January. It’s that time of year when everyone wants to know…“how many days until payday”… “How much longer can I get away with wearing trackies instead of jeans”….“when does ‘Love Island’ start”… and..“what are the interior design trends going to be this year”? 

Okay, well maybe you are not all asking yourself that last question. But if you’re thinking of changing things up with your decor this year then have a little read of what’s hot and what’s not for 2020. 

Image via John Lewis

1. ‘Shoes-off’ is out

Perfection is definitely not cool when it comes to interiors. People want to feel relaxed and at ease in their homes. More and more we are seeking out furniture and finishes that wear well and get better with age. Like George Clooney. So opt for leather sofas that will soften and fade over the years. Paint your floorboards and embrace the worn patina of time. Choose reclaimed oak for your family dining table that will capture memories with every knock and dent. 

2. Shopping sustainably

It’s good for the soul and the planet. This year I saw gazillions of posts about sustainable shopping for Christmas gifts and loved how many new brands I discovered as a result. And whilst sustainable shopping comes with a higher price tag, this trend will continue massively into all aspects of our lives. We are accepting that the additional cost for items that are responsibly sourced is easily offset by the reassurance that we are not exploiting our planet or each other.

3. Old furniture 

So it turns out your Granny’s furniture is actually now very cool. In a revolt against the fast and cheap era, we are now styling up vintage bureaus, desks and sideboards. Ransacking your grandparent’s house or shopping from charity stores is not only hugely good for the environment, but you’ll save yourself a lot of money, and it will be really well made. Old furniture stands the test of time physically and stylistically so get your hands on a piece if you can. It’s good for your Instagram feed too!

4. Colour is back

Most of the 2010s were dominated with greys, so much so that grey is no longer considered a ‘trend’ it’s a ‘classic’. But in an era of more openly exploring the importance of mental health, we are seeking out warmer colour palettes with vibrant, feel-good hues.  A combination of earthy and jewel-like colours are perfect for making us feel grounded and safe but not devoid of personality.

5. PERSONALITY MATTERS  

And speaking of personality your home ought to have one, it is after all an extension of you. So fill your home with what you love. From the paint colours and fabrics you choose to the books, wall art, plants and ornaments you display. Make sure they are a reflection of you. But that doesn’t give you free licence to just throw everything together, you need to curate your belongings (you can read how to do that here) And it’s not an excuse to be a hoarder either! Don’t fill every single space in your home, good interior design needs room to breathe. 

6. Layer and texture

Think velvet, cowhide, sheepskin, macrame, wool. Layering textures is what makes our homes feel cosy, warm and lived in. If you combine this with colour and pattern you can create an amazing maximalist look. Or, if you want to resist the colour trend and stick to a pair-backed look, then try layering with materials in similar colours.

7. Sociable spaces

Going ‘out-out’ is still out and we are continuing the trend of entertaining at home. Maybe it’s because we are all broke or maybe it’s because there are so many amazing drink trollies on the market! Architecturally we still lust after open plan spaces and ‘party’ houses where all the good times happen in the kitchen and we have dining tables long enough for ‘beer-pong’. And have you noticed how bar and hotel interiors have influenced our homes so much that someone you know is bound to have a neon sign in their kitchen?

8. Anything but white 

Trims and ceilings often get overlooked. Most of us just slap on the white gloss or emulsion giving little thought to what could have been. Not realising the power you could wield with a wallpapered ceiling or a darker trim. My personal favourite is painting everything the same colour, the skirtings the woodwork, the ceiling, the lot. It has a really cocooning effect plus it makes the room feel bigger. Your eye isn’t drawn to any breaks or lines so the walls and ceiling blend seamlessly together, it’s the perfect look for a small room. 

In contrast, you can paint your trims darker to make a feature of them. When it comes to your ceiling why not choose a complimentary colour for your ceiling rather than plain old white?

9. Two-tone kitchens

It’s really important our kitchens and bathrooms blend with the rest of the home. They shouldn’t stand out as a stark, sterile contrast, devoid of personality. The kitchen has become much more of a ‘living room’ than most living rooms, and the way we decorate them is reflecting this. We want them to be the heart of the home so they should have warmth and colour, a vibe that makes us want to hang out in there all day. Two-tone kitchens are a way of easily adding that colour. You can afford to go bold on your base units or island and play it safe with wall units. Or give a unique identity to a cooking area or utility area by pulling on a contrasting colour. 

10. Farewell industrial look.

In contrast to our sometimes cold and hostile world, we seek sanctuary from our homes. We want to come home to comfort and warmth not exposed brickwork and Edison bulbs.  So sorry Shoreditch Hipsters it’s time for a softer look. 

So that’s what you can expect from this year’s interior design trends. Are you embracing these trends? If you would like help with your own projects then get in touch here, I’d love to help.