2024 PR Trends for Architecture and Design: What will the press be talking about?
As professional interior design shows and exhibitions come to a close and thoughts turn to 2024, we at Sandford feel it’s the right time to spotlight the interior design trends for next year.
We have sifted through the most memorable of debuts and installations and have noticed a few key trends emerging. From the raw appeal of biophilic design to the delicate artistry of a new type of elegance in furniture style, these latest PR trends are poised to transform the sector and dominate print publications and social media feeds for next year.
So let’s look into how brands should approach PR and marketing for the year ahead, helping you to stay ahead of the curve by creating impactful stories for both consumers and media.
Moving with the times
The design world is dynamic, with trends constantly shifting. What was popular yesterday might be irrelevant today. By staying attuned to your customer needs, you can adapt your business strategies to remain relevant. Understanding their changing preferences and evolving needs ensures that your business can keep up with the times.
How we identify the latest trends
In addition to attending key trade shows, we regularly look at search trends on Twitter (now X), social media topic trends, interviews, trend analysis and strategic foresight as well as more complex concepts around AI advancements and the emergence of new public relations technology tools that can aid in research and content creation.
We also love attending industry events, talks and exhibitions as well as exploring other mediums such as the press, webinars and newer platforms like Substack to keep on top of the latest creative inspiration that might be driving consumer interest.
Understanding the hot topics is especially important when looking at what to target media with for your product or service too. Publications are often looking for businesses that meet a particular consumer trend so if you are on or ahead of those trends, you are more likely to be front of mind with journalists looking for interesting brands to feature.
Looking ahead to next year, it will be “an exciting journey of innovation and creativity, as well as a celebration of both modernity and sustainability”.
So what are some of these trends impacting the design industry?
Biophilic Design Takes Centre Stage
As urbanisation continues to surge, the human longing for nature is driving biophilic design as one of the most influential design trends of 2024.
Biophilic Design goes beyond merely adding a plant to a room. It dives deeper into the architectural and design processes, strategically integrating natural elements into built spaces to create harmonious and health-promoting environments. Natural light, for instance, plays a significant role. Large windows, skylights, and open spaces are designed to let sunlight flood interiors, syncing indoor environments with the external natural rhythms.
The use of natural materials is another cornerstone of this trend. Woods, stones, and other raw materials aren’t just chosen for their aesthetic appeal but also for their tactile, sensory-rich experience. These materials not only ground the design in nature but also serve as a testament to sustainability. As concerns about the environment grow, the selection of ethically sourced and sustainable materials in interior design is paramount.
Moreover, the integration of indoor plants is intensified in biophilic interiors. Plants become central design elements, purifying air, and offering psychological benefits. Sustainability is intricately tied to Biophilic Design. As designers and homeowners alike become more ecologically conscious, there’s a push towards creating interiors that are not just inspired by nature, but also kind to it.
The use of organic shapes
Marble, organic shapes, and all-natural, sustainable materials are here to stay as Design Miami/Art Basel approaches and we head into 2024. Sustainability, comfort, and warmth play will play a significant role in how an interior scheme makes us feel, we, therefore, predict that organic curves are here to stay and dominate next year.
Source: Louis Vuitton
From the complex Basket side table designed by Zanellato/Bortotto for Objets Nomades by Louis Vuitton to the handwoven metallic fiber chairs by Loewe, organic shapes are being taken to a new level of simplicity and elegance in furniture design, as knotting, weaving, and braiding appeared in completely unexpected materials and formats.
Personalisation
Personalisation is also key to design in 2024. Homeowners are looking for one-of-a-kind pieces that tell their personal story - think custom furniture and handcrafted decor - and it will be in high demand.
Tying in with the theme of a more personalised and unique space, layering and building on an interior using what you may already have will be another big trend for next year. Can a rug be moved to another room to appear fresh again and change up the floor? Similarly, with artworks – could they be framed, grouped and hung on a wall for a one-of-a-kind gallery?
Tech-integrated design
In the 21st century, the seamless fusion of technology and interior design is not just a luxury but an essential component of modern living. Rapid technological advancements have indeed transformed the way we live, and this is very much reflected in design trends.
As the boundaries between our digital and physical environments blur, the interior design landscape of 2024 is set to be revolutionised by advanced technology integration.
Smart homes are becoming increasingly popular, with integrated technology seamlessly blending into the decor. Voice-controlled lighting, automated window treatments, and AI-powered home assistants will become standard features in modern homes.
Central to this transformation is also smart lighting. We saw this first hand attending Euroluce at Salone del Mobile that there was an enhanced focus on tech in lighting and this will continue to grow in 2024 too. Advanced smart lighting systems, equipped with sensors and AI, can adjust according to the natural circadian rhythms of occupants, changing intensity and hue to mirror different times of the day. Whether it’s the warm golden glow of a simulated sunset or the invigorating brightness that mimics a sunny day, lighting now responds to and even anticipates our needs.
Additionally, smart furniture is carving its niche. Consider the elegance of a dining table with built-in wireless charging or the convenience of voice-activated window blinds. These pieces exemplify how design and tech can coexist, maximizing comfort without cluttering space.
You can read more about AI in our social media trends article.
Conclusion
As we move into next year, we will continue to see a moment of change in design. The creative and tech worlds are opening up, and blending together, and we're enjoying all of the intersections that are coming with this growing sector.
Keeping on top of these PR trends is especially important for brands, designers, and professionals in the interior design industry to stay up-to-date on consumer demands. Not only do the trends above influence consumer preferences, how they impact the market and the design industry, and how they can affect the overall value and appeal of a project. Additionally, emerging trends may inspire new design ideas and techniques that can enhance the functionality, comfort, and aesthetics of a space.
