It seems as though the millenniumwas yesterday, so it's hard to believe it was almost twenty years ago! We have seen so many trends come and go over the past twenty years and we will be sure to see more over the next twenty.As designers, we follow trends to stay on top of what is happening in our industry and try to transform them into timeless designs.
Trends will always be present in design and fun to sprinkle into our homes, as we do in fashion. However, just like fashion, we don’t have to follow all of them. So, if you are looking to revamp your home, here are some daring trends to try in 2020 that are beautiful and fresh, while also feeling timeless.
## 1. Blue
Navy blue is having a big moment in 2020. With similar blue shades like Classic Blue and Naval named Pantone’s 2020 Color of The Year and Sherwin Williams’ 2020 Color of the Year, it’s clear that 2020 is all about the blues.I personally could not be happier,as blue is one of the best neutrals out there and a personal favorite.Want to give it a try? Use it to paint your kitchen or butler’s pantry cabinets instead of a traditional white. Instead of a gray or tan sofa, try covering your sofa in a super comfortableblue fabric and watch your room come to life. This timeless color is also so beautiful with a white countertop and brass hardware.I don't think I could ever get tired of looking at it.
## 2. Florals
Boy oh boy, you can bet florals are coming back this 2020! Florals and chintz had such a huge presence back in the 1940s and in the 1980s after Jackie O. swathed her White House bedroom in it. While we’ve taken a break from the florals of the past, that’s all about to change. Today’s updated take on florals are much more modern, fresh, and fun, and a fabulous way to bring life to your rooms. They pair so well with geometric and ikat prints, so it’s the perfect pattern for mixing prints flawlessly.
## 3. Velvet
Velvet is so luxurious and comfortable.With the emergence of so many amazing performance velvets on the market, go ahead and use it on your sofas, chairs and pillows. You will not be disappointed. Another place to try velvet on for size?Drapery.There is somethingso luxurious about hanging velvet drapes in a home, particularly in the master bedroom.The texture and drape are so decadent, you may never want to leave your room!
## 4. Bold Powder Rooms
A powder room is the perfect room to take risks! Though they’re usually small, it’s the room every guest uses, so why not make it something to talk about? I love to make these spaces fun and create dramatic powder rooms with lots of wow factor using bold or dark colors. If you’re looking to add an extra pop to your bold décor, don’t forget the ceiling too! The ceiling is a great place to paint an accent color in a high gloss finish or add a coordinating wallpaper.
Photo by Julia Dags / Courtesy of Eva Amurri © 2019Happily Eva After
## 5. Using Furniture in Unique Ways
As a designer, one of the things I do is solve problems. It sounds funny, but some spaces can be very challenging with certain furniture, and I am forced to think outside the box.I love using certain pieces in ways they were not intended. One of my favorites is to use a chair as a table, especially for a small entryway!
## 6. Bold Front Doors
Painting your front door a bold color is definitely a trend to try! From greens to blues to pinks, it never disappoints in sparking joy. I recently painted a client’s front door a beautiful pink from Curator Paint called Fair of Face that turned out fabulous.
## 7. Color, Color, and More Color
While many people still use gray as a go-to in their homes, color is having a big emergence in interiors.This makes me especially happy as I always embrace color in our designs.In fact, it’s rare my clients don’t want it.When I walk into a room full of color, it instantly makes me smile.The best way to use color is to pick a main color you want in your room and repeat it a few times throughout the space for balance. I then add in a couple of supporting colors in a fun, multicolor pattern or through accessories.
## 8. Custom Fabric Lampshades
Want to try a fun way of instantly upping the chic factor in your home? Get rid of your boring white lampshade and cover it with a pattern. It doesn’t have to be bold, although that would be fun! It’s a great way to incorporate some pattern into your room without a hefty price tag. If you can’t find someone to make them custom for you, there are many vendors on Etsy you can choose from to make it or buy a pre-made shade there too.
## 9. The Neutral Zone
While color is fast emerging on the design scene, neutrals are always an on-point trend. But, instead of grays on grays, mix it up with some browns, grays and pale blues.That combination is so soothing yet classically chic!
## 10. Black and Gold
I adore this combination and it truly speaks to me every time it’s paired.A little gold goes a long way in any room, however, paired with black, the wow factor is even higher.Gold instantly adds glamour and a luxurious feeling, while black provides the essence of drama and mystery.If you are looking to create an elevated space, look no further than black and gold.
Remember, if you love something, go for it! It’s never a mistake to put the things you love in your home, even if feels like a fleeting trend. A trend is only truly a trend if you follow it just to keep up with others. If the trend speaks to your heart, then it’s timeless, whether you try it in your closet or throughout your entire home.
Which of these daring design trends will you try in 2020?
You can view more of Prudence’s work here, and don’t forget to shop the 20% off sitewide sale at the GM shop to stock up on new art for the new year…
Xx Team GM
Photos: Prudence Bailey, Julia Dags