Lisa: This is exciting. I’m really curious to know what interior design trends we’re seeing for 2024. It seems like it’s all about wallpaper.
Laura: If I could wallpaper the world, I probably would. It’s one of the design layers that create a huge impact. So, in bedrooms and other areas where one wants a more serene experience, we like textures and neutral colors. But the opportunity to use a really big wow moment is especially in powder rooms.
Lisa: So let’s say your client doesn’t want to do wallpaper in a powder room. What’s another option?
Laura: Bringing in layers like extra special lighting, lighting that has maybe brass or marble or something that feels more like art versus just your traditional over-the-head sconce situation, or really interesting flooring like mosaic, marble tile application, and mirrors.
Lisa: So are we seeing more neutral colors in homes, or are we seeing more bold statement colors?
Laura: Oh my gosh. I think that California has some real bipolarness around this topic. We love our nature. We love neutral palettes and the way to do neutral well is to layer textures. So lots of different textures through wood or materials is a great way.
Lisa: Okay, what about furniture? What are you sort of seeing in trends with furniture?
Laura: We have vendors that really work in specialty finishes. So bringing brass into the wood or doing high gloss lacquer furniture, especially in a bright, fun color, is one way to kind of make a dining room, for example, feel like it’s more elevated.
Lisa: Are we still seeing a lot of home bars or are people drinking less? What are you seeing?
Laura: There is something very celebratory about having a bar in a home, like something a little bit more formal, and it creates an opportunity for people to kind of gather around. We have one project where we put a bar in between two spaces, and you only know it’s there when you have a party. Other people are a little bit more grand and they want their bar to be a showpiece.
Lisa: Are people still putting TVs on their walls, or are people using their iPads now? What are you seeing?
Laura: I think it’s a mash-up. But here’s the thing; men love huge televisions. Women are less so because when we walk into the living room, we don’t necessarily want to see this giant black hole on the wall. Frame TVs have become a big ask. They’re also, you know, opportunities to disguise televisions with frames and art that roll down over it, so people still do love their television.
Lisa: Laura Martin Bovard, of LMB Interiors. Thank you for talking with us.
Responsive, resourceful, patient, organized, and an excellent communicator, Lisa is committed to providing her clients with the highest level of service and support. Selling your home is not just a transaction; it's a significant milestone. With her unwavering commitment and personalized approach, she promises to make the home buying or selling process seamless, transparent, and rewarding.