Get a head start on styling your space for the new year with our forecast of what’s to come. Hint: you’re going to be a natural… 

Light up your life  

The Renaissance is having a revival in sculptural lighting, tall windows and wide, glass doors that allow natural light to flood the space. There’s no better way to bring more nature into your home than to display it in its natural beauty.  Pair open spaces with lighting that mimics the fluid shapes found in nature: spiralling hanging lights, oblong lamp shades, circular displays and soft lighting are sure to bring more warmth into your home.  

Trailing lights along the edges of your ceiling or skirtings can also mimic the intensity of a sunrise or sunset, and can even be set to different colours for added ambience.   

For side tables or nightstands, look for lamp designs that resemble mushrooms or flowers – and extend the look to your patio or garden with luxe outdoor lighting. 

Take comfort in colour  

Earthy clay tones, ochres and greens will emphasise the nesting aura of your home, complementing the earthy finishes and natural textures. This is especially true when used on walls and focal points such as a sofa or gallery wall. Matte or suede-like paints in these tones will add authenticity and harmony.  Moss-green decor items in a room finished with abalone hues or simple clay makes for an excellent play on the colour wheel, pairing warm-earth accent tones with cooler overall shades. Hints of pastel blues and zesty yellow will also complement the natural light that is bouncing off your room.  

Love your curves  

When we talk about the ‘organic shape’ of your space, we’re talking about thinking outside the box. Literally. Forget the sharp corners and boxy looks – instead, opt for sweeping curves and fluid shapes in your interior. Contrast the boxed-in look of a room by choosing furniture that’s curvaceous, and ceramics that are oblong or shaped like a calabash.  Regardless of the irregularity of the shape, you can add fluidity through area rugs, decorative pieces, wall art or even arches and recesses. The fun part about playing with organic themes in your home is that there is no limit.  

Get natural  

In 2024, we’re celebrating the beauty of nature with as many natural materials as possible. Think distressed wood for dining tables, chairs and even sideboards or side tables. Mineral stone tops, such as graphite and marble, will accent nicely with ceramic items of clay and terracotta. Finish your walls with the same for a rough but refined earthiness. Contrast materials such as rattan, stone and bare clay with the softness of embossed suede covers on pillows or silk throws for a touch of subtle sophistication. 

Try decorative storage  

Is that pot plant also a jewellery box? Wait, is that sofa also a kist? Using decorative storage is nothing new, but because 2024 is all about reducing our carbon footprint, this trend is back with a functional bang. If you have a nook or niche in a room, why not make it a point of interest?  

A wall shelf that seems a bit unsightly can be framed with wooden joinery, and its space populated with decor items such as curvy yet earthy-coloured ceramics. For more functional storage in rooms such as your kitchen, bedrooms or dining area, wicker or rattan baskets make for beautiful additions that hide a multitude of sins. 

Go for gold  

Gold and bronze accents can be seen as grandiose, but they can also bring warmth and light into a space, providing the perfect complement to an earth-inspired decor theme. Add the Midas touch to your interiors with artisan gold-plated or even hand-painted ceramics – especially against the backdrop of a neutral colour palette.  

A candleholder as the centrepiece of a rustic table adds humble sophistication, highlighting the earthier elements and creating a sense of authenticity. 

Words by: Saadiqah Schroeder 

Photography: