When it comes to researching interior design trends, we all have our favorite sources: Houzz, HGTV, Décor Aid, Business of Home, and Forbes.
Wait… Wut? Forbes? The business and finance publishers?
Yep. You see, we think a diverse view of design trends is helpful to the process. After all, being inflexible is not the same as being uncompromising, where thinking too narrowly can detract from a commitment to excellence in your designs.
And so, we offer an eye-opening peek at an alternative source for some of the most interesting of the dozen trends you can expect for 2020.
Forbes.com real estate, décor, and design contributor Amanda Lauren has learned that the overriding trend in design for the next decade will be focused on originality.
“I spoke with several experts, interior and furniture designers,” she writes, “who all emphasized that when it comes to design in the next decade, individuality will be extremely important. Those into crafting, DIY design, or commissioning custom pieces, will likely have lots of projects to take on in the New Year.”
Join the Non-trendy Design Trend
It must be said that tradition notwithstanding, the same old, same old does get really old. The designers Ms. Lauren checked with agree:
“Los Angeles based interior designer Delta Wright says overall anything ‘uber-unique’ will shine in the upcoming decade. ‘[We will see] highly crafted, unusual materials meticulously featured in furnishings and architecture’.”
(photo courtesy of Delta Wright Design)
As she goes on to emphasize, “But to be clear, this is not about having the most unique sofa or one-of-a-kind hand-blown glass bowl, so much as true authenticity. Christiana Coop, who is the co-founder of Hygge & West explains that uniqueness should reflect individuality. ‘People are designing their homes to reflect their personalities and creating spaces that tell their story’.”
Colors Are Back (And ain’t it about time?)
“Neutral [tones] will be replaced by warm colors, saturated hues, and jewel tones, according to Coop. ‘Tiles, cabinetry, and walls all serve as opportunities for more color,’ she says.”
(photo courtesy of High Fashion Home)
“Dolley Levan Frearson, who is the co-founder of High Fashion Home, predicts shades of pink (which are a more sophisticated evolution of the millennial pinks we’ve seen in recent years), will be strong in 2020. ‘I also see a lot of soft peachy corals and terra cotta; colors that feel soft yet grounded in earth tones. I also love golden yellow tones in lush fabrics like velvets to buttery, caramel leathers or leather-look,’ she says.”
Orange is the New Back and Black is the New White (for kitchens, anyway)
“If there is one way to describe the interior design trends we will see more of in 2020, it’s anything goes,” predicts Ms. Lauren.
(photo courtesy of Semi Handmade)
“While signature the looks of 2019 and the early ‘aughts like accent walls and all-white kitchens won’t be going away entirely, they will certainly evolve in the upcoming years.”
Inspiration from Above
“Wallpapered ceilings are another way contrast can be incorporated into a room.”
(photo courtesy of Hygge & West)




