Whether you’re staging your home for sale or you’re getting a little bored of your current interior, you might be wondering where to start looking for new ideas.
The good news is that there are plenty of unique ways to find design inspiration other than in magazines or on Pinterest.
So if you are feeling a bit overwhelmed by the amount of great designs available online and having a hard time narrowing things down, having more specific places to look can be useful, especially if you’re designing or redesigning your home for a particular purpose.
1. Look at successful Airbnbs
Airbnbs are known for having eye-catching and unique designs. To find inspiration from an assortment of listings from different countries and cities, look for the ‘Places to stay around the world’ section on their homepage.
Dreamy Tropical Tree House in Fern Forest | Source: Airbnb.
Dreamy Tropical Tree House in Fern Forest | Source: Airbnb
It makes even more sense to look for design inspiration from successful listings. If you’re keen to rent your place on Airbnb. On top of looking at inspiration from all over the world, it’s also important to look at listings in your local area to get a grasp on which designs are doing well. It will also help you design a unique ‘home away from home’ so that you can stand out from the crowd.
2. Go to furniture and home department stores
Furniture and home department stores rely on visual merchandising to encourage customers to buy their products. This means they often spend a lot of time making sure their displays are designed well. If you’re looking for an adventure, you might even want to spend time looking in your nearby furniture stores. This would make a great weekend activity if you’re redesigning with a partner or with your family.
Source: Temple & Webster
Source: Zanui
Source: Temple & Webster
If you’d rather browse through some design inspiration from the comfort of your own home, many furniture, and home department stores will also have great websites to review for online inspiration..
3. Look at interior design and home staging sites
If you’re looking to take your home design to the next level, looking at interior design websites can help you to narrow down the style you’re going for.
On a similar note, portfolios from home stagers and home staging agencies are another great source of inspiration Home staging intends to appeal to the widest range of people, meaning that even if you aren’t looking to sell your home any time soon, you might find value from their work if you’re hoping to please a large family or group of housemates.
4. Look at recently sold listings in your area
If you are looking to redesign your home because you’re putting it on the market, a great place to look is on the recently sold sections on property listing websites. This will give you an idea of the type of lifestyle people in your area are aiming for and the types of listings that have been successful.
Source REA
Source: Domain
5. Go to open houses and model homes
Going to open homes and auctions is another option to look for interior design inspiration. Even if you aren’t in the market for a property, heading to Saturday afternoon open houses is a great way to see what the market is like. If you’re selling, you’ll also be able to scope out your competition.
Going to open houses and model homes might also be a great way to find out what potential buyers in your area really like. You might overhear some opinions or you could strike up a friendly conversation to ask a few questions. This is definitely one of the most out-there ways to find design inspiration for your home, however, it could be quite fun!
Looking for design inspiration is the first step to a new home you’ll love or a way to make your current home more loveable! So even if it feels a little overwhelming, finding new and exciting ways to figure out what you like, no matter what they are, will definitely make the process easier.
DESIGN YOUR FUTURE TODAY!
Interior Designers Institute was founded in 1984 and is one of the few Interior Design Schools in California offering an Avocational Certificate Course, Associate of Arts Degree in Interior Design, Bachelor of Arts Degree in Interior Design, and Master of Interior Architecture Degree and is nationally accredited and also accredited by CIDA, Council for Interior Design Accreditation.
Set Decorator Jessica Petruccelli SDSA shares, “You can’t have MEAN GIRLS without pink! But we didn’t want to feel tied to the way they did it in the original. We needed to create an iconic look befitting of queen bee Regina’s personality, with an aesthetic that felt more current.” Images courtesy Paramount Pictures.
Set Decorator Jessica Petruccelli SDSA
Production Designer Kelly McGehee
Paramount Pictures
From film…to Broadway musical…to musical film! Yes, this 2024 version of MEAN GIRLS adds music & musical numbers, but also fun and fabulous visual depth! Set Decorator Jessica Petruccelli SDSA gives a peak and insider info…
And Paramount Pictures gives us a synopsis:
From the comedic mind of Tina Fey comes a new twist on the modern classic, MEAN GIRLS. New student Cady Heron [Angourie Rice] is welcomed into the top of the social food chain by the elite group of popular girls “The Plastics,” ruled by the conniving queen bee Regina George [Reneé Rapp]. However, when Cady makes the major misstep of falling for Regina’s ex-boyfriend Aaron Samuels [Christopher Briney], she finds herself in Regina’s crosshairs. As Cady sets to take down the group’s apex predator with the help of her outcast friends Janis [Auli’l Cravalho] and Damian [Jaquel Spivey], she must learn how to stay true to herself while navigating the most cutthroat jungle of all: high school. –Paramount Pictures
Regina’s house. Bebe Wood as Gretchen Wieners, Reneé Rapp as queen bee Regina George, Avantika as Karen Shetty. Image courtesy Paramount Pictures.
From Set Decorator Jessica Petruccelli SDSA…
“Working on MEAN GIRLS was a fun and tight-knit experience. We filmed in a defunct high school in Middletown, New Jersey. This is also where our production offices were, and on one occasion, we found ourselves having to clear half of our set dec office on the spot to let actor Auli’l Cravalho, as Janis, run through one entrance and out another to make it back in time for their choreography down a dressed hallway! Most of the musical numbers were filmed and choreographed like music videos, which certainly kept us on our toes because there were a lot of single-take Steadicam shots with dancers abound. This meant size and shape of set dressing had to be always kept in mind.”
“This 2024 version of MEAN GIRLS not only had the challenge of taking song and dance elements from the Broadway musical, but it also considered the cult following from the original 2004 MEAN GIRLS film. The directors chose to incorporate musical numbers in a more naturalistic way to transition between these two worlds more seamlessly. From a set decoration perspective, we aimed to create real-feeling spaces that became heightened through lighting, special effects and camera techniques.”
Regina’s bedroom. Inset: Reneé Rapp as Regina George. Images courtesy Paramount Pictures.
