How 2024's Top Home Design Trends Are Shaping the Real Estate Market

The home design trends forecasted by the editors at Better Homes & Gardens for 2024 highlight a renewed focus on warmth, sustainable materials, and versatile spaces that will undoubtedly impact the real estate market. As these trends gain traction, buyers will look for properties that reflect these styles, and sellers and agents like me will see the potential in integrating these design elements into listings to enhance appeal.

Here are the top home design trends of 2024 and how they’re poised to shape the future of real estate:

1. Earthy Colors and Organic Materials

Trend Impact: Natural tones and earthy palettes are back in full swing, with warm beiges, browns, muted greens, and terra-cotta making a significant comeback. Organic materials like stone, clay, and wood are being heavily integrated into design, from countertops to decor.

Real Estate Insight: This trend caters to a desire for warmth and grounded spaces, which will make homes with these elements highly sought after. Properties with open layouts and earthy finishes in kitchens, living rooms, and outdoor spaces can offer buyers that coveted sense of calm and connection to nature. For sellers, investing in subtle updates like clay-tile backsplashes or wooden accent walls could make listings stand out.

2. Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Features

Trend Impact: Eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient design are more popular than ever. Better Homes & Gardens highlights that buyers are prioritizing energy-efficient homes with sustainable materials that align with their environmental values. Expect to see homes with solar panels, energy-saving appliances, and sustainable building materials like bamboo and reclaimed wood.

Real Estate Insight: Homes featuring eco-friendly elements can be a major draw, particularly for younger buyers and those concerned about long-term costs and environmental impact. I will definitely be advising my clients to opt for upgraes that include energy-efficient windows, solar systems, or sustainable landscaping because listings promoting these features are highly attractive and often yield higher appraisals and faster sales.

3. Flexible Spaces and Multi-Functional Rooms

Trend Impact: Multi-functional or Flex spaces are no longer a nice-to-have but a necessity. As work-from-home and hybrid models persist, homeowners want rooms that can seamlessly transition between personal and professional spaces.

Real Estate Insight: Homes with built-in office spaces, cozy nooks, or easily adaptable layouts will have a competitive edge. For example, a basement or converted garage that can double as an office, gym, or entertainment area is a huge selling point. I might consider staging or virtually staging a home to showcase its versatility and how potential buyers could utilize these flexible spaces.

4. Bringing the Outdoors In

Trend Impact: Outdoor spaces and indoor-outdoor living remain highly desirable. Large windows, glass doors, and garden-inspired rooms are in high demand, as people seek a connection with nature within their homes. Better Homes & Gardens' editors have emphasized biophilic design as a major influence, encouraging more greenery indoors.

Real Estate Insight:  I notice that my buyer clients are drawn to homes with large windows, sliding doors, and ample natural light. Homes with patios, outdoor kitchens, or garden spaces—especially in regions with mild climates—are especially attractive. For my seller clients, staging outdoor areas or investing in greenery can enhance appeal, and showcasing these features can boost a listing’s perceived value.

5. Personalized, Playful Decor

Trend Impact: The “grandmillennial” style—marked by a return to personalized, eclectic decor—reflects a shift from sterile, minimalist aesthetics. People are embracing bold colors, unique textures, and statement pieces to create homes that reflect their personalities.

Real Estate Insight: Unique interiors stand out. While staging has often leaned towards neutral designs, embracing a touch of boldness can make a property memorable. Sellers can add a few playful elements, like a colorful accent wall, vintage decor, or a bold rug, which can make a home feel more vibrant and appealing. I've noticed that listings with personality get more attention, as buyers increasingly value homes that feel distinctive and customizable.

Final Thoughts

I think that these trends will help shape the real estate market by making certain features and styles more attractive to buyers and by raising demand for homes that meet the changing tastes of today’s buyers. For real estate brokers, like me, it’s an exciting time to highlight these design trends in listings, especially for those who want to give buyers a vision of a modern, stylish, and comfortable home. Whether you're preparing a home for sale, advising on renovations, or simply keeping an eye on market trends, these 2024 design ideas can add both aesthetic and market value to properties.

By embracing these trends, both buyers and sellers can find homes that not only look good but also cater to functionality, sustainability, and personal expression—values that will continue to shape the real estate landscape well into the future.