If you’re looking to make over your lounge anytime soon, or even just give it a little bit of an update, then living room trends can provide the right guidance and help you give your living space a contemporary touch.
When coming up with fresh living room ideas for your space, you might be overwhelmed at first when thinking of where to start. And that’s where living room trends come in with up-to-date key looks of the year that will make sure your lounge doesn’t appear outdated – this includes everything from the best sofas to the latest colours that are popping up everywhere.
And while you, of course, don’t need to follow every single trend that comes up, you can pick and choose those that are in line with your taste and your home’s existing style to provide you with some modern living room ideas before you start changing up your lounge’s decor.
Living room trends for 2024
‘Living rooms are often the hub of the home, where setting the stage for rest and relaxation is at the forefront of interior schemes,’ says Alexandra Ellis, head of design and marketing at Cormar Carpets.
More than ever before, homeowners look to individuality and self-expression through their homes which is reflected in many playful home decor trends, some of which make their way into the lounge, too. ‘The 2024 decor trends are all about making bold statements. With a strong focus on individuality and creative expression, homeowners are embracing the maximalist trend and trying different things out in their homes from pattern clashing to statement designs,’ says Chelsea Clark, head of marketing at Lust Home.
And these are the ones that will shine bright in our living rooms this year.
1. Go bold with colour drenching
Speaking of shining bright, one of the key living room trends for 2024 that was first introduced last year is the bold colour-drenching method of covering all walls and features including the ceiling, trims and even the fireplace in the same colour – or at least shades from the same colour family.
‘Colour drenching is becoming increasingly popular as a way to create harmonious flow throughout a space, as well as add a creative flair,’ explains Bailey Oates, colour expert at Earthborn. ‘To really achieve this look, layer furniture and decor in varying hues of the same colour to add depth and focal points to a colour drenched design.’
Flora Hogg, interior designer and colour consultant at Craig & Rose, continues to explain how this paint trend changes for 2024. ‘Colour drenching is set to continue to be a key trend in 2024, with bolder, brighter colours the way forward. Using vibrant colours can enhance the immersive experience of an environment, contributing to the creation of setting the mood. Using different paint finishes on each surface such as built-in joinery or shelving units will create a vivid yet cohesive colour scheme.’
2. Bring the outside in with earthy tones
If you’re searching for on-trend living room colour schemes, then look no further than shades inspired by mother nature. From sandy beige to clay-like terracottas and even tones of green are among the most popular colours of the year.
Tanya Rechberger, design development manager at King Living, says, ‘Nature-inspired colours are significant in this year's trend forecast. Sofa designs in rich deep greens are a beautiful way to bring the feeling of the outdoors into your home and pair well with earthy accessories in terracotta and sepia tones.’
Flora at Craig & Rose adds that combining nature-inspired hues with sunny yellow as seen above is the perfect pairing. ‘Warm neutrals and earthy hues coupled with yellow tones create a calm and inviting space that exudes contemporary warmth and comfort. Sun and earth combined. Earthy greens teamed with pops of bolder colour such as yellows imitates the dappled light filtering through the trees, infusing an instant touch of character and rejuvenation.’
3. Embrace curves
Curved shapes from arches to irregular, organic forms have replaced harsh angles in interiors. And this applies to the living room as much as it does to any other room – whether that's reflected in the sofa design, the silhouette of the cushions or the shape of the mirror hanging above the mantelpiece as seen above.
‘The arch is the shape of the moment, popping up in doorways, windows, mirrors and niches everywhere,’ says Becca Stern, co-founder and creative director at Mustard Made. ‘But that's not the only place we'll be seeing curves in 2024. Soft furnishings are set to take on a rounded, softer look, offsetting the bold lines and angles of the retro aesthetic beautifully. Even walls are getting the curve treatment, with feature walls and ceilings carved into more organic shapes to create a warm, cosy and elevated sensation.’
Arched shapes are very popular at the moment, with arched mirrors leading the way. That goes both for full-length mirrors and wall mirrors - but the latter style like this Dunelm design is more suited for the living room. And we love the affordable £30 price point of this one.
A piece of furniture like this one is certainly an investment given its size and price tag. But despite its price point, it's still one of Anthropologie's top sellers with a couple of hundred of positive reviews from existing customers to its name.
Curved doesn't necessarily mean arched. Round, oval, as well as irregular silhouettes are all very much on trend. And we particularly love the nature-inspired biophilic design of this coffee table that looks designer and yet costs only £25!
4. The art of display
One of the living room trends set to be big for 2024, is displaying our (curated) wares, rather than tidying them away. Sideboards, mantlepieces and even living room shelving ideas are ideal for showing off keepsakes and collectibles and gives a sense of personality to your living space. Plus they are easy to update throughout the year.
'It was the Victorian era that celebrated the art of display the best, from cloches and wall plates to floral displays and curiosity cabinets,' says Andrew Tanner, head of design at Habitat. 'Today, however, it’s about showcasing personalised collectibles, ones based on memories and souvenirs that evoke emotion.'
'We’re creating our own ‘shop windows’ where we display what represents us. This is a way we can style our own vignettes around the home, refreshing them when the mood strikes, which is particularly attractive to those who rent their homes and have limited ways they can put their own stamp on them.'