Regina’s Bedroom…
“Production Designer Kelly McGehee, and I wanted to have a few nods to the original MEAN GIRLS when thinking about layout and color of Regina George’s bedroom. You can’t have MEAN GIRLS without pink! But we didn’t want to feel tied to the way they did it in the original. We needed to create an iconic look befitting of Regina’s personality with an aesthetic that felt more current. We looked to influencers, teen room tours on Tik Tok, and even the Kardashians when dreaming up Regina’s bedroom. We landed on a more minimal space with bold accent colors, furniture with cool unique forms and of course shiny acrylic details in honor of The Plastics. The headboard was made by one of our favorite local vendors, Corona upholstery, the fabric is a bubblegum color raw silk from Christopher Hyland.”
“The color palette is a mix of pale and medium pink…so the actors’ costumes would pop…with accents of neon pink and undertones of iridescent plastic: teal, lavender and a golden or fluorescent yellow. We prioritized hard edges and defined silhouettes in furniture and lighting choices. When using upholstery, we created strong shapes using fabric with a sheen, so the outlines would look glossy, like plastic. Nothing mushy and blended in Regina’s world. We used some unique lighting from Entler Studios, since we felt Regina would have some elevated items you wouldn’t see in every teen’s room.”
“In truth, I wish we saw a bit more of this room, our shopper/buyer Ashley Bradshaw did such a great job helping fill out this maximalist teen girl room with many cute, fun bubbly things for Karen. A few little nods to specific stuffed animals in the original Karen’s room, but certainly more filled to the brim than the original.”
“This setting was the brainchild of our designer Kelly McGehee. She and Art Director Grant Guilliams created concept art transforming a regular school hallway to a DIY explosion of color, rainbows, and flowers.”
“Kelly wanted the space filled with flowers of various sizes. We were able to source some 6-foot-tall paper flowers from a maker in Ukraine. We also created a mélange of bright fake flowers to line the lockers which our set dressing crew assembled over 100 feet of like pros, and we reached out to florist Flowerculttt to create some dreamy arrangements Kelly wanted spilling out of lockers.”
“This space was very narrow as it is, and the dance sequence moved through the entire space, so we had overhead plans that dictated where the hanging clouds needed to go to not get in the way of high lifts for the dancers!”
Cady’s Bedroom…
“Cady’s room had to speak for itself to show Aaron a glimpse of who she was before coming to North Shore High and becoming popular.”
“We used a mix of colors and textiles as well as little collections from nature and some of her drawings from being out in the field with her mom to show softness and textures in contrast with The Plastics.”
Cady’s Home…
“We wanted Cady’s home to feel like a layered and nurturing environment with an eclectic assortment of furnishings, a space Ms. Heron would have curated for her and Cady in their new home.”
Cady’s house. Image courtesy Paramount Pictures.
Cady’s house, her mother’s office. Image courtesy Paramount Pictures.
“We worked with an African antiques collector who had pieces specific to Kenya that we added to Ms. Heron’s office space. A few things she would keep from her years working in Kenya. We were also able to reach out to a few Kenyan artists for paintings we used in their dining room.”
Kenyan Tent…
“This set was quite a project, but who doesn’t love a challenge! Directors Art and Sam had a very specific way in which they wanted to create a single Steadicam shot that took viewers through Janis’s garage out into the plains of Kenya, through the tent where Cady and her mom live and out the back ending at the front of North Shore High!”
Kenyan tent. Cady and her mother lived there for an extended period. [Note the stuffed leopard on her bed. He appears in one of her bedroom photos above – sweet set detail.] Images courtesy Paramount Pictures.
“We contracted with a tent manufacturer to create one to our specifications for filming, including skylights for our DP and lighting team. Our Leadman, Craig Capitelli, had to even do some additional augmentation to the framework to allow for the height of the camera rig to move through this tight space.”
Janis’s Garage…
“This is Janis and Damian’s hang out, and was so fun to create. It was in large part undertaken by Assistant Set Decorator Charlene Wang de Chen SDSA. She reached out to local artists and students to create much of the artwork seen on the walls of the garage.”
Janis’s garage, an artistic haven. Image courtesy Paramount Pictures.
“Janis is an artist and beholden to no one else. This space is filled to the brim with materials for creating her art, found objects and funky furniture. It’s really meant to evoke a teen’s sacred space where they can essentially collage every wall with photos, drawings and inside jokes.”
“Janis’s Garage is also a bookend to the whole movie as we see Janis and Damian start and end our story here. This meant the construction team had to build a mobile version of the set that we took out to the location where we filmed our Kenya exterior as well as to the North Shore Spring Fling Gymnasium! So, we dressed this set several times and in several locations, it was a true collaboration!”
Interior Designers Institute was founded in 1984 and is one of the few Interior Design Schools in California offering an Avocational Certificate Course, Associate of Arts Degree in Interior Design, Bachelor of Arts Degree in Interior Design, and Master of Interior Architecture Degree and is nationally accredited and also accredited by CIDA, Council for Interior Design Accreditation.
In an age where environmental consciousness meets artistic expression, the world of upcycling and eco-art is emerging as a powerful force for positive change. Join me as we explore the fascinating intersection of creativity and sustainability in “Upcycling and Eco-Art: Turning Recyclables into Artistic Masterpieces.”
The Art of Transformation
Upcycling is more than a creative endeavor—it’s a revolutionary way of reimagining discarded materials. Artists and makers breathe new life into items that were destined for landfills, infusing them with imagination, purpose, and renewed beauty. These artistic transformations not only captivate our senses but also challenge us to rethink our relationship with waste.
Eco-Art: Beyond Aesthetics
Eco-art takes creativity a step further by weaving in environmental narratives. Each piece carries a message about our impact on the planet, sparking conversations about conservation, climate change, and our collective responsibility. Through eco-art, artists channel their creativity to draw attention to urgent issues, inviting viewers to reflect and take action.
The Role of Upcycling in Eco-Art
At the heart of eco-art lies the practice of upcycling. By embracing upcycling techniques, artists can merge their artistic visions with sustainable values. This process not only transforms waste into artistic masterpieces but also serves as a medium to amplify environmental awareness, resonating with audiences on a profound level.
From Trash to Treasure: Examples of Upcycled Art
Imagine discarded bicycle parts reborn as captivating sculptures, bottle caps transformed into intricate jewellery, or reclaimed wood fashioned into functional furniture. These examples of up cycled art highlight the boundless potential of creativity when intertwined with sustainability. They inspire us to see value where others might only see waste.
