Wood cabinets add warmth and balance.
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Keeping abreast of new trends can help you update your home, which is important now, and also for resale value. While not every trend will resonate with everyone, knowing the trend predictions can inspire your own creativity as you think about making changes.
Houzz just announced the 2024 Best of Houzz Awards, which acknowledge the most popular designs and home pros. Since Houzz has 65 million homeowners and design enthusiasts in its community, along with 3 million residential construction and design professionals, I tend to pay attention to their trend announcements. Some of the many 2024 trends reflected in the Houzz awards include brick-patterned backsplashes, screened-in porches, vanity storage towers, and more.
Houzz gave us photos of some of the award-winning designs, along with commentary from a Houzz expert. (Note: underneath each photo is the name of the Houzz Award winner.)
Brick-Patterned Backsplashes
Designer: AKD Interiors
Photographer: Jon Friedrich
There’s no shortage of backsplash materials and patterns to choose from when updating your kitchen. However, Houzz expert Mitchell Parker tells me there’s a reason homeowners and designers keep returning to a brick pattern backsplash. “It’s simple, familiar, and timeless,” he says. “The subtle offsetting of the tiles provides visual interest without drawing too much attention away from other design elements.”
Greige Cabinets
Design-Build: Titus Contracting
Photography: K. Andrea Creative
White kitchen cabinets remain the most popular choice among homeowners, according to Parker. However, warm neutral colors are gaining in popularity. “Homeowners who want to create a warm and inviting kitchen often look to greige -which is a mixture of gray and beige,” he says.
Stylish Bathroom Tile Designs
Crisp Architect
Photographer: Rob Karosis
“Tile is a durable material that can handle wet bathroom environments, but too much of a good thing can quickly turn boring,” Parker says. Homeowners and designers are looking for ways to add interest. “Mixing up tile styles, sizes, and colors can create waterproof spaces that keep the eye stimulated,” Parker says.
Screened-In Porch
Designer-Elle De Monde LLC
MARC MAULDIN PHOTOGRAPHY INC.
Many homeowners are looking for ways to expand the home’s living space. In fact, according to the Houzz Winter Trends Report, they want to remove the barriers between the home’s interior and exterior areas. But depending on their location, Parker says homeowners need protection from both inclement weather and determined insects. “A screened-in porch is a stylish and practical solution that allows homeowners to enjoy their exterior spaces in comfort,” he explains.
Vanity Storage Tower
Designer – Patricia Rios, Troo Designs KBI
Photographer: Keith Trigaci
When updating a bathroom, adding more storage solutions is always a priority. “A hardworking vanity is a great way to organize products and hair tools in one central location,” Parker tells me. A vanity storage tower serves several purposes. “It keeps frequently used items at eye-level and within easy reach while also keeping the countertop clear.”
Light Neutral Palettes
Bradford Custom Homes and Remodeling
Photographer: Anastasia Alkema
Whether the design is modern, contemporary, or traditional, there’s one constant: the desire to incorporate light neutral palettes. That’s because light neutral colors are calm and welcoming, and they can be used to create a perfect casual living space. Parker says paint colors, complementary textures, patterns, and tones help to create a layered look that provides seasonal versatility.
Mud-Laundry Rooms
Designer: Angie Watson: Homes by CM Watson
Photographer Amy Latka, Dream Home Media
The popularity of mud-laundry rooms makes sense, considering how many households have family members tracking mud, snow, sand and other debris into the home. “This type of setup lets homeowners place grimy sports uniforms, boots, and beach towels directly into the wash before dirt is tracked farther into the home,” Parker says. In addition, the various cabinets, cubbies, and hooks in a mud-laundry room provide organization, while a bench provides seating.
Wood Cabinets
White Birch Design LLC
Photographer: Spacecrafting Inc
Many homeowners combine stainless steel appliances with white walls and countertops. And while these colors look cool and modern, they can make a space feel cold and uninviting. “Adding wood to a kitchen is a great way to introduce warmth that helps balance out cooler tones,” Parker says. The warm wood adds texture and depth, and provides a more natural look.
Green-Gray Cabinets
Designer: Yancy Interior Design; Installer: Stone Hollow Properties
Martin Vecchio Photography.
Another trend reflected in the Houzz Awards is green-gray cabinets. “The green-gray color is defined as shades of green with gray undertones,” Parker says, adding that this color can create a warm and inviting look, especially when paired with complementary wood elements.