Learn » Interior Design Concepts

 

Introduction

Have you ever glanced at that old chair collecting dust in your attic and thought, “Could this become something beautiful?” Upcycling in interior design is all about transforming such overlooked items into unique, stylish pieces that breathe new life into your home. Not only does upcycling allow you to express your creativity, but it also promotes sustainability—a win-win for you and the planet.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, millions of tons of furniture and furnishings are discarded each year. By embracing upcycling, we can significantly reduce this waste and make a positive environmental impact while crafting a home that reflects our individuality.

1. What Is Upcycling and How Does It Differ from Recycling?

Upcycling is the art of taking unwanted or discarded items and repurposing them into products of higher quality or value than the original. Unlike recycling, which breaks materials down to create something new (often consuming energy in the process), upcycling maintains the item’s original form but enhances it through creativity.

For example, turning an old wooden ladder into a stylish bookshelf is upcycling. You’re reimagining its purpose without breaking it down. Recycling that same ladder would involve processing the wood into pulp to make paper, requiring more energy and resources.

2. Why Is Upcycling Gaining Popularity in Interior Design?

2.1 Environmental Awareness

With growing concerns about climate change and sustainability, more people are seeking ways to reduce their environmental footprint. Upcycling reduces waste and the demand for new products, which in turn lowers resource extraction and pollution.

2.2 Economic Benefits

Upcycling is cost-effective. Instead of buying new, you can transform items you already own or find at thrift stores for a fraction of the price. According to a survey by HomeAdvisor, homeowners can save up to 50% on renovation costs by incorporating upcycled materials.

2.3 Personal Expression

In an age of mass production, upcycling offers a way to create one-of-a-kind pieces that reflect your personality. It’s an opportunity to design items tailored to your taste, making your home truly unique.

3. What Are the Benefits of Upcycling in Home Decor?

3.1 How Does Upcycling Impact the Environment?

Upcycling reduces the volume of waste in landfills. By giving a second life to items, we conserve raw materials and decrease pollution from manufacturing processes. The World Wildlife Fund emphasizes that reducing waste is crucial for preserving ecosystems and biodiversity.

3.2 Can Upcycling Save You Money?

Absolutely! Upcycling often involves minimal investment. Materials can be sourced inexpensively, and the creative process adds value without significant cost. This approach can be particularly beneficial during economic downturns when budgets are tight.

3.3 How Does Upcycling Create Unique and Personalized Spaces?

Upcycled items carry stories and character that new items often lack. By customizing pieces, you infuse your space with elements that are meaningful to you, resulting in a home that’s not just decorated but curated.

4. How Can You Get Started with Upcycling?

4.1 How to Identify Items to Upcycle?

Start by exploring your own home for items that are unused or outdated. Consider visiting local thrift shops, garage sales, or online marketplaces like Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace. Look for solid structures and materials that inspire you, even if their current form doesn’t.

4.2 What Essential Tools and Materials Do You Need?

Basic tools like screwdrivers, hammers, sandpaper, and paintbrushes are essential. Depending on your project, you might need a sewing machine, electric drill, or specialized paints. Safety gear like gloves and goggles should not be overlooked.

4.3 What Safety Tips Should You Follow for Upcycling Projects?

• Work in a Ventilated Area: Especially when using paints or adhesives.
• Wear Protective Gear: Gloves, masks, and safety glasses protect you from dust and fumes.
• Follow Tool Instructions: Use tools properly to prevent accidents.

5. What Are Some Upcycling Ideas for Different Rooms?

5.1 What Upcycling Projects Can You Do in the Living Room?

• How to Repurpose Coffee Tables?
  Transform an old trunk into a vintage coffee table. Add casters for mobility and a glass top for a polished finish. This not only creates a focal point but also provides hidden storage.
• How to Upcycle Shelving Units?
  Use wooden crates stacked creatively to form shelves. Secure them together for stability and paint them to match your decor. This modular approach allows for customization to fit your space.

5.2 What Upcycling Inspirations Are There for the Bedroom?

• How to Create DIY Headboards from Old Doors?
  An antique door can become a charming headboard. Sand it down, paint or stain it, and mount it securely. This adds height and interest to your bedroom without the cost of a new headboard.
• How to Revamp Dressers?
  Give a tired dresser new life with fresh paint and updated hardware. Consider using stencils or decoupage to add patterns or images that resonate with you.

5.3 What Upcycling Ideas Suit the Kitchen and Dining Area?

• How to Transform Cabinets?
  Paint can work wonders on outdated cabinets. Remove doors for open shelving—a trend that’s both practical and stylish. Adding new handles or knobs can also refresh the look.
• How to Repurpose Dining Chairs?
  Mismatched chairs can be unified with paint or reupholstered seats. This eclectic mix adds character and can be a conversation starter at dinner parties.

5.4 What Upcycling Projects Work for the Bathroom?

• How to Convert Vintage Vanities?
  Repurpose an old dresser into a vanity by fitting it with a sink and faucet. Seal the wood to protect against moisture. This creates a unique piece that stands out from standard bathroom fixtures.
• How to Create Upcycled Storage Solutions?
  Use mason jars mounted on reclaimed wood for toothbrush holders or storage for cotton balls and swabs. Old ladders can serve as towel racks, adding rustic charm.

6. What Are Some Creative Upcycling Projects You Can Try?

6.1 How to Craft DIY Upcycled Home Accessories?

• Turning Glass Jars into Decorative Vases:
  Decorate jars with paint, ribbon, or etching. Use them as vases, candle holders, or storage containers. This simple project adds personal touches throughout your home.
• Making Wall Art from Recycled Materials:
  Create a collage using scraps of fabric, paper, or wood. Frame it to add an artistic element that’s entirely your own.

6.2 How to Repurpose Old Textiles?

Turn old sweaters into cozy pillow covers or patchwork blankets. Jeans can become durable tote bags. This not only recycles materials but also adds comfort and warmth to your decor.

