Top 10 2024 Interior Design Trends

• Statement lighting
• Quiet luxury
• Arches
• Yellow accents
• Biophilic design
• Velvet
• Monochrome rooms
• One-of-a-kind pieces
• Country western influences
• Colorful tiling

1. Statement lighting

If you’re on social media, you’ve probably heard of the Big Light Debate. If not, it’s essentially the dispute over what creates a better vibe in a room: One big light (typically an overhead light fixture) or a series of little lights (like lamps, string lights, and candles). In 2024, the little lights are winning by a landslide. 

Pro Tip: When it comes to selecting your little lights, vintage lamps are a great way to cultivate a unique look while embracing sustainability in interior design.

2. Quiet luxury

No, you don’t have to earn a high-end salary to participate in this trend. In fact, it’s a bit of a misnomer to call it a trend at all. Quiet luxury is all about selecting a few timeless pieces for your home that you can build the rest of your decor around. So, to cultivate this aesthetic, you don’t need to change many elements of your style. Take stock of what you already have and consider items you’ve been meaning to replace. Nothing against that fast furniture bookcase, but if it’s nearing the end of its lifecycle, maybe it’s time to replace it with a higher-quality piece that you can enjoy for years to come.

3. Arches

Angular lines are out, and curved silhouettes are in. Luckily, arches can be introduced into your home without changing the architecture itself. Arched mirrors, headboards, and even painting an arched backdrop behind a focal piece of furniture are all fairly simple ways to try this 2024 interior design trend.

4. Yellow accents

Pantone’s 2024 Color of the Year might be Peach Fuzz, but yellow tones are having a moment, too. Especially in kitchens and bathrooms, a pop of the right shade of yellow can infuse your home with warmth, light, and energy. Accent walls, upholstery, and cabinetry are some popular ways to incorporate this sunny hue throughout your space.

Pro Tip: Yellow is a notoriously hit-or-miss color for interior design. Check out some tried and true shades to help guide your decision.

5. Biophilic design

We started seeing biophilic design gain popularity in 2020, and it’s still going strong in 2024. You don’t need a green thumb to bring elements of nature into your interior design, though. Plant-patterned wallpaper, curtains that allow in more natural light, and even simply incorporating nature-inspired hues of green can all help you achieve that post-hike happiness in your home.

6. Velvet

Texture has been having a moment for a while now, and this year’s star texture is velvet. Curtains, bedding, and throw pillows are some simple ways to introduce this trend in your space.

7. Monochrome rooms

This 2024 interior design trend is a marriage of minimalism and maximalism. You simply pick one, non-neutral color, and decorate an entire room (or corner, if you’re low on square footage) with solely that shade—from the walls to the furniture to the art. Pick any color you like!

8. One-of-a-kind pieces

The best part about this 2024 interior design trend is that you likely already have items around that can be used to incorporate it. That masterpiece your kid made that’s hanging on the fridge? Time to frame it and upgrade it to wall art status. Whether it’s vintage pieces, handmade items, or work from local artisans, one-of-a-kind decor is replacing cookie-cutter style this year.

9. Country western influences

It’s no surprise to learn that if Beyoncé’s doing it, we’re all doing it. Country western influences are trending in 2024. No need to go full cowboy mode if that’s not your style, though. Cowhide rugs, leather accents, and wooden furniture are some subtle ways to create that rustic feel.

10. Colorful tiling

Whether it’s on your floors, walls, or countertops, colorful tile is trending as a way to create a vintage aesthetic in any space. Shades of green, pink, and purple are popular choices, especially in your bathroom or kitchen.

2024 Interior Design Trends: What’s Out

What interior design trends should you avoid? Ultimately, whichever ones you don’t like. But if you’re looking to stage your home and want to boost your appeal for a younger buyer, you may want to avoid these dated decor trends.

• Ruffles
• Minimalism
• Coastal aesthetics
• Fast furniture

From throw pillows to accent walls, there are plenty of simple ways to incorporate design trends into your home this spring.

