Our Interior Designer Julie Roland Shares Design Trends for Classic Homes in 2024

After a long and storied tenure with York Enterprises, we are sad to say goodbye to Julie Roland, our skilled and talented Interior Designer. But before she leaves to pursue the next phase of her career, we asked her to provide us with a glimpse into the design trends she’s been tracking for 2024.

Julie has worked with a multitude of clients in her career, helping them evolve their classic homes in Tacoma and the surrounding area, delicately balancing the traditional aesthetic with modern conveniences. Julie's unique philosophy revolves around uncovering the client's vision and tastes, seamlessly infusing modern aesthetics that complement the classic feel of their living spaces.

As we step into 2024, Julie identifies several key trends that are set to redefine the interior design landscape.

Lighter Colors and Natural Elements

A departure from the darker tones of the past, Julie foresees a shift towards lighter colors and natural aesthetics. In addition to painted wood, lighter wood cabinetry is gaining popularity, bringing a sense of warmth and coziness to the space. This trend is a perfect balance between preserving the traditional charm when renovating and introducing a more contemporary feel.

Traditional Architectural Elements and Trims

Embracing the historical roots of our community, she predicts a resurgence of traditional architectural elements and trims. Timeless features like archways or butlers’ pantries not only add character but also pay homage to the rich history embedded in each dwelling. The marriage of classic and modern elements creates a harmonious living space that transcends time.

Warm and Inviting Color Palette

Bid farewell to the dominance of cool grays! Julie observes a shift towards warmer and friendlier colors, bringing a sense of coziness and comfort to interiors. This change is evident across all design elements where warmer hues take center stage, replacing the once popular, cooler tones.

Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) Flooring

When it comes to flooring, our interior designer often recommends luxury vinyl plank (LVP) as the go-to choice. Not only does it complement the traditional feel of vintage Tacoma, Lakewood, Steilacoom and Puyallup residences, but also blends seamlessly with contemporary style, offering a large variety of colors and finishes. Additionally, LVP offers durability, luxurious texture underfoot, is great for families with children, is pet friendly and cost effective.

However, Julie emphasizes the importance of preserving traditional hardwood floors whenever possible, though acknowledging that sometimes restoration is beyond reach.

“We recently took the extra effort to source new hardwood planks in an addition so that it matched the existing floors throughout the entire home,” reports Julie. “It was costly but the results were stunning. Wood will never go out of style.”

Social Media as a Design Tool

In the age of digital inspiration, she encourages homeowners to hunt through social media platforms like Houzz, Instagram, or Pinterest, for design ideas. Building and sharing boards and collections is a great way to stay on the same creative brainwave from the start.

However, while these platforms offer a treasure trove of inspiration, Julie cautions that curated boards may not always align with realistic budgets. “It's crucial to communicate openly with your designer,“ she suggests. “Sharing your vision and budget constraints to ensure a realistic and satisfying outcome.”

Julie Roland's insights into the 2024 design trends to remodel classic Tacoma homes showcase a delicate balance between preserving the past and embracing the future. Lighter colors, natural elements, traditional architectural features, and warm palettes are set to redefine the aesthetic of these timeless dwellings. As we step into the new year, contact Julie and the rest of the York Enterprises team to help you create living spaces that seamlessly blend classic elegance with modern comfort.