6.3 How to Upcycle Everyday Items into Art?

• Bottle Cap Mosaics:
  Collect bottle caps to create colorful mosaics for tabletops or wall art.
• Wine Cork Boards:
  Glue wine corks within a frame to make a functional and decorative bulletin board.

7. What Tips and Tricks Ensure Successful Upcycling?

7.1 How to Choose the Right Paints and Finishes?

• Material Matters: Use paints appropriate for the item’s material—metal, wood, or plastic.
• Eco-Friendly Options: Low-VOC and water-based paints are better for the environment and indoor air quality.
• Test First: Always test your paint or finish on a small area to see how it looks when dry.

7.2 What Techniques Are Best for Furniture Restoration?

• Preparation is Key: Clean and sand surfaces thoroughly.
• Use Primer: This helps the paint adhere better and provides a uniform base.
• Seal It: Protect your work with a clear sealant, especially for items that will see heavy use.

7.3 How to Combine Functionality with Aesthetics?

• Think Practical: Ensure that the upcycled item serves its intended purpose effectively.
• Balance Form and Function: Don’t sacrifice usability for looks. A beautiful chair isn’t helpful if it’s uncomfortable.

8. What Upcycling Trends Should You Watch?

8.1 How Is Vintage Style Making a Comeback?

Vintage elements add nostalgia and charm. Incorporating items from past decades can create a timeless feel. Look for pieces with classic lines or intricate details that stand the test of time.

8.2 What Sustainable Materials Are Popular in Upcycling?

• Reclaimed Wood: Offers character and history, perfect for rustic or industrial styles.
• Bamboo: A fast-growing, renewable resource that’s strong and versatile.
• Recycled Metals: Adds an industrial edge and is durable for various applications.

8.3 How Is Technology Influencing Upcycling?

• Online Inspiration: Platforms like Pinterest and Instagram provide endless ideas.
• Virtual Workshops: Learn new skills through online tutorials and webinars.
• 3D Printing: Allows for creating custom components to enhance your projects.

9. How Can You Repurpose Common Household Items?

• How to Turn Glass Jars into Decorative Vases?
  Paint the jars in ombre shades or wrap them with twine for a rustic look. They’re perfect for displaying fresh flowers or as lanterns with tealight candles.
• How to Use Old Ladders as Shelving Units?
  Lean a wooden ladder against the wall and use the rungs to hang blankets or towels. For a bookshelf, secure planks across the rungs.
• How to Repurpose Dresser Mirrors?
  Detach the mirror and frame it with reclaimed wood for a farmhouse aesthetic. Alternatively, turn the frame into a chalkboard for notes and reminders.

10. Where Can You Find Resources for Upcycling?

10.1 What Online Communities and Forums Are Available?

• Pinterest: Search for upcycling ideas and save them to your boards.
• Reddit (r/Upcycling): Engage with others, share your projects, and get feedback.
• Facebook Groups: Join local or global upcycling groups for inspiration and support.

10.2 Are There Workshops and Classes You Can Attend?

• Local Craft Stores: Many offer classes on painting, sewing, and DIY projects.
• Community Centers: Check for workshops on woodworking or metalworking.
• Online Platforms: Websites like Skillshare and Udemy offer courses you can take at your own pace.

10.3 What Tools and Suppliers Are Recommended?

• Thrift Stores and Flea Markets: Find unique items to upcycle.
• Hardware Stores: For tools, paints, and hardware.
• Specialty Suppliers: For eco-friendly materials or unique hardware, check out specialized online retailers.

Conclusion

Upcycling in interior design isn’t just a fad—it’s a movement toward sustainable living and personal expression. Platforms like Foyr make it easier to visualize these transformations, helping you turn old or discarded items into something new and beautiful. By reducing waste and adding personal touches, you create a home filled with pieces that tell a story. So, why not give it a try? Your next DIY masterpiece could be just an old piece of furniture away.

Learn » Interior Design Concepts

For designers of all experience levels, there’s little that’s more validating than getting published in interior design publications. Publication is not just a pat on the back, but also, it’s a way to get your name out there for potential clients to notice you. In a saturated market, exposure is key to landing jobs! 

By learning how to get your interior design work published in top interior design publications, you’ll be able to open your business to a wider range of clients, helping you expand your practice and fulfill your goals. 

If you aren’t familiar with the process of getting your interior design work published in a renowned interior design magazine, the prospect may seem intimidating. But, it’s entirely plausible. We’ll take you through the process step by step.

Tips to Get Published into Interior Design Publications

Here are 9 best tips and tricks to help you get published and expand your practice.

1. Get Permission from Clients

First and foremost, if you want to share images from an interior design project, make sure that your client consents to the possibility of having their home on the pages of their favorite magazines. For many clients, this prospect will be exciting – but, it’s still appropriate to get explicit approval. For many major print publications, it’s possible that they will want to re-shoot photos of your designs – so, it’s good if your client has a heads-up that it may be possible for a photo crew to visit their living room.

If your client is particularly amiable, you might even consider asking them to participate in an interview! Interior design magazines love to show off how people live in and enjoy their spaces. 

2. Write a Compelling Pitch

What is a pitch? When trying to get your interior design work published, a pitch is an email you send to editors at interior design publications that introduces them to you and your work and explains why your work is a good fit for their magazine. Getting your interior design work published is hard work, and competition is steep. The more interesting your pitch, the higher your success rate in publishing will be.

As you write your pitch, think to yourself: what is the story behind the design you chose? What makes this work unique? How did your client react, and what was the process like working with that client? Publications are interested in telling stories as much as they are interested in showing off the best interior design looks, so take some time to consider what sets you apart from other designers.

It is considered best practice to include one stunning image in your email while attaching a link to a shared folder with other images, in case the editor wants to see more. Given the volume of pitches that editors receive, you’ll want to keep your pitches short and sweet. Leave the written portion of the pitch to one or two paragraphs, and if possible, have a friend proofread for you to tell you if there are any typing errors, or if something doesn’t make sense from another’s perspective.

