Dark Americana Brings Moody Nostalgia to 2024 Homes

Ryan Phillips; Design: Diedre Doherty

Over the past years, interior design trends have evolved from minimalist, neutral-on-neutral interiors to all things colorful, personal and eclectic. Among the most popular aesthetics (because there are a lot to keep up with) dark, vintage-inspired interiors have come to define a design category of their own.

We're still not tired of whimsigoth and dark academia, and this year, a similarly-moody look with a kitschy twist is coming in 2024: dark Americana.

Here’s what you need to know about this up-and-coming style, why it’s on the rise, and how to get the look in your home.

Characterized by moody color schemes, distinctly rustic American motifs and artifacts, and plenty of vintage charm, you can think of dark Americana as the, well, darker, gothic sister of the classic Americana aesthetic. Where Americana is defined by plenty of red, white, and blue; country charm; and American flags, dark Americana approaches patriotic decorating in a more subdued, gritty way.

“Dark Americana emphasizes creating a moody vibe with displayed vintage items and rustic finishes to imbue character throughout the space,” says Diedre Doherty, founder and lead designer at Diedre Doherty Interiors based in Los Angeles. She defines the style as the natural evolution of similar styles like dark academia and maximalism.

“We think of this trend as the anthesis of monastery minimalism, as the focus really is ‘more is more,’ with detailed architectural moldings, intricate wallpaper, classic paint colors, and traditional furniture," she says.

Ryan Phillips; Design: Diedre Doherty

Here are a few simple styling tips Doherty recommends for trying out the dark Americana look in your living space.

When designing any space,