5. Incorporate the colour of the year
Pantone's colour of the year, 'Peach Fuzz', is set to dominate interiors in 2024 and the living room is the perfect place to experiment with the shade. The premise behind the peachy pink tone is situated in reconnecting with loved ones and enjoying a moment of stillness, which is exactly what a lounge is destined for.
‘A revival of peach is long overdue. Peach was once commonly used in interiors but as modernism spread, it lost its place in the contemporary home,’ says Tara Rodrigues, award-winning interior designer and founder of TR Interiors. ‘It’s a soothing warm colour and I love pairing it with rich dark hues of blues and greens to create elegant and bold schemes.'
If you want a pared-back living room aesthetic then consider combining it with white, but if you're looking for a more luxe or eclectic feel then rich teal will make peach pop.
6. Add texture with bouclé
The trend for this nubby textile took off in 2020, but shows no signs of stopping in 2024. Embrace the fabric and opt for a bouclé statement piece like a sofa or this Otis swivel accent chair, £399, Next . Alternatively, dip your toe in the trend with a textured cushion instead.
A looped yarn predominantly seen in pale hues of white and cream, homeowners with young children or enthusiastic pets, might feel like neutral living room ideas is a trend they'll have to let pass them by. And that's ok, because other statement shades are having a moment.
Ball cushions are a trend in their own right. But they're the perfect way to incorporate a touch of bouclé and texture in general into your living room. This H&M Home design is super sleek and minimalist, not to mention soft as a cloud.
We love Next's Otis chair for its cloud-like appearance, as well as the obvious bouclé finish. And the fact that it swivels makes it all the better.
Abigail Ahern's stylish bouclé stool and its beige shade show that this much-loved material doesn't always have to be white - other neutrals work just as well.
7. Go dramatic with damson
If neutral isn't quite your taste, then Damson might be more up your street. It's a statement shade that started to rise in popularity in 2023 and it's set to continue through to 2024.
‘These berry shades are a step forward from previous pink tones such as millennial pink, Pantone’s Colour of the Year 2023, Viva Magenta, as well as the hot pink ‘Barbie’ inspired choices that have been seen everywhere this summer. Damson is a mature and timeless choice that is not simply a style du jour,’ says Sam Sutherland, Flitch’s interior stylist.
If you want a dramatic effect that looks professionally decorated, we recommend drenching you living room in the shade, ceilings and skirting boards included.
8. Blue hues
One of the colours we'll be seeing a lot of in living rooms for 2024, is blue, in all its many guises. Navy has been a popular shade for many years now and 2024 is set to see a variation of different blue sofa living room shades.
'As we enter into the new year, nature-inspired design is set to weave its way into the fabric of interior design, quite literally. This trend takes inspiration from natural landscapes, incorporating earthy tones, botanical motifs, and textured materials to create a harmonious and calming environment,' says Ashleigh Ellis, director of upholstery and furniture at ScS.
'The colour palette revolves around mossy greens, warm browns, and soothing blues, evoking the essence of forests, mountains, and oceans.'
9. A dose of dopamine
Brights are back! Full of personality and joie-de-vivre, get ready to inject colour into your home from floor to ceiling with carpet in every colour under the sun! When it comes to living room trends, it's all about bringing the joy and colour is key to that.
'Colour is incredibly emotive and we have deeply rooted associations with certain colours and tones of colour,' notes Jo Littlefair, co-founder and director of interior design firm Goddard Littlefair.
'Layered onto this is a joyfulness when you see colour and pattern mixed together in a skilful way that makes your heart sing a little. It’s experiencing something refreshing and just a little bit different or unexpected that gives us all mental lift.'
FAQs
What colour is in for interiors in 2024?
'For the year 2024, we can expect a strong emphasis on biophilic design, with a particular focus on greens and nature-inspired tones. Deep forest greens and terra-cotta tones are predicted to surge in popularity, bringing the tranquillity of the outdoors inside and promoting well-being. Dopamine decor, which focuses on positive emotions, is set to influence the use of vibrant fabric and sofa colours,' says Annah Kelly, styling expert for Bridgman.
'Consider incorporating lively hues or playful patterns to create a dynamic and uplifting living space. Pantone's Color of the Year for 2024 - Peach Fuzz, complements these trends. This monochromatic collection spans from the whitest peach tones and barely beige to peachy-pink and luscious Georgia peach. The carefully curated palette envelops spaces in a warm and welcoming ambience,' she adds.
What are the interior trends for 2024?
'In 2024, shelves will take centre stage, seamlessly blending functionality with aesthetic appeal,' says Jonathan Clark, creative director of Shelved.
'Open shelving, especially in unique, modular designs and materials like wood and metal are gaining popularity, allowing for personalised and curated displays. The shelf will become a key part of the design, as opposed to just something to express their style on.'
'Textured interiors continue to remain popular with many homeowners looking to add natural materials into their living room schemes. From wooden panelling to tactile textures such as boucle or jute, these comforting materials help to create a cosy and welcoming feel,' adds Joanna Humphreys, fire and stove specialist at Direct Stoves.
Which looks take your fancy the most to incorporate into your living room design this year?
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