2024 DESIGN TRENDS

At Derby, our approach to design embraces creating spaces that are beautiful, comfortable, and livable, and the trends we’re seeing in 2024 very much echo the sentiment. This year is all about embracing natural themes, the resurgence of traditional style, and making your space all-you with a focus on the details. And we’ll be honest, we don’t mind it one bit. 

Take a look at the trends and themes that are having a moment in 2024–in our showroom and the homes of our clients.

Warm earth tones bring the outdoors in

The past several years have certainly been rooted in cooler tones, so seeing the embracing of warmer, natural tones is certainly a change we welcome. Warm earth tones infuse a sense of calm and comfort in a space and create an inviting and welcoming environment. Think shades of terracotta, soft beiges, muted greens, and warm grays. These tones tend to be surprisingly versatile and can be used throughout your entire home, from a sandy beige in the living room to a soft olive green theme in the bedroom. 

These tones and colors pair beautifully with materials like wood, linen, clay, and copper and really work hard at bringing the soothing atmosphere of your favorite spots in nature, inside, without overdoing it. And we’ll be honest, with life’s constant high-energy pace, we won’t say no to a little more cozy.

Don’t call it a comeback: Traditional style is new again

Fun fact: Derby’s former name was Traditionally Derby, representative of our focus on timeless, traditional design. Our style and offering has evolved greatly since those days, but we’ll never lose sight of the ability of traditional elements to bring a polished, curated look to a space.

This year, we’re circling back to our roots and seeing the resurgence of traditional design everywhere, especially traditional touches to complement other styles. More customers are opting for antique and vintage pieces that tell a story, and bring in a sense of history and craftsmanship to complement transitional, contemporary, and modern styles.

Incorporating a classic roll-arm sofa, an ornate wooden coffee table, or a vintage lamp can be a classic way to make a statement that feels timeless and not a time-capsule. When done well, we promise that even that traditional detractors will be stopping for a second look.

Sustainability is stylish

Sustainability has been top-of-mind for many, across a range of industries, and we’re glad to see a focus on sustainable interior design picking up steam. While we’ve always championed a focus on quality and longevity, it’s been nice to see the market shift away from “fast furniture” and embrace the benefits of investment furniture. Opting to reupholster or refinish existing pieces is a great way to bring new life into a space, while reducing waste. If you have a piece you love, that currently feels a little bit too loved, our design team would be glad to explore options on how to refurbish.

Go ahead and mix textures

Texture plays a pivotal role in how we perceive and enjoy a space, and we’ve been all for the texture mixing trend we’re seeing this year. Mixing textures can add visual weight and depth to a room and helps define areas within larger spaces. Layering textures, using contrasting fabrics, playing with textured furniture and accessories, or adding plants and flowers that link to other textures can all do wonders in crafting inviting, welcoming spaces. 

But it doesn't always have to be obvious. Sometimes subtle differences in texture can be the most alluring, while still catching your eye.

Focus on the details

Don’t sleep on the details. Decorative elements like welts, flange, and fringe are coming into play once again, and for good reason. These small details are a great way to infuse your personality within a piece and space and can add just the right amount of flair. A welted cushion can help define the shape of a sofa, or flange on a duvet can work to add an element of casualness to an otherwise sophisticated look.

And fringe isn’t just for throw pillows. Fringe on curtains or ottomans can layer in a touch of playfulness to an everyday elegant look. With Derby’s extensive design library and customization options, we’re loving the opportunity to work with our clients to craft one-of-a-kind pieces that don’t skimp on the details.

As you think about refreshing your space, we’d be glad to discuss how we’re implementing these trends at home.

HOW TO INCORPORATE COLOR IN YOUR HOME (When you're not a color person.)

We get it–you love your neutrals. A well-designed neutral palette is timeless and, when done well, can feel unified, sophisticated, and comfortable. But just because neutrals are your sweet spot, doesn’t mean you should close the door on experimenting with color.

We’ve worked with many neutral-loyal clients over the years to incorporate elements of color throughout their space in ways that they would have never imagined enjoying this much. If you’re looking to breathe new life into your neutral-heavy space, try these tips for incorporating color.

Embrace color gradually

1) Start with neutral fabrics on upholstery

If your furniture is due for an update, consider reupholstering with neutral fabrics. This gives you a versatile canvas that pairs well with almost anything you might choose to add later. Neutral upholstery doesn’t mean just white or beige; think greys, soft blues, and warm earth tones that offer a hint of color but maintain a calming effect. These shades don’t overpower the senses and can seamlessly integrate with bolder accents should you choose to introduce them later.

2) Introduce Color Through Accessories

Accessories are a great low-commitment way to bring in color, and can completely transform the feeling of a room with minimal touches.

• Art: Choose artwork with pops of color that can act as a focal point in a room. This could be anything from a serene landscape with greens and blues to a modern abstract piece with strokes of vibrant colors.

• Pillows and Throws: Cushions and throws can be swapped with the seasons or changed on a whim. A neutral furniture piece can serve as a wide canvas for accessories throughout the year.

• Rugs: A rug can define a space and also serve as a gentle introduction of color. Choose one that ties in with the hues of your artwork or cushions to create a cohesive look.

• Lamps: Lampshades are often overlooked, but a lamp with a colorful base or a vibrant shade is one of our favorite ways to add a splash of color without overwhelming the space.

3) Accent with paint to take advantage of architectural elements

Paint is a powerful way to pull in color without requiring a ton of effort. Sure, repainting a full room can dramatically change the feel of your space, but think beyond a full-wall refresh as a way to add accents colors while still maintaining a neutral-focused look.

• Paneled Walls and Wainscotting: If your home has architectural details like paneled walls or wainscotting, consider painting them an accent color. This adds depth and interest without the commitment of painting entire walls.

