As we wrap up 2023, we are already seeing many trusted architecture and design sources predicting the colors, fabrics, treatments, and floorplans that will be popular next year. But what excites us about the changes in interior design aren’t the crazes that change from year to year.

The trends that stand out to us help you improve your environmental footprint, provide a solid foundation for making architectural decisions that reflect your unique style, and create stronger ties with the people you love. Here are our six favorite interior design trends for 2024.

1. Use Timeless Color Palettes

A color of the year can provide great inspiration. Some years, though, the color is meaningful, but not necessarily the best option for the long-term color of your great room. But this year, we were excited to see Benjamin Moore select a color that is as timeless as it is flexible.

Blue is making a resurgence as we focus on paint color trends that work not only this year but also in years to come. Blue Nova (825) is a foundational color that works as well for the walls of your study as it does for pops of color in a more modern interior design. The color also provides a variety of options in terms of shades and complementary hues. You can add a calming, nautical, or playful twist to a traditional design depending on the combination and shade.

While Blue Nova is a darker shade, all blues are reminiscent of the outdoors, which helps establish a more organic feel to your home.

2. Think Ahead with Future-Ready Electrical Systems

The only thing moving as fast as technology is the growth of clean energy options for residential buildings. Make sure your new luxury home can incorporate the newest automation technology and sustainability options to help you take advantage of the latest clean energy trends. Future-proof your new home design by incorporating a variety of energy options. Solar panel technology has advanced to be barely noticeable, and the battery storage is good enough to support your entire home during an outage.

These alternative energy options will help when you are charging your electric vehicles. If you don’t currently have an electric vehicle, chances are you will own one–or host someone who does–before your next home. Plus, Scottsdale and Phoenix now mandate new homes to have capacity for a 220-volt outlet in the garage and pre-wiring for solar panels. This ensures a higher amperage for each residence, paving the way for the future of home energy usage.

Your updated electrical system should also support a whole-house entertainment and security system. This way you can control the ambiance from anywhere in your home, and make sure everything is safe and secure when you are traveling the world. In the Pinnacle View project, the home’s audio-visual system effortlessly oversees its home theater, lighting, and outdoor sound system through an intuitive touch control system.

3. Bring In Natural Light–On Your Terms

Natural light is wonderful for your mental health and your indoor plants. But it can be intense during Arizona summers, and wreak havoc on your furnishings. Use motorized window treatments and automated lighting to take advantage of the abundant Scottsdale sunshine while limiting the ambient heat.

Curate the settings for your window treatments or tinting based on the time of day. Have the windows automatically start to darken when the sun is at its peak, or around sunset to help with privacy. You can also layer window treatments based on your preferences. You still get the amazing views outside and your upholstery gets a break from the direct UV rays.

Include your landscape lighting in your smart home automation. Light shadowy places to prevent unwanted access, and motion sensors to greet you when you come home after dark. Tasteful outdoor lighting also improves the curb appeal of your home.

Modern home automation is often a few taps on your smartphone. But you can also get room-specific control panels that blend seamlessly into your interior design to make it easy to set the mood wherever you are in the home.

4. Install Thermal Break Windows for Energy Efficiency

Another way to keep your home more energy efficient while still incorporating floor-to-ceiling windows is by installing window frames that prevent the heat from getting in. Keep your home cool in the scorching Arizona summers while still enjoying the natural sunshine with thermal break windows.

Thermal break windows provide an added layer of insulation–or break–in the frame so it is less likely to absorb heat or cold. These metal frames help keep hot air outside and your air conditioning from working overtime while still providing a sleek, modern look to the extensive windows throughout your home.

The Pinnacle View residence makes use of thermal break windows and metal frames in its modern design.

5. Create a Welcome Room

Instead of a formal sitting room that no one ever uses, extend your foyer to welcome guests and introduce them to your home.

Your welcome room is a great place to preview what your guests can expect from the rest of the home, including your interior design theme, examples of your hobbies, and favorite artwork. When considering the layout and interior design of your welcome room, decide what you want your guests to feel in the space: warm and comfortable, fun and bright, or modern and sophisticated.

Maximize natural light to make the space feel more welcoming, and add dimension with a sculptural light fixture. Also encourage your guests to linger, whether upon arrival as they exchange hellos or as they are leaving and gathering their belongings. Include a few comfortable seating options and tables to hold keys.

Have the space flow into your open-floor-plan great room for easy access to the main area of the home.

6. Include Space for Guests

Whether you have guests for a short visit or an extended stay, create a space where they can feel comfortable. A guest suite in your home or an attached casita provides a quiet space for guests to relax, but can also be closed off when you aren’t entertaining.

Be sure to include easily accessible amenities, such as a private bedroom, full bathroom, a sitting area, and guest wifi. Make sure there are access points from both the rest of the house as well as outside, so guests can come and go without bothering the rest of the house. You may even consider providing a kitchenette so they have easy access to their own snacks.

The scent of a room has the power to elevate your mood and enhance mindfulness at home. After your company has left and the space is cleaned, refresh the space between guests with a light linen spray to reset the environment.

Luxury Home Design that Lasts

At Urban Design Associates, our favorite trends are the ones that highlight a coming change in luxury home design–not a superficial fad that will be out of fashion in a year. These trends for 2024 incorporate energy efficiency, a need for social connection, and creating a sense of warmth throughout your home.

Whether you are looking to purchase and remodel one of the new luxury homes for sale in Scottsdale or design one from the ground up, work with an architectural team that takes the long view when building your dream space. Learn more about our work by checking out our project gallery or contact us today to tell us about your project.

6 Home Design Trends We’re Embracing in 2024