Engaging Communities Through Collaborative Projects
Beyond individual works, collaborative eco-art installations have the power to engage entire communities. By bringing people together to create large-scale art from recycled materials, these projects foster unity, creativity, and a shared commitment to sustainability. They serve as tangible reminders that our actions—both small and large—can shape a better future.
Embrace Upcycling and Support Eco-Art Initiatives
As individuals, we can embrace upcycling by exploring DIY projects that turn everyday items into artistic treasures. Supporting eco-art initiatives and local artists not only encourages creative expression but also fuels the momentum for environmental advocacy. By sharing the stories of up cycled art and its impact, we can inspire others to adopt sustainable practices and artistic ingenuity.
Closing Thoughts
“Upcycling and Eco-Art: Turning Recyclables into Artistic Masterpieces” is a journey that invites us to see the potential in what others might discard. It’s a celebration of creativity that reverberates with a profound commitment to our planet. Let’s continue to champion the fusion of creativity and sustainability, transforming our world, one masterpiece at a time.
by Kamalakar Dasari https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/upcycling-eco-art-fusing-creativity-sustainability-kamalakar-dasari/
Stunning 3D-Printing Coral-Inspired Façade at Tiffany & Co. using recycled material to create a sustainable masterpiece.
A 3D-Printed façade Inspired by Coral for Tiffany & Co. Using recycled ocean plastic, including fish nets. Drawing inspiration from Singapore’s coral reefs and local environment, designers emulate organic, cell-like patterns on the store’s frontage. This innovative screen site before a gradient-tinted glass, transitioning from Tiffany’s iconic blue to a deep ocean blue, reflecting Singapore’s coastal beauty.
Images from Singapore’s Changi Airport: Designed by @mvrdv and crafted by @aectual
DESIGN YOUR FUTURE TODAY!
Interior Designers Institute was founded in 1984 and is one of the few Interior Design Schools in California offering an Avocational Certificate Course, Associate of Arts Degree in Interior Design, Bachelor of Arts Degree in Interior Design, and Master of Interior Architecture Degree and is nationally accredited and also accredited by CIDA, Council for Interior Design Accreditation.
If the all-white kitchen you loved in 2012—or the Tuscan-inspired one you dreamed of in 2002—is making you want to tear out your cabinets, you’re not alone: Roughly 42 percent of people decided to renovate their kitchens in 2023, simply because they couldn’t stand their outdated style. It was the top reason cited for a remodel, according to Houzz’s 2023 U.S. Kitchen Trends Study, which polled 2,380 people on their renos—and design decisions. So, what trends have prevailed? And which looks are designers starting to see everywhere? Expect to see some big changes in color and texture, islands and appliances.
According to a 2024 report by The National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA), more than 600 industry experts agreed that clients are prioritizing “sociable, welcoming kitchens that encourage healthy habits with simple clean designs that connect to the outdoors.” To that end, you can expect to see some of big changes in color—green is predicted to be the most popular color choice for cabinets, walls and backsplashes—and nearly 60 percent of respondents said a dedicated beverage area within the kitchen will be in demand. So below, we did a deep dive to uncover the top kitchen trends of 2024, and (spoiler!) this year marks the return of minimalist lines and maximalist colors.
While we saw wooden cabinets—particularly white oak and walnut styles—take over in 2023, the look is being elevated this year with another exploding trend: fluted details. (ICYMI, flutes are those ribbed, textured lines that create an accordion-like effect through rows of vertically placed grooves—and we’re seeing them take over cabinets, backsplashes and islands in natural wood finishes.) Nearly one-fourth of designers agreed that fluted finishes would be big in the coming year, particularly with an emphasis on natural, high-texture wood. “As designs lean toward bringing the outside in, textures will also mimic nature, with more reeded styles for cabinetry,” the report mentions. “We’ve seen a very noticeable transition from white kitchens to white oak cabinetry. Pale white oak is the most popular, but darker tones are starting to crop up, and walnut has always been popular,” designer Sarah Robertson of Studio Dearborn says. “We are working to convince our clients to avoid white oak, which is a less sustainable option than other woods such as birch and alder, which are faster-growing trees.” Designer Jeanne Chung of Cozy·Stylish·Chic also speaks to this, adding: “Natural wood is a must in the kitchen to give warmth. Our clientele no longer wants a sterile kitchen—they want a kitchen with life that also feels lived in. White oak and walnut have been at the top of the list in terms of trending wood species, and we’re also starting to use alder, as it stains nicely, has a nice grain pattern, and it does well in both modern and traditional settings. It has a neutral tone and doesn’t feel as heavy and dated like some of the other wood species out there.”
The most surprising trend to emerge from the report? Nearly 60 percent of respondents said a dedicated beverage area within the kitchen will be in demand. More specifically, 53 percent said clients are looking to incorporate a coffee center into the kitchen while 56 percent mentioned dedicated working areas for small appliances. “Beverage centers now include coffee/tea service, water dispensers, under-counter refrigeration and frozen goods storage for smoothies, shakes, and acai bowls, which have become a big part of what people commonly consume,” Elizabeth Valentina, CEO of Nar Design Group explains. Chung also mentions: “Our clients usually ask for a countertop espresso machine [if they don’t have the resources for] a built-in wall coffee unit [or] under-counter beverage unit. If there is room, there may be an additional column or glass front refrigerator to the side of the countertop area to store wine and additional beverages. The beverage/breakfast center is usually positioned away from the main prep area and in closer proximity to the breakfast table or seating area. Clients have asked to have a drawer or bin of grab-and-go snacks nearby, too.”
The island is the heart of the kitchen—and it makes sense that a whopping 78 percent of designers said this would be their number one priority in terms of build for 2024. “I have seen interesting developments in island design trending away from ‘all in a row’ island seating and towards ‘wrap-around’ seating, which has always been a favorite layout of mine,” says Robertson. In fact, about half of designers surveyed said clients are opening their floor plans to feature eat-in kitchens with a maximized island rather than closed-off, formal dining rooms. While 57 percent of respondents prefer an eat-in kitchen, about 20 percent identified the use of traditional stand-alone kitchen tables as an outgoing trend—making room for a multifunction island. “The island is a focal point and an opportunity to create a work of art by using a unique piece of stone, contrasting colors, or materials. It’s also equally important to think about designing the island to be multi-functional. I see it evolving into different shapes with the use of unique and textural cabinetry, like a fine furniture piece for your kitchen,” designer Julee Ireland adds.
