Car interiors have long been dominated by neutral colors like grey, black, and cream. However, car makers are now stepping out of their comfort zones and embracing bold and adventurous combinations of colors and materials to create more visually exciting cabins.
The Fiat Grande Panda, for example, features a vibrant blue dashboard and seat upholstery paired with yellow mood lighting. Mini is incorporating bold and brightly colored patterns into the Aceman’s dashboard and door linings. Volvo, on the other hand, is using recycled materials such as discarded PVC windows and fishing nets for floor mats in its EX30 model.
One of the latest trends in car interior design is the use of contrasting colors and materials. Tesla popularized the dark and light contrast trend, but the Lexus LF-ZL SUV concept takes it a step further by combining grey, light brown, and off-white tones with different textures like ribbed door panels and shag carpet.
Another emerging trend is the use of dark purple tones, as seen in Genesis’ Neolun SUV concept. While this gothic-inspired color may not be suitable for all vehicles, it is expected to translate into more subtle applications in mainstream cars in the near future.
2024’s trending color, Apricot Crush, has made its way into the BMW Vision Neue Klasse X concept’s cabin. This warm and inviting tone is set to appear in production vehicles this year, adding a touch of light and positivity to details like seatbelts, cubbyholes, and mood lighting.
Audi’s Activesphere concept showcases seamless transitions between black and red tones in its upholstery and door fabric, creating a luxurious and moody atmosphere. This tonal gradient trend is on the verge of going mainstream, with similar designs spotted in Nissan’s 2023 Hyper Adventure concept and the new Mini Countryman.
As car manufacturers continue to push the boundaries of traditional interior design, we can expect to see more adventurous and innovative cabin layouts in upcoming models. From bold color combinations to creative use of materials, the future of car interiors is looking brighter and more exciting than ever.
