Skip to main content

Style Magazine

All the Rage: 2020 Design Forecast

Each year, fashion inevitably leaves a strong impression upon the design industry and its offerings for the season. For 2020, the vibe is made up of authentic handmade and sustainable organic details paired with the sparkle of a ’70s disco club and luxurious, velvety softness of the ’80s. But beyond the nostalgic hints that those artistic impressions carry, what lies ahead for interiors? How will we change and evolve in our home environment? Read on and see what speaks to your design style as we welcome a new year.

GO GREEN

Lately, many manufacturers, designers, and architects have focused their products and projects on a sustainable, environmentally friendly, recycled approach. Thanks to modern technology and innovations, however, eco-friendly doesn’t mean inferior quality, comfort, or design; in fact, these products celebrate green versions of modern or traditional designs in both elevated and affordable versions. While products like cork flooring may have been long forgotten, they’ll see a strong comeback this season thanks to their natural characteristics.

FLOWER POWER

The traditional beauty of floral patterns, either abstracted or straight-up chintz, will continue to be the pattern to use, especially when paired with deep, luxurious velvets and maximalist-styled spaces. But home designer beware: Chintz can be tricky. Its bold, old-fashioned prints can easily turn to frilly English bed-and-breakfast if you're not careful. When done right, however, the floral theme can add color, texture, and just the right touch of classic elegance to your interior.

HANDMADE ACCENTS

Items made by hand using sustainable materials like jute, rice paper, and clay will be all the rage this year. These elements go far in grounding a home, allowing its inhabitants to be in touch with the earth and their roots. The incorporation of natural materials popular years ago—like caning, rope, seagrass, and bamboo—has a strong and easily incorporated influence over modern furniture silhouettes and décor details such as occasional pieces, area rugs, and wall coverings. Elaborately embossed wall coverings, like gold rivets and metallic accents, give surfaces a beautiful tactile sensation and modern ambiance.

MATERIAL GIRL

The rising awareness and social consciousness related to ecological challenges threatening our planet have influenced the design industry to produce products accordingly. Plastics are being used for indoor and outdoor furniture frames while water bottles are being used to create outdoor rugs and accents. For a more luxe look, acrylic products are having a comeback too, giving a room the architectural structure it needs without taking up visual real estate. Acrylic is seen as a unique foundational piece in a small space, like an entryway or sitting area, to provide a surface that can be layered with more organic items and not feel fussy.

RICHLY RETRO

The early rise of digitally printed fabrics has created a true appreciation for real embroidery, thick wool bouclés, linens, and other artisan-inspired elements. Rich textural expressions are the theme of the upcoming season—think velvet upholstery, hemp drapery, cork walls, wicker, and jute—and have us thinking opulent and organic when it comes to furniture and finishes. Speaking of furniture, classic pieces will be re-envisioned with retro elements and new materials.

MAXIMAL ARTWORK

The surge of minimalism and Scandinavian design, characterized by neutral colors and simple materials, is finally declining. In its place, bright colors and graphic patterns are becoming more prevalent in the home. Don’t be afraid to mix colors, patterns, and textures. Take a gallery wall to the next level by having it cover an entire wall, or add a dramatic, large-scale piece to your space. In this case, more is more.

MAGICALLY METALLIC 

Sparkle is still on the design scene for living room décor compositions. Adding a hint of disco glamour and luxury by introducing bronze, gold, and chrome metallic details through decorative accents, furniture inlays, hardware, lighting, mirrors, and accessories is right on point with the mood of modern interiors. 


by  Kerrie L. Kelly

Kerrie L. Kelly, FASID, is an award-winning interior designer, author, product developer, and multimedia consultant helping brands reach the interior design community. To contact her, visit kerriekelly.com or call 916-919-3023.