Here’s what designers forecast as the trends that will inspire décor in 2024

Its relevance…

“Post-COVID-19, biophilic designs are vital for rebuilding environments. By prioritising health and well-being, these designs integrate nature to reduce stress, enhance air quality, and foster social connections. They not only create adaptable, resilient spaces but also emphasise the importance of spatial experiences and elevate the aesthetics of the built environment, contributing to a positive and uplifting atmosphere in our changed world.”

Look out for…

“The boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces will begin to blur, guided by a commitment to enhancing well-being and spatial experiences. Large windows, open layouts, and strategic landscaping will be employed to invite nature into the living or working space. This intentional design approach not only maximises natural light and ventilation, but also fosters a sense of continuity—promoting a healthier, more uplifting atmosphere and enriching the overall spatial experience.” 

3. PRASHANT CHAUHAN

Creative Director, ZERO9

Trend Prediction:

THE HOME OFFICE IS HERE TO STAY! AND HOMES ARE GETTING SMARTER

What it means…

“People have realised the value of personal time gained by not commuting to work daily, and that little corner in the home being used for work during the lockdown is now flourishing— getting more charming. This space is being used more often than expected to skip the chaos of traffic.”

Its relevance…

“With the advancement of technology, homes are evolving into being smarter and more connected. Furniture with wireless charging points are getting more and more common. Earlier automated homes were a statement of luxury; now, they are a mandatory amenity.”

Look out for…

“With alarming AQI levels, more air purifiers are going to make their way into each home. I would not be shocked if I even saw a spare room being transformed into an oxygen room going further,” Chauhan points out.

4. MANMEET ARORA

Founder and interior designer, loc design house

Trend Prediction:

EARTHY, MINIMAL, SUSTAINABLE

What it means…

“I see a trend moving towards constructing more with sustainable construction materials. Materials with rough textures and unpolished surfaces; pools and water bodies with natural filtration systems; and structures built with rammed earth, mud walls and the like. There’ll be more greenery within spaces, with the indoors seamlessly merging with the outdoors.”

Its relevance…

“As designers, architects and homeowners are becoming more aware of their footprint on earth and the value of nature, there is bound to be a shift towards how one can live in harmony with the environment, with materials and colour palettes becoming more inspired by nature.”

6. KUMPAL VAID

Founder and design principal, Purple Backyard

Trend Prediction:

MORE SPACE FOR ART

What it means…

“This isn’t just art being bought and hung on a wall—you’ll be noticing art forms echoing the unsaid stories of a space. There’ll be more of a personalisation of art in the most unusual spaces in a home, such as unique materials being used across a dining table’s top to form an artwork you wouldn’t conventionally find on a surface like this. It makes the mundane more interesting,” says Vaid, adding, “These will be pieces of interest that form the most visually arresting part of a space; even sparking conversations.”

Its relevance…

“Everyone wants to go beyond just having a beautiful home, with spaces and statement pieces that are more personalised to who they truly are. This does away with following uniformity—be it with colour or pattern—in every room.”

Examples of this trend…

“The shutters behind the desk in this home office, and even the air conditioning ducts, have been covered with a chinoiserie print wallpaper. this forms a unique focal point that doesn’t take away from the otherwise muted space that’s required when working,” she explains. 

7. PURVA AGRAWAL

Founder and creative director, Attirail

Trend Prediction:

HAND-PAINTED DETAILS ACROSS THE HOME

Look out for…

“Hand painted details on wardrobes, doors and furniture. Stencil motifs are something that we are excited to use in the new year; and will be displaying a hand-painted mural for an entrance facade, in a wardrobe for a kid’s bedroom, on all the bedroom doors in an apartment, and on all the walls within a mandir.” 

8. Sarah Sham

Principal designer, Essajees Atelier

Trend Prediction:

INTERIORS THAT ARE PARED BACK AND NATURAL

9. Natasha Chawla and Parzan Daruwalla

Lead designer and principal architect, Studio 6158

Trend Prediction:

TROPICAL MODERNISM

What it means…

“Tropical modernism combines the comfort of a new-age lifestyle with the rawness of the outdoors. You will see unique use of stone and lime plaster on the floor and across the walls; and clean-lined furniture pieces finished in wood. There’ll be a mix of sustainability and style to make one feel like they are not part of the city, as the amount of time spent within the home has substantially increased.”

Its relevance…

“Younger generations living in the concrete jungle are getting more and more disconnected from nature. This is strongly increasing the demand for opening doors to a grounded approach to interiors which takes one away after a hectic drive back home or a long day at work. It is also important to understand that people have started working at home more as compared to ten years ago. This is why we believe the aesthetic of a home has become more important in one’s life.”

Examples of this trend…

“Older techniques of construction have come back to make people connect with their historic roots. For example, black-and-white chequered flooring—even though it a classic—could be reinterpreted by experimenting with other basic design principles to give a newer yet timeless look.”

10. Hardik Shah

Founder and principal architect, Studio Lagom

Trend Prediction:

OLD IS BOLD (AND BEAUTIFUL)

What it means…

“Since the past couple of years, designers and homeowners have incorporated traditional elements in their designs albeit with a contemporary touch. This isn’t only limited to artefacts, but also materials and techniques that have been used historically.”