The post 2024 Interior Design Trends: 10 Ways to Upgrade Your Home appeared first on Cardinal Financial.

What young home buyers want: 7 must-have home features

• Outdoor space
• Smart home features
• Home offices
• Stylish bathrooms
• Convenient storage
• Closed floor plans
• Eco-friendly design

1. Outdoor space

Raise your hand if you were living in an apartment during the 2020 Covid lockdowns. Anyone who experienced that knows having access to your own outdoor space is no longer something to risk going without. That doesn’t mean you need to spend thousands of dollars turning your backyard into a botanical garden, though. A fence around the yard for privacy or even a home location that offers easy access to local parks and trails is enough to fit what most young home buyers want.

2. Smart home features

Like it or not, technology is here to stay. Gen Z especially has grown up with technology as an essential part of life, so it’s only natural that their homes should reflect that. Some of the more popular smart home features for young buyers include thermostats, doorbells, and security systems.

3. Home offices

If there’s one thing Gen Z is going to do, it’s disrupt tradition—and the workplace is no exception. The old model of sitting in an office from 9 to 5 has lost its appeal for most young home buyers. With more and more Gen Z employees earning their income from home, a designated space to take care of business is a must if you’re selling to this generation.

4. Stylish bathrooms

Nobody wants to film a get-ready-with-me video in a boring bathroom. And on a more serious note, an outdated bathroom means a lot of money spent on renovations. While Gen Z actually tends to prefer more retro, classic home styles than the modern trends Millennials embraced, that doesn’t extend to the plumbing.

5. Storage space

Sorry, storage unit industry, but you’d be hard-pressed to find a young home buyer who considers remote storage a viable option. For one thing, why pay for storage that isn’t easily accessible? Your home is where your life is, so your stuff should be there, too. If there’s not enough storage space, Gen Z is likely to ditch belongings for the move. For a generation who typically makes more intentional purchases, that’s a big turn-off in a potential home.

6. Closed floor plans

Good news! There’s no need to knock down walls before you sell your home. Open floor plans had their moment, but what young home buyers want now are more traditional layouts. Whether it’s with friends, partners, or roommates, in the current housing market Gen Z isn’t likely to buy a home by themselves. With multiple occupants, the privacy and personalization that closed floor plans offer are a must.

7. Eco-friendly design

Gen Z cares deeply about the environment, so it’s no surprise that homes with eco-friendly features are a priority for them. While some factors (like your city’s recycling program) may be out of your control, there are still a few ways you can make your home greener—solar panels, LED lights, and water-conserving appliances to name a few.

The simplest way to make sure your home is energy efficient, though, is to keep up with repairs and maintenance. Proper insulation, clean HVAC systems, and correctly-fitted windows and doors all help minimize energy consumption and utility bills.

What young home buyers want: Bonus tips

Before you take this list of home features and run with it, it’s important to understand not just what Gen Z looks for in a home, but how they look for it. If you want to sell to Gen Z, you need to meet them where they are: Online. We’re not saying you have to become an influencer, but your home’s digital presence matters. Your listing should be verified on trusted sites, have high-quality photos, and provide enough detail that potential buyers don’t have to call you for more information. It’s also a good idea to work with a real estate agent who knows how to market your home on social media.

At the end of the day, don’t overthink what young home buyers want. They’re a different generation, not a different species. If you can provide a safe space to call home, you’re well on your way to a successful home sale with any buyer.

If you want to sell to Gen Z home buyers, you need to meet them where they are: Online.

The post What Young Home Buyers Want: 7 Must-Have Home Features appeared first on Cardinal Financial.

8 Summer Home Decor Ideas

• Nature-inspired lighting
• Coastal color palettes
• Vibrant patterns
• Colorful tableware
• Lush plants
• Open spaces
• Light-weight pillows and throws
• Bold front doors

1. Nature-inspired lighting

Natural light is always in. But when you can’t always depend on nature to come through, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. String and novelty lights may typically be associated with winter holidays, but neutral, warm-toned versions can work just as well for summer to replicate the light you’d get from fireflies, beach campfires, and sunset picnics. And if you want to reuse those lights when December rolls around, we won’t tell.

