As we hurtle headlong into the year ahead, we took time out to speak to two of Metricon’s leading design minds – Kristina Orban and Felicity Tragardh – about the major trends everyone’s exploring in 2024. Here are their top picks to keep front of mind as you design your new home this year...
Stone slabs are in
Subway tiles have been a major look for kitchens and bathrooms for quite some time now, and we have no doubt they’ll remain popular. But Metricon’s kitchen guru Kristina Orban says there are both practical and aesthetic reasons why this year will see many folks shifting towards stone slabs instead.
“On the practical front, grout has always been a bit of a bugbear for consumers in terms of the work that goes into keeping it clean and avoiding discolouring. But if you go for a large slab, you can achieve a great look with minimal effort. They’re so tactile and beautiful to look at.” Kristina Orban, Metricon Interior Designer
And while you can opt for a natural stone, Kristina says it’s worth considering artificial alternatives too. “Many of the manmade options available are not only carbon-neutral and therefore environmentally friendly, but also super hard-wearing too, so they can withstand the heat in your kitchen, water in your bathroom and that extends to standing up to the elements outdoors as well.”
Consider this your cue to check out Dekton by Cosentino - an ultra-compact, high-performance surface that comes in a variety of colors. With almost zero porosity, this innovative material is resistant to scratches, stains, high temperatures, and impact, and requires very little maintenance.
Go with the flow with organic curves
Styling supremo Felicity Tragardh says that free-flowing curves are a major design trend that will only continue to skyrocket in popularity in 2024. “Whether it’s graceful lighting features, shapely sofas, flowing kitchen benchtops or spiral staircases, curve appeal has exploded,” she says. “We’re seeing that flow through to details like the scalloped edges of lampshades and organic shapes in accessories.”
Using curves can help soften any room. “Curved armchairs, sofas and circular rugs can help break down a big room into more intimate spaces that are really cosy and welcoming,” Kristina adds.
Go bold, beautiful and big
Picking up on the trend for large stone slabs and running with the idea, Felicity says that big, bold and absolutely beautiful patterns with textural appeal are having a renaissance. “We’re seeing that love for marbled stone finishes moving through to warm timber finishes and parquetry floors, to luxurious fabrics that help create a strong visual statement,” she says. “And don’t be afraid to mix up materials and textures while using similar tones to keep it harmonious.”
That includes playing with wallpaper feature walls and even dabbling in a little bit of that ‘70s style.
“Everything’s getting bigger and bolder after years of minimalism, with some brilliant patterns at play. It’s all about the wow factor.” Felicity Tragardh, Metricon Interior Designer
Kristina adds that there’s scope for more creativity in the kitchen too. “We’re not just using a big statement island bench anymore. You can also have fun with cabinetry and brass kitchen hardware, as long as you keep it all in the same tonal family.”
Need kitchen hardware inspiration? The tapware gurus at Reece have a diverse range to suit even the most discerning tastes. Take a look at these beautiful brass kitchen taps.
Climb the walls with shining feature lighting
Sia might be swinging from the chandelier, but wall-mounted lighting features are seeing a resurgence in 2024, Felicity says, but with a brand new look. “Gone are the old wall sconces of the ‘80s. Now it’s way more subtle. From white on white to insert tiles, we’re using wall lighting as a feature in its own right, not just to feature artwork anymore.”
Felicity notes that you’ll see these sleek and sensual wall light details coming through in bathrooms and bedrooms, where they can help set the mood. “It’s a really easy way to establish the right ambience for a room, particularly if it’s a place where you want to chill out and slow down.”
We're taking our inspiration from the beautiful assortment of wall lighting at Amphis Lighting. Their collection has us amped up to revamp our space with some fresh new illuminations. We've added the contemporary Sarber design to our wishlist...
Sustainable design never goes out of style
Felicity says that aiming for sustainable design will only increase in popularity in 2024, particularly as it becomes a more affordable option. “We’re moving to a position where it’s now the benchmark of all new housing designs,” she says. “Sustainable design seeks to reduce a home’s negative impacts on the environment all while boosting the health and comfort for homeowners.”
A win-win, then. “Energy efficient design including double glazing, solar panels, LED lighting, sustainable water usage, improved building materials, waste reductions and lighter roofing colours are all examples where new home builders can have a positive impact on the planet and possibly bring down utility bills too,” Felicity adds. “It’s also about future-proofing homes.”
Our friends at Chromagen have a range of premium solar panel systems that are designed to be highly efficient and offer superior ability to convert sunlight into electrical power even on the coolest of days. Not only could they save you cash on your energy bill, but they'll also help you do your bit for the planet. Who says you can't have your cake and eat it too?
Double glazing is also an easy addition when building new. The insulation barrier keeps warm air in during winter and hot air out during summer, giving you increased thermal efficiency and reduced power bills^. Being tougher to break, they’re the more secure option and as an added plus, they also limit condensation, mould and dust in your home. Take a look at your glazing options with Southern Star Group here.
You can read more about our top tips for achieving a sustainable home here.
If you’d like to talk to one of Metricon’s design experts, get in touch by clicking here or calling 1300 786 773.
^ Based on normal usage of the home. Consumer behaviour will vary and Metricon makes no guarantees on cost savings on this basis.
