Welcome to the brand-new decade! There’s a good chance you’re reflecting on your choices over the past 10 years. Maybe you’re patting yourself on the back for taking that job across the country. Perhaps you wish you could undo that three-year relationship that ended up costing you too much strain in your life. Or maybe, you’re surveying your home, and you have the sudden urge to get rid of everything in it? All very common thoughts for a new beginning.
After all, as we head into 2020, now is the perfect time to reevaluate your decor choices. But you don’t have to do it alone. To help, I’ve researched what the pros had to say about which looks are going by the wayside in 2020, and why. (Disclaimer: If it makes you happy, keep it! Who am I to tell you what to do?)
If you’re eager to do a bit of purging, read on for what to ditch, and how to decorate instead, to live your best life in 2020.
1. The “Lone Accent Wall”
Let’s be clear: We’re definitely not kicking bold looks to the curb (more on that in a minute). Instead, we just want more, more, more of them. That means one measly little accent wall won’t cut it anymore.
It’s time to boldly enter the new decade by fearlessly experimenting with paint. Washing all the walls in a bold color—including millwork and trim—is much more powerful and sophisticated. If you love a color enough to paint one wall, go the extra mile by painting the entire room. It’s a design risk worth taking!
With the rise in popularity of wallpaper—and the huge strides it’s made in ease of use, such as peel-and-stick—we’re starting to see whole rooms in vibrant colors or covered in fun wallpaper. Why should one wall have all the fun?
2. Minimalist Designs
If you can’t tell already, the “less is more” mantra is so 2019. That’s right! 2020 will be all about ditching your tiny, sleek furniture and going big—everywhere – food for thought if you’ve been considering redecorating.
Gone are the days of spaces with as little as possible. Say hello to visual overload. The darling of the design world is maximize—try solids mixed with stripes, mixed with plaids, mixed with polka dots. Take all you’ve learned about mid-century modern clean design, and throw it to the wind.
We’ve spent so much time with monochromatic palettes and neutral interiors, that we’re ready to take more risks.
In true roaring ’20s fashion, we are entering a new decade with visible boldness.
3. NO Faux Natural Materials
If you’ve been relying on fsking expensive decor, I’ve got news: Look-alike materials such as wood-look porcelain plank tile and faux stone will be out in 2020.
Of course, there is a time and a place for faux alternatives, basements (which are rare here in the desert) and wet areas are prime spots for these products. However, we live in a time where people desire more authenticity—whether that be on social media, real life, or in the home. Say no to faux, and opt for the real deal, which adds character to your home.
4. Rose Gold and Millennial Pink
We’ll continue to see mixed metals in the coming year (and beyond). But one such metal might not make it to the 2020 party.
Rose gold has seemed to reach its expiration date. Soft pinks and blushed hues are starting to see a decline, as this millennial trend is no longer considered a fresh idea.
[Millennial] pink is starting to feel a little too soft and it could just remind you of your grandmothers house.
This doesn’t mean that pinks will disappear entirely from favor, they both note, but you can expect to see bolder shades of the rosy hue—think magenta’s and corals—as we transition into the new year.
5. Farmhouse Style
Most of the design pros are ready to put this one out to pasture. With the meteoric rise of farmhouse design, every retailer big and small has jumped on the bandwagon, producing home goods in the quintessential “Fixer Upper” aesthetic. It was cool for a minute, but designers predict the villagers are getting restless with this ubiquitous look.
These put-together trends lack unique personality. Mass-produced furniture feels impersonal, and many are opting for more unique, one-of-a-kind pieces, meaning you will likely see more eclectic style mixes, with heirlooms and vintage items making a comeback. This is great, because it makes for an easy transition—you can still include some of your favorite farmhouse decor; just try mixing it with some more one-of-a kind finds to create a space that is truly your own.
6. Cool and Light Neutrals
Last year, we predicted the end of an era for gray, which had become design’s go-to neutral. And indeed, warmer tones—light browns, toasty beige’s, and creamy whites—have begun to beat out those icier hues. Expect more of that in 2020, but here’s a twist: The truly hot 2020 neutral will be saturated and bold. (Are you sensing a theme here?)
It’s becoming quite popular to see more vibrant colors take the place of standard neutrals, like navy and emerald green.
In 2020, there will be a resurgence of warm earth-tone hues, including champagne, mushroom, ochre, amber, and jade.
7. Fast Furniture
The dawn of a new decade is likely to bring a growing awareness of global warming and sustainability. (We’ve already seen a bit of backlash against fast fashion, and the waste it produces.) So you can expect that home furnishings that are not so eco-friendly are decidedly out.
Let’s be honest, home furnishings that are detrimental to the Earth were never trending. But budget-friendly and short-life-span furniture has been popularized, which in turn end up in our landfills. As consumers are becoming more aware of their carbon footprint and reducing waste, products that are eco-friendly will be trending.
8. Neon Word Signs
Ah, the neon sign trend. We’re not talking about the flickering Budweiser homage your husband might have in the pool table area. We’re talking about the catchy neon phrases showcased on Instagram by celebrities such as the Kardashians, Justin Bieber, and Bethenny Frankel, just to name a few.
But in 2020, we’re flipping the switch on this trend—Instagram and Pinterest be damned.
While neon signs look cool when illuminated at night or in a moody photo, during the day their effect lacks luster.
Don’t unplug from this look entirely, though. Instead, try some backlit art—with a twist! It should gain popularity in 2020. In particular, check out Alan Strack, who creates backlit cinematic art with movie film.
His pieces capture your attention and are truly a conversation piece—and that’s the kind of energy that could be a fresh look for 2020.
9. Bedding In a Kit
Every one of us is probably guilty of buying bedding in a bag at some point. And why not? It’s so easy! You get designer like bedding in a kit, typically a comforter, two shams, and a couple of matching accent pillows. Voila! New bed.
But the problem with these effortless bedding packages is that, well, they scream “no effort.”
We are entering an age of authenticity, boldness, and personal expression. A bedding set doesn’t allow for creative expression like custom bedding does.
That doesn’t mean you have to break the bank with hand-sewn linens, but try seeking out individual items, adding layers, and mixing patterns and textures for an effect that’s unique to you.
We spend nearly half of our life in bed, so why not invest in these items?
10. Open Floor Plans
Say what now? I know, it sounds like blasphemy. For years we haven’t wavered from the idea of being able to see everybody in the kitchen while in the living room or even the dining room. But some of us have begun to tire of all the openness—and we’re craving a little more privacy. That’s especially true for millennial’s—who will be the single largest demographic of home buyers in 2020 and are eager to put back up some walls.
The biggest revolt with millennial’s will be the desire for well-defined spaces for living, working, eating, and cooking. However, this will be a touch one as home improvements rise, most of us do not envision putting up walls but if your open concept home is situated where a wall or two might freshen things up in a good way, give it some thought!
Thanks for reading and please feel free to reach out to me whenever you have any real estate related questions, it’s always my pleasure to go above and beyond for my clients! Christy