It may or may not come as a shock that, when asked about color trends for the kitchen, designers across the board cited green as their top answer. According to Ireland, “The color green is still going strong in design in general, from walls to cabinets to tile. I have traveled to Spain, Portugal, and Italy to the design and tile shows this year, and it’s shown in every collection as part of the color palette, which tells me it’s here to stay for a while. I personally love green in all shades for its ability to connect you with nature—from the deep saturated tones found in the rainforest to the soft, muted shades of green found by the sea. It’s a bolder choice, and you really have to have a client who is not afraid of color to make it work.” To that end, Vicky Serany, co-founder of Southern Studio adds: “The earthy comfort of green has been embraced by our clients recently. We have blended green cabinetry with natural wood and even creamy whites. For those clients who are a bit cautious of committing to green cabinetry, we’ve used a rich green backsplash with neutral painted cabinets with beautiful results.”
We’ve heard time and time again that layered interiors—or using multiple textures instead of single statement patterns—is the way to go. This school of thought seems to be making its way into lighting, where 85 percent of designers agreed ambient lighting in kitchens should be widely used to create different moods. What’s more, 80 percent said kitchens have become spaces for showcasing decorative, statement lighting: “The kitchen is the best room in the house to show multiple layers of lighting,” Chung explains. “We incorporate task lighting above work areas such as the island and sink area. Then we also add LED strip lighting to supplement the countertops around the perimeter of the room. Toe kick lighting, under-counter and in-cabinet lighting set the mood with warm, dimmable, ambient lighting. We love a tunable white where we can specify the color temperature. We strategically place smaller, targeted wall washers to illuminate the cabinetry, appliances, or even the art on the wall. The last layer is the accent lighting, which may include a picture light, decorative sconces, or even the light on the range knobs—the cool white light adds just a nice accent to call attention to the workhorse in the room.” Valentina also adds, “By turning off all the utilitarian aspects of overhead lighting, leaving just a gentle glow from chandeliers, toe kicks, art lights, or floating shelf lighting, we create the desired ambiance for the multitude of circumstances associated with modern living.”
We hate to be the bearer of bad news but emissions from gas stove tops have been connected to an increased risk for childhood asthma—among other health concerns—per a pediatrician we consulted. Hence why it makes sense that 63 percent of designers said induction cooktops would be replacing gas ranges when asked which cooking appliances will be popular in kitchens over the next three years. This presumably has something to do with the fact that gas stovetops are being banned by multiple states for new construction builds. In 2019, Berkeley became the first CA city to ban natural gas hookups in new buildings. Since then, other hotspots, including the *entire state* of New York have followed suit, banning natural gas and fossil fuels in most new buildings. And of course, this also has to do with the impact fossil fuel emissions have on a warming planet (see below for more sustainable trends).
While 71 percent of designers said backsplashes are becoming statement pieces—mainly through bold colors and unique patterns—61 percent cited ceramic/porcelain tile as the material of choice for 2024. Georgie Smith and Hilary Gibbs, co-founders of tile company LIVDEN, are seeing this uptick in bold, vibrant backsplash tile, particularly designs that feature organic shapes, like their Honeysuckle and Pebbles styles. For a budget-friendly update, the duo recommends using this type of tile on a smaller scale, having it extend just behind the range, rather than wrapping your whole kitchen walls in it. “This creates an impactful focal point,” they explained.
The kitchen isn’t just the heart of the home; it’s the hub. And as such, your phone should never run out of juice mid-recipe. While 90 percent (!!) of designers said homeowners want cabinets with better storage like drawer dividers and partitions that can be configured to their needs, they also mentioned the need for more drawers, charging stations and hidden electrical outlets. “Storage is more important than ever with so many customized options. The priorities typically include large, deep drawers, pantry cabinets, spice storage, trash and recycling centers, and open shelving,” Serany explains. Chung adds: “When customizing storage, we really take into consideration everything that the client owns—small appliances, the size of their pots and pans, how many spices they have and where they want them stored in relation to where they are cooking. Everything must have a home, and we customize the size/shape of each door and drawer and the hardware and inserts that go within to make sure we achieve that.”
Another unanticipated trend to emerge from the report? 65 percent of designers said ‘ultra-quiet’ appliances will be all the rage this year. “When specifying a dishwasher, ultra-quiet is important, as the open-concept kitchen is usually near the family room, where the sound may fight with the TV. Multi-function capabilities, especially when in conjunction with specialty kitchen appliances, are a plus,” Chung explains. And in terms of aesthetics, people are still loving the integrated cabinetry look with 70 percent of respondents saying clients want appliances that can be paneled to match the surrounding cabinet faces. “Designers want the kitchen to flow and not feel so utilitarian,” says Kim Armstrong of Kim Armstrong Interior Design. As a result, “many items are getting integrated into the cabinetry, and cabinets are feeling less standardized, and not as ‘off the shelf’ as before.” Essentially, integrated cabinetry covers up appliances, giving everything a more streamlined, uniform look.
Sustainability is a trend that’s not going anywhere any time soon, which makes sense: If you’re spending all that money upgrading your kitchen, you might as well use materials that help lower your bills (and help the environment) in the long-term, right? While storage for recycling and energy efficient products were of the utmost importance when it came to the NKBA report, people also want sustainable features—like energy-efficient appliances and windows, more water-efficient fixtures and LED bulbs—in their homes (92 percent of those surveyed in Houzz’s 2023 report used ‘em, in fact). Ireland says, “There is always the consideration of energy efficiency and the carbon footprint. For some of my clients, these elements matter and for others, they just want what they want. At the end of the day, it’s our job as designers to really understand our client’s lifestyle and desires so we can help navigate them towards decisions that achieve their dream home.”
Interior Designers Institute was founded in 1984 and is one of the few Interior Design Schools in California offering an Avocational Certificate Course, Associate of Arts Degree in Interior Design, Bachelor of Arts Degree in Interior Design, and Master of Interior Architecture Degree and is nationally accredited and also accredited by CIDA, Council for Interior Design Accreditation.
