Knowing the small space interior design trends for 2024 is useful for making your place as fashionable as possible. Homes such as apartments may not have a lot of square footage, but with the right additions, you can really make the most out of their potential.
We've spoken to experts to find out which design ideas you should have on your radar and why they’re brilliant for smaller homes. As well as this, we have round-ups of products that will help you bring these in.
If you’ve been looking through small space decorating ideas and want to see what interior trends will be popular in 2024, we're here to help. Having these trends at the back of your mind will make styling your space a lot easier.
7 small space design trends to look out for in 2024
From small space storage ideas to gorgeous finishing touches, these trends are all easy to bring into your home. Where relevant, we've also rounded up buys to help you get the look.
The prices below were correct at the time of publishing this article.
1. Have less focus on extreme maximalism
This year has seen playful colors and styles such as Barbiecore and maximalism aesthetics come into people’s homes — and that will continue into 2024 in a more toned-down way.
“Homeowners are placing a greater focus on personalizing their homes with decorations and home essentials that create a curated aesthetic,” says Christina Giaquinto, professional organizer and brand ambassador for Modular Closets. She adds that keeping a home sparsely decorated and constantly striving towards a 'bare minimum' is no longer a major focus.
You can also do this if you're looking to bring 2000s interior design trends into your home.
Christina Giaquinto is a professional organizer and brand ambassador for Modular Closets. She focuses on giving her clients the tools, methods, and techniques to transform their lives and homes through decluttering and organizing.
Wondering how to incorporate this into your home without making it feel cluttered? “Using bright colors, large patterns, and textural details will add personality to your space and give it depth,” explains Artem Kropovinsky, interior designer and founder of Arsight.
Artem Kropovinsky is an interior design expert and founder of Arsight, an award-winning interior design studio based in New York.
Statement piece
$59
Conversation starter
$16.95
Lightweight
$76.68
2. Go for neutral color palettes
Neutral colors like beige, tan, and white will continue to be a major trend for small living spaces. “Homeowners will utilize a neutral and all-white decor palette to reflect light, helping make the small room appear bigger and brighter,” says Giaquinto. She adds that all-white and neutral tones are also easy on the eyes, calming, and uplifting.
We recommend trying off-white, as this is the opposite of many outdated paint colors for the year.
Peel and stick
$20.14 for 20
Pink undertones
$2
One year warranty
$510
3. Prioritize function over style
Although certain colors and styles will be popular, Giaquinto says that the focus is shifting to function and practicality over style and aesthetics. “While beauty and aesthetics are important for enhancing the overall feel of a living space, there is now greater focus on designing with items that are more functional than merely decorative.” Having a space that works for you practically will make it easier to live in the space, too.
4. Choose cafécore
Social media app Pinterest has released its Pinterest Predicts for 2024, and one of the top trends is cafécore. Whether you have a small kitchen or an open-plan apartment, you can use small coffee makers, large mugs, and barstools to create the look of a space that matches your favorite cafe. You can also incorporate lighting trends into this for the perfect finishing touch.
machine only
Price: Was $179, now $133.99
Size (in.): H12.4 x W5.5 x D16.9
set of two
Price: Was $169.99, now $152.99
Dimensions (in.): H38.75 x W19.25 x D21.875
16 oz
Price: $5.95
Dimensions (in.): D3.25 x H5.25
5. Create the illusion of space
Small space dwellers are increasingly using clever tricks to make their small spaces appear bigger — a design style that will still thrive in 2024. “Another trend I’ve seen gaining popularity is using mirrors to create an illusion of space,” says Ricky Allen, interior designer and director of Ever Wallpaper. “Mirrors add depth and light to a room and can make a small space appear larger.” This is especially useful in smaller areas with more than traditional windows.
Ricky Allen is an interior designer and the director of Ever Wallpaper. It sells high-quality wallpapers and murals, using non-toxic, odorless, and environmentally friendly materials.
Aluminum alloy frame
$65.75
Hanging warehouse attached
$14.98
Shatterproof
$111.99
6. Join in with the vintage revival
Nostalgia has been a key trend in everything pop culture right now, so it's no surprise that this yearn for the old has made its way to interior design. Want to find authentic vintage pieces? Be sure to look for secondhand furniture stores and thrift at vintage stores. We also like using retro lampshades to create a vintage look. You could even paint pieces in beautiful colors, such as chalky blue which we're loving at the moment.
7. Bring in natural elements
Using indoor plants within small space designs will continue to be popular in 2024. “Plants add a touch of greenery and life to a space,” Allen explains. “Homeowners will decorate their small spaces with succulents, house plants, terrariums with pebbles and water, and other natural elements, as these help to evoke a feeling of calmness,” adds Giaquinto.
Bringing in natural elements is also a top TikTok interior trend, through both plants and through botanical prints and textures.
Indirect sunlight
$25.30
Water tight
$20.51
Air-purifying
$19.97
FAQs
What are the small space interior design trends for 2024?
Small space interior design trends for 2024 are all about making your home work harder for you. These include using neutral colors to add brightness, practical pieces like multi-functional furniture, and personalized pieces to add depth and interest
Are accent walls out of style for small spaces in 2024?
Accent walls are a stylish way to bring personality into your space in a clutter-free way. They will continue to be in style for 2024.
When decorating your small space, the most important thing of all is making sure that it works for you. While knowing the trends can be a useful guide, ultimately the best idea is to choose colors and styles that you’re happy with — whether they’re fashionable or that you just think are fabulous.
Now you know what small space design trends to go for, you might be wondering how else you can upgrade your place. These small space organization ideas will also help make your place feel fresh for 2024.
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Hi there! I’m the former content editor at Real Homes and I'm now a freelance journalist.. I've been a lifestyle journalist for over five years, previously working as an editor across regional magazines. Before this, I graduated from Nottingham Trent University a degree in journalism, along with an NCTJ gold diploma. For Real Homes, I specialized in interior design, trends and finding the best viral buys.