With New Year on the horizon means it’s only a matter of time before we see new interior trends sweeping social media and inspiring changes around the home.
That’s why we’ve teamed up with interiors expert, journalist and podcaster Kate Watson-Smyth (Mad About The House) to craft our predictions of the top trends expected to be big in the world of interiors in 2024.
“Offering the services that we do, our Taskers get a unique perspective on what jobs people are taking on in their homes. They work really hard to make those social media inspiration boards a reality for people all around the country, so it’s exciting to look ahead and get a glimpse of what more is in store for them next year.” Says Jack Steiner, UK Country Director at Taskrabbit.
“Looking ahead, it’s wonderful to see how users are making their spaces their own, no matter how big or small that space may be. Brits are clearly really making the most of every inch, and making their interiors work over time for style, relaxation, and fun. I’ve been quite inspired to make sure my home is prepped for a party in 2024!”
Decluttering and Downsizing
2024 is the year of transforming living spaces into even cosier havens by getting rid of unneeded items. Taskrabbit has already seen a 400% year-on-year increase in searches for ‘downsizing’, and a 121% boost in ‘furniture removal’ in the UK, showing Brits are clearing out the cobwebs and embracing simplicity.
According to our research, half (51%) of Brits are committed to starting their decluttering journey this year. There’s a clear plan to make the most of available rooms, with searches on the platform for ‘small spaces’ already up by 11%, and ‘small living rooms’ up 17%.
When it comes to inspiration for these downsizing clear outs, Brits are turning to the digital world, with a third saying they got their downsizing inspiration from Instagram, a quarter from YouTube or online articles, and 24% from TikTok.
So, roll up the sleeves, because in 2024, it’s all about maximising space, finding inspiration online, and creating the cosy, minimalistic retreat of dreams.
Levelled up living with renter friendly upgrades
With many people accepting that house purchase isn’t on the cards for them at the moment, many will be on a mission to make their rented accommodations feel like home sweet home.
Low cost and low commitment are the key in 2024, with Brits planning on installing peel and stick wallpaper (9%) and removable floor tiles (8%) in the year ahead. But it’s temporary backsplashes in kitchens that are the talk of the town, with a huge 84% year-on-year increase in searches on the platform, as people seek a unique touch that won’t cause any lasting fear of a deducted deposit.
People are also clearly dedicated to making their space their own and spending generously to do so, with 46% of Brits spending at least £480 per year on upgrading their rented accommodation. So in 2024 it’s a renter’s revolution, and Brits are proving that personalisation knows no bounds, whether you own your space or not.
Interior expert, journalist and podcaster, Kate Watson-Smyth shares her thoughts:
“These semi-permanent upgrades are not only great for renters, but also perfect for people who are on a budget or don’t want to commit to a long-term interior decision. If you are saving up for a big renovation, it can be a great way to make a space more liveable while you wait for the work to start.
There are so many good products on the market now that mean you can personalise your home without spending a fortune. I recently used vinyl wrap to cover up my ugly industrial fridge and have seen people use it on worktops and splashbacks.
Improvements in paint mean you can go over tiles and change the colour of your grout and paint plastic windows. And of course, hacking, or customising IKEA furniture is well-known and done in increasingly inventive ways.”
Hosting at Home
In 2024, home is where the heart – and the party – truly is! With purse strings a tad tighter, Brits are pioneering a home entertainment revolution that celebrates being the host with the most. As hosting at home continues to rise, Brits are transforming their spaces into party-ready havens, with over half (53%) of Brits going all out and investing between £50 and £150 for each home-hosted soiree.
To ensure their homes are hosting ready, 10% say they have plans to spruce up their dining rooms next year, and there’s been a 55% increase in searches on the platform for ‘hosting season’.
Kate Watson-Smyth says:
“During the Covid-19 lockdown, our kitchens essentially became our restaurants and that mindset of elevating our everyday dining for both guests and family has carried on. More and more of us are investing in finishing touches to make the table look pretty and create a party atmosphere – candles, coasters, glassware and napkins have all become symbols of perfect hosting and creating the wow factor.”
With those surveyed planning a calendar-bursting nine more parties at home in 2024 compared to the previous year, it’s official – our homes are the hottest party venues in town, and we’re here for it!
Next year, Brits will be focusing on transforming their daily routines into moments of pampering and self-care. No longer just about getting ready and dashing off, we’re creating areas where we can slow down and savour our space in a way Carrie Bradshaw would be proud of.
Popular glam upgrades include setting up dedicated vanity areas, with those searching for ‘vanity assembly’ already soaring 70% on the platform, and the installation of ring lights surging by 65%.
But it’s not just ring lights that will be installed; Brits will be making sure their spaces are beautifully illuminated, with 15% planning on installing new light fixtures. To bounce all this new-found light around, mirrors are getting their time to shine too, with 20% saying they will be adding mirrors to their homes.
Kate Watson-Smyth says: “Decorating our bathrooms to create peaceful havens dedicated to so-called ‘me time’ has been popular for a while as we seek to escape the pressure and stresses of daily life. But next year, this may be taken to another level.
Good lighting is one of the key ways to transform your space and make it look great. We all know candlelight is flattering to the skin and great lighting will do the same for your furniture. Use it to highlight the good bits and shadow the more utilitarian pieces. In the bathroom, side light is the most flattering so, if you can, add wall lights either side of the mirror for the best start to the day.
“The key to good lighting is layering; you need a mix of floor, table, task and wall. The first for height, the second for atmosphere, while task (or desk) lamps allow you to focus on specific jobs. Debate rages on TikTok about the big light – just make sure you choose one that looks as good switched off as it does on. Think of it as earrings to enhance an outfit.
If you have a dark room then mirrors are not just for seeing yourself as when positioned correctly, they can catch light from lamps and windows and cast it back into the room.”
In 2024, our homes are not just where we live but also where we elevate our self-care game and create a haven for a slower, more enjoyable start to our day.
Putting the ‘fun’ in functional
In 2024, fun is the name of the game in British homes, and no space is too small to be a canvas for creativity and excitement. Living spaces are becoming a place of joy, with ‘upholstery’ searches up by a staggering 109%. But it’s not just our furnishings that are being jazzed up; patterned wallpaper is going to continue to be a staple 2024, with an astonishing 200% increase in searches, and 15% of Brits saying they will be installing the trend into their own homes next year.
Kate Watson-Smyth says: “The trend for wallpaper has been gathering pace for some time now as we cast off the minimalist grey years. I see two big ideas for next year.
The first is the mural wallpaper. This is a series of panels that create a large picture rather than a repeated pattern. It doesn’t have to be in large rooms – it can work brilliantly behind a bed for example.”
The second is wallpapering the ceiling. Feature walls have a bad rap but the ceiling is actually the fifth wall and it works brilliantly when it is papered. This draws the eye up and can distract from a small room. It’s also a good way to add pattern and colour in a way that’s not overwhelming. Just make sure you choose an abstract print or flowers with no specific direction as nobody wants to see upside down birds flying across the ceiling.”
Bold colours are also lighting up our living spaces, with a 9% increase in ‘bright’ searches, and a 7% increase in searched for ‘colour’ adding a pop of fun to our décor and proving that Brits’ homes in 2024 will be joyful and merry, no matter their size.
