Here we are! Looking back and looking forward, trying to encapsulate and interpret what we’ve seen and what we believe we will see more of. Here are my 2024 trends for paint color and interior design.

1) Light Blue Color Trend for 2024

Did we really need so many paint companies to weigh in with light blue as the color of the year to tell us light blue is the color of the moment? Nope! Look back over my last few year’s trend forecasts and you’ll see light blue creeping into the design zeitgeist. What is new is how it’s being used and Ashley Montgomery with her twist on a traditional bathroom shows it off. Light blue is being used as an accompaniment with warm neutrals like tan and brown. But this bathroom exemplifies another new trend as well and that’s…

2) The Contrasting Trim with Wallpaper Trend

It’s a very bold choice not to pull your painted trim or accent color from the wallpaper’s color palette but we’re seeing more and more unique and interesting color combinations with patterned wallpaper. Blue plays large in this role. It’s almost clashy and it’s really fun!  

3) White House Exteriors

No, not “the modern farmhouse” look. The classic white paint exterior has seen a resurgence amidst the continuing strong trend of dark house exteriors. It is appropriate for so many architectural style homes. Especially historical ones.

4) Dark Blue House Exteriors

Still happening. It’s on trend for sure. It’s one of the most requested colors for exteriors now. This exterior paint color trend includes more than navy blue. Think teal and other green-tinged blues. Here it is paired with merlot colored doors for a dynamic exterior paint color palette.

5) Rattan, Still a Trend

It’s fanciful, it’s fun, it’s often inexpensive, it’s handmade. It’s old fashioned and new fashioned. It simply won’t die. You’ll find light shades, tables, accessories and seating in this natural material.

6) Al Fresco Bathing

Outdoor showers are de rigueur in some settings. Think Cape Cod and other beach-y settings but tubs of all kinds are heading to the great outdoors now. Whether it’s a Japanese style Ofuro ~ soaking tub ~ or some kind of galvanized basin originally made for another use, people are getting their soak on outside of the house. So grab your bubbles and your duck and head outdoors.

7) Vertical Stacked Tiles

Yes, yes it’s been a good 8, even 10 years that people have been experimenting with stacking their subway tiles and the like, but it seems to have taken over as the new standard.

8) Ochres, Gold, Mustards

No, it’s not universally beloved. But it’s so full of affirmation and cheer. It’s a unique choice for millwork – cabinets, wainscoting, bead board. And nothing beats a sunny living room painted in gold.

9) Stenciled Wood Floors are On-trend

It used to be a way to save wood floors in bad condition. The pattern becomes a distraction from the poor condition of the wood. Now they are an intentional design choice.

10) Wood and Paint Kitchens

This is not new. Rather a continuation from the past few years. We’re talking a combination of pale wood, like white oak, or dark, like walnut, for some of the cabinetry. Maybe it’s just the island base or maybe it’s a free standing cabinet. The painted cabinets can be off white, white, any type of blue or green or maybe something more adventurous. The counters are marble or another natural stone, the hardware is brass. Meet the current kitchen uniform.

11) Medium Gray Stone Countertops

This is a departure from the wildly veined marbles we’ve seen the past few years and the more common Calacatta and Carrera. It feels really fresh.

12) The Spring Green Trend

We’re a long way from greens being off the scene. This year’s green leans towards yellow for what I term Spring Green. It’s reminiscent of the green of new growth in the Spring before the full panoply of verdant hues appear in the landscape. It’s invigorating and refreshing.

That’s a wrap on 2024 paint color and design trends. See you in a year!