The American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) has released its 2024 Trends Outlook report, which identifies four key trends that are expected to significantly impact the interior design industry in the coming year. The report draws on data from a variety of sources, including the Pew Research Center, the U.S. Census Bureau, and ASID’s own research and surveys.

“The world today recognizes the leading role design plays in impacting the ways we live, work, learn, play and heal,” said ASID CEO Khoi Vo. “This report serves as a compass to guide us in the year ahead, knowing that design is critical when considering everything from personal wellness to a corporation’s bottom line.”

The four key trends identified in the report are:

1. Consumers’ desire for connection

2. The allure of quiet luxury

3. Blurred lines between live, work, and play

4. The intersection of sustainability and wellness

One of the major demographic shifts impacting interior design is the rise of Generation Z. The report notes that Gen Z is the most racially and ethnically diverse generation in U.S. history and has distinct priorities when it comes to design, particularly around the desire for genuine connections. Designers are encouraged to consider this shift and incorporate Gen Z’s evolving empathies and concerns into their work.

The report also highlights the increasing prevalence of solo living in the U.S. and the ways in which designers can help individuals in one-person households foster connections with loved ones and their communities. This includes creating gathering spaces within the home, integrating family pets into design plans, and prioritizing amenities that promote socialization.

In addition to these societal and demographic trends, the report explores how the interior design industry is evolving to prioritize sustainability and wellness. Designers are increasingly incorporating elements like natural light, improved air quality, and access to outdoor spaces to promote physical and mental well-being. The report also emphasizes the importance of designing spaces that support aging in place, as more older adults express a desire to remain in their homes as they grow older.

The ASID report also delves into how the design industry is embracing new technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and adapting to the blurring lines between different aspects of daily life.

AI is being used in a variety of design applications, from generating floor plans to creating more personalized consumer experiences. The report notes that while AI has long been utilized in commercial design, there is growing adoption of the technology in residential markets, particularly among younger designers.

The COVID-19 pandemic has also accelerated a shift towards blending the traditional boundaries of living, working, and playing. Designers are now tasked with creating spaces that can accommodate a variety of activities, from work and leisure to socializing and entertainment.

The 2024 Trends Outlook report is the first in a three-part series that ASID will release this year. The next two reports will focus on the economic outlook for the interior design industry and the overall state of the industry.