For this article, we’ll take a look at some of this year’s Interior Design trends with a comparative approach, identifying the trends we’ve implemented in our current projects at Harka.
Before we jump in, it’s important to note that here at Harka, we are approached by our clients because sustainability and wellness is at the forefront of everyone’s thoughts. For us, sustainability is not a “trend”, but rather a standard practice. Good design for Harka is not only about the visual aesthetics of the space, but the parts and pieces that are unseen coming together to create an efficient and sustainable, yet beautiful space.
Interior design trends come and go, so we are always thoughtful in our design execution to ensure our projects capture our clients’ vision, but also stand the test of time. However, making bold moves can be worth it, as long as the result brings joy, exuberance and uplifts the built environment.
Let’s explore a few of the trends and see how they fit into our projects!
Please pass me the greenery.
Seemingly a rejection of the sleek, modern minimalism we have seen in interior design throughout the last decade, there is a demand for warm, earthy tones and textures to be brought back into our spaces. What better way to bring us back to our roots than by literally bringing nature indoors? Biophilic design, the art of bringing nature indoors, takes center stage in the interior design world this year. Earthy greens and calming blues seamlessly blend with natural materials like wood, stone and woven textures.
For our Mason Studios project, we sourced locally made Pratt + Larson ceramic tile in tranquil blue tones and played with the installation pattern, providing a modern design and textural interest.
Mason Studios Shower Tile
Mason Studios Kitchen Backsplash Tile
We also played with bold, earthy colors in furniture selections as seen in this olive green sectional. Surrounding the living room space, we’ve designed a plant shelf with a built-in irrigation system below the clerestory windows to create a “living oasis” and bring natural plantlife into the space.
Mason Studios Living Space with Biophilic Design elements
Hey Paint, get out the way!
Another popular trend that we love is utilizing natural materials in our projects. Brushed or hand-applied finish is where it’s at, think Roman clay, lime wash or hand-tooled plaster. According to the results of 1stDibs’s seventh annual trends survey, when 624 interior designers were asked to predict the most popular wall finishes, the highest percentage of designers also doubled down on limewash. People want some action and movement on their surfaces. Painted sheetrock just isn’t exciting. There’s a lot to be said about clever manipulation of natural materials.
For our Mason Studios Primary Bathroom, Tadelakt plaster was hand applied by local installers Traditional Natural Plaster. Tadelakt is a waterproof plaster surface that was traditionally used in Moroccan architecture, but we are seeing the benefits of using this material in our modern day designs. It’s natural, non-toxic, durable and provides a subtle softness and texture which is unable to be achieved by a traditional tiled shower. We also specified a natural terrazzo floor tile bringing a bit of playfulness to the experience. When we can, we always try to use natural materials vs. man made materials mass produced to “look like the real thing”. Those products are often composed of toxic components and are often manufactured overseas, greatly raising the amount of greenhouse gas emissions it takes to get to a project site.
Mason Studios Primary Bathroom
For our “in progress” Manzanita Beach House, the fireplace takes center stage with a soft gray plaster finish and terrazzo counters for the win!
Manzanita Beach House Construction Progress Images
So you think you can bend.
Another trend we’ve seen is the integration of curves and texture with modern design. Curved lines mimic the natural world's organic forms, creating a soothing and inviting atmosphere that promotes relaxation and well-being. We are seeing a slow departure from strictly clean lines and blocky spaces to experimenting with curved walls, built-ins, islands and furniture.
Manzanita Beach House Kitchen Island
This trend beautifully complements the desire for cozy interiors, as the rounded shapes inherently feel more inviting and comfortable. Below is an image from our Manzanita Beach House project where we implemented curves and texture on the kitchen island to soften and bring warmth to the space.
Who doesn’t love a dark and moody moment?!?! With an arch and integrated lighting, this bar really brings the vibe. Is it just me or is anyone else craving a martini?
Mason Studios Project Den Bar
Something old and something……OLD.
Vintage inspired wallpaper in our Mason Studios Den Bathroom
Another trend we love and don’t see going away any time soon is integrating vintage inspiration and pieces into modern design, adding a much needed patina to contemporary living spaces. The right piece can really bring a room together and make it feel collected. Not to mention reusing lighting, furniture and other vintage items gives them a second life, avoiding the inevitable landfill which is always a win for us! Portland’s own Hippo Hardware is a great resource for vintage lighting, plumbing, hardware and other accessories. They also have an in-house electrical team that can rewire the fixtures to make them more efficient and UL listed.
Artisanal Everything Is In.
There’s an art to creating exceptional design, and it’s never more evident than in artisanal work that showcases the incomparable skill of human hands. Our clients are craving the handmade—whether it’s ceramic tile, hand-carved wood furniture or hand blown glass lighting, human irregularity is soothing. We always love to support our local artists and makers when possible. A few of our favorites include Schoolhouse lighting, Tempest Tileworks, Lonesome Pictopia wallpaper & textiles and Pratt + Larson ceramic tile. Sourcing locally not only keeps the community strong, but there is a higher caliber and quality of product. It may come with a higher price tag, but to us, it’s completely worth it!
For our Kickstand Comedy Club project, we had the large scale custom murals designed and painted by one of our own in-house Harka designers, giving the space a truly unique vibe.
Kickstand Comedy Custom Murals by Harka
Did someone say Storage??!!
Creative storage solutions are something clients will continue to need and so we will continue to plan for. We designed this under stair storage for our Wygant Residence providing useful storage to a typically unused space.
Wygant Residence Storage Solutions
Sustainable Materials Will Become the Standard.
As the effects of climate change become more apparent with our summers getting hotter and our winters becoming more unpredictable, the demand for green and sustainable materials is on the rise. Sustainability has transcended trendiness to become a wider goal for the design industry in an effort to significantly reduce negative environmental impacts, while also enhancing the well-being and spaces of those who embrace it. We’re seeing a lot more attention being paid to materiality—what it is made of, where it comes from, and where it’s sourced.
With that being said, not all “sustainable” materials are the same. Building materials are not regulated the same way food or medication is; remember asbestos, at one point it was all the rage and claimed to be the ‘bestest’. Harka looks closely at all aspects of our projects to ensure that the materials we use are healthy for you and your family as well as our environment. More than just materials itself, we look at the impact of our projects from a life cycle approach. From where the materials are sourced, how they impact the energy efficiency of the project, to where they will go after the project is demolished, Harka measures the greenhouse gas emissions of our projects to inform our design decisions and ensure we are making the best choices for a sustainable future.
At Harka, we always work collaboratively to design spaces that reflect the unique style of our clients and ultimately foster well-being and creativity. We see a future of interior design where nature’s beauty harmonizes with cutting-edge technology and innovative building systems, creating a symphony of self expression and efficiency. 2024 interior design trends are very much about playfulness and creating a personalized home without any rules and guidelines. But ultimately, the most timeless decorating style ever is one that is uniquely YOU! No trend could ever top you being your most authentic self. Let your home be a reflection of your values, your passions and your unique perspective on the world.