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Beige and clean white kitchens had a good run, but it’s thrilling to witness a move toward bolder hues and unique touches as we head into the New Year. To get a temperature check on what’s to come, we tapped talented designers to share their 2024 design trend predictions.

Warm hues and maximalism are in, as are bathrooms (or wet rooms) that feel more like spas. There’s a focus on mixed metals, sculptural wood, and sustainability done well. A crisp, clean white will always be in, but as Chicago-based designer Devon Wegman says, “People are tired of playing it safe—at least we are—and sticking with neutrals everywhere. Today, we’re incorporating more and more graphic stone, provocative artwork, and statement chandeliers. People no longer want their home to look just like their neighbors, and in order to do that, it’s critical to take risks.”

These are the experts’ best bets for the top design trends of 2024.

Featured image from our interview with Amanda Gunawan.

No More Gray Haze

“Any remnants of the gray trend for paint and flooring stains will officially say goodbye in 2024—finally!” says Eddie Maestri, principal architect and founder of Maestri Studio in Dallas, Texas.

Peak Peterson, interior design principal at Hoedemaker Pfeiffer in Seattle seconds that sentiment. “Cool gray rooms are on the way out, as a preference for warmth and dimensionality is becoming more popular,” she adds.

The Rise of the Wet Room

“Something I hope more people will lean into is the concept of a wet room,” shares Devon Wegman (she/her), Founder and Design Director of Devon Grace Interiors. Incorporating a bathtub right into your shower space (and not the tub-showers you had growing up) allows you to soak while capturing the steam and heat in the space, making the tub experience even more luxurious.”

Spa-Like Amenities At Home

And speaking of wet rooms, several designers are predicting more luxurious bathrooms all around.

“With the push to work from home and exercise at home we’ll see more spa time at home,” shares Brad Ramsey of Nashville-based Brad Ramsey Interiors. “Steam showers, infrared saunas, and cold plunges are being incorporated more and more into our designs as they get more affordable and accessible.”

Designer Peak Petersen also envisions elevated bathroom lighting in 2024. “A step past a simple sconce pair flanking the mirror, 2024 will explore the options of backlit mirrors and wall washing with integrated ceiling lighting which adds a minimalist edge to the bathroom,” shares the interior design principal of Hoedemaker Pfeiffer. 

The Power of Purple

“We saw this emerge slowly, but a new color family has now taken the town by storm: purple–but not the purple that pops to mind!” shares Joshua Smith, principal and founder of Joshua Smith Inc. “Think deeper shades like plum and amethyst, even deep magenta. Apart from being aesthetically pleasing, from a psychological perspective, purple promotes harmony of the mind and the emotions.”

Demaudecia Taylor, a color consultant for Farrow & Ball, notes that this 2000s trend resurgence comes with a modern twist. “Instead of using these colors solely for small powder rooms, people are now using rich shades like Preference Red No. 297 and Brinjal No. 222 to create intimate and cozy spaces in large areas such as bedrooms and formal dining rooms,” Taylor notes.

Sleek Sustainability

Smith expects an even greater push toward green living this year, with better education for clients and transparency for vendors. And when it comes to recycled materials, architect principal Tori Masterson of Hoedemaker Pfeiffer anticipates a more polished look.

“Rustic reclaimed materials are on their way out, to be replaced by reclaimed materials that have been refurbished and revived for their next life,” Masterson notes.

Beyond Bringing the Outdoors In

“Nature will be embraced in design in 2024, but it’s not just about bringing the outdoors in—it’s making a part of the design,” shares Katie Browning and Heather Lucas of Lucas Browning Designs. “We will be incorporating large windows framing picturesque views, skylights that invite starry nights, and mirrors strategically positioned to multiply the goodness.”

“We’re seeing a lot of clients request extra long sinks these days—anywhere from four to six feet long,” shares Wegman. “With that, we’re able to fit two main faucets, filtered water dispensers, disposal switches, and soap pumps (one for hand soap, one for dish) with plenty of room to spare.”

Curved Love

Designers agree: curves are here to stay. “Whether they are on a furniture silhouette or in the actual architecture, they are back in a big way and softening our living experiences,” Ramsey says.