New year, new trends. While we often have interior design trends on the brain when January rolls around, what about the exterior of our homes? After all, everyone from the dog walker to the mailperson sees it (unlike that bathroom refresh you just completed), so why not give the outside of your home just as much personality as what’s inside? With that in mind, we spoke with Dzinly co-founder Jackie Mosher about the top exterior design trends in 2024, plus tips on how to go about the renovations.
“My biggest advice is do your due diligence; be realistic about your expectations and what you like or what you really don’t like,” Mosher tells us. “Put together your inspirational images and really, really think about it. Sometimes people just need a little change. Try painting your trim or just changing your shutters or your front door color. See if that scratches the itch.”
MEET THE EXPERT Jackie Mosher, co-founder of Dzinly, an exterior design and architecture company that provides online services and design renderings within days.
IMAGE SOURCE/GETTY IMAGES
1. Dark & Earth-Toned Paints Create Friendly, Inviting Spaces
In 2020, there was a boom in demand for home offices as many people began working from home. Although there has been a gradual return to the workplace, Mosher highlights the continued desire for homes to act as warm, inviting, safe spaces that shield us from a tumultuous world. In 2023, she shared that dark and earth tones are in, as well as warm whites, and that rings true into 2024 as well. These tones are ideal for those who want to change up their exterior without straying too much from a classic look.
“White is obviously timeless and a safe choice, but the creamy, warmer whites are being selected more recently versus the icy shade,” Mosher shares. Other hues to consider? Blues. Mosher reports that all her suppliers have picked some shade of blue as their color for 2024. “Grays with the blue undertones, deeper colors,” she notes. “The range is just wild. They’re blue-green, bright, almost tropical. It really does go from one extreme to another.”
The past five years have seen an ode to high-contrast looks—picture white houses with black trim and the like—but now the scale is tipping in a monochrome direction. This is all, Mosher says, in a bid for originality.
“We hear people say ‘I don’t want to look like the neighbors. I don’t want to look like every house on the block,’” she tells us.
Since high-contrast paint combinations are so bold, they really stand out. And the more ubiquitous they’ve become, the more they start to feel…cookie cutter. As a result, the pendulum is swinging in the other direction. Monochrome, according to Mosher, is an easy way to achieve a chic and sophisticated design without feeling aggressive. Last year, the HGTV dream house was monochromatic, and she expects that the trend will continue in 2024.
Expect to see the monochrome look really shine when it comes to people’s entryways: “I feel like in the past year or two, people were really excited about a massive pop in the color [of the front door],” Mosher says. “Now, I feel like they want it flowing with the same color as the trim.”
IVAN HUNTER/GETTY IMAGES
3. Wood, Metal, Stone, Oh My: Mix Up Those Textures
No one said your home exterior had to be all brick, all stone or all wood. Mixing up materials lends visual interest, especially when you incorporate something as an accent piece. For example, Mosher has noticed that stained wood has become a popular choice, finding its way into header beams on a porch, windowsill details, pediments, gables and wood plank siding, just to name a few.
“[Other] great options for the textured materials [are] stone, siding and board and batten. Metal roofs and metal awnings (the cheaper version of the metal roofs) are becoming super popular as well,” she adds.
When it comes to using these materials in your home exterior, Mosher recommends using gables or bump-outs, which will create a different design plane. A more budget-friendly option is to use the same cladding material (whether that’s stone, wood or brick, etc.) across the exterior but to change the color to one in the same complementary family.
“You can pull the darkest or the lightest [color] from the stone or brick, and you would use that color for the gable or the bump out,” she explains. Of all these details, Mosher says that wood accents are the most popular. That includes eave brackets, window accent brackets, porch headers.
ROGER BROOKS/GETTY IMAGES
4. Trimless, Geometric Windows Are on the Rise
Paint, roofing, siding…and yet there are still more ways to customize your home exterior, namely by getting creative with your doors and windows. Mosher tells us that many are opting for no trim on their windows, which yields an incredibly clean look. And, yes, this is even happening on “traditional” homes like Colonials.
“People are throwing in larger-sized windows where typically they were built much smaller,” she says. “[This creates a] larger, sleeker, cleaner look.” Additionally, geometric shapes are all the rage: From ovals and octagons to the sought-after half-moon, homeowners are saying goodbye to the square and rectangle.
As always, any sort of work you do on your home can be a big decision, and as Mosher advises, it’s best not to rush into things. Don’t be afraid to make inspiration boards, grab all the paint swatches, and go out to see the materials for yourself.
IRINA88W/GETTY IMAGES
5. Bigger Is Better
Pinterest predicts that 2024 will be the year to “make it big.” While the trend focused on beauty and jewelry, it extends to home design, too. In addition to ginormous windows, Mosher says that even the details are getting bigger, as shown above in the gable and corbels. “People want almost oversized wood headers, corbels and eave brackets. The lighting, [which is often seen as the jewelry of the home], is also something that is very trendy to see oversized.”
EKATERINA DEMIDOVA/GETTY IMAGES
6. Outdoor Living Spaces
Outdoor living spaces remain a stronghold, even post-pandemic. “[Even people with much smaller homes want] patios, outdoor fireplaces, ovens and entertainment areas,” Mosher says. “[They want] delegated areas for this. [They’re asking], ‘How can we make this fit? How can we do this on a budget?’ It’s important to them; it’s in the criteria [of their home design].”
JUSTIN SULLIVAN/GETTY IMAGES
7. Smart Home Technology
Sure, you use your Roomba and Alexa basically runs your house. But people are also turning to smart home technology for the outdoors. “I think that’s another one where people are definitely getting used to this is the new normal,” Mosher says. That includes lighting, doorbells, security, sprinklers and even locks.
I’ve covered the lifestyle space for the last three years after majoring in journalism (and minoring in French) at Boston University. Talk to me about all things sustainable &…
Interior Designers Institute was founded in 1984 and is one of the few Interior Design Schools in California offering an Avocational Certificate Course, Associate of Arts Degree in Interior Design, Bachelor of Arts Degree in Interior Design, and Master of Interior Architecture Degree and is nationally accredited and also accredited by CIDA, Council for Interior Design Accreditation.
As the current Student Council President, I am enthusiastic to have the privilege of advocating for the student body.