Read also – Sell Your Architectural Services Better

3. Learn to Take a Good Photo

In most cases, interior design publications will re-photograph your work once they decide to publish you. But, at the pitching stage, you will still need to show photos of your interior design work. So, your photographs of your interior design projects will be the primary factor that editors use to decide whether or not to publish you. If you send a low-resolution, grainy, dark photo of a beautiful project, how will editors know how good it really looks? Here’s the secret: you don’t need to be a professional photographer or own a professional DSLR camera to take a good photo.

The key to a good photo is lighting – and, as an interior designer, you should know the importance of a well-lit space! Try to coordinate a photo shoot during the daytime, when the most natural light will enter your space. These days, many smartphones can take professional-looking photos as long as there’s enough light. Then, use your eye as an interior designer to compose a visually interesting image!

You might even ask your client to model – for example, if you’re photographing a kitchen, maybe your client is cooking a particularly colorful, Instagram-worthy meal! If your photography skills aren’t up to par, consider hiring an interior design or real estate photographer to shoot your work. Utilizing interior design software can also help you visualize and plan your shots effectively. It’ll be useful for your portfolio and your publication pursuits!

4. Pitch Editors Directly

When pitching your interior design work for publication, a little bit of research goes a long way. If you’re going to take the time to write about your work and photograph your client’s homes, you want to make sure that your pitch gets read in the first place!

Publications are constantly deluged with emails from publicists, writers, designers, sponsors, and readers – so, if you send an email to a generic address like info@publication.com, it’s unlikely that the right editor will come across your pitch.

So, search for the masthead of the publication you want to pitch, which lists the names of all editors. If their email address isn’t publically available on the publication’s website, you can sometimes find their contact information on Twitter or Linkedin; most of the time, an editor’s email address will be some variation of name@publication.com, instead of something generic, like “info,” “hello,” or “inquiries”.

When seeking contact information for editors, keep it professional. Don’t pitch the editor of a magazine on their personal email address, and never call an editor on the phone unless explicitly asked!  

5. Pitch Exclusives

Here’s where it gets tricky. It’s disappointing when you pitch your work to a publication, only to receive a template rejection months later – but, that’s the nature of the business. Typically, editors will only accept work that is guaranteed to be exclusive to their publication. That means you shouldn’t post photos of your finished project online, or send the same pitch to multiple publications at once.

You might be wondering – how can I develop an online presence if I can’t post images of my work online? Don’t fret. Use your social media accounts to post sneak peeks and behind-the-scenes looks at your work, but save your images of the complete, finished products for publication.

To boost your chances of getting published, think strategically when choosing what outlet to pitch your project to. Show that you’ve done your research – if relevant to your project, include a brief comment about a piece in their publication that resonated with you, or explain how your work fits their publication aesthetic. Don’t go overboard, but make it clear that you’re seeking out their publication specifically, rather than cold-pitching any publication you can think of.

If you don’t receive a response from an editor in two weeks, it’s appropriate to send a polite follow-up message – your submission may have been lost in their inbox! But, a week after your follow-up, if you still haven’t received feedback, it’s safe to move on and pitch the next publication on your list. Don’t take rejection personally – the competition is steep, and even if your favorite publication doesn’t select your work, that doesn’t mean that another equally reputable place won’t either.

6. Be Professional

Even if your submission is not chosen for publication, always act professionally and courteously in your correspondence with editors. Maybe, your next project will be a great fit for their publication! But, if they recall having an unpleasant correspondence, then they won’t want to work with you.

This goes for any aspect of the interior design business: you never know when you might run into a client, collaborator, or editor down the road, so don’t burn bridges! People in the industry talk, and you don’t want to develop a reputation for being difficult to work with.

Aside from being kind, you want to make sure that editors don’t find you annoying when you pitch. Use a spreadsheet to keep track of where, when, and how often you pitch. Make sure you don’t pitch the editor more than three times a year, or else they might think that you’re being over-eager, or not taking the time to make sure that your submission fits the style of their publication.

7. Plan Ahead

For print publications, editorial teams plan content far out in advance. So, if you want to share your favorite summer designs for a publication’s annual summer issue, then you might want to pitch as early as November or December (the holiday season is tricky since many editors will be away from their desks for the holidays). This allows publications to review your pitch, hire photographers for a reshoot if necessary, and send your work through their lengthy, complicated editorial process (print publications must consider layout, copy-editing, printing, distribution, etc.).

Planning in advance will give you a better chance of getting your interior design work published. Additionally, if you reference a particular issue from the publication’s editorial schedule, it will prove to the editor that you’ve done your research, and you understand the tone and aesthetic of their publication. 

8. Stay Organized

When you’re pitching multiple interior design projects to publications at the same time, it’s easy to lose track of who you’ve pitched, how long it’s been since you sent the pitch, when you need to follow up, and whether or not you heard back. Get in the habit of jotting down all of the information surrounding a pitch, and that way, you’ll never commit the faux pas of sending the same pitch to the same editor twice!

You might even increase your success rate by knowing when you’re due to follow up with an editor, and when to keep moving and submit to the next publication on your list.

Resources for Pitching

Before you pitch your interior design work to an editor, you’ll want to know whether or not their publication even publishes interior design! Here is a list of publications that you might consider pitching: 

Print Publications	Digital Publications
Elle Decor	Lonny
Architectural Digest	Rue
Veranda	Design Milk
Country Living	Apartment Therapy
House Beautiful	Designboom
Better Homes and Gardens	HomeDSGN
Interior Design	Yellowtrace
Wallpaper	Yatzer
Surface	Living Etc
Milk decoration	Sight Unseen
Open House
Cabana
Sunset Magazine
Domino
Dwell

5 Expert Tips to Get Featured in Famous Interior Design Publications

1. Hire Professional Photographers

Invest in high-quality, professional photos of your interior design projects. Editors at the best interior design publications prefer visually stunning images that capture the details and essence of your designs. Don’t compromise your chance of landing a feature in a top publication by giving mediocre photos. Even if premium photographers charge a hefty amount, their work will set you up for success, by clearly outlining the minute detailing you’ve carried out in your designs, and show you as an expert in the eyes of an editor.