Less Open Kitchens

“Open kitchens are on their way out as people crave segmented spaces after the adjustment to work from home,” shares Maestri. “In terms of what’s in for kitchens, clients are opting for built-ins to look like furniture instead of traditional cabinetry, and there’s a pull toward retro details such as the use of tiles on countertops and tables.”

Several designers are predicting more powder-coated pipes and less expected metals, like pewter, rose gold, and polished copper. It all essentially confirms one of Pinterest’s 2024 Home Decor Trend Forecast predictions—”Hot Metals: Melty metallics will make their way into the mainstream in 2024 as people trade in their trusty neutrals for something a bit more hardcore.”

Warm Layers

“This year, the color palette is all about warm neutrals, and we are even seeing a resurgence of pastels—a dash of pastel pink for a sweet touch, moody blue for a mysterious allure, light blue like a clear sky, and soft yellow or bold ochre to add a sunny pop,” Katie Lucas and Heather Browning of Lucas Browning Designs. “Together, these shades create a room that’s not just stylish but also oozing with comfort and charm.”

Interior designer Brad Ramsey calls it “tailored eclectic.” “That term usually elicits images of cluttered rooms with no true design direction,” he notes. “But no more, it’s time to layer it up the right way.”

Organic Shapes, Textures, and Colors

“I think designers and consumers will draw inspiration from nature and incorporate more organic shapes, textures, and colors using materials like raffia, bone, and papier-mâché,” says Jamie Young, founder of Jamie Young Co. “I’m expecting to see a shift in decor trends, emphasizing individual expression with handmade, artisanal décor opposed to the reserved and minimalist style choices that have been prevalent in the past few years.”

The poet T.S. Eliot and I have something in common. I, too, have measured my life with coffee spoons. A quick glance at my morning routine and you’d be shocked to know that I’m (not-so-secretly) on the hunt for natural remedies for fatigue. Something tells me, you’re after the answers, too.

Regardless of my effort to hydrate with more H20 than espresso and prep high-protein snacks, I begin to feel the sleepy-eyed slump creep in every afternoon. TBH, it makes me envious of children’s nap time. (If there was a cot nearby, I’d be curled up like a purring cat.) Siesta. Forever. 

Even though I find a way to power through with a handful of almonds, a blast of the AC, a twirl around my kitchen to the buoyant beat of Harry Styles (or, yes, another shot of caffeine adrenaline), this tiresome cycle is just that: tiresome. 

Featured image from our interview with Marie Kouadio Amouzame by Belathée Photography.

Meet the Expert

And yet by bedtime, I’m suddenly wide awake with far too much energy for my pillow to absorb. Perhaps caffeine is the culprit, which leads to way too much past-midnight scrolling. But there never seems to be the right amount of rest, even on a relaxing Sunday, to get my slumber-to-slog situation in check. 

Since surely life should be more than moving from one mug to the next, I called up my functional medicine physician, Dr. Alex Carrasco, MD of Nourish Medicine to have her shed a bit of light on the subject of fatigue. After flipping through the pages of her brilliant book Bloom: 7 Steps to Reclaim Your Health, Cultivate Your Desires & Reignite Your Spark, I sat down with her to go a bit deeper.

Ahead, Dr. Carrasco shares the ins and outs of fatigue—why it develops, how it impacts our health, and key strategies for keeping your energy high all throughout the day.

Common Causes of Fatigue

In our hyper-connected, mile-a-minute world, it comes as no surprise that many of us are experiencing the telltale signs of fatigue. Dr. Carrasco notes that fatigue “is an often-dismissed symptom that demands greater evaluation and should not be assumed to be benign.” Fatigue impacts us not only physiologically, but, as she puts it, comes with a range of psychosocial consequences that are associated with or can lead to “poor long-term quality of life.”

Just as the impacts of fatigue on our lives vary, so do the reasons it develops in the first place. The following are the top reasons Dr. Carrasco says that her patients present fatigue in her practice.

• Nutrient deficiencies
• Thyroid disease
• Autoimmune disease
• Chronic dehydration
• Blood sugar dysregulation
• Food sensitivities
• Chronic infections
• Chronic inflammation
• Chronic stress
• Poor sleep

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Natural Remedies for Fatigue

There are habits, practices, rituals, and other natural remedies for fatigue that we can start to incorporate into our routines for guaranteed, sustained energy all throughout the day—every day. Dr. Carrasco shares her go-to natural remedies for fatigue below.

