Designing Tomorrow: A Conversation with Hollie Bowden

Photo Genevieve Lutkin

What design trends do you predict will dominate interiors in 2024?

H: There has been a renewed interest in shiny and high-gloss finishes, which I find truly exciting. Stainless steel works beautifully to introduce shine, but I am particularly drawn to how gloss lacquer perfectly complements natural and textured materials, enhancing a neutral palette with some lustre. Alternatively, you can opt for a color in a high-gloss lacquer finish, which works wonderfully in a Twentieth-century setting, alongside cognac leather and mid-tone woods. However, I would shy away from a gloss marble finish in most instances! It's about the play of luminosity: the interplay of matte, honed, and shiny surfaces creating depth and breaking up the homogeneity of dull finishes.

I believe that mid-century is being supplanted by Art Deco in a big way. The way it mixes dominant materials at the moment, such as stainless steel, feels like a really fresh mix. Deco has been ever-popular since its rehabilitation in the '70s, but I think it has ebbed and flowed in prominence. I am expecting it to have a big moment again this year, especially with the incredible artistry of marquetry, where artisans work contrasting veneers into images.

How do these trends align with your personal design philosophy?

H: A continuing ’under the radar’ trend that I am noticing among the designers I love the most is the avoidance of design classics that have become design clichés. Unless there’s an original twist you can put on something like a sofa that has been done to death, even in an obscure fabric, what’s the point? It seems much more in keeping with the times to look for something more individual. I believe our own interior design era is defined by an individual, collected look. Not necessarily academic, but a mix of pieces from different periods, some well-known, some obscure, to achieve a layered look that reflects your own perspective.

Can you share a specific project or concept that embodies your 2024 design predictions?

H: Our recent residential project in Covent Garden incorporates Art Deco influences, notably through the interplay of stainless steel and painted cabinets, along with the use of Zebrano veneer. I drew inspiration from the restraint shown by designers from the Deco era, such as Jean Michel Frank, who utilized highly figured veneers in a refined manner. The glossy elements, including the ceiling, bring vitality to the space while maintaining a calm and serene ambiance.

What Nordic Knots rug would you pair with the envisioned trend, and why?

H: The Loops Yellow rug is a fantastic piece that would beautifully complement the Deco and gloss trends. Its design has a fresh, contemporary edge that seamlessly integrates with our modern era while unmistakably harking back to the ornamental flourishes of Art Deco design. There's a unique quality about a rug that grants you the freedom to introduce a playful touch into a space—this is precisely what I love about this wonderful design.

Photography by Genevieve Lutkin and Oskar Proctor, interiors by Hollie Bowden.