Thinking about giving your home a fresh new look? Updating your interior with modern painting trends is one of the easiest and most effective ways to breathe life into your space. Whether you’re renovating or just want to refresh your walls, it’s helpful to know what’s in style and how you can incorporate the latest ideas into your home.
In this guide, we’ll explore some of the hottest interior painting trends, while giving you practical tips to avoid outdated methods. With a few thoughtful choices, you can transform your property into a modern, stylish haven.
1. Popular Color Schemes - 2024’s Earthy and Jewel Tones vs. Old Neutrals
In 2024, earthy tones like terracotta, sage, and burnt sienna are making a strong comeback. Jewel tones such as emerald, sapphire, and amethyst are also on-trend, adding richness and depth to spaces. Unlike the cooler greys and whites that dominated in past years, these colors evoke warmth and coziness, making your home feel more inviting.
How to apply this trend for an up-to-date look...
Use these colors as the foundation of your home. For example, pair deep emerald walls with soft beige or sandy accents to create a luxurious yet grounded space. Jewel tones can also be used in unexpected places like ceilings for a bold design statement.
What to avoid and what looks outdated now...
In contrast, the all-grey or stark white interiors that were once popular can now feel cold and uninspired. These cooler neutrals are increasingly being swapped out for the warmth of earthy and jewel tones to bring life and personality into the home.
2. Accent Walls: Modern Subtle Elegance vs. Overpowering Boldness
Accent walls continue to be popular in 2024, but their execution is more refined. Rather than bright, overpowering colors, think subtle contrasts using deeper shades from your overall palette, like a muted navy or a rich olive green.
How to apply this trend for an up-to-date look...
Instead of a single wall in a bright or neon hue, use accent walls to subtly enhance the space. For example, a deep, matte navy wall in a bedroom can create a sophisticated contrast against lighter furniture and décor.
What to avoid and what looks outdated now...
The trend of bold accent walls in overly saturated reds or yellows is starting to look dated. These choices can be overwhelming and make it difficult to integrate other design elements cohesively.
3. Patterns and Textures: Geometric Designs in 2024 vs. Basic Texturing
Incorporating patterns and textures into your walls is a growing trend, but the style has evolved. Geometric designs, textured wallpapers, and even plaster-like wall finishes are modern favorites, offering a sleek, high-end feel.
How to apply this trend for an up-to-date look...
Add dimension with geometric patterns in neutral tones or subtle metallic finishes. A popular choice for 2024 is a herringbone or chevron pattern on feature walls or behind shelving units for added visual interest.
What to avoid and what looks outdated now...
Faux finishes like rag rolling and sponge painting that were once popular are now considered outdated. These methods can make walls look overly busy and lack the sophistication of more modern textured finishes.
4. Unique Ways to Add Color: Ombre Walls vs. Traditional Murals
Creative ways to add color are taking center stage in 2024. Techniques like ombre walls, which transition smoothly from one color to another, bring a sense of flow and harmony to a room.
How to apply this trend for an up-to-date look...
An ombre wall that fades from a deep blue at the bottom to a lighter sky blue at the top can create a soothing gradient effect, perfect for a bedroom or living room. Stenciling with clean lines or abstract shapes is also in vogue.
What to avoid and what looks outdated now...
Traditional murals with highly intricate designs and figurative imagery can feel out of place in a contemporary home unless they are tastefully done by a professional artist. DIY murals, especially those attempting realism, often fall short and appear amateurish.
5. Bold and Vibrant Colors: Strategic Use vs. Overkill
Bold colors can make a strong impact, but the key in 2024 is knowing where and how to use them. Rather than saturating an entire room in a single vivid hue, modern designs strategically incorporate vibrant colors in a way that complements the overall design.
How to apply this trend for an up-to-date look...
Consider using bold colors in small doses—like a deep mustard armchair against a neutral wall or a bright teal door that adds a pop of interest to an otherwise understated entryway. Balance is key.
What to avoid and what looks outdated now...
Painting entire rooms in bold, saturated colors without balancing them with neutrals or softer tones can make a space feel overwhelming and cluttered. A room awash in bright orange or fuchsia may be energizing, but it can also be jarring.
6. Neutral Palettes: Layering Warm Neutrals vs. Plain Whites and Greys
Neutrals remain essential, but 2024 embraces warmer tones over the stark whites and greys of recent years. Layering different shades of neutrals, such as beige, taupe, or cream, creates depth and a more inviting feel.
How to apply this trend for an up-to-date look...
Opt for warm neutrals in a variety of textures—think soft beige walls with cream furniture and rich, wood accents. Layering these tones adds dimension while keeping the space feeling open and calm.
What to avoid and what looks outdated now...
Plain grey walls with no contrast or texture can feel sterile. Instead of a monochromatic grey room, consider adding warmth with beige or taupe undertones to make the space feel more dynamic.
7. Cohesive Color Palettes: Balanced Variety vs. Monotony
Creating a cohesive color palette doesn’t mean everything has to match perfectly. The modern take is all about harmonizing colors that complement each other, rather than sticking to a single tone throughout the house.
How to apply this trend for an up-to-date look...
Choose a base color for each room, and incorporate complementary hues that flow from one space to another. For instance, using a soft green in the living room and transitioning to a muted blue in the dining area can maintain a sense of harmony without monotony.
What to avoid and what looks outdated now...
Using the exact same color in every room or too many unrelated bold colors can create a jarring, disjointed look. Avoid color monotony by experimenting with tonal variations and complementary shades.
8. Nature-Inspired Hues: Earthy Tones and Greens vs. Outdated Tropical Brights
Incorporating nature into interior design is on-trend for 2024. Soft greens, blues, and warm browns create a peaceful, grounded feel that brings the outdoors inside.
How to apply this trend for an up-to-date look...
Use muted greens like sage or olive on your walls and accent with natural textures like wood or stone. Pairing these colors with large plants or natural fibers, like linen or wool, can complete the organic look.
What to avoid and what looks outdated now...
The overly bright tropical schemes from past trends—think bold turquoise or lime green—can look outdated and unnatural. These overly saturated colors are being replaced by more subdued, nature-inspired hues.
9. Transforming Small Spaces: Light Colors and Reflective Finishes vs. Dark and Heavy Hues
Paint can work wonders in small spaces, but the trend in 2024 is to lighten and brighten these areas, using reflective finishes and light colors to create an illusion of space.
How to apply this trend for an up-to-date look...
Opt for pale tones like soft blues or light greys paired with satin or semi-gloss finishes to bounce light around the room, making it feel more spacious. Mirrors and metallic accents can further amplify this effect.
What to avoid and what looks outdated now...
Dark, heavy colors in small rooms can make the space feel even more confined. Instead of using deep browns or reds, lighter, reflective finishes will open up your small areas.
Need some help transforming your home? Let Daily Painting Services help bring your vision to life!
In 2024, interior painting trends are all about blending modern sophistication with personal style. Whether you’re drawn to warm earthy tones, sleek accent walls, or unique textures, Daily Painting’s experienced interior painters can help guide you through every step. From selecting the latest colors to implementing fresh techniques, we offer expert advice to ensure your home reflects your taste while staying on-trend. Let us help you transform your space with our in-depth knowledge of modern painting methods and timeless design tips. Reach out today for a consultation and make your dream home a reality!
Get a house painting quote from Daily Painting
Book a fast & obligation-free Sydney house painting quote online today.