• Back of Bookshelves: Painting the back panels of your bookshelves can create a surprising pop of color that enlivens your room without dominating it.

• Moldings: Colored moldings can frame your space in an unexpected way, subtly breaking the monotony of a neutral scheme.

Choosing the right colors

We are all for the challenge of helping our neutral-loving clients discover a palette that feels just right for them. Color choice has just as much of an impact as where color is used, and finding the right balance of color for your space can take neutrals to new heights. 

Opt for Muted Tones

Muted colors are a fantastic middle ground for those hesitant about bright hues. These are quieter cousins of bold colors, with stripped back saturation, but still retain character. Think pastel blues, sage greens, or soft lavenders. These hues can introduce a sense of calm and are generally easier to digest than their more saturated counterparts.

Play with Color Temperature

Color temperature can significantly affect the mood of a room. Warm colors, like hues of reds, oranges, and yellows, can create a cozy, inviting atmosphere. Cool colors, like blues, greens, and purples, tend to have a calming effect, making them ideal for bedrooms and bathrooms. Prescribing to an 80/20 approach to color temperature, with neutral pieces with warm and cool undertones, can provide a subtle injection of color that’s visually interesting and balanced. 

For example, decide whether you want a primarily warm or cool color scheme and undertones, and opt for 80% of pieces and design elements of one temperature and add accent elements of the opposite temperature to fill out the remaining 20%. It’s a nice way to stick to the simplicity of neutrals, while adding unobtrusive character.

Keep these tips in your toolbox as you’re refreshing and reinvigorating the spaces in your home. And who knows, maybe your newfound love of color is just one statement piece away!

STYLE GUIDE: Exploring traditional, transitional, and modern interior design styles.

Navigating the world of interior design can feel daunting. With so many styles, options, and perspectives, bringing new life to your space can be a bit overwhelming. But design is what you make it, and the best designed spaces are the ones in which you feel most at home. 

At Derby, our product catalog covers a wide range of design styles, with three of the most popular being traditional, transitional, and modern. These styles are core staples in the interior design world, and knowing how they differ and which resonate with you can help cut down the learning curve of refreshing your home. Let’s dive into these three popular styles.

Traditional Style

Traditional interior design draws its inspiration from the European décor of the 18th and 19th centuries. It's a style that is steeped in history and exudes a sense of timelessness and elegance. Think of the refined interiors of a British manor or an opulent French chateau—that's the essence of traditional design. 

Key Characteristics:

• Furniture: Pieces feature intricate details like rolled arms, wood carvings, tufting, and skirting. English and cabriole legs are common, often adorned with rich finishes and upholstery.

• Symmetry: Everything from furniture arrangements to artwork is symmetrically balanced, creating a formal, orderly appearance.

• Patterns and Textiles: Large-scale floral patterns, damasks, and plaids are staples. Fabrics are often embellished with fringe trims and caning, adding depth and luxury.

• Decorative Accents: Crystal lamps, impressionistic paintings, and sketches add layers of sophistication. Warmer metal tones such as brass and gold are prevalent in hardware and decor.

Transitional Style

Transitional style is a harmonious blend of traditional and modern design elements. It emerged as designers and homeowners began to push the boundaries of strictly traditional or modern interiors, creating a new style of its own, with the goal of crafting spaces that are comfortable and inviting while still being stylish and sophisticated.

Key Characteristics:

• Furniture: Combines straight and curved lines, providing a balanced look that's both cozy and chic. Furniture pieces are less ornate than traditional ones but more substantial than purely modern items.

• Metals and Wood Tones: Utilizes a mix of metal finishes, moving away from the warmer tones typical of traditional style. Wood tones are varied, often leaning towards cooler, less reddish hues.

• Textiles and Patterns: Rugs and fabrics are simpler and less ornate than those in traditional settings. Expect a mix of textures and subdued patterns that create interest without overwhelming the space.

• Overall Feel: Creates a welcoming atmosphere that's pared back—neither minimalist nor maximalist, it strikes a perfect middle ground.

Modern Style

Modern design began in the 20th century as a radical departure from the ornate flourishes of its predecessors. It embraces a "less is more" philosophy, highlighted by the Bauhaus movement which combined arts and crafts with fine arts. Minimalism, mid-century modern, Scandinavian, and post-modern all fall under the modern umbrella, featuring clean, simplistic, and practical elements. 

Key Characteristics:

• Furniture: Features clean, uncluttered lines with minimal detailing. Furniture pieces are often larger in scale but fewer in number, emphasizing open space and a clutter-free environment.

• Color Palette and Materials: Neutral colors dominate, complemented by natural materials like wood, glass, and metal. These materials are often mixed to create a sleek, industrial look.

• Art and Decor: Prefers abstract art and sculptures that reflect geometric and asymmetrical designs. Decor is minimal, focusing on quality over quantity.

• Architectural Elements: Large-scale windows and open-concept layouts are hallmark features, connecting the indoors with the outdoor environment.

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Which style is right for you? That all depends on your tastes, but don’t feel pulled to going all-in one a single style. Our design team works with clients to find the balance that just feels right, often mixing elements across a range of styles to create unique spaces. 

If you’re looking for a starting point, take our design style quiz to see where it takes you, or browse through our catalog to compare and contrast a mix of livable luxury products across a range of styles. 

DESIGN STYLE QUIZ: Find your home style.

Which interior design style best describes you? For some, that’s a quick and easy answer, while others favor a mix of styles, or have taste that constantly evolves. At Derby, we feature a range of products covering a spectrum of styles, from traditional to modern, transitional to contemporary. 

Knowing where you lean can help us point you in the right direction to create livable luxurious spaces that are just right for you. Take our quick style quiz below and see where you net out!

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