Move Your Body

I know: no matter what time of day, if you’re feeling exhausted, exercise is probably the last on your list of to-do’s. But Dr. Carrasco encourages those experiencing fatigue to lean into the movement practices that feel supportive, empowering, and intuitive. Whether it’s stepping outside for a quick walk on your lunch break, strength training at the gym, or booking a Pilates class with a friend, she recommends that her patients prioritize 150 minutes of movement each week.

Why? Simple. As much as we don’t want to work out sometimes, moving our bodies is a key factor in feeling good. Exercise is known to release endorphins, which in turn support pain relief, reduce stress, and boost overall well-being. Runner’s high? Yeah, it’s a real thing.

What’s more, exercise target fatigue at the source, helping you clock better zzz’s at night. A study in the Journal of Sleep Research found that participants who exercised for at least 150 minutes weekly experienced a reduction in insomnia symptoms while also reporting boosted mood.

Embrace a Power Nap

We’re huge fans of a strategic power nap at Camille Styles, and Dr. Carrasco couldn’t support our habit more. We’ve written previously that power naps can improve mood, alertness, productivity, creativity, reaction time, short-term memory, focus, and concentration. The sweet spot is 10-30 minutes, allowing your body to reset without making you feel groggy. For the most productive reset, aim to take your nap in the early-to-mid afternoon. Create a peaceful environment where you won’t be interrupted—a cool, dark bedroom is best. And finally, turn your phone on ‘Do Not Disturb.’ Trust me: when your energy’s on the line, the email can wait.

Maintain a Regular Bedtime

Not only should you aim for 7-8 hours of sleep, but when it comes to quality, consistency is key. There’s good news for all the night owls out there: when it comes down to it, enough sleep combined with a regular sleep-wake schedule is most important. As Dr. Carolina Marcus, associate professor of clinical medicine at the University of Rochester Medical Center shared with Sleep.com, “The two most important elements of good sleep are consistent hours and a sufficient duration of sleep. If you go to bed consistently at 1 a.m. and wake up at 9 a.m., feeling well-rested, there is no problem.”

So go with what feels most natural and intuitive to you. However, if work or other life obligations puts constraints on your available sleep schedule, ensure that you’re getting enough shut-eye with the time you have.

Prioritize Hydration

While many of us are guzzling from our Stanley tumblers on the reg, proper hydration can go overlooked when it comes to sleep. Particularly in the summer heat, you want to ensure that you’re well-hydrated. Dr. Carrasco encourages women to drink 80-90 ounces of water daily. To boost hydration, consider adding our favorite electrolyte powders to your sipper.

Eat Energizing Foods

As we all very well know: food impacts how we feel throughout the day. To avoid the energy spikes and dips that are associated with erratic blood sugar levels, prioritize foods that help maintain balanced blood sugar. This involves eating a well-portioned plate including protein, fat, and slow carbs at each meal. See below for Dr. Carrasco’s favorite fatigue-fighting foods.

Protein. Good sources of animal protein include pastured meats and wild-caught salmon. Aim for a serving size that’s 0.8-1.2 grams per pound of your body weight.

Vegetables. Ideally organic with a focus on leafy greens, cruciferous veggies, and non-starchy veggies.

Fruit. Keep an eye out for berries and fruits that have deep colors, as they have more phytonutrients and antioxidants to combat inflammation.

Healthy fats. Look for omega-3s in seafood, olives, olive oil, and avocados.

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Signs You Should Consult a Medical Provider

Sometimes, extreme, prolonged fatigue can be a symptom of a larger problem. Because it can manifest in many ways, Dr. Carrasco says to keep an eye out for the following fatigue symptoms:

• Chronic tiredness
• Muscle weakness
• Slowed cognition
• Increased irritability
• Aching muscles
• Headaches
• Trouble focusing
• Low motivation
• Low mood

At your next appointment, she notes that it’s a good idea to discuss with your medical provider about running a range of tests that can provide helpful further insights into how fatigue impacts your body. At a minimum, she recommends the following tests:

• Complete blood count
• B12 and Vitamin D levels
• Iron levels
• Thyroid markers

Dr. Carrasco adds that more in-depth tests can be performed, too. These “look at chronic infections, food sensitivities, and inflammatory markers.”

