Design Inspiration and Trends

Design Inspiration and Trends: Elevating Your Home with Modern Joinery and Stone

As we move through 2024, the world of interior design continues to evolve, blending timeless elements with fresh, contemporary styles. At the forefront of this evolution are joinery and stone, two materials that offer both functionality and beauty in home renovations. Whether you’re planning a major overhaul or simply seeking inspiration for a small update, understanding the latest trends can help you create a space that’s both stylish and functional. Here’s a look at some of the most exciting design inspirations and trends in joinery and stone for this year.

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Sustainable Elegance: Eco-Friendly Materials

Sustainability remains a key trend in home design, and it’s no different when it comes to joinery and stone. Homeowners are increasingly seeking materials that not only look beautiful but also have a minimal environmental impact.

  • Sustainable Joinery Options: Incorporating timber veneer into your joinery projects adds character and history to your space while reducing waste. This trend celebrates the natural imperfections and unique finishes – making it a feature point in your home. Veneer is made by slicing thin layers of wood, meaning it requires less timber compared to solid wood products. This makes it an efficient way to use high-quality wood, reducing the impact on forests.
    Timber veneer has a lower carbon footprint compared to some alternatives like plastic laminates or metals because it is a natural, renewable material and biodegradable.
  • Sustainable Stone Options: Look for stones that are ethically sourced and have a lower carbon footprint. For instance, Neolith® have sintered stone material that is manufactured with 100% natural raw materials. Neolith® is the result of a great effort in innovation to meet goals: Zero Waste, the use of recycled raw materials and production with a neutral impact on the generation of CO2. These materials not only enhance the beauty of your home but also contribute to a more sustainable future.

Textured and Layered Finishes

Texture plays a crucial role in creating depth and interest in any design. This year, the trend is all about combining different textures to achieve a layered, dynamic look.

  • Textured Joinery: From cabinetry with integrated grooves to diverse finishes featuring intricate patterns, textured joinery adds a tactile element to your interiors. Think of modern kitchen cabinets with a subtle horizontal grain or bespoke shelving with geometric details.
  • Stone with Character: Embrace stones with unique textures or veins. These options offer a more sophisticated look compared to traditional polished surfaces. For example, Colorado Dunes by Neolith® is an innovative model in both design and technology. It has beige and earthly tones in line with todays design trends. In the Silk finish, it has a digital texture in line with the design to highlight the veins and simulate a natural worn material. It can also be purchased in Décor Polished and Ultrasoft finishes.
Laminex scallop - Add a contemporary touch with a scalloped design that plays on light and shadow.
Laminex scallop - Add a contemporary touch with a scalloped design that plays on light and shadow.

Bold Colour Statements


While neutrals have dominated the design landscape for years, bold colours are making a strong comeback. This trend is evident in both joinery and stone, offering a way to inject personality into your space.

  • Vibrant Joinery: Incorporate pops of colour into your joinery through painted cabinetry or statement pieces. Rich, deep hues like emerald green, navy blue or even bold terracotta can make a dramatic impact. Pair these colours with neutral walls and accessories for a balanced look.
  • Colourful Stone Surfaces: Stones are also embracing bold colours. Consider a vibrant kitchen benchtop that features striking hues and veining patterns. These colourful stones can serve as a stunning focal point in your kitchen, and can be a continuous look within the home through to bathrooms and laundry.
Laminex - Black Pure Grain
Laminex - Black Pure Grain

Minimalist Designs with Maximum Impact

Minimalism continues to be a popular trend, highlighting simplicity and clean lines. However, this year's minimalist designs are all about achieving maximum impact with minimal elements.

  • Streamlined Joinery: Opt for joinery that features hidden handles for a clean look. Integrated appliances and built-in storage solutions also contribute to a minimalist aesthetic, keeping your space uncluttered and functional. The use of Hettich soft-close hinges prevents slamming of doors and drawers and allows for longevity.
  • Simple Stone Applications: In minimalist kitchens, a single stoner slab becomes the focal point, showcasing its natural beauty with clean lines and seamless transitions. Matte finishes are a common feature to add detail and depth, through adding texture that creates a sleek and refined space. This delivers maximum impact.
Finger pull rails - A modern look for hidden and clean aesthetics
Finger pull rails - A modern look for hidden and clean aesthetics

Hybrid and Multifunctional Spaces

The modern home is evolving into a multifunctional space where design and functionality go hand in hand.

  • Custom Joinery Solutions: Design joinery that serves multiple purposes, such as built-in desks or under stair storage. This trend is perfect for maximising space in smaller homes or creating versatile areas in larger ones.
  • Functional Stone Features: Incorporate stone elements that enhance both aesthetics and utility. For example, consider a stone-clad kitchen island with integrated storage or a chic stone entryway bench that doubles as a storage unit.
Custom Study Nook
Custom Study Nook

Artisanal and Handcrafted Details

In an age of mass production, there’s a growing appreciation for artisanal craftsmanship and bespoke details. This trend celebrates the unique, hand-finished qualities of custom joinery and stonework.

  • Handcrafted Joinery: Embrace custom joinery pieces that showcase artisanal techniques, such as hand-carved details or bespoke inlays. These one-of-a-kind elements add a personal touch and elevate the overall design of your home.
  • Artisan Stonework: Look for handcrafted stone features, such custom stone carvings. These artisanal touches can add a unique character and a sense of individuality to your space.
Custom Hand Crafted Stone Details
Custom Hand Crafted Stone Details

Final Thoughts

As you plan your next renovation or home update, consider these emerging trends in joinery and stone. Whether you’re drawn to sustainable materials, bold colours, or minimalist designs, incorporating these styles can help you create a space that reflects your personal taste and stays ahead of the design curve. Embrace the trends that resonate with you and watch as your home transforms into a stylish, functional sanctuary.

By staying informed about these design inspirations and trends, you’ll be well-equipped to make design choices that not only enhance the beauty of your home but also reflect the latest in contemporary style.

Intero 2024 Design Guide

2024 Design Guide

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