2. Understand the Publication’s Style

Study the style, themes, and types of projects featured in the top interior design publications you are targeting. Align your submissions with their aesthetic and editorial focus to increase your chances of being featured. Pick a submission that aligns closely, and don’t take a gamble on a submission that remotely resembles what they’re looking for. If you haven’t worked on projects the interior design magazine usually features, wait until you do, or choose a different magazine. 

3. Offer Exclusivity

Some publications prefer exclusive content. Offering your project exclusively to a specific magazine can make it more appealing, as they know they’re providing unique content to their readers. If you are submitting one design to many publications, it’s only polite to let them know in advance. It’s best to keep one design exclusive for one publication, to show how serious you are about featuring in their magazine.

4. Use Press Releases

Send out press releases to announce major projects, awards, or milestones. Press releases can catch the attention of editors looking for fresh and newsworthy content.

5. Participate in Design Competitions

Enter your projects into reputable design competitions. Winning or being shortlisted can catch the eye of editors looking for award-winning work to feature. Instead of you reaching out to them, they will reach out to you asking to see more of your work before featuring your work in their magazine.

Conclusion

If you want to get your interior design work published, you’ll have to be strategic, do your research, and act professionally. Though publication is a competitive area in the interior design industry, you can increase your chances by writing concise, compelling pitches, emailing editors directly, and attaching professional-quality photographs of your work. Good luck getting your interior design work published!

Get high-quality renders of your projects using Foyr Neo, generate crystal clear renders, and solidify your chance of getting featured in renowned interior design publications. Sign up for 14-day free trial today, and see for yourself!

Learn » Interior Design Concepts

Colors have a deep impact on our psyche. We make conscious and subconscious decisions on how certain colors make us feel.

Before we delve into discussing the color trend forecast, read a real-life example of how wall colors influence emotions.

Patricia Thenisch says beautifully in her TEDx Talk, “As humans, we pick a favorite color by layering a meaning and a feeling to it, mostly taken from previous experiences.”

Patricia cites an incident where a restaurant had painted their walls grey-blue. They usually turned on the air conditioning as customers walked in.

As days rolled by, more and more customers began complaining that the temperature was too cold for them. As an experiment, they changed the wall colors to a shade of orange between persimmon and apricot, which is a warmer color, and retained the same air conditioning temperature. Surprisingly, customers stopped complaining.

This shows how colors can play on our mental state.

As you design your clients’ spaces with some of the 2024 colors of the year, be wary of the properties of your color choice, and fit the overall interior style and the impact they’re bound to create.

With that out of the way, let’s have a closer look at what color trends major brands have come up with, and how you can bring them home to your clients.

Color of the Year Predictions of Major Color Brands 

Nick Lewis, a seasoned interior designer from Canada says, “The color palettes have been so warm now ever since the pandemic. So, this year there’s a pullback and we’re venturing to subdued colors.”

While most people in the design community thought this year’s color would be red, most color brands have gone with a mellow tone and it speaks to what the world needs at this point – calming down to nurture bonds with the self and the community.

Read also – How To Become a Certified Interior Designer Without A Degree in 2024?

1. Pantone: Peach Fuzz

The color Peach Fuzz, a soft blend of pink and orange radiates warmth and healing. The Pantone Color Institute anticipates an increased interest in self-care in 2024 and hence a soothing color. Experts noticed that the world needs more nurturing, empathy, and compassion – most importantly oneself. Hence the spotlight on self-care. Peach Fuzz is a heartfelt hue that symbolizes caring, sharing, community, and the feeling of heartfelt kindness. It’s a soft peach nestled between pink and orange.

This color is not only warm and welcoming but also tactile, ideal for sparking creativity. As apparel, it enhances various skin tones, lighting up the face. In-home decor, its use as a fabric revitalizes and  brings wellness and vibrancy to living spaces.

Shiri Melody Miller elaborates how Peace Fuzz will be used, “Wall colors are making a serious comeback, and I think Pantone’s this year’s color is so warm and embracing that we’ll see many accent walls in this shade (for example, a main TV wall in the living room or the headboard wall in our bedroom) to create a homey and comfortable atmosphere. Also, the color will dominate textiles (especially chairs, cushions, and curtains) for a feeling of softness and tranquility. And in kitchenware, it will add a twist to the world of cooking and baking. “

2. Benjamin Moore: Blue Nova

This year’s Benjamin Moore’s color palette is soft, balanced, and cohesive. Blue Nova is a gorgeous shade of royal blue, a lighter version of the bright colors identified last year. In case you’re going in for a monochromatic design a variation of mid-tone blue, you can pair Blue Nova with Polar Sky, which is a tinted version of the former color manufactured by the popular paint company.

Being in the family of blues, Blue Nova has the natural quality to reduce stress and bring a sense of calm and relaxation. When used in home decor, it creates a safe environment that gives your heart a familiar, relaxing feeling to nestle in the space. 

Read also – How Much Does It Cost To Paint The Interior Of A House?

3. Behr: Cracked Pepper

Cracked Pepper, a soft black with an LRV of 8, packs a punch. This rich, dark grey elevates spaces with its sensual neutrality. It shines on exteriors like doors and trims, or as an accent wall partnered with lighter hues. Its universal appeal avoids clashes but beware of a cool undertone in certain lighting. Show your client all angles!

This sophisticated shade loves a clean contrast. Pair it with Frost, an off-white (LRV 87), for a stunningly bright space. White trims and ample natural light amplify the drama. Craving warmth? Suede Gray, a taupe beauty, creates a cozy, earthy ambiance. Both pairings let Cracked Pepper sing!

4. Valspar: Renew Blue

Looks turquoise and has a 1950s vibe to it. Gives off a retro look. Whether you want to go for a beachy vibe or paint it in a traditional setting, you’d be successful. Works well for houses in the coastal region.

Combine vintage colors with contemporary pastels/muted tones to create a harmonious aesthetic. Highlight the gorgeousness of Renew Blue in your client’s space with sleek furniture and minimalistic decor.