2. Coastal color palettes

Nothing says summer like a trip to the beach. When you can’t go to the ocean, bring the ocean indoors with color palettes inspired by the sea. Corals, pale blues, and neutrals are a great way to achieve that coastal cottage feeling. If you’re looking for a more modern take, try teals, bright pinks, and sunny yellows.

3. Vibrant patterns

The warmest season is all about bold choices. When it comes to summer home decor, that includes patterns. Throw pillows, rugs, and accent walls can be a simple way to incorporate this decor trend. When selecting your patterns, think tropical, nature-inspired motifs in lush greens, warm pinks, and saturated blues. For a more coastal theme, you can’t go wrong with nautical stripes.

4. Colorful tableware

Whether you’re actually dining outdoors or just trying to recreate that alfresco feeling, summer is a great time to get more playful with your dinner and drinkware. Melamine plates and acrylic glasses are a must for outdoor dining, but they also make for an easy clean-up anywhere. For glasses, lighter shades of pink and green can brighten up the table without hiding the nice hues of those summer cocktails.

5. Lush plants

Warm weather means prime plant season. From trailing greens to summer blooms, plants are a versatile way to update decor year-round. Plants aren’t just nice to look at either. Some houseplants literally help regulate the temperature indoors. And if you’re looking for a summer home decor idea that’s less of a commitment than houseplants, popular summer flowers include hydrangeas, delphiniums, and knock-out roses.

Pro Tip: Houseplants tend to attract bugs during the warmer months. A layer of sand on top of your houseplant’s soil can reduce the accessible moisture for bugs, discouraging them from burrowing and multiplying.

6. Open spaces

Sometimes, it’s about what you don’t have. The goal of summer decorating is to achieve a bright, breezy retreat from the heat. The simplest way to do this in your interiors is to declutter. Retire some of those blankets and throw pillows until fall, experiment with more spaced-out furniture arrangements, and keep things light (literally, open the blinds).

7. Light-weight pillows and throws

Speaking of throw blankets and pillows, don’t ditch them entirely for the warmer weather. Instead, switch to cooler materials like linen or silk in summery shades and patterns. If you’re looking for more durable outdoor materials, burlap and polypropylene are popular choices.

Pro Tip: Rather than buying a new set of pillows for each season, buy a set of inserts. This way, each season you can simply swap out different pillow covers.

8. Bold front doors

This one might not be for everyone, but a bold paint color on your front door makes a big difference in the seasonal feel of your home. Before you go all in on this trend, make sure your neighborhood HOA doesn’t have any rules or restrictions about what colors are allowed. Popular summer color choices include navy blue, yellow, and greens with blue undertones.

Bonus summer home decor ideas

When you’re decorating for summer, don’t forget about your outdoor space. Fresh throw pillows, wicker furniture, and elevated outdoor dining setups are a great way to embrace the changing seasons without having to refresh your whole home. For homeowners with pools, comfortable poolside seating is always a smart idea. And if your outdoor space is lacking in shade, patio umbrellas are a must for comfortable outdoor lounging. Don’t forget that summer is ultimately a time to slow down and relax—whatever you decide to do with your space shouldn’t be a source of stress. Have fun with it!

Natural light, open spaces, and bright colors are all great ways to usher the summer sun into your home.

The post 8 Simple Summer Home Decor Ideas to Refresh Your Space appeared first on Cardinal Financial.

Top Ten 2023 Interior Design Trends

• Accent walls
• Asymmetry
• Bold kitchens
• Colors replacing neutrals
• Gold finishes
• Soft florals
• Statement rugs
• Stone accents
• Stylish laundry rooms
• Vintage furniture

Aesthetic utility spaces, art deco finishes, and warm purple tones are all making their way into the trendiest homes of 2023.