This post was originally published on August 20, 2022, and has since been updated.

It’s no surprise: among feeling overwhelmed at work, round-the-clock stress, and news headlines that keep the concept of ‘doom-scrolling’ relevant, everyone’s asking: Why am I so tired all the time? Sure, the answer(s) might seem like a mystery, but when we start to take stock of our social media use, sleep habits, and other underlying factors, it becomes obvious that many of us aren’t prioritizing the restorative routines that keep us feeling well. The result? Throughout our day-to-day, we’re operating on empty.

In countless conversations with friends, co-workers, and family, I’ve noticed lately that when I ask how they’re doing, 75% of the time, their response is either tired, exhausted, or simply—beat. It’s almost as though being worn out is just another part of our busy, modern-day lives that we’re somehow supposed to get used to.

Featured image by Riley Blanks Reed.

11 Reasons You’re Tired All the Time

When our bodies and minds are in sync and healthy, we should feel amazing and energized even when our schedules are full. However, as most of us know, that’s easier said than done, and there are several reasons why you may be feeling mysteriously tired. Or… perhaps it’s not so much a mystery. In fact, if we consider underlying health conditions, our sleep habits, sleep schedule, and other lifestyle factors, the reasons for our daytime sleepiness become all the more apparent.

Ahead, we’re diving into some of the most common symptoms and causes behind why you’re feeling so tired. Scroll on to discover the lifestyle interventions that will help you rediscover the energy you need to feel your very best. Good sleep hygiene—and the answers to your workday irritability—awaits.

Dehydration

Dehydration is one of the most common, but oftentimes overlooked, causes of fatigue. Even slight dehydration has been shown to cause moodiness and fatigue in women. Other signs can include headaches and inability to concentrate.

But take heart, it’s an easy fix! Just drink more fluid throughout the day! Women should consume, on average, 2.7 liters of fluids (or about 11.5 cups) a day. (Even more, if it’s hot outside or you’ve been exercising.) I try to keep a big bottle of water on my desk while I’m working or in the car when I’m driving, so I can continuously sip throughout the day. Bonus: you can also up your hydration through your diet. Discover the best hydrating foods, in case you’re tired of the 8-glasses-a-day age.

Not Getting Enough Sleep

Before you roll your eyes at how obvious this one is, think about it: are you really getting seven to eight hours every night? Because that’s the amount the National Sleep Foundation recommends most people need. Well actually, that’s the suggestion for people over age 64—they advise seven to nine hours for people between the ages 18 to 64. And if you’re not getting that much, then it’s probably the main cause of your fatigue.

Make an effort to get to bed earlier, and stick to a regular nighttime routine that encourages a restful night’s sleep.

Alcohol

Over the past few years, more and more research is coming out about alcohol’s effects on women’s bodies and minds. But among the impacts on mood, physical wellness, and mental health, it’s understood that alcohol has a negative effect on our sleep.

There’s a longstanding misconception that alcohol is a sleep aid. And while it can make us feel groggy, it disrupts the quality of our sleep. Drinking alcohol before bed causes us to miss out on crucial REM sleep (the most restorative state of sleep). As our contributing editor, Lauren Zielinski, wrote previously, “As the night goes on, there becomes an imbalance between slow wave or N-REM sleep and REM sleep resulting in shorter sleep duration and more sleep disruptions.”

So if you’re ready to ditch the feelings of tiredness throughout the day, consider swapping in a mocktail, sparkling water, or an after-dinner tea in place of your go-to glass of wine. Trust, this simple lifestyle switch can do wonders.

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Caffeine Misuse

Like alcohol, caffeine can impact how well we sleep at night. When we explored the topic of the optimal time to drink coffee, experts agreed that, in general, 9:30 a.m. is ideal. But of course, health isn’t one-size-fits-all. And because of that, it’s important to be in touch with the messages your body is sending you. If your daily cuppa is a non-negotiable, focus on developing a healthy caffeine routine by journaling about how the stimulant affects your energy and mood throughout the day—not to mention your sleep patterns.

