Interior Design Trends from the Experts
Whether it’s adding greenery or carving out a workspace, there’s sure to be a design trend you’ll want to try this year. Here, local experts share their top design trends for 2020.
Interior design has taken a turn in 2020 from cool grays to a warmer palette that combines taupes and warm wood grains with gray. Fabric texture has moved to the forefront of fabric selection due to customers’ time spent at home. Comfort is king. Therefore, yummy, soft, velvety finishes are preferred. Earth tones are being contrasted with white and gold metals that give warmth and a sense of security while staying bright by contrast.
Chris J. Stephens, ASID, Dimension Designs, Inc., Total Concepts Furniture
Recently, we have all faced working from home. Refreshing our workspace is a current focus. Fitting a workspace into our existing rooms can be a challenge. Whether you have a dining room that is seldom used that can become a more dedicated office, or if you are carving out a corner of your bedroom, it can present a design challenge to create both form and function. Being both a realtor and designer, I think with both sides of my brain. Adjusting your spaces to work for you and yet not permanently altering the space for those who come after you is key. I think this will become more and more what clients are asking for in both the homes they purchase and those they want to remain in.
Linda Gaddis, 35 South Real Estate & Design
I think one of the biggest design trends that we’re seeing this year is people moving toward a bit more of a minimalist lifestyle. People are using spaces in myriad ways. Kitchens and dining rooms have become offices out of necessity, so these spaces are being reinvented. People are spending more time at home right now, and they’re wanting a clean, calm, and airy space in which to spend their time. A lot of influence for this type of design is coming from designers on the West Coast, who use more earth tones such as deep chocolate brown and natural wood with a variation of richer finishes and textures to create a timeless space. People are wanting to create something cozy and lived in that is still beautiful and functional.
Laura Hertle, Laura Hertle Designs
When it comes to what’s hot in 2020, European elements are having a moment. Spaces are reflecting more of a cozy, vintage atmosphere with high contrast and are taking on less of a set style. To get this look, add in elements that are unique. High contrast designs, especially black and white classic interiors, are timeless and dramatic. Black furniture is also great to add to any existing collection. Canopy beds offer dramatic, romantic lines along with a luxury feel and can incorporate a modern or traditional design. Earth tones and blues, along with white and gray walls, have been dominating the past few years. Clients are craving warm, cozy tones and colors. Browns, corals, and pinks are returning, and blues will continue to emerge in 2020. The Pantone color of the year is even Classic Blue 19-4052. Find items and colors that speak to you, and enjoy the spaces around you!
Kimberly Varner, ASID, NCIDQ, Kimberly Varner Interior Design
I am seeing a trend toward combining styles and layering textures such as velvets and natural-looking linen. Also, accessories are a little more plentiful and diverse, and greenery varieties can warm big corners. Jewel tones are back, and sofas, chairs, and sectionals are sometimes a little curvier. Beautiful colors such as teal, cobalt blue, reds, and Kelly green are everywhere, and black accents never go out of style as far as I’m concerned. Neutral sofa and chair fabrics are still great if you like to change accessory colors, and since the deep jewel tones are in, consider using one as a background for your neutral sofa – even if it’s only on one wall. When it comes to kitchens, white is still a favorite, but the pretty woods are back. A different color on the island or on a cabinet that’s in the center of a wall is a great update.
Dolores Wolfe, IDS, Wolfe Studio Interiors
We have all been cooped up in our homes thinking of what we would like to change, but you may not know what style or direction you would like to go to. Here are some things to keep in mind. Grays will be around for a while, but many are moving toward off-white and neutrals and adding in a pop of color. For example – green, chocolate brown, and wine earth tones are making a comeback. Another trend that is gaining popularity is minimalist design combined with bringing nature inside. Find spots where you can add greenery to the room without adding more clutter. We are also seeing different types of wood tones and metals mixing in a room. The last trend that I feel is important is showing your personality. What are you interested in? Where have you traveled? Bring in some old with the new. A room needs to represent you and make you happy. This is always the best trend.
Kristy Steele, Mango’s Décor & Co.
Fun feature walls and ceilings are in! By creating a focal wall or ceiling, you can turn a simple space into a fun, eclectic, or elegant room without breaking the bank! Custom hand-painted murals are currently highly desirable; however, they can be quite costly. Designing a single wall will keep the overall look of the space beautiful and balanced and will reduce the overall cost by 75%. Stencils, wallpapers, and specialty finishes such as plaster are great points of interest to an area of design that is often otherwise overlooked!
Dawn D. Totty, Dawn D. Totty Designs
Traditional furnishings are creeping back onto the scene! As people have stayed at home for weeks, they are trending toward a softening of lines in furniture. With the fact that traditional furniture will always be in style, harsh lines are softening around the edges. That is a sign of things to come. When it comes to colors, consumers have enjoyed all shades of gray, and though it continues to be an important background, accent colors of yellow and blue are definitely being used in interiors. In particular, yellow is being used because of its optimistic appeal. Floor coverings are a big part of design plans. With the continuation of hardwoods and laminates that mimic hardwoods, rugs are a must. Maybe that is why traditional furniture is re-emerging as well. Antique style rugs are flooding the markets and have a traditional “washed” appearance. Therefore, watch for traditional furniture, and possibly a few antiques, to re-emerge in the marketplace.
