Looking to learn more about the top interior decor trends for 2020? From soft fabrics and rattan to blue accents and chubby couches, we reveal exactly what you can expect to see in interiors this year.
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After years of industrial, Nordic and navy design trends, be prepared for a shift towards something more eclectic – the coexistence of different styles that reflect good taste and personality. This is according to Anita Bloom, Creative Director for Decorex Africa and 100% Design South Africa, in the latest Decorex Africa Trend Report 2020.
The report provides a tantalising glimpse of what to expect from Decorex 2020 when designers and manufacturers showcase all the latest interior decor trends, concepts and products that will guide and inspire our interiors. Anita Bloom, who wrote the report, has vast experience in graphic design and exhibition curation which allows her to identify and share shifting design and decor trends. She reveals the major trends to look out for this year.
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1. New Nordic
New Nordic departs from Scandinavian minimalism, with its stark black-and-white interiors that represent order and harmony, and embraces a cosier, more nuanced aesthetic.
Clean, pared-down features still prevail, but look for softer tones, tactile surfaces, natural materials and textured rugs, and comfy fabrics.
The year 2020 is all about creating a calm, comfy, chilled-out space to relax in. This means tailoring your home decor to highlight and emphasise the things that make you happy, such as a cosy armchair for reading or a luxurious, free-standing bathtub to soak in. It’s all about making your home a safe and inviting space to rest and regenerate.
“Living spaces are warmer and more inviting – fireplaces are back, as are table lamps, candles and lanterns, along with lots of green plants,” says Anita.
“Fabrics will move away from velvet and we’ll start seeing more imperfect leather and soft, textured mohair. The colour palette is also easy on the eye: champagne, beige, warm neutral colours, sage green, dark blues and indigo.”
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2. Contemporary Organic
The second major trend, Contemporary Organic, is even more nature-focused with a luxurious twist.
“We’re moving away from sleek materials and sharp architectural lines as ultra-modern design adopts softer, more texturally rich touches: furniture with sensual forms and timber with an irregular grain,” Anita explains.
“The effect is relaxing and grounding – a real contrast from the highly charged, technology-driven world we live in.” Colours evoke the sea and sky, along with a splash of warmth (cassis, cantaloupe and mellow yellow).
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3. Scandi Meets Asian
One of the most exciting interior decor trends for 2020 is the mash-up of Scandinavian and Asian styles. Think Japadi (a blend of Scandi and traditional Japanese details) and Wabi Sabi (the idea that imperfection is beautiful and life is impermanent).
Precision and purpose are modified by delight at the unusual, irregular and striking. Expect plenty of handcrafted items, textile arts, chubby furniture, oversized paper lamps, touches of neon, painted floors, and Chinoiserie wallpaper.
4. Open-plan Design
Because down-sizing and urban living restrict the space we live in, we’re looking at the rise of integrated areas in the home. An open-floor arrangement between the kitchen and the lounge means we can socialise while we cook, as well as work or study at the kitchen table.
“The new heart of the home will eschew cold, high-gloss design in favour of atmosphere and snug simplicity,” says Bloom.
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5. Dual-purpose Furniture
Another interesting decor trend is multifunctional furniture design. For example, a couch that enables you to work, relax, study, store objects or recharge electronic devices. We’ll also get odd-shaped mirrors, hand-painted and organically shaped ceramic pieces, 3D wallpapers, tiles, and carpets with geometric shapes and patterns.
6. Rattan and Wicker
As far as we can tell, rattan and wicker aren’t going anywhere soon.
“They are having a resurgence,” says interior designer Nicole Fuller. “It takes me straight back to my childhood and yet, it has evolved in fresh and exciting ways. Whether it’s in chairs, tables, or lighting, it’s the perfect way to balance modern and traditional style.”
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Compiled by Food and Decor editor, Claire Badenhorst; and Reed Exhibitions
