Top 10 Interior Design Trends 2020
Now more than ever, shifts in lifestyle are influencing the look, feel and functionality of our homes. It’s no surprise that sustainability remains forefront in design across all disciplines. We’re also seeing these lifestyle influences manifest through grounding elements such as tactile finishes and biophilia, in addition to a desire for individuality, in a world of accessibility, we crave uniqueness to create authentic homes. What I appreciate most about this year’s trends is that a) they complement one another, and b), many of them do not require a complete overhaul of your home, instead, requiring only a scattering of new pieces and thoughtful curation of existing pieces.
Express Yourself
2020 sees homes anchored in self-expression. Gone are the days of Scandi-minimalism, devoid of personality. In the words of Issa Samb,
"…objects are there, I think, simply to help people to understand one another better."
Our homes are an extension of who we are as individuals; they express our values, share our stories and speak of that which brings us joy. 2020 moves towards spaces that feel “lived-in yet refined” according to Gemma Riberti, head of interiors at WGSN Lifestyle & Interiors. Blandness is out and personality is key. No longer precious about matchy-matchy catalogue-esque homes, we’re seeing a “more eclectic approach to design, mixing different styles and periods.” according to Timothy Corrigan.
“People are designing their homes to reflect their personalities and creating spaces that tell their story. What makes you truly happy is more important than what you see in magazines or on social media.”
Christiana Coop, co-founder of Hygge & West
“We’ll see the continued resurgence in the use of antiques; even younger people are using them as an alternative to mass-produced catalogue offerings, in a desire to create rooms with more character and individuality.”
2. Be Bold
Bold highlights of colour give spaces a modern feel. The key is to choose one high pigment colour and pepper it throughout the home, limiting it a one-two piece of furniture, art or decor. My pick – cobalt blue; it pairs well with natural finishes such as tan leather and natural wood grain, and feels very now.
“By integrating ones favorite color or a pattern it's a great way to show your personality in your space. Living with neutrals can become a bit monotonous and adding color, pattern, or texture into your surroundings can liven up anyone's day. I really believe that the space around you affects your mood so why not brighten it up with your decor.”
“We’ve already seen the shift away from “greige” towards color, and in 2020 we’ll see colors become brighter, clearer, and more jewel toned.”
-Timothy Corrigan, Timothy Corrigan Inc.
3. Getting Handsy
Handmade and handcrafted are key this season, with rough and raw tactile finishes peppered with imperfections; fingerprints, organic shapes and uneven weaves pay homage to the maker and act as a reminder to the human origins of a piece.
“There’s fast fashion and there’s also fast interiors and I think we’re going to see a reversion to the handcrafted and support local craftspeople.”
“I always encourage my clients to buy really beautiful good quality and handmade things they keep for a long time instead of replacing things every few years and adding to landfill.”
Anna Spiro of Anna Spiro Design
4. Give Me A Home Among The Gum Trees
“By consciously including nature in interior or architectural design, we are unconsciously reconnecting, bringing the great outdoors into our constructed world. It’s our inherent human connection to the natural world. In an urban world of technology and industrial architecture, this fundamental connection can sometimes feel all but lost.”
The increasingly heightened collective conscious around sustainability is reflected in our homes. Drawing inspiration from the Australian landscape: natural materials, raw finishes and eucalyptus-inspired hues; we invite nature into our homes to create tranquil spaces that ground us to the Earth. Organic materials such as cane, raw timber, stonewashed linen, agate basins and stone flooring give a “richness and variation that is unexpected” Robin Standefer of Roman and Williams.
“The team at Dulux discuss their colour of the year Tranquil Dawn, ‘it reflects a growing desire to understand what it is to be human at a time when advances in technology are making us feel increasingly disconnected from each other’”
Natasha Levy for Dezeen
5. Midas Touch
The perfect juxtaposition to raw tactile finishes and earthy elements is gold luxe accents. Whether brushed or shiny, a touch of gold via a lampshade, vase or coffee table adds a new dimension. When playing with gold accents keep in mind natural lighting to reflect off the shiny surface.
6. Take A Seat
Like fast fashion, we are seeing a shift away from fast interiors, towards investment pieces made to withstand the test of time – specifically seating. Revivals of chair designs from Pierre Paulin (The Groovy Chair, The Pumpkin Chair and The Pacha Lounge Chair) and Pierre Jeanneret’s Kangaroo Chair speak strongly of this trend. In addition, we’re seeing iconic modern designs such as the 7M Chair by Soft Limits, the Roly Poly chair by Faye Toogood and the Tactile Sofa by Baxter. So whether it’s bulbous, sculptural, neotenic or tactile, as long as it makes a statement.
“I am big on investment pieces and curating your furniture like you would your wardrobe,” explains Stutz. “Only buy things you love that you won't throw away in the near future! Our environment cannot handle us throwing furniture out every year — it's a waste! Although it can be a great way to save money, there's a reason that antiquing and repurposing old furniture has been having a major moment. Think before you buy!”
7. High Archiever
Evolving from 2019’s obsession with circular forms, this year we’re seeing arches everywhere in architecture, decor and even art. From bed heads, wardrobes and chair backs to ceilings, walls and niches arches offer a gentle feminine feel.
“There is also an emphasis on strong geometric forms (yep, more arches!) along with organic, curved walls, which soften the minimalist aesthetic.”
8. Feels Good
“…it’s all about textures and using them together in kind of a maximalist approach to minimalism.”
2020 sees homes that are layered in tactile finishes, moving away from stark bare minimalism. Stucco walls, long pile rugs, natural fibres of jute and wool, boucle armchairs, raw wood tables, earthenware and ribbed leather lounges. Layer textures give depth and dimension.
“If 2019 was the year that velvet became omni-present, 2020 will see our love affair with deep-pile textiles continue with the rise of heavy-weight wools, bouclé, mohair and sheepskin, taking these cosseting fabrics from autumn/winter novelties to year-round staples.”
9. Mediterranean Escape
“Everything we’ve been noticing lately, particularly in interiors, has been focused around the idea of escape.”
Stucco walls, high ceilings, stone floors, neo-classic sculpture, rustic earthenware, linen curtains blowing in the wind, cabana stripes, open-air living, all thrown together with a contemporary edge – it feels minimal but not stark. Perhaps a reaction to the sterilised robotic aesthetic of technology and our need to escape from it to the sanctuary of our homes.
Conjuring scenes from Call Me By Your Name and Stealing Beauty both set in Northern Italy – this trend invites artistic inspiration and thoughtful introspection.
“Slate floors in irregular patterns ‘You find these floors in the weaving streets of the Greek isles, but I love the idea of bringing them to an interior,’ says Rich. ‘It such an unexpected interior flooring materials and it instantly creates a laid-back, beach vibe.’“
Tina Rich, Tina Rich Design
That time also celebrated rustic minimalism—think Calvin Klein Home. Terracotta floors, tall white linen curtains, slabs of pine – these are all things we’re working with at the studio now.”
Robert McKinley, Studio Robert McKinley
10. Cosy Comfy
A cosy nook; somewhere to lose yourself in the depths of a good book and cup of tea, or built-in seating for family and friends to gather around and share a cosy meal. There is something so comforting about a nook and given today’s climate we all need a little cosy comfort.
"Built-in seating is not longer reserved for restaurants! It’s a space saver, creates instant impact, and is perfect for a dining or living space.”
Tina Rich, Tina Rich Design
We would love to hear your thoughts on our top ten trends for 2020 - have you incorporated any into your home? Did we miss any? Let us know below.