5 Dominican interior design trends that will shift the vibes in 2024
It is wonderful to predict interior design trends, anticipate currents, explore what the future holds, and discover what we hold onto from the past. Perhaps it is even more exciting to attempt the creation of a new reality—the spaces in which we want to live.
This 2024 came in like a dream for interior designers, brimming with new possibilities, a hint of nostalgia, and a celebration of nature, simplicity, and luxury combined with functionality. But how will these design trends be perceived on the other side of the world, in the enchanting Latin American Caribbean? What new spaces will emerge and shine this year in the Dominican Republic?
Amanda Musa, alumna of UNIBE and Istituto Marangoni, founder of the Amanda Musa Interior Design + Concept studio, based in Santo Domingo. Photo courtesy of the author
We had a chat with Amanda Musa, from the Amanda Musa Interior Design + Concept studio, based in Santo Domingo, about the 2024 interior design trends leading the way in the Dominican Republic throughout the year.
A graduate of both Universidad Iberoamericana, UNIBE, in Santo Domingo, and Istituto Marangoni, Milan, she shared valuable insights and predictions, from the elegance of organic forms to the peacefulness given by monochromatic spaces.
1. Organic shapes
This year, in the Caribbean, straight lines make way for organic forms, where nature inspires and shapes interior spaces.
Nature inspires and shapes interior spaces. Photo courtesy of the author
This will result in wall coverings in the use of arches, as well as in furniture silhouettes, injecting freshness and softness.
2. Less is more
“Every day, we adapt more to this concept, which I adore”, says interior designer and alumna Amanda Musa.
Minimalism provides elegance and sophistication while prioritising quality and functionality. Photo courtesy of the author
Until recently, minimalism seemed out of place amid Caribbean exuberance. However, today, this trend is a beacon in Dominican interior design, providing elegance and sophistication and prioritising quality and functionality.
3. Monochromatic spaces
We said goodbye to contrast to embrace monochrome, which is one of Amanda Musa’s favourite trends for the coming months. Using the same tone in furniture, walls, and ceilings marks another success of minimalism, a commitment to chromatic harmony that creates a Zen and definitely chic atmosphere.
Chromatic harmony creates a Zen and definitely chic atmosphere. Photo courtesy of the author
Using the same tone in furniture, walls, and ceilings marks another success of minimalism, a commitment to chromatic harmony that creates a Zen and definitely chic atmosphere.
4. Mid-tone wood
In the Dominican Republic, nature reigns and claims its place indoors.
Wood emerges in mid-tones, bringing warmth and creating extremely cosy spaces. Photo courtesy of the author
An evergreen subject for Dominican furniture and most picked also for coverings, wood emerges in mid-tones, in a balance between dark and light, bringing warmth and creating extremely cosy spaces.
5. Art – The perfect accessory
Designer Amanda Musa highlights art as a key element for interior design and includes it in the planning of her projects.
Art is poised to become the central focus of interior design projects in the Dominican Republic. Photo courtesy of the author
This year, art is expected to become the primary focus of interior spaces, with paintings, sculptures, and installations adding a touch of custom tailoring and authenticity to every corner.
The 2024 Caribbean interior design trends are all about embracing contrasts, such as creativity and simplicity, past and future, minimalism and a detail-oriented attitude. Embracing traditions and challenging conventions, the interior design trends in the Dominican Republic this year pay homage to the island’s cultural and natural essence while also revealing a strong connection with the global interior design scene.
Creativity versus simplicity, past versus future, minimalism versus detail-oriented attitude: The 2024 Caribbean interior design trends embrace contrasts. Photo courtesy of the author
These trends celebrate the cultural and natural essence of the Dominican Republic while also showcasing its strong connection with the global interior design scene. By paying homage to traditions and challenging conventions, the trends for this year are sure to make a bold statement in the world of interior design.
Design enthusiasts worldwide are always eager to embrace the latest trends from around the globe. That’s why Maze35 teamed up with Universidad Iberoamericana (UNIBE) in Santo Domingo to explore local design trends and encourage conversation within the global interior design community. Here’s some a-maze-ing news not to be missed: in March 2024, UNIBE signed the first 2+2 Articulation Agreement with Istituto Marangoni, which will be effective from September 2024. This agreement enables UNIBE students to start their Bachelor Degree in Interior Design in Santo Domingo and complete the last two years of the Interior Design Bachelor’s Degree at Istituto Marangoni Milano Design and receive a Double Degree from both Institutes.
“This collaboration represents a shared commitment to creativity, innovation, and educational quality, which will set a new standard in preparation,” remarked Odile Camilo Vincent, UNIBE Rector.
Ana Alicia De Jesús
Content Strategist at Universidad Iberoamericana (UNIBE)
