Home trends in the luxury market serve as a barometer for the broader real estate landscape, influencing design preferences, consumer expectations, and market dynamics across all segments.

This is according to Yael Geffen, CEO of Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty who adds that as luxury properties set new standards for innovation, quality, and lifestyle amenities, their influence trickles down to the general market, shaping buyer preferences and driving demand for upscale features and finishes.

“In real estate, luxury homes are the epitome of aspirational living, a status symbol and in this ever-evolving realm of exclusivity, discerning homeowners and visionary designers continually redefine the notion of luxury living.”

More than just dwellings and places of rest, these homes also embody opulence and elegance – a tangible symbol of wealth. From island villas to sleek urban estates, luxury homes are the quintessence of refined living, carefully curated to showcase prominence and cater to affluent homeowners’ discerning tastes and needs.

“As affluent buyers seek exclusivity and customisation, architects and designers introduce innovative materials and state-of-the-art technologies to create unique havens of comfort, functionality, and sophistication, Says Geffen.

“Social and environmental consciousness also plays a significant role, these days pushing the trend towards eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient designs and the influence of global culture and travel inspires aesthetic and functional elements that reflect a cosmopolitan lifestyle.

“The luxury market's dynamic nature ensures that it not only adapts to current demands but also anticipates future lifestyles, setting the pace for the broader real estate industry.”

According to Geffen, several key trends have emerged in the realm of luxury real estate. Here are the top five luxury home trends shaping the market in 2024:

Customisation and Personalisation:

These are key trends in luxury home design, with homeowners seeking bespoke solutions tailored to their unique preferences and lifestyle.

In 2024, luxury properties offer customizable features and finishes, allowing homeowners to express their individuality and create personalized living spaces that reflect their tastes, interests, and aspirations.

From custom-built cabinetry and millwork to bespoke furnishings and artwork, every aspect of the home is carefully curated to align with the homeowner's vision, resulting in one-of-a-kind residences that exude luxury, sophistication, and personal style.

Timeless and Traditional Elegance

This year, we will witness the revival of timeless and traditional designs beyond modern trends and fads: antique decor, intricate mouldings, statement heirloom pieces, rustic accents, grand proportions, and symmetrical facades blended within stylish spaces to create harmony between old and new.

Timeless designs embody elegance and sophistication, honouring traditional architectural techniques and aesthetics that transcend time and ensure lasting value.

Quiet Luxury

This trend places emphasis on classic, investment pieces that you can build a room around. Pieces that are timeless, in classic shapes and silhouettes that can have many lives and evolve through reupholstery.

Luxurious, soft, textured fabrics, warm rich woods, and quieter patterns for large furniture will reign supreme.

Bespoke Artistry as The Focal Point

Nowadays, luxury homes also serve as a canvas for artistic expression, originality, and creativity. Aesthetic pieces like custom-made furniture, handcrafted decors, colourful murals, unique sculptures, and striking paintings can be infused into a luxury residence’s design to transform it into an immersive environment that goes beyond a mere living space – one that reflects the distinctive tastes and characteristics of the homeowners.

Embracing the artisan – there’s been such a movement in celebrating handmade and one-of-a-kind pieces.

Use of Innovative Materials

Now is the time to push the boundaries of interior design and architecture and using unconventional materials with innovative applications like seaweed and paper furniture, composite stone walls, 3D-printed decor, and even nanotech finishes would be a great way to add uniqueness without sacrificing functionality.

Also, futuristic materials - contemporary pieces and fixtures developed with innovative materials, like recycled plastics and fibres grown from fungi, will continue to break through the noise.

WHAT’S OUT?

Whilst many existing trends will endure for some time, Geffen says that the experts have deemed that the following are definitely out this year:

Minimalism - 2024 is the year to banish sterile environments and embrace things that really reflect you and your passions. Layer up with textures, textiles and styles.

All-white kitchens - The all-white cabinetry is giving way to colour – every shade of green is very strong, along with pastel shades and bold blues. 2024 will see more colour, more adventurous choices, and bolder kitchens that feel more like living rooms than kitchens.

Fast furniture - Homeowners are growing weary of mass-produced furniture that quickly falls apart or looks generic and dated – and yes, that includes Ikea. Originality is the way to go.

Instagram design – Design ideas copied from Instagram and Pinterest are regarded the equivalent of stage set design and innovation is the watchword this year. There will be an emphasis on unique finds and curated spaces rather than replicating what you see from others online.