What 2019 decorating trends are continuing into 2020? Read on…
By Tammy Adamson-McMullen
Decorating trends ebb and flow year after year. However, some trends, for a variety of reasons, have more staying power. This seems especially true this year, as some of the “hangers-on” are hanging on a little bit longer than usual—a result, some experts say, of our tumultuous times and our general feeling of uncertainty.
Here’s a quick rundown.
Neutrals and Naturals
Bolder colour was predicted to take the decorating world by storm in 2019. And while some bolder colours definitely moved in—like PPG’s Night Watch, a deep green; Kelly-Moore Paints’ Peacock Blue, a classic blue-green; and Pratt & Lambert’s Earthen Trail, a deep terra cotta—neutrals, naturals and other soft colours have held their own. Grays, browns, botanical greens, beiges and ivories have been decorating staples for several years running. At times, these colours have been the backup for stronger colours, but often they’ve held the starring role.
Moving into 2020, we can expect neutrals and naturals to be an integral part of the colour palette. The reason is pretty straightforward: They work beautifully with so many other colours and finishes in the palette and create an overarching feeling of tranquility.
Florals
In case you’ve missed it, floral wallpaper, upholstery, area rugs, drapery and bedding are flourishing in home decorating—and in every type of decorating style. What sets these florals apart from yesterday is that they’re highly stylized, usually large-scale, available in stunning colour combinations—such as violet on a black background or deep orange on cream, and often accented with metallics.
Florals show no signs of dying in 2020. You can expect to see them not only in more decorating products but in personal apparel, too. In fact, fashion experts predict that the runways will be full of floral designs. (Remember the old adage: If you feel comfortable living in a particular colour or style, chances are you’ll feel comfortable wearing it, too.)
Textures
Textures in recent years have flooded our homes, from concrete counters to macramé art, shag carpet to metallic backsplashes, relief faux finishes to grasscloth wallpaper, velvety draperies to river-rock countertops. The sheer abundance of textures in our homes is amazing, leading to a trend in which virtually no texture is out and many textures are mixed together in the same space.
Textures are expected to take over even more of our living spaces in 2020. While textures can be warm and cozy or sleek and urban in presentation, their appeal lies in the visual impact they lend to a space. Either way, less is not more in this trend, which finds its inspiration in the lavishness of Mother Nature.
Eco-Friendliness
Eco-friendliness is a trend we can lay to rest—not because it isn’t popular but because it’s so firmly engrained in our social psyche. It’s something that nearly all of us in 2019 have embraced to some degree.
Still, eco-friendliness is worth mentioning here in case you’re concerned that your mason-jars-turned-pendant-lights or suitcases-turned-end-tables might be out of style. Rest assured: They’re still in and worth every bit of effort you put into them. Environmentally friendly products, such as low-VOC finishes, cork and sustainable wood floors, recycled wallpaper and so much more also remain in and are all readily available as we head into 2020.
Archival Decorating
Decorating in 2019 turned an eye to yesteryear with vintage styling popping up everywhere, from the sleek lines of mid-century modern to the tassels and fringes of the 1920s. As it is, many things old are new again, and this include images that go way, way back, even into the 17th and 18th centuries.
This backward look continues as we head into a new year. As proof, this holiday season you’ll see a lot of Old World images and heritage designs in china patterns, linens, wallpaper collections, draperies, upholstery and more. The trend is growing both in residential and commercial design, as we seek spaces that create nostalgia and the perception of a simpler time.