1. Accent walls

Accent walls are going strong in 2023. Wallpaper can be an easy way to try out new styles if you’re not sure what you want. But, if you’re ready to commit, consider bold paint colors (more on color later) and textures like exposed brick, concrete, and natural stone.

2. Asymmetry

No need for complete sets here—asymmetry is in. From mismatched bedside tables to uniquely-shaped lamps, there are endless ways to incorporate this trend into your decor. If you prefer a more balanced look, you can opt for more subtle methods like different pieces of wall art in matching frames.

Pro Tip: Asymmetry is a very thrift-friendly decor trend! Your local antique and thrift stores are a great place to find one-of-a-kind pieces at reasonable prices.

3. Bold kitchens

Kitchens are where you cook up coziness, so it makes sense that one of the top 2023 interior design trends is devoting more focus to the aesthetic of your cooking space. While it does still need to be functional, don’t be afraid to play with bold cabinet colors, open shelves, and detail-rich finishes like wood, marble, and patterned tiling.

4. Colors replacing neutrals

Colors are back, but not in the pastels and bright colors that dominated previous years. Warm, muted tones in purples, blues, and yellows are gaining popularity. It’s not a complete departure from the biophilic design craze of 2022, though. The key when selecting colors is to choose shades that could be found in nature, giving your decor a more timeless feel. Luckily, nature has quite the selection of colors to choose from.

Pro Tip: Not sure what hue to start with? The Pantone Color of the Year 2023 is Viva Magenta.

5. Gold finishes

Brushed nickel is out, gold is in. After all, it wouldn’t be the ‘20s without art deco. While Gatsby-level extravagance is not in the average homeowner’s budget, gold-toned finishes on light fixtures, knobs, and more small details can elevate and infuse warmth into your space. 

6. Soft florals

If you’re opting for patterns this year, stay on trend by channeling French countryside cottages with florals in muted colors. From wallpaper to throw pillows to window dressings, soft florals are easy to incorporate throughout your home in tasteful (and budget-friendly) amounts.

7. Statement rugs

To drastically change a room with minimal actual changes, swapping a simple rug for a statement rug packs the most punch. A good rug will last for years, though, so avoid going too trendy with your rug choices. Muted colors, traditional patterns, and cozy textures are all timeless elements to look for.

8. Stone accents

Nothing is written in stone, except maybe our eighth 2023 home decor trend. Stone accent walls are gaining popularity, but they’re also a big commitment. The good news is there are plenty of less labor-intensive ways to bring this natural texture indoors. Agate accent tables, concrete lamps, and marble kitchen backsplashes are all popular methods for incorporating stone into your 2023 home decor.

9. Stylish laundry rooms

2020 changed how we interact with our homes, and the past few years of interior design have reflected this. From a growing focus on outdoor spaces in 2021 to enclosed layouts in 2022, the trend continues in 2023 with a focus on combining aesthetics and utility—particularly in laundry rooms. Glossy wood finishes, vintage-inspired floor tiles, and subtle luxe touches on cabinets and light fixtures can help turn your laundry room into a space you actually want to spend time in.

10. Vintage furniture

In 2023, we’re embracing multiple eras of style. That means vintage furniture is maintaining its popularity, if in less kitsch forms than we saw in 2022. Always support local/independently owned thrift and antique stores when you can. But, if you’re striking out in your area, there are plenty of great online options as well.

Are there any 2023 interior design trends to avoid?

As in all things homeownership, it’s important to stick to your budget. So, don’t commit a huge spend to a home decor trend you’re not sure you’ll love in the long term. Luckily, there are several ways your mortgage can actually help you pay for renovations, such as an FHA 203(k) loan. Bottom line, it’s your home, your vision, and your call. Have fun with it!

The post Ten 2023 Interior Design Trends to Try in Your Home appeared first on Cardinal Financial.

5 evergreen winter decor ideas

• Candles, candles, and more candles
• Seasonal throws and pillows
• Natural accents
• Neutral color palettes
• Stunning centerpieces

Ready to deck your halls with non-Christmas decorations? Let’s get into it.

