Designers Say This Fabric Will Dominate Living Rooms in 2024

a living room with a couch and a table
The Living Room Trends That Will Be Huge Next YearKEVIN MIYAZAKI


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As the heart of your home, your living room is made to welcome all life has to offer in style. To help you take on this neverending quest for coziness and relaxation, we asked designers for the top living room trends of 2024. Trend cycles are always on the move, from overall interior design to color, but one truth remains: Your living room should be a place of comfort.

We believe living rooms will take a deep dive into darker shades (plum, mauve, wine, and dark brown), and we're excited to share that experts agree. This moody takeover will be reflected in velvet fabrics and curved furniture that brings guests in for intimate gatherings without feeling stuffy. Sixpenny chief of design Rob Natale says, "Neutrals aren't going anywhere, don't get me wrong, but I do think we'll see more experimentation at home with bold paints and fabrics."

According to Next Wave designer Kerri Pilchik, "Living rooms are becoming cozier with sumptuous fabrics, saturated colors, and a mix of materials. Living rooms are also becoming more multifunctional and less formal, with areas designated for games, lounging, homework, and cocktails with friends."

The predictions for 2024 put color first, focus on the details, and teach you how to set boundaries in areas that receive frequent foot traffic. Below, we gathered the top living room design trends you're guaranteed to see everywhere in 2024 for every style. Kick your feet up and jot down the inspiration you'll look forward to bringing to your home next year.

Multipurpose Zones

In this living room, Pilchik created three zones: a central seating area, a writing desk, and a game table. A luxe moss-green velvet covers the sofas, and fabrics from Fermoie and Soane are used for drapery and upholstery. She also brought in an antique French writing desk, teak midcentury armchairs, and a table that belonged to the client's grandparents, mixed with a rattan-and-glass side table from Serena & Lily and a linen-wrapped coffee table from Villa & House. The multiple textures and materials used in the room complement its multipurpose functionality.

a living room with a fireplace
Kirsten Francis

Hand-Painted Murals

Go full-on custom in your next project with a hand-painted mural. "Hand-painted murals are replacing wallpaper and the ever-popular plaster and limewash looks in some cases," says Leah Alexander of Beauty is Abundant.

This playful and chic living room was brought to life by Alexander's favorite muralist in Atlanta, Jasmine Nicole Williams. The colors on the tool give a spotlight to each color reflected in the space, from the furniture to the decor.

a couch with a pillow
MARC MAULDIN

Earthy Tones

If you're nervous about stepping away from neutrals, Alexis Pew of Kaminski + Pew shares invites you to a natural introduction to color in your space with "warm, textural spaces with natural materials in moodier, earthy color palettes." It immediately brings a laid-back and inviting feel.

"We're moving away from bright whites and grays toward more creams, browns, rusts, and muted greens," says Pew.

living room
JASON VARNEY

Impactful Details

Don't forget to dot the i's and crossing the t's. In this living room designed by Noz Nozawa, she packs each angle with shapes and curves that accentuate color, texture, and craftsmanship. There's something to appreciate from every angle.

"While these details are nothing new in design and are quite traditional, I'm noticing an increased interest in finer details—there's energy around tabletop design in particular," Nozawa explains.

a living room with blue couches
Christopher Stark

Minimalist Floor Plans

Clear the way! 2024 will be a year of strategic floor plans and furniture arranging. "I anticipate floor plans shifting to include less clutter and unnecessary objects being introduced into spaces," says designer Hilary Matt. "Rather than filling the whole room up with pieces of furniture, being really intentional with the spacing and where pieces are placed."

white living room
Rikki Snyder

Statement Lighting

"I see lighting having its biggest year yet with bolder sconce choices and increasingly innovative techniques in blown glass, jewel-like fixtures, and organic shapes," says Alexander. Light up the room with Alexander's favorites: John Pomp, Eny Lee, and all things The Future Perfect.

living room
KEVIN MIYAZAKI

Maximalist Momentum

Tara McCauley has noticed a veer from the colorless aesthetic that gained popularity to make a house more "sellable" to the next inhabitant. "The focus seems to be too much on building resale value for the future and never on designing a home that makes you happy while you are living there," McCauley explains. "I've seen lots more color, texture, and layers in the past year—the demand is definitely there."

living room
Michael Granacki

Moody Color Palettes

Contrary to popular belief, dark colors don't shrink the size of your room. They can create the illusion of vast space if done correctly. Double up on the drama (without the fuss) by coating your living room in plum, black, navy blue, burgundy, or gray. "Every house should have one moody room—whether it's a study, a library, or a game room. It's hot and fun!" says designer Elissa Grayer.

a living room with a fireplace
MR Architecture + Decor

English Countryside

According to Next Wave designer DuVäl, the English countryside aesthetic is making its way stateside. In this New England farmhouse living room designed by Katie Rosenfeld, the charming and warm atmosphere is achieved through grandmillenial touches and thoughtful layering. Rosenfeld and her team achieved a "come sit by the fire and stay awhile" vibe by using oversize custom furnishings in a creamy palette mixed with painted furniture and cozy elements.

a living room with a fireplace
Read McKendree

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