My top priority is cultivating a supportive school environment that prepares students for the real world through educational events focused on professional development. When not at school, I work as a Junior Designer at a small Interior Design firm in Brea. Our work involves small projects to complete new builds and operate a wallpaper store outside our office. It’s fun to see what I learn in class reflected in my work at the office the next day! Outside of interior design, my hobbies include coffee addiction, cooking, Warriors basketball, and planning a trip to Europe and Asia after graduation.
Vice President, Duc Nguyen.
Before beginning his interior design studies at IDI, Duc set his sights on entrepreneurial ventures, hoping to start his own business after earning a Bachelor’s in Business from CSUF in 2014. Upon enrolling at IDI, he recognized the need for a more vibrant student community and joined the student council. His goal was to assist in organizing events that would build a tighter-knit community and inclusivity among all students, regardless of their background or gender.
With an innate desire to make a difference, Duc’s professional career started when he enlisted in the U.S. Army in 2015. He served as a 68W Combat Medic at Fort Bliss in El Paso, TX, along with an overseas deployment to Kuwait and Syria in 2017.
Following a 4-year active duty career, he swapped his Army patrol cap for a Chef’s toque, graduating with honors from ICE Culinary School in Los Angeles in 2021. Duc wrapped up his culinary externship at ICE, working at David Chang’s restaurant Majordōmo in LA, before moving on to the next chapter in his career.
Now, Duc is fully dedicated to his career in commercial interior design, gaining valuable skills as he works towards his dream of establishing his design firm. Outside of school you can find him chillin’ with his dog, trying out new food spots, or at the movies!
Secretary, Ashley Coffey.
Ashley is an award-winning home stager and interior designer who formerly worked as an entertainment publicist before pursuing her second degree in interior architecture at Interior Designers Institute. This year, she was recognized as one of the top 100 most influential stagers by the Real Estate Staging Association (RESA). She also was named Student of the Year by the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) Orange County chapter. Her professional affiliations include RESA, ASID, IIDA (International Interior Design Association), and USGBC (United States Green Building Council). As the current Student Rep to the Board for ASID OC, she aims to connect interior design students in Orange County with each other and with design professionals. She hopes that in her role as secretary on the student council at Interior Designers Institute, she can help foster a stronger sense of community. Ashley is looking forward to helping the students however she can. She would love to see more on- and off-campus events occur during her term.
Treasurer, Bill Quinnan.
After years of balancing his responsibilities as a stay-at-home father of four with his career in freelance writing, Bill decided to explore interior design in 2021, entering IDI’s certificate program that fall. Bill is nearing completion of his associate’s degree in interior design and hopes to continue his bachelor’s degree at IDI. He also holds a bachelor’s degree in Communication from the University of California, San Diego.
As treasurer, Bill’s goal is to keep the financial situation of IDI’s student council current, accurate, and transparent.
Career wise, he is particularly interested in the commercial sector but is open to all possibilities that will utilize his skills and experience, as well as draw on his passions.
Community Outreach Director, Breegan Cummings.
As a dedicated student council member, Breegan’s biggest goal is to support her fellow students and encourage every student’s big or small dreams.
Her entrepreneurial spirit and love for residential design were nurtured from a young age. She has spent years designing, painting, and building various art pieces, turning her passions into tangible creations. She has recently started a business selling the art she creates, further refining her entrepreneurial skills and adding to her diverse portfolio.
These experiences have shaped her desire to open a high-end residential design firm and design furniture for large-scale production after graduation.
Breegan uses her leadership skills and creativity to advocate for her fellow students and prioritize our emerging designers to build their resumes creatively. She will make a lasting impact on the interior design industry in Southern California. She spends her free time working in furniture sales, building furniture, playing the violin, sewing, reading, and painting.
DESIGN YOUR FUTURE TODAY!
Interior Designers Institute was founded in 1984 and is one of the few Interior Design Schools in California offering an Avocational Certificate Course, Associate of Arts Degree in Interior Design, Bachelor of Arts Degree in Interior Design, and Master of Interior Architecture Degree and is nationally accredited and also accredited by CIDA, Council for Interior Design Accreditation.
Dubai-based Studio N has created a lighting scheme to emphasise the natural materials used in the Sensasia Stories Spa designed by interiors studio Roar in the Kempinski Hotel Mall in the UAE.
As the spa has no natural light, Studio N focussed on highlighting the variety of materials used in the space, which includes grey slate, stone, wood and hessian wallpaper.
“We were very conscious of how we illuminated each of the different surfaces and how light could help emphasise the natural characteristics of materials”, the studio told Dezeen.
The central space features illuminated arches
Overall the studio aimed to meet spa lighting guidelines while maintaining a calm and peaceful atmosphere in the space.
As the Sensasia Stories Spa is located in a busy mall, the lighting designers wanted the entrance space and reception area to act as a calm area of transition from retail to spa environment.
Concealed low-power and high-lumen LED lights were used to create a soothing environment, with under-counter lighting used for soft, ambient light in the the reception.
The central space features illuminated arches
The 270-square-metre spa contains eight treatment rooms, along with an ice fountain, herb saunas, steam rooms, and pool, that are arranged around a central courtyard.
In this central space interiors studio Roar and Studio N created a large arched structure that contains illuminated arches. “We used linear grazers to pick out the texture of stone walls,” said Studio N.
Concealed low-power lights are used in treatment rooms
Strip lights were integrated into the pool’s stairs and, in other areas, smaller lights and decorative light fixtures were used to create illuminated accent walls.
A recessed gobo projector was used to replicate the movement of water, which the studio said was “a subtle reference to the natural world”.
The studio used recessed wide-beam pinhole downlights to provide general lighting to the space in a minimal style.
The lighting of each area of the spa can be controlled via a DALI lighting control system which allows lighting to be changed between lighting scenes. Treatment rooms can be changed between ‘mood lighting’, ‘treatment’ and ‘cleaning scenes’.
Interior Designers Institute was founded in 1984 and is one of the few Interior Design Schools in California offering an Avocational Certificate Course, Associate of Arts Degree in Interior Design, Bachelor of Arts Degree in Interior Design, and Master of Interior Architecture Degree and is nationally accredited and also accredited by CIDA, Council for Interior Design Accreditation.