As nutritionist Serena Poon shared with us, “Caffeine has a half-life of about five hours and its effects may be felt for up to 9.5 hours, so you would want to drink coffee at least five hours before you go to sleep. I usually recommend that my clients get their coffee in before 10 a.m.” So, to improve sleep, keep your anxiety at bay, and reap the benefits of drinking coffee in moderation, tune in with yourself to develop your own personal, healthy relationship with coffee.

Sleep Apnea

Sometimes people think they’re getting a good night’s sleep, but if you suffer from sleep apnea, you experience short bursts of wakefulness through the night caused by brief interruptions in your breathing. It’s also not a condition that should be taken lightly. The Mayo Clinic states that sleep apnea is a potentially serious sleep disorder because your breathing repeatedly stops and starts. If you snore loudly and feel tired even after a full night’s sleep, you might have sleep apnea. Since people often aren’t even aware that they have it, a doctor may order a sleep test to diagnose.

Not Fueling Your Body With the Right Food

Eating too little is an obvious issue, but eating the wrong foods can also be a major drain on your energy levels. Data shows that eating less fiber, more saturated fat, and more sugar throughout the day is linked to lighter, less restorative sleep. In one study, researchers tracked diet and sleep for a group of healthy adults over the course of five nights and found that indeed, food choices during the day affected sleep.

Including protein (eggs, fish, meat, lentils), healthy fats (avocado, nuts), and good-for-you-carbs (fruit, slower processed grains like quinoa and oats) will give you long-burning energy. Simple carbs and sugar will make you crash and burn. It’s important as well, to keep your blood sugar levels balanced with a diet that prioritizes glucose management. What’s more, you want to ensure that you’re fueling your body with the calories it needs. (Keep that metabolism revving!) Chat with you doctor to discuss a plan that support you best.

Anemia

In particular, iron deficiency anemia is one of the common reasons for fatigue in women and is more common during pregnancy. While initially, it can be so mild it often goes unnoticed, once the body becomes more deficient in iron and anemia worsens, the signs and symptoms intensify. Some of these symptoms include extreme fatigue, weakness, headaches/dizziness, cold hands and feet, and more. See your doctor for some blood tests on your iron levels then take a high-quality supplement, and incorporate iron-rich foods into your diet.

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Not Getting Enough Exercise

It may seem counterintuitive, but anyone who regularly works out will tell you that breaking a sweat actually gives you more energy throughout the day. And The Mayo Clinic backs it up: “Exercise delivers oxygen and nutrients to your tissues and helps your cardiovascular system work more efficiently.” It just makes sense—when your heart and lung health improve, you have more energy to tackle daily chores.

I try to get my heart rate up every morning, and even better if it’s outside. (Sunshine is one of the most effective natural energizers!) On days when I skip my AM workout, I definitely feel more sluggish by the time the afternoon hits.

Hypothyroidism

Your thyroid controls how fast or slow your body converts fuel into energy, and hypothyroidism (a condition in which your thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough of certain crucial hormones) means that it’s under-active which can lead to obesity, joint pain, infertility, and heart disease. Fatigue is also a side effect of this condition. Head to the doctor for a blood test if you think you may need to get your thyroid checked.

Food Allergies or Sensitivities

If you have an undiagnosed food allergy or sensitivity or suffer from environmental allergies, you could be in a cycle of inflammation and fatigue also known as brain fog. Allergist and immunologist Mark Aronica, MD told Cleveland Clinic that this disconnected feeling is fatigue, and it’s caused by the inflammation that results when your body tries to counteract your allergy symptoms. Try eliminating certain foods to test your intolerance levels and see if your fatigue improves. (A simple elimination diet is a good start.) You can also see a functional medicine doctor who can run a full spectrum of tests to help you pinpoint any sensitivities.

Depression

Many people don’t realize that depression has physical symptoms as well as emotional ones. If you’re experiencing symptoms of depression, such as consistently experiencing low mood, exhaustion, a loss of appetite, or headaches, consider seeing a doctor or speaking with someone who can help. SAMHSA’s National Helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service. Call: 1-800-662-HELP (4357).

This post was originally published on July 26, 2016, and has since been updated.