Project list
Sign in to your account
With project lists you can...
Please sign in or create an account to use Project Lists
By /
As interior style morphs and shifts, and at times takes dramatic turns, it influences colours, shapes, materials and fittings. In 2024, the ’newstalgia’ trend has us looking back to move forward. The term combines the familiarity of the past but with modernised details and finishes, explains Bunnings trend and design manager Jane Wright. “This year is all about self-expression: creating a space that is mood-boosting, playful and reflects individual personalities,” says Jane. “We’re shrugging off cool and careful minimalist style and hunting down bold decor to refresh our living spaces on a budget.” Along with a focus on dramatic yet nostalgic one-of-a-kind interiors, there’s a drive towards connecting with nature.
Sophisticated spaces with a feeling of understated luxury and warmth come to the fore. Curved and linear designs remain, but with a touch of old-school glam. “Design classics from the 1970s and 1980s are back in fashion, but with a twist – they’ve been modernised and reimagined in rich colours, textures, patterns and finishes,” says Jane Wright. Warm timbers, glass, lacquer finishes, geometric shapes and bold patterns in tiling and textiles all feature, as do tactile, nostalgic textures, such as velvet, bouclé and shag, for cushions, throws and rugs. Colours like pomegranate, smoked paprika and caramel can bring both warmth and drama to painted walls, furnishings and accessories.
The handmade movement is in full swing and decor that feels crafted and authentic, with traditional techniques such as cane and rattan weaving, is celebrated. Vintage and upcycles are also in demand. “We might invest in a single statement piece that brings us joy every time we look at it. Or we might look to upcycle, rehome, repaint, re-love, or repurpose nostalgic or inexpensive pieces that provide us comfort,” says Jane. Rugs look handmade and ceramics have an aged patina. Soft furnishings use linen and cotton, giving a strippedback and natural feel. ”Look for freeform designs that are wavy, mushroom-shaped and geometric – anything that has a handmade or artisan look to it,” suggests Jane.
A flush of colour is edging out the all-white bathroom, with bold shades, more subtle hues and earthy tones emerging. Look out for traditional wallpapers and patterned tiles, and lighting with customised shapes and mood options. Increasingly, bathrooms will have more considered design features (water-saving fixtures and more natural light). Soothing textures such as timber and stone will be popular, while plants help soften functional spaces.
Connecting with nature is known to have a positive impact on our physical and mental health. It’s a huge inspiration this year, with designs that amplify wellbeing and stability. “The focus of this trend is creating calming spaces we can retreat to, encouraging a connection with our natural surroundings,” says Jane Wright. The trend can be achieved with the use of authentic, natural materials, like timber wall panelling for an organic, textured backdrop, travertine for floor tiles, stone plant pots and ceramics. Using colour, such as browns, leafy greens and golds, is another option. “The emphasis is on selecting nature-inspired colours, pieces and materials that create tranquil and serene spaces,” says Jane.
Smart features and devices have already made their way into most homes, with nearly two thirds having at least one smart home product*. And according to the 2024 James Hardie ‘Modern Homes Forecast’, we’ll see more: “This technological landscape will see users demanding higher quality products and more choice and flexibility, driving innovation and customisation in housing design.” Security is beginning to integrate facial and voice recognition and amp up motion detection, while locks are being improved with PINs and fingerprint recognition. Appliances include fridges with interior cameras so food supplies can be checked, ovens whose temperatures and timers can be set from your phone, and rangehoods that determine how hard they need to work. There are even voice-activated machines to brew your morning coffee. In the bathroom, showers will automatically turn on to the right temperature and LED mirrors will display time and offer a choice of light colours. Thermostats will monitor energy use and adjust to set rooms to consistent temperatures. And if geolocation is enabled, they’ll track your smartphone to know if you’re home, adjusting to suit.
Fashion trends and technology updates aside, external forces such as industry regulation impact building practices. New homes must meet increased minimum energy efficiency ratings, which influences design decisions and the comfort of your home. Topping the list of considerations for consumers is the transition from gas appliances for cooking and heating to electric options, like induction cooktops and reverse-cycle airconditioning/heating, powered by solar panels and batteries. Benchtop materials are also under review, following a SafeWork Australia report linking engineered stone products to incurable lung disease in workers exposed to particles during the manufacturing process. Those planning to update or build can look at alternative materials, such as timber, tiles, stainless steel and custom-cast concrete. New and improved laminates meet any interior palette and budget objective. And if you’re splurging on a forever home, consider marble and granite.
Our desire to create homes that are individual is a key driver to saying goodbye to the all-white kitchen and bringing colour in, says Kaboodle Kitchen’s Giorgia Manenti. “Shades of blue and green, once considered daring choices in kitchens, now effortlessly integrate,” she says. “Inspired by nature, these colourways blend with most interior palettes while also adding personality and charm.” Cool metals are making a comeback with chrome, aluminium and steel bringing a new shine. “Adding a sleek and contemporary vibe, cool metals enhance a kitchen’s aesthetic appeal,” says Giorgia. “Most appliances are available in chrome, steel or aluminium finishes, allowing you to match your hardware and accessories to maintain cohesion.”
Harness current trends, while following these tips for a future-proof home.
Source: *researchandmarkets.com
Photo Credit: Alex Reinders, Kaboodle
Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.
When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.
