8 Top Design Trends from ASID’s 2024 Outlook

When the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) puts out a trends outlook, designers pay attention. This year’s 2024 version was a massive endeavor—80 pages touching upon design’s intersection with all aspects of life: culture and society, residences, the workplace, education, health, travel, and entertainment as well as designers cultivating and growing their own businesses. Considered, too, were changes in family and home life and differing generational expectations. Analyses were data backed, and a panel of pros chimed in with personal expertise during the society’s hour-long public presentation. Arguably, overriding themes considered health and wellness, authenticity, the blending of work-life, sustainability, and, of course, change. Check out our takeaways as related to a condensed version of ASID’s breakdowns.

ASID’s 2024 Design Trends Highlight the Importance of Human Connection 

Understanding Gen Z Values

Connection, authenticity, and health and wellness loomed large especially among Gen Z, the most racially and ethnically diverse generation yet. These folks expect work-life balance and value DE&I initiatives where they see themselves in the picture. Plus, solo living is on the rise. Research reveals 28% of American households are single occupancy, translating to designers’ needing to foster connectivity when making modifications and enhancements. A single income necessitates cost-effective solutions.

Inside an emporium designed for a Gen Z brand

Elevating the Hybrid Workplace

Hybrid is the new normal. It’s not going away. Ergo companies are shrinking their footprints and renovating rather than relocating, giving designers opportunities to rethink flexible options for collaboration and single-focus work. Real estate comes into play as corporate tenants expect enhanced amenities—think full scale gyms and climbing walls—as the secret sauce to bring people back. Also, age is a factor influencing workplace preferences.

Explore this hybrid New York office for Sandbox Films

How Sectors Blur in Residential Design

Design extends beyond interior walls to outdoor space opening homes to community. Inside, the “eatertainment” trend takes hold with guests gathering around kitchen islands to join in meal preparation. Industry is catching up by blurring distinctions between indoor and outdoor furnishings. Residential spaces also include more hotel-like elements, spa-inspired features, and health and wellness elements such as bedroom hydration stations, or perhaps a seagrass wallcovering. Look for futuristic features such as floor tiles that can take a guest’s temperature in the morning or mirrors that can diagnose deficiencies like sleep, vitamins, or even nutrition.

Explore 20 homes with indoor-outdoor space

Transparency Reigns Supreme for Sustainability 

When it comes to sustainability initiatives, making small steps and identifying what’s relevant in daily life is key. Meanwhile, industry should simplify messaging to ascertain designers and clients have the correct information to make informed decisions.

Explore 3 green projects by 2023 Sustainability Giants

The Rise of Preventative Care Facilities 

Increasingly, industry has focused on the patient experience with preventative care key. Design, incorporating beauty, comfort, and acoustic privacy, reduces anxiety and stress. As costs increase, budgets tighten, and competition intensifies, designers can create efficiencies making projects less expensive.

Explore a community clinic that raises the bar for design

The Future of Educational Spaces

To play a role in renovating spaces, design must provide hybrid classrooms, yet physical spaces for grades K through 12. Since higher education is casting a wide net for domestic and international students, spaces must make experiences worthwhile for both students and faculty.

Explore a whimsical kindergarten in Xiamen, China

Design Destinations That Create Community 

Design must respond to shifting desires for connection to a sense of place with a holistic approach. Food and heritage, for example, are as important as beautiful rooms, especially in response to such competition as Air B&B and VRBO. Sports stadiums count as entertainment, too. To weave into a city’s urban fabric, arenas will be designed for multiple programming and, of course, include top-tier VIP boxes and dining options.

Explore a contemporary hacienda in Tulum that caters to local makers

Exploring the Limits of AI 

Designers, the panelists attest, have been using computer-aided tools for decades, just calling them by other names. As a counterbalance to the “perfection” of AI, the designer’s hand must be part of the process for the editorial, curatorial, history, and story-telling that only the human touch can bring to a project.

Explore an award-winning futuristic cafe