The Broad presents the first-ever museum exhibition in Los Angeles of Keith Haring’s expansive body of work and features over 120 artworks and archival materials. Known for his use of vibrant color, energetic linework and iconic characters like the barking dog and the radiant baby, Haring’s work continues to dissolve barriers between art and life and spread joy, all while being rooted in the creative spirit and mission of his subway drawings and renowned public murals: art is for everybody. Curated by Broad curator and exhibition manager Sarah Loyer, the exhibition explores both Haring’s artistic practice and life, with much of the source material for the exhibition coming from his personal journals.
Divided into ten galleries in total, the expansive exhibition features the breadth of mediums Haring worked within, including video, sculpture, drawing, painting, and graphic works, as well as representations from the artist’s enormous output of public projects, from the subway drawings to his public murals. Works presented span from the late-1970s when he was a student at the School of Visual Arts in New York up until 1988, just two years before the artist died from AIDS-related illness at the age of 31. Haring’s participation in nuclear disarmament and anti-Apartheid movements are featured prominently in the show, as well as works that take on complex issues that remain crucial today from environmentalism, capitalism, and the proliferation of new technologies to religion, sexuality, and race. In the last gallery, significant works from the late 1980s are accompanied by framed posters illustrating the artist’s activism within the HIV/AIDS crisis.
Major works held in The Broad collection such as Untitled, 1984 and Red Room, 1988 are on view in addition to key loans from many institutional and private collections, including art, ephemera and documentation provided by the Keith Haring Foundation in New York, established by the artist in 1989. The show features immersive elements, such as a gallery lit by blacklight soundtracked by playlists created by the artist himself. Additionally, the Shop at The Broad has been transformed, taking inspiration from Haring’s artistic retail space The Pop Shop, which first opened in 1986 in the SoHo neighborhood of New York.
The BROAD team’s must-see Haring picks ? ? ?
We asked Visitor Experience team members to share their favorite works in Keith Haring: Art Is for Everybody. Through the coming days we will be sharing their selections.
“My favorite Keith Haring piece is Tree of Life. The tree seems to be trembling from the positive power it holds. It’s an inspiring take on life, on friendship, and on hope. I also love the secret message on the back of the piece dedicating it to his friend Maria. It feels so special and relatable to all of us who have lost someone we love.”
—Kei Riggins, Visitor Experience Team Member There’s still time to see this work—and find your own fave—through October 8!
Interior Designers Institute was founded in 1984 and is one of the few Interior Design Schools in California offering an Avocational Certificate Course, Associate of Arts Degree in Interior Design, Bachelor of Arts Degree in Interior Design, and Master of Interior Architecture Degree and is nationally accredited and also accredited by CIDA, Council for Interior Design Accreditation.
If you have a quote poster hanging in your room, be warned, its days are numbered. We asked, and you answered: what interior design trends are on their way out in 2024? The results are in! From boucle everything, to subway tiles, modern farmhouses, and oversized kitchen islands, these are the 20 trends we’re kicking to the curb in 2024.
All-White (Boring) Kitchens
All-white kitchens are a thing of the past and it’s time to celebrate a creative kitchen with more texture and colour. If you’ve been following kitchen trends during 2023, you’ve noticed less white colour schemes and more depth in hues, textures, and materials. While we’re on the topic of introducing colour to your kitchen, the Pantone colour of the year for 2024 is apricot crush which pairs perfectly with neutrals and represents nourishment for the mind, body, and soul. We can’t imagine a better room for this colour.
Open Concept is Closed for Business
With families spending more time at home since the pandemic, the desire for separate rooms has grown. People are craving their personal space and open-concept layouts don’t allow for that type of privacy. Also, who wants to see a messy kitchen when you’re unwinding in your living room? Out of sight and out of mind is an interior trend we can get behind.
The Brass is Always Greener
Trends are cyclical and knowing what to invest in and what to avoid for your home can be confusing, especially when there’s a budget to stick to. Popular opinion would say brass fixtures are too reminiscent of the ’70s and ’80s but design experts are saying not so fast. Brass fixtures are coming back in evolved shapes and sizes that look nothing like their ancestors. We think your instincts are always in style, so never underestimate your taste and what suits your space and lifestyle.
Reduce, Reuse, and Restore
In with the new and out with the old is on its own way out. With inflation and sustainability top of mind for people, it seems wasteful to tear something out just because it’s older. What’s on trend is finding beauty in something no matter what the trend forecasters are saying.
This Train is Going, Going, Gone
Experts are predicting kitchens will continue to be designed around a statement backsplash, but subway tiles are leaving the station. While the classic subway tile emotes a clean look, keep your eyes peeled for unique stonework that makes the most social room in the house that much more appealing in 2024.
Gray Days are Numbered
Gray tones have dominated interiors for the past decade. What was once a sophisticated and elegant color scheme now feels drab, lifeless, and draining. Since we’ve all been spending more time at home, warm neutrals are heating up interiors such as beige, rust, and amber. If you’re not ready to say good day to gray, consider textured gray accents as a compromise.
Open Shelving Equals Open Book
If you can’t stand the look of clutter, you probably can’t wait to see this trend fade away. Open shelving has been a huge kitchen design trend and you have Pinterest to thank for that. Although open shelving is a way to showcase personality, it’s also a way to attract dust and showcase your messy side if you’re not careful.
Shiplap Has Sailed
Classic shiplap became stylish during the farmhouse craze (more on that later) and popular opinion is saying it’s more shabby than chic. Experts caution ruling it out entirely as there are contemporary and fresh ways to apply this look especially if it serves a purpose in your home or adds a layer of interest in a monochromatic colour scheme.
Lofts Have Left the Building
Lofts sound cool in theory, but when you’re in one and can’t find a private spot for some peace and quiet, you’ll wish you never heard they existed. Similar to open concept layouts, lofts lack privacy and can be loud and echoe-y. While they are the epitome of cool and sophisticated city life, they have many drawbacks when it comes to functionality. Yes, the tall ceilings and sunlight photograph well, but lofts often lack storage space and with those tall ceilings, heating a large space can be challenging and expensive.
You Can Quote Us
Inspirational quotes can always have a place in your heart but leave your home out of it. Quotes as framed art had a huge following over the last decade, but it has overstayed its welcome and should have left the party with the shabby chic trends of the past.
