Over the last five years or so I’ve narrowed down the aesthetics that I like and have a clear vision of my “design style.” However, I’ve recently been gravitating towards a few fun, new things which I think we’ll be seeing more of in the design world in 2020. If nothing else, I’ll definitely be embracing these 4 trends.
Skirted Furniture: For more than a decade, I’ve found myself drawn to “leggy furniture” and more mid-century modern design styles. The lack of a skirt around my chairs or couches felt modern, updated and stylish. Although I still love this look, I find myself searching for skirted furniture. Perhaps this is partly due to the up rise of the “granny chic” style that has been gaining steam over the last few years or because I’m embracing more traditional styles. Either way, I think the tides are turning and skirted furniture will make it’s come back in a big way. The skirt adds a feminine and softer touch to a room. I also think that it adds visual interest and some movement, depending on the skirt (pleated, ruffled etc).
I am particularly drawn toward simpler skirts as I think they transition well among many different styles and would fit well with my existing home. I’m not a pleat expert but there are several different styles to choose from.
For example, I tend to be drawn toward the simple kick or flat pleats while the shirred/ruffle pleats may be fun for a little girl’s room. I have found this website helpful when identifying the different types of pleats. Below are some of my favorite skirted furniture– with a variety of different pleat styles!
Bold Patterns: Okay–I know bold patterns have been around forever and have been used in interior design throughout history (including the last 10 years), but I think the trend (can we call it a trend?) is that we are using bold patterns in bigger ways and are combining/mixing bold patterns. With the resurgence of wallpaper, people are introducing pattern at a bigger scale and now required to mix the wallpaper pattern with the other elements of the room. In addition, I think bold patterns are also coming back on upholstery–so the combination of a patterned wallpaper, patterned upholstery and even more patterns in accessories (rugs, throw pillows, decor items) can create a really elegant and upscale room. However, this is a hard trend to execute well as mixing pattern is a skill that is acquired with practice (well, at least I need practice). A room can easily go from well designed to crazy circus room if the I’m not careful. This can be a scary trend to embrace because of the financial investment involved in purchasing a patterned chair or bold wallpaper.
But, I mean come on -just look at these inspiration rooms. They make me want to combine more patterns and live in those types of houses for some time. Not only am I drawn toward the mixing of patterns but I also find myself more open to crazier patterns than in the past. For example, I can’t stop thinking about the lion printed ottoman linked below.
Fringe Details: I’m not sure when this happened but I started to get excited to see fringe on things. Fringe on curtains, furniture, pillows, clothes–really anything. It’s a little detail that can surprise you and make a room feel fun. I find it particularly fun on chairs and ottomans.
I’m definitely worried about trying this trend out on an expensive piece of furniture but bringing in the right accessories with fringe would be a great way to start. I’m also thinking it could be DIYed and doesn’t seem that difficult. Those could be famous last words. 🙂 I am truly obsessed with the pink fringe lamp linked below from Home Depot. I also used that lamp in my mood board with the crazy flamingo wallpaper. It just feels like it would make a little girl’s room feel special and the right amount of girly.
Natural Wood Tones: I love all wood tones and don’t mind painted, stained or glazed wood and I don’t think the other wood treatments are going anywhere — but I am drawn to the more “natural” looking tones right now. I think woods with a simple poly-coat will be be big and continue to grow in 2020. I can’t stop looking at the Amber Interiors kitchen linked above. It feels like the most perfect color wood that can go with any style: modern, traditional or transitional styles.
I think what I love about the natural tone is that it feels neutral. I find that it’s hard to find the lighter, natural tones on websites like Overstock or Wayfair (although I definitely found some). I hope that over the next year I start seeing more on their websites.
Well that completes the 4 trends that I think will continue to grow in 2020. I’m curious to see what other design trends this new decade will bring.