In a departure from Pantone’s soothing and earthy Peach Fuzz tone for 2024, the design world is witnessing a resurgence of maximalism. The philosophy of “more is more” has made a grand entrance, ushering in spaces that are grandiose, occasionally excessive, and devoid of aesthetic respite. Among the proponents of this trend, Italian Trade Agency’s (ITA) space stands out as a faithful adherent. Designed by interior designer Jean Porsche, renowned for his unique use of light and color, ITA’s space amalgamates a myriad of Italian styles within a few square meters. Dubbed as Gabinete Visconti, it draws inspiration from the period films of Italian cinema, featuring tapestried blue walls, glossy lacquers, wooden grilles adorning the fireplace, and a magnificent Renaissance-style coffered ceiling. “In this project, we have merged the richness of Italian heritage with a modern approach, creating a space that not only showcases design but also tells a story,” explains Jean Porsche. Each ‘made in Italy’ furniture piece is a work of art, from Michelle Bönan’s sofa to Natuzzi’s sculptural Utagano desk, Santo Peccatore’s artisanal ceramics, and Etro Home’s upholstered armchairs.
Modular Homes: Embracing Organic Living
The concept of modular homes has gained traction, especially in light of the revelations brought about by the confinement experience. The 21st-century home must be organic, adapting to evolving needs seamlessly. Niessen’s Alba apartment exemplifies this ethos, resembling a terraced garden bathed in natural light. This modular and mobile loft offers versatility through its various modules, prolonging the lifespan of its furnishings. Inspired by Mies Van der Rohe and Lilly Reich’s Barcelona Pavilion, Modular Home presents a house based on geometric precision, with noble materials like quartzite and onyx adorning its walls and headboard. Art pieces from Madrid’s 1 Mira gallery, textiles from Baimara, and landscaping by Fran Cisneros humanize this vision of the future home. Wood Modulor’s craftsmanship brings childhood dreams of treehouse living to life, offering comfort without sacrificing space optimization.
The Marble Renaissance
In the era of silent luxury, marble’s suggestive veining and cool touch are staging a comeback, adorning foyers and lounges in their entirety. Gómez Grau’s living room boasts Italian Calacatta Borghini marble and Patagonia stone, setting a regal tone. Sixty Pro’s kitchen island, crafted by Cupa Stone, and Arrital’s space, designed by Raúl Martins, evoke the opulence of Sicilian palaces. Levantina’s Calacatta Gold natural stone countertops, complemented by Pardo Stone Design’s custom flooring, create a luxurious ambiance. From Geberit’s marble friezes to Jacob Delafon’s moldings, marble’s aesthetic permeates every detail, culminating in Sandra Antón’s auditorium, where French-style cornices and Belvedere quartzite evoke the decadence of 1980s Berlin.
Back to Basics: Embracing Craftsmanship
The resurgence of artisanal craftsmanship is evident in contemporary interior design, transcending mere decorative objects. Spaces like Atmospheras’ traditional living room transport us to 18th-century Aragon and Valencia villages, emphasizing simplicity and tranquility. Sustainability is key, with natural light, wooden beams, and clay bricks covering current needs. Studio Mo’s Scandinavian-inspired patio celebrates familial gatherings amid artisanal furniture and lush greenery. Rustic charm permeates these spaces, from JYSK’s raffia furniture to oak sliding doors and bamboo panels.
Digital Printing Triumphs
Digital printing allows for decorative fantasies, from simulated sunrises to exotic garden landscapes, transforming floors into centennial stone pavements. Natuzzi’s living room immerses visitors in a sensory experience, blurring the lines between physical and emotional realms. Nagami’s sinuous columns and 3D-printed elements elevate sustainable luxury, while Blanca Rosa Gutiérrez’s restroom showcases 3D-printed cable knit panels and Orac Decor’s pearlescent textures. The possibilities of digital printing in interior design are limitless, as evidenced by its application in home decor.
The Luxury of Cultural Enrichment
Series like ‘Succession’ offer insights into the lives of affluent Americans, advocating for the integration of social spaces and cultural elements within homes. Bang & Olufsen’s living room harmonizes aesthetics with acoustics, while Mira Madrid’s marine oasis and Mausha Marsá’s reading room prioritize relaxation and cultural immersion. Cultivating a space for leisure and cultural enrichment has become a hallmark of modern luxury living.
Metal as a Bathroom Sublimator
In 2024, mixing materials with abandon is celebrated, with steel finding its place even in traditionally unexpected spaces like bathrooms. Strohm Teka’s bathroom, designed by Erico Navazo, features a regal yet serene ambiance, with metallic backdrops framing theatrical vignettes. Fran Cassinello’s fusion of textures—wool, wood, and metal—creates balanced compositions, while Jacob Delafon incorporates distinguished craftsmanship through clay warmth and palatial plaster moldings. In the fusion of materials lies the secret to contemporary design’s allure.
With each trend offering a unique perspective on contemporary living, 2024 promises to be a year of boundless creativity and innovation in interior design.