Read also – 8 Best Free Interior Design Software & Tools in 2024

5. Glidden: Limitless

This honey-beige, golden, buttery shade is subtly stimulating, making it ideal for kitchen spaces. Its energetic character harmonizes beautifully with cooler blues. Versatile in application, it can either be a bold accent on walls or a complementary hue, always radiating liveliness. It embodies hope and joy, enhancing the mood with its fun and exuberant vibe. Particularly inviting as a wall color, it pairs exceptionally well with dark viridis colors, such as olive green, black, or off-black, creating a striking contrast.

However, given its stimulating nature, it’s advisable to avoid using this color in a child’s nursery, as it might make bedtime more challenging for both child and parents.

6. Sherwin Williams: Upward

This color, with its major grey undertone, radiates tranquility and a breezy feel. With a Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of 57, it’s light and playful, reminiscent of sky blue, and brings a soothing touch. Used in interiors, it imparts a unique, fresh atmosphere, fostering calm, trust, and serenity, whether as a wall color or an accessory.

It pairs well with Drift of Mist (a classic neutral grey), Gale Force (a navy teal), Honeydew (a light, refreshing hue), and Palmleaf (adding a hint of gold).

Image credits: All images featured in this blog are AI-generated or created using Foyr Neo, an advanced interior designing software.

Read also – 28 Best Wall Decor Ideas To Decorate Your Blank Wall

How is the Color of the Year Decided Every Year?

Every year the brands we spoke about come up with their choice of color for the upcoming year. 

Research and brainstorming by color experts

Color forecasts are conducted months ahead by analyzing data and observing global trends. An expert team of designers and trend analysts collaboratively researches and sifts through over 2000 colors along with Leatrice Eiseman, the executive director to select the annual color for their brand.

This process captures the current mood, identifying a leading paint color and accompanying it with complementary shades. This creates versatile palettes, aiding consumers, designers, and DIY enthusiasts in choosing trendy, fresh colors.

Sue Wadden, the director of color marketing of Sherwin Williams says the company conducts annual forecast workshops every year, where they discuss macro-level design trends in automotive, fashion, consumer electronics, and architecture, and discuss how things will take shape in the coming year.

Color samples are made available for sale

After the color is announced, in a few weeks it trickles down to retail stores as color chips, peel-and-stick sheets, and paint samples. Make sure to get some of them to help your client visualize the color in their home. 

Color variations are published as guidebooks for quick reference 

Another asset you can use long-term is a color guidebook by Pantone or any other color brand. Offering tens of thousands of color options, it provides an extensive palette for client consultations in home decor. However, be mindful that frequent use can lead to oxidation of the guidebook. To ensure accuracy and stay current with trends, consider regularly updating to the latest edition.

Read also – How to Create the Best Architect Portfolio in 2024

What Happens After the Color of the Year is Announced?

Brands buy copies of the colors in various formats to make use of them in digital ads, billboards, merchandise, and whatnot. Earlier, the color of the year colors were communicated over the phone. This led to differences in understanding, and some manufacturing facilities of the same brand used different variations of the same hue in their product which affected their sales.

Let’s take an example of Kodak cameras, as covered by the Wall Street Journal. Decades ago when Pantone announced the color of the year and Kodak wanted to use light yellow, they phoned up their branches and gave a verbal brief of how the color had to look. Each manufacturing facility perceived the color differently and produced different packages with different shades.  Ultimately, customers thought the lighter yellow boxes were the new products and the darker yellow boxes were old, dated ones. This affected Kodak’s camera sales that year massively. From that year on, Pantone Institute and others sell formulations of the color of the year in different formats to brands.

 

Every format (billboard, furniture, artwork, clothing, digital ad, etc) has a different light reflective property and based on it, the color’s appearance would change. Formulations are adjusted to suit the levels of light reflections of different materials the brand would use the color on and sell to them. 

Read also – Top 15 Latest Interior Design Trends in 2024

Where Can You See These Colors in 2024?

Everywhere you find an artist’s work or design trend, you can find these colors popping up. A few areas would include:

• Fashion merchandise, dresses
• Wedding color palettes
• Advertisements (digital and physical)
• Graphic design
• Cosmetics
• Home Accessories, and wallpaper brands such as Graham & Brown
• HGTV Homes

Role of a Design Tool in Deciding Colors for Your Clients’ Spaces

If you have a client who wants to introduce some of these colors in their home, you can do so confidently, provided they’re building from scratch.

In remodels, to avoid clashing with the existing style, add statement pieces in the desired colors and an accent wall for a pop of color.

But how can you decide where to infuse this color without spoiling the aesthetic? You visualize the new space with different possibilities in mind.

How? With a powerful design tool.

With an advanced tool like Foyr Neo, you can simply:

1. Create or import your floor plans.
2. Choose from 60,000+ 3D models in a huge variety of colors, shapes, and sizes from all major brands, including trending colors. Simply drag and drop them into your design.
3. Don’t see a particular shade? Ask to create a custom model.
4. Switch between 3D and 2D and rule out errors.
5. Adjust lighting with AI, and preview under different natural and artificial lighting.
6. Get a 360-degree walkthrough and render swiftly and seamlessly.

Anyone can use Foyr Neo and create designs that look highly professional and photorealistic.

Surprise your clients by bringing in elements in trending colors and take over your competition.

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Learn » Interior Design Concepts

As an interior designer, your job is to turn a client’s dreams into reality. Bringing concepts to life means getting clients to support and sign off on your overall vision and direction for their home, workspace, or other projects.

But it’s not enough to tell your clients that you have a great idea, and no amount of time spent describing your vision will do it justice. What you need is a stunning, crystal-clear depiction of how their new space will look. Your clients need to be invited to envision themselves within the design. Can they imagine what it will feel like to live, work, and play in this new space?

Put in common industry terms, you need an amazing project rendering. Powerful interior design software will allow you to create renderings that capture even the smallest design details and create the most compelling possible picture of your concept.

What Is 3D Rendering?

3D rendering is a simple process that allows you to build a high-quality product rendering of your interior and architectural design. It is the method of facilitating virtual tours and walkthroughs in virtual reality to give clients a photo-realistic 3D visualization idea of what the floor plan and the interior décor will look like after the project is finished.

