Looking Into the Crystal Ball: Predicting 2024 Design Trends
Av Yaga, Alexander, The Man Who Knows, 1915
The magician Alexander claimed to be The Man Who Knows, but we wonder if his crystal ball could predict design trends for 2024. COUPAR sought expert advice for divination. We asked the "Dean of West Coast Design," Gary Hutton, master decorative artist Willem Racké and esteemed architect Jonathan Feldman. All three are San Francisco-based and have extensive CVs. California native Gary opened Gary Hutton Design in 1980. Willem, who comes from New Zealand's Dutch community, started Willem Racké Studio in 1989. Jonathan, with roots on both the East and West coasts, founded Feldman Architecture in 2003.
City Apartment: Gary Hutton Design and Sterling Design Build. Photo: John Merkl
Gary Hutton and his team are seeing a trend noted at the San Francisco Fall Show, "Mid-Century Modern "Classics" continue to lose their luster as they become ubiquitous and have moved into the realm of trite. It is not that these designs are bad but rather overexposed. The pendulum of the Design World is beginning to swing in another direction. Exactly what way remains to be seen," he said. GHD has also noticed a renewed interest in specialty finishes. Gary quickly reassured us, "Not the 80's faux everything, but a more thoughtful approach that lights the eye in a new way."
Hillsborough Estate: Willem Racké Studio, Christopher Roy & Co., Skurman Architects. Photo: R. Brad Knipstein
Willem Racké's finishes light and delight the eye. His South of Market studio has recently received more colorful and decorative work requests. "People finally seem to be moving away from having everything done in black, white, or gray," he said. "We are asked to do more murals and hand painted decorative work. Designers are taking traditional inspiration and wanting a more contemporary bent, such as a Chinoiserie-themed bedroom we are working on. In our plaster work, we are asked for more complicated textures: strié plaster, sculpted surfaces, and plaster applied over fabrics like burlap," Willem concluded.
The Fan House: Feldman Architecture, Ann Lowngart Interiors, and Jungsten Construction. Photo: Paul Dyer
Jonathan Feldman sees a shift towards materials that blur the distinction between the built and natural worlds. He feels this is the result of COVID reimagining the home, "More and more, we find importance in the concept of biophilia, or authentically connecting our living spaces to nature. Our clients are increasingly finding benefits for their mental and physical health in meaningful connections with nature, especially after the intensity of the last few years. Whether through thoughtfully framed views, indoor-outdoor connections, or zen gardens or spaces, this has become a central pillar of our design practice, and we predict a continued trend in 2024."