You May Not Be Able to Look Away From Hypnotic Design in 2024

Believe it or not, 2024 is approaching fast, and so are the new year’s trends. You may want to start paying close attention to what’s in now, especially since styles come and go so quickly—remember Pampas grass and ombre? One of this year's most captivating predictions is hypnotic design, a style that includes a loosely patterned, intricate wood veneer. Its hypnotic look takes center stage, even when used on smaller pieces of furniture.

Hypnotic design started in the 1980s with Ettore Sottsass, the pioneer of the Memphis design movement. This design era was developed in response to the low-key minimalism of mid-century modern decor that was popular in the 1950s and early 1960s—and is still on trend today.

The Italian design firm ALPI has recreated the Sottsass veneer, and its large, undulating pattern does indeed have a trance-like feel. Unlike the understated and wildly popular pale wood used in farmhouse and contemporary decor (think white oak and maple), the Sotsass veneer, with its big look-at-me style, is meant to be the focus of a room—not a backdrop for other pieces. 

Hypnotic design isn't limited to wood veneer, though. You can find recreations in upholstery fabric, wallpaper, and bedding. What makes this veneer especially of the moment is that it can be seen as a response to present-day minimalism, monochromatic color schemes, and understated decor—just like the Memphis design style was in its day.

This mesmerizing style is also a great option for those interested in maintaining a sustainable home. The technique makes use of a very small amount of wood to create a covering for just about any base, from plastic to plywood, which means it's much more lightweight than traditional wood furnishings. Veneer, though