The process of 3D rendering is actually quite simpler than advertised. Here’s how architectural design and 3D interior rendering is processed with 3D animation using photo-realistic 3D renderings:

• 3D artists create models of the interior design space in virtual reality.
• They choose the materials in the 3D architectural rendering that gives the clients an idea about the 3D product.
• This set up the lighting and the core in the highest quality for the virtual reality architectural visualization.
• Lastly, they compute the 3D images in high-quality, photo-realistic revision as per the client’s needs.

The high-quality rendering functions have made it easier for home builders to work with clients who require extensive decor comma or cost-effective design solutions. The beauty of 3D rendering services is that they also allow you to work with exterior 3D rendering, 3D floor plan rendering, decor, and even render lighting and other visualization services.

Not only is this a good solution for an established, professional 3D rendering company but it is also a cost-effective solution for freelance interior designers, architectural designers, 3D artists, home builders, real estate professionals, and even newbie designers in any field.

3D rendering services have changed the way we look at interior design and architecture in general. The ability to render virtual reality to give the client a glimpse of what their project will look like after it is finished before it even begins is nothing short of a miracle.

Read also – Why Do You Need an Interior Design Sketching Tool?

There are 3 types of 3D rendering services:

2. Pay attention to the lighting

A good 3D animation artist knows how to use lighting and shadows to their advantage. Playing with a handful of lighting designs or brightening up virtual tours during revisions can help the clients visualize the space in real time.

3. Add some layers to your 3D rendering

Learn how to incorporate layers in your architectural design and 3D animations. The more dimensions your rendering projects feature, the more it looks like a high-quality rendering in 3D visualization. It basically makes the 3D images look less like 2D photographs.

Read also – Types of 3D Rendering and Services in the Different Industry

4. Don’t disregard the textures of your 3D images

Add some textures to your 3D images as they make the 3D product look more realistic. The best 3D photorealistic product renderings feature textural effects in the finished virtual tours.

5. Introduce a wide range of color schemes

Consider learning to use shades that are farthest from the neutral blacks and whites. The more colors you explore in your 3D rendering services, the easier it is for the clients to visualize what the finished design would look like. Implement critical shades such as green, blue, yellow, red, and Gray in your architectural rendering.

6. Don’t go overboard with realism

Some people tend to go overboard when trying to depict virtual reality in photorealistic 3D modeling. You need to know the extent to which you must implement these visualization revisions in order to make the images seem more realistic.

However, keep in mind that too many effects can also make the highest-quality renderings seem like low-quality production. In the initial stages, it is best to use free quote templates till you get a hang of how to implement your interior design plans in a realistic flythrough.

Read also – 9 Different Types of 3D Modeling for Designers

7. 3D Visualization

3D visualization gives the designer (you) maximum flexibility to meet the preferences of demanding clients and ensure a good customer experience. Sometimes you get the design wrong, or the client unexpectedly rejects your ideas.

3D renderings allow you to change significant design elements like flooring, layout, paint color, and more with just a few clicks. This adaptability will give you ultimate control over the design and the ease with which changes can be made is sure to impress during client presentations.

8. Create a walkthrough

Create a walk-through of the entire design to help your clients the full project scope and approach. 3D renderings allow designers to create complete walkthrough tours of a new house or commercial design for architectural visualization.

The ability to move seamlessly from room to room, or from interior to exterior, through photorealistic renderings is often the unifying experience that potential clients need to understand how your vision will look in real life.

Read also – 10 Best Client Management Tips for Interior Designers

Benefits Of Offering Realistic 3d Rendering Services

Exceed client expectations

Improve the client experience

Stay aligned on design ideas for each project

Sell more physical products

Spend less time waiting for client approvals

Earn more referrals

Differentiate yourself from competitors

Pursue more sophisticated clientele

Increase your profitability by focusing on efficiency

How To Design Realistic Renders The Right Way: Mastering Realism In Interior Design With Foyr Neo

Foyr Neo is one such powerful interior design and 3D rendering software that is fast, easy, and intuitive to use. What makes Foyr Neo the preferred design tool for thousands of interior designers? Our platform was built for designers of all experience levels, capabilities, and business sizes by experienced, tech-savvy interior designers. 

Learn » Interior Design Concepts

Consider this: You are on your way home from a long day at the office or a business trip that wrung you dry. When you reach, what is it that you want to see?

Do you wnt a home that will take hours just to clean up so you can lay your tired body on the bed or do you want a living space where everything has a place and offers serenity and comfort after the rigorous grinding? The answer is simple. You need a place that embraces you with love and beautiful memories and we know exactly how you can achieve that quickly and effortlessly by simply planning.

As important as a home is to a person, we should design and decorate it to reflect our image. We want the piece of property to scream how precious it is to our hearts. That is why interior design is so important and worthwhile.

Today, we will take a look at home design trends that are here to stay no matter how much mankind evolves.

15 Best Home Decor Ideas & Trends in 2024

1. Comfort design trends are a priority

In today’s fast-paced world, the home must be a sanctuary of serenity. Prioritise comfort with traditional design elements, plush textures, and inviting color palettes. Indulge in oversized sofas, cozy throws, and soft lighting. Incorporate calming greenery for a touch of nature’s tranquillity. Cultivate a haven of ease and recharge where comfort reigns supreme.

In your home office, you can incorporate comfort by investing in ergonomic chairs that are good for your physical wellness. For the walls and décor elements, count on warm paint colors (think shades of yellow, blue, and teal) or look to the home decoration ideas for 2024 for inspiration.

Read also – How to Create the Best Architect Portfolio in 2024

2. Be mindful of the colors you use

In home décor, colors reflect self-expression. Choose wall paints that resonate with your preferences. Opt for neutrals like beige, pink, and brown for a classic look, or explore trendy, bold options like black and gold, Fuschia, or neon. For a less permanent choice, consider an accent wall in a daring hue, allowing a blend of boldness and subtlety.

