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New Year Renovations: How to Elevate Your Home in 2024 Like an Architect

Tips from South African architectural designer Bryce Henderson of Studio BHS showcase the latest trends for homes

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By Edwain Steenkamp  | January 8, 2024 | Trends

Architectural designer and owner of Studio BHD, Bryce Henderson provided a few tips on how to include current trends within your home without dating the space.

Similar to fast fashion, design fads will always come and go. Taken from influences all around us, these fast trends sometimes last a lot longer than others. From the recent inclusion of curves everywhere to particular fabric choices, Bryce Henderson, and interior designer at Studio BHD, Cara Nicholson, offered great insight into trends, while still keeping your space functional and personal.

A simple change in lighting can dramatically influence the ambience of a room. Whether switching an old pendant or adding a new floor lamp, the impact is significant. Image via Unsplash.

“Trends can be a creative way to express your personal style,” says Bryce. “Pairing these newer items with your investment pieces can revive an existing space. Be sure not to splurge on every recently introduced trend though, as it will date your space much quicker.”

“Also be conscious of how these items will seamlessly blend with the rest of your decor,” adds Cara. “If a new style of seating is in, there is no need to get rid of your existing living room pieces to make it work.”

trends rarely last more than a few months, with social media often encouraging the popularity of these fleeting ideas that are usually tied to the seasonal change of fashion. Image via Unsplash

According to Bryce, trends rarely last more than a few months, with social media often encouraging the popularity of these fleeting ideas that are usually tied to the seasonal change of fashion - for example, the recent style of dopamine dressing that quickly migrated to interior design due to the viral nature of it. An extravagant trend like this will fade after the excitement has died down and won't last if they don't allow functionality to rule before design.

In architecture, there's a popular design principle - "Form follows function".

For interior design, we prefer the idea of - "function above fashion". Function should be the main consideration when designing and selecting the fixed elements in your home. The fixed elements need to evoke a feeling of being timeless. You can occasionally replace loose furniture like a couch, but it becomes more ( to replace a kitchen counter top with design trends shift', says Bryce.

With all this said and done, it is important to have fun with your hand continuously evolve your style time. Mix and match your new ideas with beautiful, timeless furniture and to create a space that remains joy comfortable and practical.

Bryce’s top 5 tips on how to include trends in your home on a minimal budget

The addition of accent pieces adds a personal touch to any area of your home. Photograph by Erik Lefvander.

Decorative Objects

The addition of accent pieces adds a personal touch to any area of your home.

Reupholster

Don't underestimate the transformative power of reupholstering existing furniture with a new fabric selection.

Don't underestimate the transformative power of reupholstering existing furniture with a new fabric selection. Image: supplied

Paint

A fresh coat of paint is a cost-effective and popular way to change the atmosphere of your home

Soft Furnishings

Make a statement effortlessly by layering loose textiles like cushions and throws over existing investment pieces.

Make a statement effortlessly by layering loose textiles like cushions and throws over existing investment pieces.

Lighting

A simple change in lighting can dramatically influence the ambience of a room. Whether switching an old pendant or adding a new floor lamp, the impact is significant

Related Tags

Renovation, Design