5 Surface Material Trends for 2024

Demands are high for materials in 2024, as both sustainability concerns and cost of living emergencies come to a peak. 

In 2024 consumers will look for high-value surface material trends that are built to last and help them create homes and spaces that work with their hybrid lifestyles while keeping costs low and responding to energy efficiency demands. The circular economy also continues to drive material innovation, as regenerative design and scalable circularity emerge across mainstream and commercial home and interior markets, with practical applications leading newness.

Here, we outline five key surface material trends responding to the issues affecting future consumer attitudes.

1. Bio-Composite Panels

Polish brand Vank has developed a replacement for petroleum-based polyurethane foam in its sound-absorbing products, switching to bio-composite materials based on renewable fibrous plants such as hemp and flax. This innovative and circular material demonstrates a shift towards bio-based acoustic materials that holistically support householders’ well-being.

2. Contrasting Woodgrains

Use traditional methods and materials to create contemporary design and highlight high-contrast grains. Be inspired by Dutch designer and timber craftsman Ward Wijnant who creates experimental furniture objects driven by conceptual thinking. His BLEND project is inspired by the concept that the timber from one tree can provide diverse patterns and structures. Using various sawing techniques to create an unusual texture and surface pattern, vibrant colour stains further emphasise the attention to detail and finish.

3. Elevated Carpentry

As craft comes into the design spotlight once again, wooden shingles are a  design detail of note. An evolution of the #cabincore movement, a trend which taps the growing interest in off-gridding and lifestyles that align closer with the natural world and low-impact living. Cedar shingles, in particular, are one to watch; naturally weather resistant and beautiful as traditional techniques like cladding and the application of handmade, semi-irregular shales and shingles begin to see a surge of consumer interest and innovation.

4. Tinted and Smoked Glass

Glass surfaces tinted with rich and comforting colours are used across furniture; coffee tables, shelving and lighting as well as smaller decorative objects such as drinking glasses, plates and vases. Explore how this playful use of translucent textures and tinted glass can diffuse colour and light across spaces, with smoked, frosted and milky textures bringing a contemporary finish and luxurious feel.

5. Recycled Plastics

Brands such as Rotterdam-based Plasticiet or Brighton-based Smile Plastics are leading innovation and changing the perspective on how we can successfully reuse plastic and use repurposed waste materials to create products which are both recycled and recyclable. Traditionally associated with a minimal and neutral colour palette and aesthetic, this focus on recycled plastics, glass and concrete marks a shift towards more colourful and contrasting surfaces – engaging a maximalist and youthful consumer.

Our 2024 and 2025 reports demonstrate the key material trends and finishes to incorporate into home and interiors products from kitchen and bathroom surfaces to upholstery and decorative accessories. These reports are available now on My TrendBible Premium. My TrendBible is a trend subscription platform designed to ignite inspiration, stimulate innovative ideas, instil confidence in your teams to act upon trends, and offer validation from across the globe.