Melanie Hartmann, owner of Creo Home Buyers in Maryland says, “While doing a tricky DIY renovation, painting your walls correctly can instantly refresh and update your home with a more modern ‘finish’.”

3. Sustainable and pocket-friendly design trends

Like many other things, home interior décor trends are not exempt from environmental responsibility. Given the newfound eco-consciousness among people, design trends emphasize sustainability and affordability in interior design. For instance, by shopping from thrift stores and antique shops, people bring home timeless classic furniture.

Skip the disposable, and say hello to sustainable! Embrace vintage finds, reclaimed wood tables, recycled fabric pillows, and natural jute accents. They’re not just trendy, they’re budget-friendly eco-choices that last. Seek certifications and decorate beautifully, all while greening your home one piece at a time.

Read also – 28 Best Wall Decor Ideas To Decorate Your Blank Wall

4. Force of nature

Earthy palettes are enjoying their interior design moment right now as people incorporate nature into their living spaces. Having spent a lot of time indoors, people understood the importance of the outdoors for their well-being. As per research, greenery is good for our physical and mental wellness, and it also encourages responsible behavior. So it’s no wonder that people are infusing natural elements into their abode.

From cane and leather chairs to a variety of houseplants, rattan furniture, and more, home décor trends in 2024 are all about enhancing all that is naturally available. It perfectly aligns with people’s desires to be more sustainable and shop affordably.

Besides furniture, interior designers count on hues of brown, beige, and sand to be accent wall favorites. Nature has a calming effect on the mind, and this is the year to infuse elements of it into your living room and home office.

5. The “grand millennial” design trends

No longer old-fashioned and outdated, the living room of your grandparents is the latest interior design trend. The grand millennial is one of the home décor trends of 2024 that centers on grandmother-style interior design with contemporary elements. Stunning antiques, ruffles, pleated throws, floral wallpaper, and more, underline this granny chic interior design style.

If you are all about Victorian tea sets, overstuffed sofas, and chintz pillows, this is the style for you. It is a far departure from the mid-century modern 2024 home décor trends. Grand millennial interior design is about embracing and flaunting the interior design taste of your grandmother.

To achieve this, experiment with old design trends, like patterns, structures, and embellishments. An interior designer can add a contemporary touch to it by incorporating abstract art, statement décor pieces, and metallic elements. Go on and breathe old life into your home!

Read also – 8 Best Free Interior Design Software & Tools in 2024

6. Layer it on

The 2024 home décor trends focus on depth, dimension, and storytelling through layered designs. Interior designers can experiment by starting with layered carpets. By considering various fabrics and textures, layering two rugs or carpets enhances the aesthetic of living rooms or home offices, tailored to their specific layout.

For instance, if your room doesn’t have too much furniture and has a muted color palette, opt for two eccentric carpets and layer them at different angles. On the other hand, if your room has too much going on, opt for two rugs—one in a solid shade and the other featuring patterns.

Ensure that the colors of your carpets are not mismatched. Also, when picking out your rugs, pick two of different sizes so that one is dominant and the other is complementary. Play around with angles and team it with the other home décor trends of 2024.

That’s not all! Layering is not limited to carpets. Pillows of varying sizes, throws, and more are all ideal for layering.

7. Patterned home decor is intriguing

Ditch uniformity! Today’s trends celebrate a riot of patterns and textures. Walls bloom with geometric prints, textured wallpaper, and even rough-edged paint. Sofas, chairs, and drapes follow suit, embracing plush fabrics and bold weaves. Wood elements dance between smooth panels and rough-hewn accents. Layer textured rugs (furry, hand-woven, anything!) and sprinkle in patterned decor. Remember, asymmetry isn’t chaos – just let the textures converse!

But hold on, wild child! Balance the boldness with solid pops of color and thoughtfully curated themes. Imagine carved wood chairs contrasting sleek coffee tables, or floral curtains alongside minimalist throws. This harmonious asymmetry gives your space depth and personality, making it an eye-catching, unforgettable haven.

Read also – How Much Does It Cost To Paint The Interior Of A House?

8. Embrace country motifs with style

Craving the warmth of country style without sacrificing sleekness? Embrace its essence with oversized furniture, natural wood accents, and exposed metal details. Layer in high-quality linens and textiles for a touch of luxury. Start with a grand dining table or statement coffee table, then weave in lush houseplants and sparkling candelabras. Keep the palette neutral – crisp white walls become the perfect canvas for your rustic treasures.

Let the sunshine in! Country homes thrive on natural light. Install French doors and wide windows, inviting the outdoors in. Embrace glass accents and reflective surfaces to amplify the space. This infusion of light keeps your rustic sanctuary feeling modern and airy, while the chi dances freely, bringing both harmony and style. 

9. Murals are not just for street walls

Murals have become the new art trend in home design these days. You don’t need expensive artwork to hang on the walls of your living room or bedroom. Instead, use the wall itself as a blank canvas.

If you have innate artistic abilities, consider painting something beautiful yourself, kind of like your very own DIY home decor idea. If, on the other hand, you are not so artistically inclined, you can always have professionals paint the walls in concentrated regions to create a focal point or go for the entire wall from one end to another.

Murals can tell a story, maybe about how you and your spouse met, or an important event in your life that changed everything. Whatever you do, keep it neat and make sure that your home decor fits the motif of your mural.

Read also – How To Become a Certified Interior Designer Without A Degree in 2024?

10. Choose the Hawaiian way

Transform your city home into a Hawaiian oasis by blending hand-crafted elements with a serene color scheme. Opt for pastel shades like light blue, green, and pale yellow. Decorate with wicker frames, DIY wall hangings, and string lights, complemented by inexpensive floor lamps. Embrace Hawaiian décor with straw huts, handmade candles, and colorful flower leis, creating a minimalist yet authentic island feel.

11. A house with a style statement

Now to talk about the expensive stuff, we all have a hankering for collecting artwork and inexplicable designer pieces. Why not display them in style?

Make a style statement by simply arranging a perfect blend of designer pieces of furniture with home decor without seeming too obvious.