Don’t Go Chasing Waterfall Counters
With the trend of sustainability on the rise, people don’t see the need for waterfall counters and are opting for leaving the sides of their cabinetry exposed. This is a wise choice if you’re designing on a budget or want to showcase millwork. On the flipside, waterfall counters can serve a functional purpose if the cabinetry is exposed to water on a regular basis, think bathroom vanities close to a bathtub.
Exposé on Brick
Showcasing exposed brick as an element of design can add texture to a room or outdoor space that may otherwise lack character and charm. We’re seeing less paint applied to brick and more celebrating its rich texture.
Painting Over Wood
While we’re on the topic of celebrating materials in all their natural glory, painting over wood should also be avoided at all costs. People are opting for less artificial looks and a more natural aesthetic. Building off of house and home 2023 trends, cultivating natural materials in the home is one way to connect to the outdoors and has relaxing benefits on our nervous systems. If you work from home and find it hard to wind down, consider drawing on nature as inspiration for decorating your home.
Cooling Off the White Hot Trend
As with all-white kitchens, all-white everything in home interiors can take the exit ramp off the style pages. Not only does it lack personality and charm, it fails when put to the test of functionality in the real world.
Exit Through the Barn Door
Barn doors look great on a farm but in an urban residence it looks out of place. The biggest 2024 design trend we’re seeing is geographically appropriate designs. Like shabby chic and the modern farmhouse, barn doors should go back to where they came from and stay there…the farm.
Back to Black
If Goldilocks was an interior designer, what colour scheme would be juuuust right? Along with monochromatic white and gray, monochromatic black colour schemes are fading out. Since the dreary days of the pandemic, people want less oppressive interiors and are increasingly drawn to airy, bright, and carefree colours. Black, white, and gray are great neutrals but we’re seeing their place in the home take on more of an accent role as opposed to the focal point.
Sent to Pasture
The people have spoken: the modern farmhouse has been sent out to pasture with framed quotes, shiplap, and barn doors in tow. The modern farmhouse look has had its place in the sun for years now, but its place should be on a farm or at least on the outskirts of urban areas. Designers are opting for designs that suit and are relevant to their locations. However, if you’re in love with the modern farmhouse look but don’t have a farm, don’t stress. There are plenty of ways to adapt this look to suit your home, wherever it may be.
Minimalism Schminimalism
Home decor trends in 2023 have seen a seismic shift away from minimalism. Simple all-white interiors, grays and black colour schemes have been slowly overtaken by a variety of colours to liven up spaces. Even Marie Kondo has given up on bringing herself joy with a neat and tidy home and embraced a carefree attitude towards interiors. Predictions for interior design trends in 2024 are geared towards relaxation meaning people are adopting a carefree attitude towards how they adorn their homes.
No Kitchen is an Island
Huge kitchen islands are great for a chef’s kitchen but not everyone needs that amount of prep space. In the spirit of less is more, people are realizing that that amount of counter space can be costly to install and time consuming to clean. Whereas the kitchen island was the focal point of the room, going into 2024, kitchen design trends are seeing natural stonework as a backsplash take center stage in the kitchen.
Boucle Today, Gone Tomorrow
The purposefully pilled fabric made a big splash as people everywhere were drawn to its comfortable texture. It was a new and exciting look that added new dimensions to the living room. It still has a place in our hearts but it doesn’t have to adorn every couch and chair in a house. It’s lovely as a stand-alone but we don’t need to boucle all day, every day.
DESIGN YOUR FUTURE TODAY!
Interior Designers Institute was founded in 1984 and is one of the few Interior Design Schools in California offering an Avocational Certificate Course, Associate of Arts Degree in Interior Design, Bachelor of Arts Degree in Interior Design, and Master of Interior Architecture Degree and is nationally accredited and also accredited by CIDA, Council for Interior Design Accreditation.
Margot Robbie stars in the live-action Barbie movie, whose production reportedly required jaw-dropping amounts of pink paint. Warner Bros. Entertainment
As any Barbie fan knows, life in plastic is fantastic — and also very pink.
So much so, in fact, that the makers of the highly anticipated live-action movie say they wiped out a company’s entire global supply of one shade of it.
“The world ran out of pink,” production designer Sarah Greenwood told Architectural Digest early last week.
She said construction of the expansive, rosy-hued Barbieland — at Warner Bros. Studios in Leavesden, England — had caused an international run on the fluorescent shade of Rosco paint.
And it’s now painting a fuller picture of Greenwood’s comments.
Lauren Proud, Rosco’s vice president of global marketing, told the Los Angeles Times on Friday that “they used as much paint as we had” — but that it was in short supply to begin with during the movie’s production in 2022.
The company was still dealing with pandemic-related supply chain issues and recovering from the 2021 Texas freeze that damaged crucial raw materials, she said.
The freeze affected millions of gallons of stockpile, as well as the equipment needed to replenish it, Henry Cowen, national sales manager for Rosco’s Live Entertainment division, said in a 2022 interview with the Guild of Scenic Artists.
Even so, Proud, the company vice president, said Rosco did its best to deliver.
“There was this shortage, and then we gave them everything we could — I don’t know they can claim credit,” Proud said, before acknowledging: “They did clean us out on paint.”
Hear Dua Lipa’s ‘Dance the Night’ from the new Barbie movie
And there’s no question about where it all went.
The main movie trailer reveals a larger-than-life version of Barbie’s iconic three-story Dreamhouse (complete with a walk-in closet and kidney-shaped pool with a swirly slide), her Corvette convertible and a utopian beach town of cul-de-sacs and storefronts — all bright pink.
Director Greta Gerwig aimed for “authentic artificiality” on all aspects of the set, telling Architectural Digest that “maintaining the ‘kid-ness’ was paramount.”
“I wanted the pinks to be very bright, and everything to be almost too much,” she said.
Viewers will soon be able to see for themselves, when the movie — which is marketed to Barbie lovers and haters alike — hits theaters on July 21.
DESIGN YOUR FUTURE TODAY!
Interior Designers Institute was founded in 1984 and is one of the few Interior Design Schools in California offering an Avocational Certificate Course, Associate of Arts Degree in Interior Design, Bachelor of Arts Degree in Interior Design, and Master of Interior Architecture Degree and is nationally accredited and also accredited by CIDA, Council for Interior Design Accreditation.
