Jill’s Best Picks

What’s happening with our decor trends in this new year and possibly this new decade? I’ve been reading lots of articles with lots of opinions. As always, opinions conflict depending on who you follow. One says a trend is on its way out, another says that same trend is strong for 2020.

In my industry, decor and design trends are usually set by carefully considering buyer choices, search results, and of course those wish-list items of the past year. What didn’t go over so well is yet another strong factor in the trend setting process, as is our economic climate. When the financial scene is feeling a bit uncertain, we instinctively gravitate towards what makes us feel safe.

Announced this past December, Pantone offered “Classic Blue” for their 2020 colour of the year. It’s a royal colour that speaks of stability and dependability. Qualities we’re all hoping to bring into this new decade. We want restful colours, a sense of peace and calm that makes home our special refuge.

Other colours that we’re still seeing are the golden yellow/saffron (one of my personal favs right now - I don’t like bright yellow), muted soft blues, earthy “chive” green, soft coral pink that’s warmer and a bit more welcoming than the cool pinks we’ve seen in the last while. Look for these colours in furniture designed for small spaces, sculptural pieces, and using organic textiles.

8 Design Trends To Watch For

1. Sculptural Furniture

Think post modern feel with unexpected contemporary shapes. This Structube Bennet rocker is one of my favourites. Gentle sloping arms and a shape that hugs you right in.

2. Earth Tones Return

I’m reading over and over again that the “grey movement” is on it’s way out. That’s too bad for me, as I have a lot of it in my space and I think grey is a timeless colour. I’ve balanced our cool grey with warm wood floors and accents, and pops of rich colours that still make it work. We will definitely be seeing earthy tones of dark brown, griege, cream, darker greens, rich orange and reds, and ochre yellow. Try some of these in accessories and artwork, not necessarily on all of your walls.

3. Minimalist Maximalist

This is a perfect and unexpected blending of these two styles. The design principles of a minimalist come together with the bold patterns, rich textures and colours that the maximalist lends. Try neutral furniture and adding a pretty patterned rug and some fun accessories for this look.

4. Plants And More Plants

It’s a growing trend! (I just had to, didn’t I?) In every shape and every size, plants are a lovely addition to any decor, bringing us a strong element of nature, a feeling of well-being, and some great colour. A nice design trick to help balance a room and/or for staging to draw you in to the room making it feel more spacious, is to place a large plant in the corner(s).

I have to fess up here. At the time I was writing this part of my post, Jim came into the office to see what I was up to. He was completely side tracked by the shocking look of my Boston fern. I started nipping off the brown bits, one thing lead to another, and well…the poor thing is looking disastrous at the moment. Hoping for a quick recovery!

5. Black Interiors

I’ve been in love with black and dark greys for years now. My daughter introduced me to the beauty of black walls when we did a weekend refresh of her loft apartment several years back. Our home has a lot of black accents, a black ceiling in our ensuite with a wish for our master ceiling to join the party, and my beautiful black grasscloth that’s still waiting patiently to go up on the dining room wall.

It’s a great neutral that doesn’t make things smaller as many would protest. It actually recedes and moves a wall or ceiling back and is the perfect neutral to add drama with a cozy and peaceful feel. It makes a great backdrop for textures and colour combinations as well.

6. Geometric Patterned Tiles

These beauties come in so many options from backsplash - splashback if you’re from the UK - to floor tiles. They add a timeless, elegant feel and for a classic style they’re the “go to” pick.

7. Dark Interior Doors

They can be deep green or blue or even solid black. Again, another great way to add drama and interest for pennies. This application works with almost any architectural style. A great fix for older style flat front mahogany doors that I did in a recent project that I’ll share soon.

8. Textured Wallpaper And Wallcoverings

A well designed space always has great textures. It’s one of the basic design elements added to any space to incorporate interest, and can often be seen in that unexpected piece in a room that gives it that professionally decorated look. We’re seeing lots of these beautiful 3D wall panels that are easy to install. Create an entire wall mural effect or frame off a section for a pop of interest.

Home Decor Trends 2020 Conclusions

There are endless predictions on this subject. I’ve had so much fun pulling out the ones I think are spot on. As in all things decor, and life, everything is subject to change. This is the time I’d like to remind you that good decor is not about having the latest trends. Hold on to the thought that surrounding yourself with your favourite things, curated to perfection, with some trends, colours and style choices in the mix, is what makes a house a home. Intentional expressions of “you” is decor success.