1. Candles, candles, and more candles

There’s nothing quite like candlelight to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere, especially if your home doesn’t have a fireplace (you can even put candles in the fireplace if you don’t want to go to the trouble of building a fire). But, before you fill your shopping cart with these wax wonders, there are a few things to keep in mind.

• Fire hazards. Make sure your candles are in correctly-sized holders, and be mindful of where you place all those little open flames (especially if you have small children and/or curious pets)
• Scents. One or two scented candles can set the perfect seasonal vibe, but if you light multiple scented candles at once, it’s going to be overwhelming (and possibly the cause of an allergic reaction for some of your more sensitive guests).
• Upkeep. Did you know you’re supposed to trim your candle wicks before each use? This will help prevent tunneling, excessive smoke, and generally helps you get more mileage out of each candle.

If all that sounds like a lot, LED flameless candles are an easy-to-find alternative. You could even splurge on a set with a remote to save yourself the trouble of turning each one on individually.

2. Seasonal throws and pillows

Layers aren’t just for your winter wardrobe. Adding more texture to your space with chunky blankets and accent pillows is an easy winter decor idea to implement on a budget—and it doesn’t hurt that it makes your setup more comfortable, either. From faux fur to flannel, textile accents offer plenty of ways to express your style while visually (and literally) warming up your home.

3. Natural accents

Incorporating elements of nature in your decor can go a long way towards boosting your mental health and elevating your space. While winter isn’t exactly known for its lush plant life, there are still a few ways you can keep your natural accents seasonal. If a carefully arranged bowl of pinecones isn’t your thing, try some of these vibrant winter houseplants that can handle the changing temperatures.

• Jade plant
• Snake plant
• Tradescantia
• Aglaonema
• Oxalis triangularis

4. Neutral color palettes

You might think that bright, bold colors would be the best way to stave off the dullness of winter, but a neutral color palette will give your decor more longevity, create a calming atmosphere, and imbue warmth into your home. Plus, if you’re showing your house, neutral decor can make potential buyers feel welcome while still being able to envision the space as their own. It’s all about hygge.

Hygge (pronounced hooga) is a Danish trend that’s grown in popularity over the past several years. Hygge is a lifestyle, but as decor, it manifests as minimalist palettes, layered textures, and warm-toned lights.

5. Stunning centerpieces

Cozy meals are a big part of what makes winter feel more manageable, so don’t forget to devote some extra energy to your table settings. There’s no wrong way to make a centerpiece, but some reliable seasonal elements include:

• Fresh evergreen trimmings, like cypress, holly, and juniper
• Winter fruits, like apples, pears, and oranges
• Decorative accents, like fake snow, burlap, and string lights

Are there any winter decor ideas I should avoid?

While no winter decor ideas are off the table if they make you happy, you’ll generally want to avoid placing decorations on your windows. Why? The days are short, which means limited natural light. Anything you place in or on your windows reduces the amount of sunlight that makes it into your home, which can have negative effects on even the hardiest of houseplants and humans.

Of course, one of the biggest perks of homeownership is the freedom to decorate as you please. Don’t let one blog post sway you from what feels right—even if it was written by home experts who really know what they’re doing.

Try these tips for evergreen winter home decor to keep the cozy vibes going all season long.

The post Winter Decor Ideas for Christmas and Beyond appeared first on Cardinal Financial.

Top 10 Budget-Friendly Interior Design Tips

1. Reorganize and rearrange
2. Declutter
3. Repaint your trim
4. Replace fixtures
5. Thrift accent pieces
6. Add a pop of color to smaller furniture with paint or wallpaper
7. Support local/independent artists
8. Don’t forget the frame
9. Splurge on one item that makes a big difference
10. Be patient

1. Reorganize and rearrange

Before you consider purchasing new furniture and decor, take inventory of what you already have. Whether it’s adjusting the angle of your couch, moving those throw pillows to the bedroom, or rearranging your gallery wall, a new look doesn’t have to mean new stuff.

