I love seeing what is trending in home décor and what are predicted as the “hot” new trends. But as I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized that I much prefer doing my own thing. When I was younger, I was much more inclined to jump on the latest trend bandwagon. Trends come and go, so I encourage you to be judicious when incorporating the latest trends into your décor.
If one of the new trends works with what you already have going on in your home, then by all means, take advantage of it! But if it doesn’t work with what you are trying to create in your home, maybe it would be better to let it pass. If you love something that is trending maybe try incorporating something on a smaller scale instead of completely changing course on what you are trying to create in your home.
Drum roll please! The hottest new trends predicted for 2020:
Natural materials. Think wood, stone, leather, tile. Natural materials are trending strong for 2020 and with our awareness to utilizing more sustainable, environmentally friendly materials it’s probably safe to say that natural renewable materials are here to stay.
Intimate, inviting, comfortable environments. This one is a no brainer! Don’t we all want to create a home that is comfortable and inviting? Not only do we want furniture that looks good but it should be comfortable as well.
Smaller spaces with fewer rooms. The cost of housing makes going smaller a sensible option. Open floor plans allow for maximum use of the space.
Bulkier furniture pieces. If you have the space, using larger comfortable furniture pieces is a nice option. You would think that using larger pieces of furniture would make a room feel smaller, but you would be wrong. Using fewer, larger, substantial pieces will give your rooms a more open feel. Larger pieces will give a room a less cluttered look and make it feel more open than using numerous smaller pieces scattered throughout a room.
As your budget allows, it makes sense to invest in fewer high quality pieces of furniture that you truly love. Initially it will be more costly, but in the long run it could potentially save you thousands of dollars. Buying and replacing trendy, inexpensive, smaller pieces that don’t hold up will end up costing you much more over time.
Multi-functional, modular, moveable furniture pieces. For most of us, space is a luxury, using multi-functional furniture pieces that serve more than on purpose just makes sense. Storage ottomans, headboards that function as a bookshelf or nightstand, platform beds with drawers for added storage underneath and extendable dining tables are just a few innovative furniture pieces that serve more than one purpose and help in making the most of smaller spaces.
Wood; polished, distressed, rustic, demolition wood. Wood furniture, wood flooring, wood cutting boards. Wood in all its finishes is trending again. This natural element brings warmth to any interior and works with any style.
Wood cabinets in the kitchen? Are white kitchen cabinets trending out? Maybe? Probably not? White kitchens are a time less look, but wood is a timeless finish as well. My advice? Use what you love for your kitchen. Remember? Trends come and go, so use what you love.
Formal living rooms are going extinct. Do you use your living room? Is it only used during the holidays? Maybe it’s time to rethink how you are using or not using the room. Are you a family with young children? Would your living room be better served as a playroom? A homework area?
Maybe you have teenagers at home. Would the room be better utilized as a media room? Do you leave it empty all year and use it only at Christmas time? What would draw your family into using a currently unused space in your home? Think about how the space would function best for your family’s needs and lifestyle, and let that be your guide.
Eat in kitchens. I don’t know if I would call this a new trend. It seems to me that eat in kitchens have been trending for years. It just suits our busy lives and I see this as a trend that is probably here to stay. You either have space for this in your home or you don’t. If you are planning a kitchen remodel, this would be something to consider adding if space and budget allows.
Not planning a kitchen remodel? Do you have space to pull up a couple of barstools at a counter? Do you have enough room in a corner to add a small bistro table with a couple of chairs? What about adding a deep shelf to an empty wall to serve as a counter and pulling in a couple chairs?
Spa baths. I personally love this trend! Simple, clean bathrooms with luxurious touches and beautiful finishes. Decadently fluffy white towels and robes, candles, scented soaps and lotions. A space to pamper yourself and escape for an hour or so to relax and rejuvenate.
If you are planning a bathroom remodel, I don’t think you can go wrong with this trend. Spa baths are clean and simple, with natural elements and high end finishes. It is a timeless look that will endure for years to come.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, incorporating this trend could be as easy as purchasing a new set of fluffy white towels to display in your bathroom. Light a few candles, draw a hot bath, add scented oil to the water, turn on some music, and relax for a long hot soak in the tub. Instant spa bath!
Dining rooms are becoming multi-purpose rooms.
Mirrors. Using mirrors in your decor will not only make your spaces feel larger but they will reflect the light in your rooms and brighten up your indoor spaces. Look for places around your home where you can add them. Leaning pictures or large mirrors against the wall is currently a hot trend. It allows you easily move them around your home whenever the whim strikes. If you are a serial rotator like I am you will love leaning mirrors against the wall instead of hanging them.
Are you a serial rotator? Not sure what one is? You can read all about it here and decide if you are one too.
Natural fibers and fabrics. Cotton, linen, canvas, flannel, wool, sisal, sea grass, jute.
High-Tech is here to stay.
Bright accents with a neutral backdrop. Keeping your walls, floors and large pieces of furniture neutral will allow you to add bright pops of color with pillows, flowers, throws and smaller accent pieces. A neutral backdrop allows you to change up the look of a room easily and inexpensively.
Eclectic, blending different styles together. Have you determined what your decorating style is? Do you need help figuring it out? You can learn about how to determine your own unique style here. Many of us won’t have just one style that we are drawn to and the new trend toward eclectic is exciting! Mixing different styles to create something that is uniquely you is so much more fun and lets you be creative. I am happy to see this trend coming!
Outdoor living with low maintenance is a must. Create destinations in your outdoor spaces that draw you outside; a comfortable seating area to enjoy a glass of wine and conversation, a table and chairs for dining al fresco during the warm summer months. These outdoor spaces will increase the living area of your home and make it feel so much larger. Take advantage of the beauty that Mother Nature provides by creating spots to sit, slow down and enjoy what is all around you.
I am very excited about most of the trends that are coming! What about you? Will you be incorporating some of these trends? There are a few that I will be passing up but many will work with what I am already creating in my home. I’m betting you are in the same boat. Giving up my dining room? Probably not. Rethinking how we can use the living room, that may be something to consider.
No matter which trends you choose to incorporate into your home, if you focus on creating a space that works for you and the way you live your life, you won’t go wrong. Work at creating a space that is comfortable and inviting with décor that is easy to live with. Try to avoid anything that is fussy, froofie or contrived. Everyone wants to come home to an inviting, timeless, easy elegance. An oasis of calm, comfort in a chaotic, busy world.
Incorporating the upcoming trends with what you already have in your home should be easy this year. Let me know which trends you are excited about and which ones you will you be using in your home?
* Many of the upcoming trends for 2020, were identified by the International Furnishings and Design Association (IFDA). The IFDA is one of the only all-industry associations with over 2000 members that provide products and services to the furnishings and design industry.
Your home is always one of the best decorated. Can’t wait for the holidays and all the beautiful decor at the NEW HOUSE! I can already hear the sleigh bells😍😍😍😍
Jake you are so sweet! I’ve had many decorating disasters over the years, LOL! I had a blue & mauve country phase back in the 80’s, what was I thinking? But you learn from your mistakes and get a better feel for it the more you practice. You have a great eye for decor! Use your talent and just have fun with it!