Interior designers share 12 things they won't be wasting money on in 2024
- Insider asked three interior designers to share items they won't be spending money on in 2024.
- According to the designers, fancy rugs and seasonal decor can lead to more long-term costs.
Insider asked interior designers which items they wouldn't waste their money on in 2024.
Here's what the experts said.
Open shelving often requires a lot of upkeep.
Open shelves were a popular, minimalist trend this year.
But they don't have a place in 2024 home design, according to Melissa Engelke, principal designer of ME Design.
"Open shelving anywhere in your house isn't ideal, as it will attract a lot of dust and dirt, making the space look unappealing," the designer told Insider.
She recommended opting for high-quality, closed shelves to create a more luxurious finish.
Oversized furniture can make a room feel smaller.
Oversized furniture can be overwhelming in small spaces, according to Dara Huang, interior designer, architect, founder, and creative director of Dara Maison.
"Choose furniture that is proportionate to your room size to maintain a balanced and inviting atmosphere," she told Insider.
It's time to move on from neon colors.
Excessive neon colors are no longer desired, according to Mina Lisanin, founder and interior designer of ML Interiors.
"Neon colors can be visually fatiguing and make a space feel unbalanced," she told Insider.
The designer recommended opting for a subdued color palette with smaller pops of color.
Peel-and-stick wall decals don't add much visual appeal.
Although wall decals were once trendy, Engelke said to think twice before adding them to your home in 2024.
"They have been overused, and don't make much of a difference to the visual appeal," the designer told Insider.
Instead, she suggested hand-painted murals to create personalized decor.
Expensive throw blankets can require more maintenance than they're worth.
Although high-end throw blankets are beautiful and warm, they can require tons of upkeep, according to Engelke.
"Usually they need to be dry-cleaned, making them a not-so-great option for daily use," she told Insider.
The designer recommended buying machine-washable throw blankets for your living spaces.
Avoid generic, mass-produced artwork next year.
You can say goodbye to mass-produced artwork in 2024, according to Huang.
"Art should resonate with your emotions and experiences," she said.
Decorate with pieces that evoke personal meaning, instead.
Seasonal decor usually isn't worth the money.
It's time to stop wasting money on temporary seasonal items, according to Engelke.
"Seasonal decor items are short-lived and, often, need to be changed every year to give your space a fresh holiday look," the designer told Insider.
Consider investing in timeless pieces that can be accentuated seasonally, like throw pillows and table runners.
Bold wallpaper is being left behind.
Bold wallpaper with busy patterns can quickly go out of style and overwhelm a space, according to Lisanin.
"Choose timeless, subtle wallpaper or use paint with classic colors and textures," she told Insider.
Overdoing rattan furniture isn't the look for 2024.
Rattan furniture has seen a rise in popularity over the past few years. But in 2024, it should only be done in moderation, according to Engelke.
"Rattan has become so ubiquitous that it dampens the charm of the furniture," the designer told Insider.
The best way to use rattan is by combining it with other elements rather than making it a focal point, she added.
Overly matching colors and patterns is a fading trend.
Using the same color or pattern throughout an entire room can easily make the space feel one-dimensional, according to Lisanin.
The designer told Insider that incorporating multiple patterns and textures can create a more dynamic space.
Generic, overhead lighting is out for 2024.
Generic lighting can be uninspiring, according to Huang.
Opt for statement lighting that serves as functional art instead.
"Also adding standing lamps and table lamps often softens direct overhead light," the designer told Insider.
Expensive rugs are heavy on the pocket if they need replacing.
People can stop buying expensive rugs in 2024, according to Engelke — especially when you have kids and pets in your home.
The designer suggested opting for an easy-to-clean, synthetic rug.
"Not only are synthetic rugs affordable, but they are also easy to maintain and won't be heavy on your pocket if you need to replace them due to major damage," she added.
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