2. Declutter

Interior decorating isn’t just about adding new pieces—what you take out can have just as much impact. And, if you’re moving on from pieces that are still in good condition, you could actually resell them and make money off your redecorating plans rather than lose it. Pro-Tip: Not sure where to start? Ask yourself WWMKD: What would Marie Kondo do?

3. Repaint your trim

Painting is one of the cheapest ways to update your home’s look, but repainting entire rooms can be a lot of work. If you like work, more power to you! Otherwise, simply repainting the trim in your home can make a big difference for a small amount of money and effort.

4. Replace fixtures

When it comes to interior design tips on a budget, it’s all about the little things. In this case, swapping out knobs and handles on your cabinetry and furniture is a quick way to add character to your space and tie your rooms together. Unlike more work-intensive projects, this interior design tip is quick, mess-free, and easy to do yourself.

5. Thrift accent pieces

Thrifting can be hit or miss, but by sticking to smaller accents like lamps and side tables, there’s a good chance you’ll find quality pieces that fit your budget. Especially if you’re aiming for a more eclectic look over modern minimalist trends, thrifted furniture can bring a space together in a way that’s truly unique. Not to mention, it’s good for the environment and most vintage stores are independently owned and operated.

Pro-Tip: Nail your vintage purchase with this handy list of furniture thrifting considerations.

6. Add a pop of color

From repainting your bedside table to wallpapering the interior of your bookcase, a little color can turn a standard piece of furniture into a statement. Don’t be afraid to try out multiple patterns and palettes. If you change your mind later, you can always repaint again. And in this case, fortune really does favor the bold—it’s often easier to find bolder colors on sale since they’re generally not as popular as neutrals.

7. Support local/independent artists

Real talk: Fine art pieces are out of the average person’s budget. That doesn’t mean you have to settle for recreations and reprints. Seek out local (or independent, “local” is a relative term in the digital age) artists for unique pieces at reasonable prices. Just don’t try to haggle them to even lower prices. Remember that you’re paying them for the years spent learning their craft, the materials, the hours spent creating it, and the originality—not just the piece itself.

8. Don’t forget the frame

Unframed movie posters might be a coming-of-age decor right of passage, but you’re an adult now. That means you need to frame. Your. Art. The right frame can elevate a photo or art print you already have, create dimension on your walls, and bring texture to your interior. From simple custom frames to vintage scores, there are endless affordable options to express your style.

Splurge on one item that makes a big difference

Sometimes, it pays to pay more. If you’re thinking of replacing focal items like your couch or bed, you’ll save more in the long run by buying quality pieces that stand the test of time. It’s ultimately up to you to decide what’s worth splurging on based on how you use it. If you work from home, you may want to spend more on a great desk and comfortable chair. For families with kids and pets, a durable couch might be the priority. And if you’re a vampire who never sleeps, we understand if you’d rather invest less in your bed.

Pro-Tip: If you’re not sure how to prioritize what’s worth the splurge, check out this breakdown of essentials.

10. Be patient

All those home renovation shows make one big, complete transformation seem like the way to go when you decide to refresh your decor. Realistically, though, decorating your home is an ongoing process. Don’t spend money on pieces you don’t love just for the sake of filling a space. Take your time, buy as your budget allows, and don’t settle for anything that doesn’t feel like you (are we still talking about interior decorating?).

Any other interior design tips to consider?

The most important interior design tip we can give you might seem counterproductive to this whole blog you just read, but here it is: Trust your own taste over any interior decorating advice you might receive. Tips and tricks are a great place to find inspiration, but it’s ultimately your home, your budget, and your call. And if redecorating gets you thinking about larger-scale renovations, we’ve got a loan for that.

Thrift, paint, repeat. Try these easy interior design tips to give your home a fresh look without compromising your financial goals.

The post 10 Interior Design Tips for Every Budget appeared first on Cardinal Financial.