls back into the spotlight this year, and even famous figures like Blake Lively are embracing this trend in their own homes.
3. Biophilic home improvements
'In 2024, biophilic design and creating healthier living spaces are poised to be prominent trends,' predicts Christine Marvin, Vice President of Strategy & Design at Marvin. To fully embrace this trend, consider decorating with plants, choosing natural color palettes and materials, or increasing natural light in your living areas.
Kriss Swint, design lead at Westlake Royal Building Products, emphasizes the importance of a closer connection with nature and its elements, citing potential benefits like increased well-being and productivity. 'Growing concerns about wellness and the environment are driving demand for backyard improvements and the integration of nature into design. This includes features like green roofs, large windows, and living walls.'
To elevate your home with a natural color palette, Kriss recommends reaching for paints with earthy tones such as navy blues, forest greens, rustic browns, and coppers. Couple these color choices with nature-inspired materials for organic texture and warmth.
Christine Marvin is the Vice President of Strategy and Design at Marvin Windows and Doors. She has a particular interest in biophilic design and how it can be integrated into the design and installation of windows and doors.
Kriss Swint is the director of marketing communications and design lead at Westlake Royal Building Products and the Managing Editor of LiveAbode.com. She serves as a creative visionary and design lead at Westlake Royal, naming and branding new colors.
4. Installing and refinishing wooden kitchens
The 'Cove White Oak' collection by Arteum Design can be installed onto existing kitchens.
The National Kitchen & Bath Association 2024 trend report revealed a growing demand for natural finishes in our kitchens, such as mid-toned woods paired with stone or marble worktops. So, it's hardly surprising that wooden kitchen cabinetry is predicted to dominate kitchen trends this year.
However, before you jump into a full-scale kitchen remodel, consider that you can revamp this space without breaking the bank by resurfacing or refinishing your existing cabinet fronts.
Rather than reaching for your hammer right away, consider stripping paint from wood cabinets you already have to reveal the material beneath. Alternatively, you can replace your current kitchen cabinet fronts with custom-made ones that perfectly fit your space. Consult a local woodworker for bespoke cabinetry tailored to your kitchen's dimensions or explore options like preloved wooden cabinet fronts available in salvage yards or online marketplaces.
'A great DIY hack for achieving premium quality without overspending is using Ikea cabinets combined with custom fronts,' says Archie Tkachoff, Founder of Arteum.design. 'This approach is not only cost-effective but also versatile, allowing for the application of custom doors on new and existing cabinets.'
Archie Tkachoff is a professional woodworker and owner of San Francisco-based Arteum.design. He established Arteum.design in 2023 to offer homeowners a modern alternative to outdated traditional kitchen cabinets.
5. Walk-in Pantries
A pantry is a sought-after feature for many homeowners, so why not make 2024 the year you repurpose your kitchen closet into a walk-in pantry?
'In 2024, we expect to see pantries being upgraded with intelligent organization solutions, providing more space and functionality,' predicts Laurel Vernazza, Home Design Expert at The Plan Collection. 'When designed with floor-to-ceiling storage, the walk-in pantry can be used to conceal air fryers, coffeemakers, and larger appliances such as dishwashers, with plenty of room for pots and pans, spices, and dry goods'.
Simply clear the kitchen closet and assess its layout. Install adjustable shelving for better storage, add hooks or racks for spices and dried goods, and improve visibility with an overhead light.
Laurel Vernazza has extensive experience in real estate as well as working with design customers, giving her a steely eye into house design trends.
This Lazy Susan is perfect for high-traffic storage, such as walk-in pantries. It's rustproof stainless steel, so it's good for more humid rooms like kitchens.
This elegant K-Cup carousel, designed by Michael Aram, holds 24 K-Cups and is perfect for elevating a coffee station or walk-in pantry.
This striking kitchen canister, designed by McKenzie Childs, is ideal for keeping your pantry staples neatly preserved.
6. Crown Moldings
Crown moldings are a simple way of adding detail to your doors, walls, and cabinetry, as well as lending a sense of grandeur to interior spaces. In the past, wooden moldings were the primary option available, requiring precise cutting and assembly. However, modern alternatives to wood, such as foam moldings, are readily available. These versatile materials can be easily trimmed to size and affixed to walls and furniture, making the installation process a breeze.
Embrace this interior trend by introducing statement architraves to your living spaces, enhancing a bookcase with intricate trim (we'll dive into that in more detail below), or by adding a decorative touch to your wainscotting.
7. DIY built-in bookshelves
The classic built-in bookshelf remains a popular choice for 2024, and it's easy to see why. With just a modest amount of DIY expertise, you can easily turn an ordinary bookshelf into a faux built-in feature that instantly elevates your home.
Start by measuring your space and acquiring the right number of standalone bookcases for the job. We recommend options such as Ikea's Billy bookcase or Wayfair's Lagner bookcase, as they are well-suited to this task. Securely anchor these bookcases to the wall, ensuring they are level and perfectly aligned.
To achieve that coveted built-in appearance, add a plywood surround, crown molding, or decorative trim that complements your room's style. After carefully caulking and sanding any rough edges, apply paint or stain to the bookshelves, allowing them to seamlessly blend into their surroundings.
Home renovation trends are typically less transient than paint trends, such as the color of the year, and can significantly improve the aesthetic and functionality of your home.
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