As the world evolves, so does the landscape of interior design. Each year brings new innovations, inspirations and trends that shape how we think about and interact in our homes. One of the most anticipated events in the industry, the NAHB International Builders’ Show^® (IBS), offers a window into the future of interior design trends every year.

Now that we are almost halfway through the year, we’re looking back at the highlights from the IBS 2024 Education Session, 2024 Top Interiors Trends, to explore the direction of interior design as we lead up to the 2025 Builders’ Show in Vegas, Feb 25 – 27.

#1 Well-being of Human Beings

Wellness is about more than adding a green wall; it’s a holistic approach to the well-being of humans. It requires intentionality, rigor and follow-through. One way of achieving wellness in interior design is to create multi-functional spaces.

With the rise of remote work and the blurring of boundaries between work and home life, there’s a growing demand for flexible and multifunctional spaces. At IBS 2024, designers shared innovative solutions for optimizing space, such as modular furniture that can be easily reconfigured, convertible rooms that serve multiple purposes and compact designs tailored for smaller living spaces. The focus was on maximizing functionality without compromising on style, catering to the needs of modern lifestyles. 

#2 Maximize Natural Lighting 

An emphasis on maximizing natural lighting within living spaces is another interior design trend that relates to the well-being of human beings. Designers (and psychologists) increasingly recognize the profound impact of natural light on the aesthetics and functionality of a room. Employing innovative architectural elements such as expansive windows, skylights, and light wells, create environments that seamlessly integrate with the outdoors, fostering a sense of harmony and well-being.  

#3 Integrate Authentic Materials 

Authenticity is another big buzzword. Think about what authenticity means to your homebuyers. This isn’t a blanket answer for everyone everywhere around the county. There’s an ever-increasing appreciation for authenticity and people notice authenticity in their gut. Use natural woods or a physical connection to nature with big windows that feature the outdoors or create an outdoor illusion where you create an outdoor-type space inside, so it feels like you’re outside when you’re inside.  

#4 Think Outside the Box 

Think about ways to present design and work on design with your team and homebuyers in new ways. Out are the days of sitting in a room face-to-face using printed floor plans. In are ways for everyone involved in the process to experience and communicate design in new ways with projected floor plan technology, AI, 3D and innovative ways that are outside the box.  

#5 Make Lighting Work 

It’s not really about the aesthetics of lighting. It’s about what makes lighting work. It’s not just jewelry. There’s a functional aspect to it that’s very important. The quality of light matters, so find a balance between affordability, temperature and quality of the lighting. Lighting placement matters, so question the layout. 

#6 Open Concept 

The open concept from five years ago is not the same as it is now. Think about how the user lives. Are we talking about an empty nester in Florida or a family in New Jersey? Look at how they live and then answer the questions about open concept. Open does not mean undefined. Instead, insert intentional divisions of program and space in public and private spaces within the home.  

#7 Kitchens 

Kitchen trends are veering toward sleek simplicity with minimal accents and a timeless aesthetic. There’s been a rise in thoughtfully blending the kitchen design with the home’s architecture. If the kitchen is the heart of the home (and it is), then the island is the heart of the kitchen. Curves are on the rise. It breaks up the monotony of lines. Also, integrate storage solutions, beverage stations and details where you can.  

#8 Color 

Since Pantone was named a color of the year in 2000, everyone from Sherwin Williams and Behr to Pottery Barn and Crate and Barrel is naming their colors of the year. Peach fuzz, brown is back, blues and cracked pepper are colors of the year named by various organizations. Blues are timeless and play into bringing the serenity of the outdoors (the sky, bodies of water) indoors.  

#9 Textured Textiles 

Terracotta, limewash and herringbone floors are some of the textured textiles we’re seeing this year. Terracotta is a warm earthy gritty texture and color.  

Education & Future Trends 

There’s still time for 2024 IBS Expo+Education registrants to watch 2024 Top Interiors Trends and other IBS Education Sessions on demand until Jun 30.  

IBS 2025 will shed light on upcoming trends and the future trajectory of design. Sign up for updates on the 2025 NAHB International Builders’ Show.