While some home decor trends are fleeting fads, others persevere for a reason.
To prove this point, I reached out to a group of interior designers to find out which current trends will continue to dominate the design world this year. From maximalist-minded spaces to Zoom rooms and beyond, these 16 design trends will reign supreme throughout the rest of 2020—and will likely be relevant into 2021, too.
1. Maximalism
Maximalists rejoice! Designer Caitlin Murray of Black Lacquer Design says over-the-top interiors are more than just a flash-in-the-pan fad. “We’re going to continue to see more maximalist spaces that are heavy on color, pattern, and architectural details,” she explains. “Clients are adding more—not taking things away—to their interiors, which is, of course, going to make for spaces that are much more sumptuously layered, intricately detailed, and expressive. If you’re looking to create a maximalist space, I recommend playing with different textures, mixing prints, and introducing more color.”
2. Bright paint colors
With the world feeling seemingly more uncertain and tumultuous by the day, designer Nicole Gibbons, who is also the founder of Clare paint, says people are turning to vibrant shades to uplift and ground their homes. “Bold paint colors that draw from nature, such as a violet-blue or a spirited shade of green, can sway the vibe from tranquil to cheery depending on the light and furniture in your space,” Gibbons says. “Our two newest hues, Blue’d Up (as seen in the above bedroom by @houseof.lais) and OMGreen, were voted for by nearly 2,600 of our fans as proof.”
3. Unhung artwork
According to designer Lori Paranjape of Mrs. Paranjape Design + Interiors, creating laid-back spaces, filled with unfussy art displays, will continue to be a priority for home decor lovers in 2020. “Lean in to a casual way to style your space,” she advises. “Not all art has to be perfectly hung. A relaxed lean feels fresh, takes the edge off, and makes a room feel more collected than styled.”
4. Multifunctional spaces
As more and more people transition to working and teaching children from home, designer Emily Spanos of Emily June Designs says making spaces more multifunctional will stay trendy. “With WFH becoming the norm for so many, I foresee a continued desire to transform every square foot into a more powerful reflection of who we are and how we live,” she explains. “With this, I expect to see an increased use of bold color and pattern as well as a thoughtful approach to multifunctional spaces—think no space should go to waste!”
5. Antique decor
Much like the move away from fast fashion, designer Liz Wilson of MC1R Studio says interior design is increasingly utilizing vintage and antique pieces. “The craftsmanship is often superior and usually has a story,” she says. “As clients become more conscious of their impact on the environment, buying vintage is part of that awareness. Giving pieces a second life is what’s trending. Whether it’s a small bust, painting, or large sofa, vintage pieces can be incorporated into any space, adding instant character.”
6. Indoor-outdoor rooms
In order to safely host close friends and family at home, designers Beth Dotolo and Carolina Gentry from Pulp Design Studios say that finding creative ways to entertain at a distance will remain on-trend. “We’re all trying to make lemonade out of lemons,” Dotola says. “We designed this home bar around our client’s garage-style door for walk-up hosting and ease in outdoor entertaining. The best part is that it still looks amazing, even when you’re entertaining indoors, for year-round function and style.”
7. Warm neutrals
Nothing makes a space feel more welcoming than a warm color palette, which is why designers Tavia Forbes and Monet Masters of Forbes + Masters believe neutral hues are here to stay. “As 2020 comes to a close, we see people creating more comforting spaces within their homes since so much more time is being spent there,” Masters says. “In-home trends are leaning more toward warm tones: blush colors, taupes, browns, creams, and salmon shades. Mixed with soft textures, these colors create an oasis you’ll want to spend all your time in.”
8. Bold prints
When it comes to trendy wall coverings, Spanos says eye-catching patterns and prints will reign supreme for the rest of 2020. “I’ve been using larger patterns and prints that feel more artistic in nature because their more substantial repeats lend a distinctive look to a space,” she explains. “I particularly love MINDTHEGAP’s collection of wall coverings and textiles as well as Voutsa and Design Legacy. The Pattern Collective is another expertly curated studio whose founder does a fantastic job sourcing larger prints you don’t see anywhere else!”
9. Built-in storage
While savvy storage solutions will always remain popular with small space dwellers, designer Lauren Wills of Wills Design Associates predicts that strategic built-ins will make a return in the final months of 2020. “With more time spent inside and the concept of thoughtful living on the rise, I can see more and more people investing in built-ins or semi built-ins to enhance their daily living experience,” she says. “There are some great companies out there, like Fronteriors, that offer custom fronts, sides, and tops capable of giving your IKEA cabinets a custom look (as seen in the above photo). Don’t forget that a quick Google search will put endless DIY ideas at your fingertips!”
10. Natural decor elements
In light of the unprecedented amount of stress already experienced this year, designer Nina Magon of Contour Interior Design believes incorporating natural elements, such as houseplants and stone finishes, into home decor will remain more important than ever. “Adding touches of nature into your space can offer a calming effect that can help relieve those stresses and is a great way to bring some life into your home,” she explains. “Incorporating more organic and natural elements into your home environment is one design trend that will be dominating the rest of 2020.”
Visit Apartment Therapy for the full list.
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