Marsha Yessick, ASID, NCIDQ, Yessick’s Design Center
An important trend that we have seen this year is a focus on American-made products. Customers have been specifically seeking out these products, much more so than in the past. We have also seen an increased interest in higher quality products, especially when it comes to sofas, leather, and upholstery. Another huge trend is the new traditional decorating style, which is essentially a more casual version of the traditional style we have seen in the past. New traditional is not opulent but is a very timeless and fresh look that our customers are gravitating toward. When it comes to colors, we are still seeing lots of whites, beiges, and other neutral tones serving as a base for living room and bedroom design. Our customers are building on these neutrals with accents and color. We have seen a pull toward velvet, specifically green and blue velvet, which adds great color and texture to any room.
Carter Fowler, Fowler Brothers Co.
Homeowners and clients are seeing the value in well-planned spaces, especially now that our homes are both offices and cluttered classrooms. The multifunctional trend does not mean drab or utilitarian. While using a kitchen island or breakfast room as a coffee-friendly work area, do not leave out your dining room. A well-executed dining room can function as a chic and luxurious library, office, or sitting area, while also allowing families to take advantage of underutilized space. An on-trend way to transform and declutter your multipurpose space is to skirt a table. Able to hide cords, printers, file boxes, etc., a table skirt adds instant design and softness. Look for fabrics and trims that elevate your space. Place large coffee table books, flowers, and even a pair of lamps on your dining table to create a whole new feel.
Ryan Kirk Kopet, Miles and Kirk Design
Lasting design incorporates comfort into inviting spaces. One way to “relax” your furnishing is to integrate the trend of abstract motifs into your décor. For their spring market introductions, manufacturers released more globally inspired goods featuring primitive shapes, organic materials, and clean lines. Each manufacturer has its interpretation of these abstract shapes, whether it be in wallpaper, furniture, lamps, rugs, or textiles. The plethora of options range from using abstracts in bold colors to subdued textural applications. Other scene-stealers include hexagonal shapes. Case goods are incorporating this form via innovative ways. Whether using it for a dining table base or fused together for a side table, this shape can bring an unexpected interest to your space.
Mary Norris, Mary Norris Interiors
Starting into this new decade, I look forward to seeing a more eclectic mix of design styles and periods in our interiors. I see us breaking away from creating spaces that are extremely style specific and relating to one period of design. For me, I want to curate layers – something old with something new, classical furnishings with modern accents, and traditional patterns finished in contemporary color palettes. Merging styles and creating juxtapositions will present interiors that are more personal and memorable. It can be sometimes challenging to accomplish this design style while maintaining exquisite taste, so I advise working with a professional in order to make sure your interiors become memorable for the right reason.
Garrett Henson-Hinck, Henson-Hinck Designs
When it comes to current trends, there is so much you can do with window coverings. We are seeing more of a demand for motorization, and not only are Hunter Douglas shades being motorized, but also custom drapery and Roman shades. These are being placed in every room and not just living rooms and bedrooms. Homeowners are enjoying the ability to control the operation of these window coverings from their mobile devices. There is also an upswing in embellished soft furnishings. Examples are tapes applied to the leading edges of drapery, trim attached to the bottom of Roman shades, and fringe bordering pillows. Textiles that are family-friendly and stain-resistant are being offered by many more manufacturers. These fabrics are being offered in more vibrant colors. Neutrals are still a mainstay, although they now come in more refined weaves along with pronounced textures.
Jill Rodgers, High Country Designs
The trend in 2020 is all about getting back to the basics. Craftsman and shaker simplicity are the hot looks this year. These styles are complemented beautifully with the timelessness of plantation shutters with larger louvers for an open, airy feel. Roller shades with modern enhancements such as smart automation are another great way to go with this design trend. The unique challenges of 2020 have also given rise to tweaking outdoor spaces. Beating the heat, glare, and insects with solar shades on porches has been increasingly popular with everyone wanting to enjoy their outdoor spaces while spending more time at home.
Jason Flaherty, River Valley Blinds Shades & Shutters
Amazing floors will always be the foundation to a great space. In the early 2010s, we were darkening our wood floors and brightening our rugs with neutral patterns. But now, it’s time to embrace the contrast! Light, airy wood tones have stolen the show, and the need for a strong rug to contrast and ground your space is now in order. Don’t be afraid to be bold with your selections either. Pair a rug with deep hues and add a textured linen-blend couch, and you’ve got yourself a taste of transitional paradise.
Cassie Courtney, featherlane design co. llc
Mixologist – not the bar kind – but the ability to mix styles, colors, finishes, and fabrics is in demand. Chairs with curves and mixed metals, woods, and fabrics are always a big hit when added to a clean-lined, bench-cushioned sofa that is upholstered in soft, earth-toned boucle. Wood finishes, along with soft brushed brass and silver metals, make for great accent tables. A touch of wicker or rattan can be added as a soothing piece. Performance fabrics, such as Cryptons and Sunbrella, continue to be developed for beautiful and easy-to-care-for upholstery!
Jimmy Adams, Nell’s Home, Gifts, & Interior Design
I see a trend rising that I would call modern romance. Beautiful floral fabrics, all sorts of patterned wallpaper, kitchen cabinets, and even paneling painted in rich saturated colors are showing up in my favorite publications. Full draperies, Roman shades, and classic window treatments are popular again. Antiques are making a comeback, and the word ‘vintage’ is everywhere. There is even a resurgence of prairie-style dresses! But this romantic look for homes is new in that it’s restrained and edited, and it relies more on texture, well-chosen anchor pieces, and a few significant collectibles rather than layers and layers of possessions.
Nancy Waddell, Buckingham Drive Interior Designs/Chattanooga Window Treatments
