Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen, a design savant recognized worldwide, has recently shared his perspective on five home decor trends that he believes homeowners should retire in 2024. His suggestions for an enhanced living experience are an echo of his crusade for elegance and thoughtfulness in home decor.

The Downfall of ‘Burger Sofas’

Firstly, Llewelyn-Bowen takes issue with ‘burger sofas’—those hefty, legless furniture pieces that often dominate a living room’s aesthetic. In his view, these bulky items close off the room and make it feel cramped. Instead, he advocates for sofas with legs, which allow for light to pass underneath, creating a more refined visual space.

Television: No Longer the Living Room’s Focal Point

Moving on, the design expert advises against making the television the centerpiece of a living room. He suggests that it should be integrated more intelligently within the room’s layout, providing a ‘posh cinema feel’ without standing out awkwardly. This approach, he believes, allows for a more balanced and appealing living room design.

Turning Against Electric Fire Walls

Llewelyn-Bowen is not a fan of electric fire walls either, preferring the authenticity and ambiance of real fireplaces. For homes without an existing fireplace, he recommends using candles to create a similar cozy atmosphere at a much lower cost.

Grey Kitchens: A Trend to Leave Behind

Lastly, he argues that grey kitchens have run their course and create a rather dull environment. He suggests using vibrant, mouth-watering colors like dark greens, paired with warm lighting, to make the kitchen a lively family space. This, he believes, will make cooking and dining experiences more enjoyable.

These suggestions by Llewelyn-Bowen reflect a vision for homes that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also enhance the quality of living. It’s a clarion call for homeowners to think more deeply about their home decor choices, ensuring that their spaces are not only trendy but also elegant and inviting.