As another year comes to a close, we have a tendency to look back to the past. When it comes to your home though, we encourage you to always be thinking about the future and what’s coming next. HomeStars had the pleasure of attending the House & Home Trends event this year so we could find out what’s coming up in 2020. Take a look at what trends you’re sure to see more of this year and how you can incorporate them into your own home.
1. Sustainable Design
With environmental issues at the forefront of our minds, we’re happy to see a shift into sustainable design. This trend has homeowners, retailers and manufacturers alike thinking about what goes into their products and packaging. Transparency is key, so you can now expect brands to tell you if the wood they’re using is Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified if they’re incorporating recycled products and how they’re working to offset their carbon footprint. The best thing about this trend is that as techniques and technology advances, style doesn’t have to be sacrificed for sustainability.
2. Arts & Crafts Revival
The Arts and Crafts movement was a trend that flourished between 1880 and 1920. It embraced traditional craftsmanship and simple forms while incorporating medieval, romantic and folk style decorations. At its core, this trend is anti-industrial and embraces the warmth and intricacies of nature. Highly decorative, you can incorporate this trend into your home using William Morris prints, one of the key designers in creating this movement.
3. Stacked Silhouettes
A subtle way to add a sculptural element to your home is through using stacked silhouettes. Mainly found in vases and light fixtures, while these pieces are functional their shape lets them double as art. Look for stacked pieces in natural materials such as stone and wood to keep up with this trend.
4. The New Mix
What’s old is new again, especially when done for 2020. The new mix is all about taking opposite elements and making them work together. Pieces that look like they came from an estate sale or your great-grandmother’s basement will work when balanced with a more modern space. Think eclectic and try mixing up your eras to achieve the new mix trend.
5. Going Green
When we say going green, we don’t mean environmentally, we mean literally. Inspired by the hues of the forest, the more shades of green you can incorporate, the better for this trend. You want to create an organic look that incorporates natural textures and botanical prints. Green is a surprisingly versatile colour and can work as a neutral backdrop or as a pop of colour. Try using a couple of different shades to go all in on this trend.
6. The “It” Chairs
Some chairs just have a certain design quality about them that can’t be ignored. The two “it” chairs this year both possess that quality. The first is the “Capitol Complex” chair (pictured above) designed in 1951 by Pierre Janneret for India’s utopian Chandigarh project. The second is the “Standard chair” designed by Jean Prouve in 1934. Both chairs are classic in their design and work nicely with several of the other trends being used in 2020. While the originals will cost you a pretty penny, the good news is that many look-alikes are available for much cheaper.
7. Throwback Florals
Florals have been trendy for a while now, but this year we’re seeing them done in a very retro way. Moving away from big and modern, the floral prints of 2020 look like they’ve stepped out of a time machine. Delicate, small-scale floral prints bring a vintage vibe to any room that calls back to the 80s. Try pairing these prints with an eclectic mix of modern and antique finds for a look that’s anything but outdated.
8. Maximalism
Good-bye minimalism, hello maximalism! Gone are the Scandinavian inspired clean and sparse rooms. 2020 is all about going big with layers of fabric, tassels, embracing colour and mixing prints. Try adding more pillows to your couch or layer area rugs to achieve a maximalist look. The more you add to a space, the more on-trend you are.
9. Plush Everything
From corduroy to velvet, luxurious textures and plush accessories are going to be everywhere in 2020. Taking inspiration from the art of hygge and cocooning, this trend is all about wrapping ourselves in plush fabrics that make us feel cozy. Perfect for the upcoming winter months, this trend echoes the far-out decorating style of the 1970s in a way that is warm and inviting. Try adding some luxurious fabrics to your home through carpets, curtains or throws, to incorporate this trend.
10. Pale Wood
Last but not least, pale wood will be making a big impact in 2020. Playing into the appeal of natural elements, pale wood reminds us of nature and gives man-made items a more organic appearance. You can expect to see pale wood everywhere, from kitchen islands to light fixtures.
While trends are popular for a reason, this doesn’t mean you need to go out and redecorate immediately. Trends should inspire you to move forward with your home decor and take a chance. Find a trend doesn’t work for you? Then don’t incorporate it. However you decide to decorate your home, whether it be with this year’s trends or a style all your own, we hope you love it for years to come.
A special thanks to House & Home for putting on such a lovely event and for giving us the inside scoop on 2020’s biggest trends.