Nobody could ever predict how 2020 would start, but one thing we know is, challenges aside, the need to create your ideal home space is more important than ever. Staying at home means more time to curate and perfect your home to suit your lifestyle and needs, so here are some of the upcoming interior trends to guide you and get your creative juices flowing.
Kiddie colours, grown up
Not surprisingly, the attention given to surgical face masks and scrubs has filtered through into home interiors. Fortunately, this is not only limited to Surgeon Blue; we’ll be seeing a range of blues across the pantone spectrum. Blue is a challenging colour outside of little boy’s room, but one tip is to think beyond superheroes, cars and trains and take inspiration from design houses. Think French blue for kitchen cupboards, Grecian blue glass vases, royal blue velvet sofas and navy blue edging on crisp white bed linen. Draw inspiration from the man who brought regal blues into the mainstream, and now into interiors, Ralph Lauren. Don’t forget about pink. Millennial pink and rose quartz had a lot of airtime over the last few years, and it doesn’t look like pink will be disappearing just yet. To keep pink cool and grown up, opt for dusty or toned-down pinks that don’t scream Barbie. Also forget anything glittery, sparkly, fluffy, or shiny. Keep it chic with plush textures, like velvet cushions or chunky knit throws and framed ethereal prints.
“When adding colour into a space, try curate your colours and use a harmonised scheme. Too many bold colours and patterns can be overwhelming and kitsch. “ – Clifton Smithers, Director of Union3
Touch and feel
Texture is a big thing, and with that fabrics like velvet, leather, animal hides and other natural elements have made a comeback. Vegan leather is becoming more popular too and is being seen across a range of applications. You can add texture any way you like whether that be more greenery and plants of assorted sizes, chunky basketry, creatively displaying keepsakes and collectibles or rugs, cushions, and throws. Don’t be afraid to layer textures – a faux fur throw over a wicker chair can look very inviting!
Back to the 70s
We probably never thought we’d revisit this era of décor, but its cooler elements are making a comeback. Think geometric prints in mustard, rust and olive green, large indoor plants, leopard print where you least expect it, and touches of gold from the cocktail shaker to the cutlery through to the bathroom taps. The 70s aesthetic is also spilling over into what is called ‘maximalism’ -as you can tell, this is a reaction to minimalism of previous years. Maximalism is about making a bold statement – big prints, bold colours, quirky furniture, and dramatic textures (think ostrich feather lamps).
Social spaces
These days, home is where its at and people are opting to stay in. Staying in means entertaining friends and spending quality family time at home. Of course, spaces at home need to be able to accommodate this. Think along the lines of retro board games as decorative items, antique chess boards, quirky drinks trolleys with bottles of tipple, cocktail shakers, and other accoutrement on display. Keep it causal, inviting and fuss-free, which means packing away the breakable heirlooms, fine China, and other sentimental pieces.
Wellness in the home
Our homes are not only about the pieces of furniture within them, they also affect our psyche and therefore need to support wellness. With health and wellness very much a priority today, people are taking the reins in creating opportunities for this at home. Think stylish yoga mats which can stay permanently rolled out and ready for us in a small corner of the room and adjustable lighting to inspire relaxation when needed. People also need a chance to remain connected but switch off from the demands of modern life at the same time. Cellphones move away from bedside tables and are now left to charge at a home desk, while music becomes portable and part of the mood with cool looking, battery-operated sound pods. Greenery begins to become a feature beyond the aesthetic with the introduction of air purifying plants and herbs to ward off mosquitoes and other pests. Many homeowners have a ‘no shoes’ policy which means footwear is left on functional shoe racks near the front door while feet slide into comfy home slippers. With all of us washing our hands more than ever, people will also be thinking about what is inside their soap and what the packaging is made of – people will opt for soaps made with natural ingredients which are free of parabens, sulphates and other non-natural ingredients, that also come in biodegradable or earth-friendly packaging. Masks are part of our everyday wear when we step out of the house, so people need a way to store masks that is neat and easily accessible – perhaps we’ll see mask hooks behind front doors and on walls?
Adding a pop of colour is a great way to create some interest in your space. This can easily be done by adding vibrant scatter cushions, accent wallpaper with a bold pattern, coloured ornaments or vases, rug overlays, occasional side tables or throws. If you are not sure how to bring a space together, get in touch with the team at Union3, to help you take your Lush unit to the next level.