For instance, maybe there’s that Brunel you acquired a piece of artwork by a budding artist, or perhaps an exquisite DIY project you made yourself. Just hang it up on the wall, surrounded by string lights, or create an accent wall with the piece hanging askew. For other floor-based items, you can arrange them around a monochromatic design where the item is the only thing that adds color.

Read also – 14 Home Gym Design Ideas to Build the Perfect Gym in 2024

12. Minimalism is still your best friend

Minimalist design trends call for maximum functionality around your home without cluttering the overall space.

You can choose neutral color trends and mix them up with double-duty, low-bearing pieces of furniture with clean edges. Use the floor space as much as possible without intrusive furniture and home decor. Hang pendant lights, ceiling lights, LED lights, and string lights to avoid filling the floor space with objects.

Artem Kropovinsky, founder and principal interior designer at Arsight says, “For modern design, “less is more”. We strive for understatement by selecting only those pieces that have simple straight lines and minimalist impact on the environment.”

13. Get some home organizers for effective storage

Conquer clutter and elevate your style with smart storage solutions. From Ikea baskets to Amazon organizers, embrace the power of shelving, trays, and caddies. Section off large cabinets, corral loose objects in portable baskets and banish desktop disarray. Remember, organization isn’t just practical, it’s aesthetically pleasing!

Maximize efficiency and minimize stress with designated spaces for everything. Home offices become havens of productivity with labeled organizers and designated bins. In every room, decluttering creates clean lines and a sense of serenity. So channel your inner Marie Kondo and embrace the joy of order – your home (and sanity) will thank you.

14. Hang lots and lots of reflective surfaces

Cramped quarters? Let light and space do the talking! Mirrors are your magic wand. Go Victorian with ornate frames, contemporary with sleek floor lengths, or minimalist with simple panels. Light bounces, space expands, and suddenly your cozy nook feels boundless. Even a touch of glass decor or reflective accents can work wonders.

Amplify the effect with light paint colors – think airy whites and calming pastels. They’ll reflect both light and your inner zen, creating a haven that feels as spacious as it is serene. Remember, a clutter-free space is a spacious mind, so pair decluttering with your reflective magic and welcome home the feeling of fresh starts and endless possibilities.

Read also – Top 15 Latest Interior Design Trends in 2024

15. Tie it all together with technology

These days, regardless of how well you understand and use technological advancements, they are essential in your interior design plans. How they have simplified everyday living is a testament to the human mind.

• For one, you can install a home theatre system that you can control via Wifi. 
• You can also connect all your appliances such as a washer and dryer, fireplace, oven, light fixtures, dimmers, dishwasher, sprinklers, and just about everything else to your home network. 
• That way you can finish your household chores while you’re sitting in your office or driving home from a long workday. 
• Another boon of technology is that you can wire your home security system to it. 
• All your burglar alarms, fire alarms, and fencing alarms are wired to your phone so you can quickly take action in case of emergencies.

Image credits: All images featured in this blog are AI-generated or created using Foyr Neo, an advanced interior designing software.

Wrapping Up 

You see, home decor doesn’t have to cost a bomb. You can buy what you need at Walmart Pottery Barn or Ikea depending on your budget. You can simplify your living space by adding ample storage to declutter your home. You can find such items on Amazon or build DIY items for the same.

The important thing to remember is that when you’re finished designing your home, the end product should invite you in and make you feel content. Several technological advancements could simplify your home cleaning process as we have mentioned while still blending in with your theme.

So get started and build yourself the dream home instead of the real estate property you acquired.

How do you do that? You simply sign up for Neo’s 14-day free trial, no technical skills are required. Simply create or upload your floor plan, choose your favorites from 50,000+ 3D elements, model, finish lighting settings, render, and see your haven all decorated to your heart’s content.

Anyone can design their own home this year with Foyr Neo. Start your home decor journey by taking the 14-day free trial today!

Learn » Interior Design Concepts

Bedroom Mood Board

Have design ideas but need clarifications about how to go about them? A mood board can ease the job and help you build your dream bedroom. A great start to curating interior design is through a mood board. You can organize the materials, colors, and textures on a single canvas and better understand the entire look and feel of the space.

A bedroom is the ultimate personal sanctuary and the design needs to be customized to suit the user’s needs. The mood board will serve as the starting point of your arrangement and the process can be made much easier with the help of a platform that helps you build the design.

Foyr Neo is the perfect and most efficient beginning to plan your bedroom design. Let’s understand mood boards in depth and check out intelligent hacks to make a great bedroom mood board.

Read also – How to Create Mood Board for Interior Design?

Learn » Interior Design Concepts

Ikigai Concepts

The famously talked about the Japanese concept of Ikigai loosely refers to a reason for being. The interestingly delightful book, Ikigai – The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life, explores the concepts associated with happiness, keeping busy, and the art of actioning with joy. ‘Ikigai’ defines an individual’s purpose in life; it is why they wake up in the morning and do the things they do. 

Have you ever heard of ‘loving what you do’ or ‘getting paid to do what you love’?

According to Japanese philosophers, that is the key to living a happy life. Ikigai is a widely popular concept, which, when applied to one’s life, is the secret to a stress-free and happy life.

It is said that the Japanese have a longer life expectancy rate than any other community or culture in the world. It is partly because of the healthy diet they follow, their suitable tropical climate, their habit of being outdoors, and how the concept of Ikigai moulds their lives.

According to the Japanese, one’s interior can embody the idea of Ikigai simply by focusing on things like simplicity, minimal clutter, raw materials, and lots of natural light.

Finding one’s Ikigai allows an individual to lead a more meaningful life. Ikigai helps individuals follow their purpose while driving actionable results. When it comes to interior design, there is a considerable correlation between the two.

According to the author of Ikigai, designers design various elements of a home. Examples include how one would keep their clothes in a closet, the way the rear entry opens into a garden, or how natural light floods in through windows inside a home. Designers must carefully plan, implement, and execute these actionable elements to pave the way for functionality and beauty. 

Read also – Interior Design Basic Concepts, Elements and Principles

Image Credit: medium.com