In 2023, following the pandemic, we saw a deepening desire for homes to act as sanctuaries to foster a connection with nature through the use of earthy palettes, natural materials and use of plants. Stepping into the new year, this movement continues to influence our living spaces, inspiring designs that promote mindfulness and balance.

Consumers are advocating for transparency and engaging in mindful consumption, reflecting a deeper dedication to reducing their environmental impact. There's a growing appreciation for craft, circularity and products with a story, aligning home aesthetics with practices that prioritize personal wellbeing and the health of our planet. Below, we explore the concepts we predict will be shaping the design landscape throughout 2024.

Architecture studio Young Projects reimagine a historic barn in Long Island. Photo courtesy of Brooke Holm

Cultivating Local Insight

Vernacular architecture, with its emphasis on local and traditional materials, is gaining renewed appreciation for its sustainable qualities. By utilizing materials and resources native to the home's location, this architectural style aims to minimize environmental impact and create buildings that resonate with cultural and geographic contexts. It embodies a climate-conscious approach, with designs that thoughtfully consider temperature, rainfall and sunlight so as to respect and co-exist with the local landscape.

The strategic orientation of buildings to capitalize on natural heat and light is a hallmark of vernacular design. It leads to homes that are significantly more energy-efficient, complementing design strategies centered on thermal comfort and air quality. This approach not only fosters a sense of connection to the surrounding environment but also embraces cultural, societal and community needs, resulting in diverse and contextually rich design solutions.

Family farm in Washington designed by MW Works. Photo courtesy of Kevin Scott

Biophilic Design

Biophilic design principles are expected to continue to be on the rise as people increasingly seek connections with nature beyond the mere incorporation of plants and natural materials. As our understanding of our biological systems, particularly the nervous system, deepens, we are beginning to recognize the profound impact our environments have on our neurophysiological health.

This design philosophy, which integrates plants, water and natural light, alongside organic forms and materials, subtly signals safety, calm and comfort to our nervous systems. Biophilic spaces not only satisfy our craving for visual harmony but also cater to our deep-seated need for order and connectivity with nature, nurturing our mental and physical wellbeing.

Paper Shadows linen collection by de Le Cuona. Photo courtesy of Jake Curtis

Sustainable and Non-Toxic Living

Amidst growing calls for transparency, particularly among younger consumers, there is a notable shift towards materials that mitigate health and environmental risks. Beyond the challenges of our reliance on petrochecmially-derived products, the ubiquity of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) — often referred to as 'forever chemicals' due to their enduring presence in the environment — are frequently cited as concerns, as are Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), prevalent gases from everyday products.

This awareness is steering choices towards non-toxic options like fragrance-free cleaners, organic bed linens and textiles, low-VOC paints and clay plaster. Healthy and low impact bio-based alternatives to MDF, are gaining market share in the construction industry. Concurrently, the pressure being placed on the sector to pivot towards sustainability has brought significant material innovation; one example being the utiliization of hemp as a promising, renewable building material, with innovations such as hempcrete and hemp fiberboard gaining ground internationally.

Inside the workshop of basket makers Studio AMOS. Photo courtesy of Petr Krejci

The Art of Craft, Antique and Vintage Finds

Consumers are starting to reject the throwaway culture that has been ubiquitous for decades, instead seeking products aligned with circular design. This emphasizes the creation of durable, reusable, repairable and recyclable items that contribute to a low-waste lifestyle. This shift towards sustainable living is also seeing a resurgence in the acquisition of antique and vintage furniture – pieces celebrated for their craftsmanship, longevity and inherent ability to outlast trends.

Simultaneously, there is a revived interest in artisans and crafts, which often utilize local, non-toxic materials and traditional techniques. These handcrafted items bring a distinct narrative and warmth to our homes, enriching our spaces with the uniqueness of each piece. The knowledge of an item's provenance, coupled with the skills of its maker, connects us to the history and heritage of the craft.

Inside Retrouvius' shop. Photo courtesy of David Cleveland

Reuse and Reimagine Reclaimed Materials

The World Green Building Council reports that fifty percent of all material extraction and a third of water consumption and waste are tied to construction. In response, the industry is exploring repurposing materials from existing structures to prevent them from going to landfill. Local bricks and recycled plasterboard products are being reformed into fresh masonry and building materials, while innovative mycelium technology converts waste such as asphalt and shingles into insulation.

Reclaimed materials are also enhancing interior designs, with recycled wood and stone adding character to kitchen cabinetry, countertops, fireplace surrounds, flooring and lighting. This shift towards repurposing not only reduces the environmental impact but also enriches living spaces with history and aged patinas that new materials cannot replicate.

Photo courtesy of Edvinas Bruzas

A Focus on Indoor Air and Water Quality

The air we breathe and the water we drink within our homes is foundational to our overall health. A growing consciousness about the impact of indoor air quality will lead to an increased emphasis on both tracking and improving the air quality inside our homes. From monitoring systems to remediation solutions, creating spaces that facilitate clean and healthy air will be a priority.

Water filtration systems will continue to gain popularity this year. With rising concerns over water contaminants, it's imperative to reassess the quality of the water we drink. Factors such as industrial waste, aging infrastructure, agricultural runoff and intensive farming practices have long contributed to the contamination of our water supply. This makes at-home filtration solutions – in all spaces of the home – a vital resource in ensuring our water quality.

Photo courtesy of Pixabay

Clean Energy Infrastructure

The influx of funds resulting from key US policies is poised to substantially expand the clean energy sector. Tax incentives from acts such as the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), along with lower costs for domestic solar arrays, heat pumps and other energy-efficient equipment, are set to make these investments more attractive to homeowners.

These clean energy sources not only reduce household carbon emissions but also operate free from fossil fuel-based greenhouse gas emissions, drastically cutting air pollution. Additionally, the surge in clean energy use is essential for conserving natural resources and maintaining biodiversity by reducing reliance on energy production from environmentally disruptive sources.

Schoonschip Amsterdam stands as an innovative urban ecosystem. Photo courtesy of Alan Jensen

Resilience in the Face of Nature

With extreme weather events on the rise, architects are increasingly adopting resilient design principles. This method, defined by the Resilient Design Institute (RDI) as a strategy to counter natural and human-made disasters and climate-related challenges such as sea level rise, heat waves and regional droughts, involves using passive design and innovative energy solutions to strengthen buildings, homes and communities. Recognized by the US Green Building Council, the approach is gaining traction among builders and consumers alike.

Additionally, the construction industry is advancing with materials like high-performance concrete, graphene – one of nature's strongest substances – and carbon fiber composites, which offer essential resilient qualities such as durability, flexibility, circularity and stability.

Photography: Rich Stapleton, Brooke Holm, Kevin Scott, Jake Curtis, Petr Krejci, David Cleveland, Edvinas Bruzas, Pixabay, Alan Jensen

Further Info

Indoor Pollutants and Sources (EPA) 14 Patterns of Biophilic Design (Terrapin Bright Green) EPA's detailed list of chemicals present in tap water Podcast: We’re better off when we can breathe easy with guest Joseph Allen Appearance Wood Products and Psychological Wellbeing