Riding the Design Wave in 2024: A Sneak Peek into 2024's Hottest Design Trends

Guest Column: Independent consultant Shaswat Das writes how the design game will take some steep turns in 2024

by Shashwat Das
Published - January 25, 2024
4 minutes To Read
Riding the Design Wave in 2024: A Sneak Peek into 2024's Hottest Design Trends

As we have stepped into 2024, the design game is getting a makeover, and it's not holding back. So, grab your shades and let's dive into the most mind-blowing trends setting the stage for design this year.

The Great Sustainability Expedition

Let's kick things off with the trend that's like the cool kid in the design class – sustainability. 

In 2024, being green isn't just for your kale smoothie; it's for your furniture, your fashion, and probably your pet rock. From recycled materials to upcycled masterpieces, sustainable design will become as essential as Wi-Fi.

Picture this: a world where plastic is about as cool as a typewriter in 2024. We're talking about a design revolution that's all about saving the planet, one reusable product at a time. From compostable packaging to refillable everything, the future of FMCG design is not just green – it's a freakin' jungle out there!

Quirky Is the New Black

2024 is all about embracing the quirky, the odd, the downright hilarious in product design. Expect to see packaging that tells jokes, mascots with personality disorders, and labels that make you snort your coffee. Because life's too short for boring packaging boxes, right?

Our appliances are getting smarter, but that doesn't mean they can't have a sense of humour. In 2024, products are not just intelligent; they're hilariously witty. Who said technology can't make you LOL?

Tech and Tradition Tango

Imagine your grandma's ancient vase doing the jig with a cutting-edge VR headset. In 2024, tradition is getting a tech upgrade. Handicrafts meet holograms, and suddenly, your ancestral tea set is hosting virtual tea parties. I have recently added a Bluetooth module to my dad’s gramophone record and this year I am going to enjoy all the yesteryear classics treasured in LP records.

Minimalism Takes a Coffee Break

Minimalism, you had a good run, but it's time for a vacation. 2024 is ushering in a wave of maximalism where more is more, and less is just plain boring. Products will be adorned with patterns, textures, and graphics, reminiscent of a bygone era, evoking the classic charm of a black & white TV.

In 2024, the design scene will be experiencing a caffeine-fuelled surge with a rebellion against minimalist norms. Spaces will no longer be constrained by the 'less is more' mantra; instead, they will embrace a maximalist approach. Designers will explore intricate patterns, vibrant colours, and ornate details, creating environments that stimulate the senses. This departure from minimalism represents a desire for richness and complexity, where every corner tells a story, and simplicity takes a back seat to the bold, extravagant, and eclectic elements that make spaces come alive.

Colour Kaboom

Say goodbye to the days of playing it safe with beige and hello to the design palette of your wildest dreams. In 2024, it's all about colours that pop and sizzle. Picture a paint factory explosion – vibrant, bold, and definitely not for the faint-hearted.

2024 is the year when products are getting a psychedelic makeover. Think neon oranges, electric blues, and fluorescent pinks – your toothpaste might blind you, but at least it'll be a party in your bathroom.

Nostalgia, Because Adulting Is Overrated

Remember the days when a simple toy could bring you endless joy? Well, in 2024, nostalgia is making a comeback. It's like a design time machine, minus the awkward '90s hairstyles (hopefully).

Get ready for products that take you back to the good old days – whether it's a retro juice can design or packaging that screams yesteryear’s sitcom vibes. Because who needs adulting when you can have a Walkman-shaped soap dispenser?


2024 is shaping up to be the year when design goes off the rails. From sustainable packaging to products that make you giggle, the future of design is an exhilarating blend of functionality, style, and a generous sprinkle of quirkiness. So, fasten your seatbelts, the ride is about to get wild! Cheers to 2024 – the year design gets a personality makeover!

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