Interior design trends for spring/summer 2024
As spring unfolds, Knight Frank Interiors' Harriet Knowlton shares six trends that will transform your home into a sanctuary of style and comfort.
As the days grow longer and the air carries a hint of warmth, it's time to shake off the cosy confines of winter and welcome the vibrancy of spring into our homes. With nature stirring from its slumber, now is the time to breathe new life into living spaces.
The sentiment is echoed by Harriet Knowlton, a Designer at Knight Frank Interiors. "There’s so much going on in the world and in our day to day lives; making sure our home is a safe, inspiring space to retreat to is really important," she says. "It’s time for that spring clean, open the windows, dust the shelves, plump the cushions and let some air in."
Here, Knowlton shares six key interior trends to brighten up homes this season.
Buying British
In an era where sustainability and ethical consumption are at the forefront, the buying British trend is a celebration of craftsmanship, heritage and conscious living. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, buying British also champions environmental stewardship, emphasising locally sourced materials and sustainable manufacturing to minimise carbon footprint.
When it comes to British design, we’re not (only) talking about Chesterfield sofas and mahogany dressers. Makers such as Sebastian Cox and Tom Raffield create striking pieces synonymous with nature, while designers such as Kit Kemp and Lauren Lear, whose Lear Sofa is pictured below, focus on timeless pieces with distinctive British flair that can be handed down through generations.
Quiet Luxury
Inspired by the understated elegance displayed on hit TV series Succession, the quiet luxury trend embodies a refined aesthetic that prioritises sophistication over spectacle. Characterised by meticulous attention to detail, sumptuous comfort and functional design, this look is about curating a collection of timeless investment pieces. These pieces not only tell a story, but they also serve as the foundation for a cohesive and enduringly stylish interior.
“Think soft textures, traditionally shaped furniture and dark woods to create a sanctuary of tranquillity,” Knowlton says. Perhaps a reaction to the ostentatious, Instagram-staged rooms filled with loud statement pieces, quiet luxury champions spaces that are visually appealing but also inviting and comfortable - a retreat from the chaos of everyday life.
The Wilson Armchair and The Floral Street hexagonal coffee table by Bazaar London
Mono-rooms
Inspired by the concept of layering a single hue or textile pattern within a space, mono-rooms celebrate the beauty of simplicity, allowing furniture to shine against simple or complex architectural backdrops. By employing strategic zoning techniques, such as matching the colour of furniture to the paintwork, mono-rooms achieve a sense of visual continuity and expansiveness that enhances the overall cohesiveness of a space.
Knowlton recommends not being too afraid of colour and taking a risk. “Nine times out of ten, making bolder choices in your home leaves you feeling more satisfied with the outcome. If you’ve got a space that will hold a dark colour, use a satin paint finish and velvet upholstery so that light is reflected in the area. If you want a more neutral base, make sure you embrace every aspect with art, accessories, and furniture. The effect is one of effortless sophistication.”
Peach Fuzz
Forget the garish eighties bedspreads and matching bathroom suites, Pantone's colour of 2024, Peach Fuzz, will infuse your home with “warmth and modern elegance,” according to their Executive Director Leatrice Eiseman. This gender-neutral hue is surprisingly versatile; it works in almost any setting in the home as either an accent or neutral colour. Where used as a statement wall or in subtle design elements, its warm glow adds a touch of vibrancy to any space. Colour pairing options are vast, but for those looking to brighten up a room, Knowlton suggests using peach fuzz as the base and adding deeper tones and textures for warmth.
The Gohil Stool and The Clifford Green dining chair by Bazaar London
Moire Fabric
This traditional Parisian textile, popular for its wavy pattern and shimmering accents, will instantly elevate your interior décor. Whether used as upholstery on a statement chaise, a cascading drapery or a statement fabric wall covering, the deluxe material creates visual interest and movement. It works best when used against period architecture, evoking grandeur and drama. Knowlton’s top pick is a dining chair, The Clifford Chair, upholstered in a Moire Fabric by Bazaar London, pictured above.
The Diana Contemporary Dining Table by Bazaar London
Yellow
A timeless classic when it comes to channelling spring’s vibrant energy in the home, the cheerful radiance of yellow (specifically “butter yellow”) can instantly create a sense of optimism and vitality in any space. Yellow works particularly well in cottage-style homes, especially when combined with teal or soft grey. If you’re not ready to commit to a top-to-toe yellow makeover, look at accessories – cushions, lampshades, plant pots - for a quick mood boost.
For more information about Knight Frank Interiors services, or to book a design quotation, get in touch with the team
