Characterised by chips of marble and granite set within concrete, terrazzo is a huge hit in our interiors this year, having enjoyed its first wave of popularity back in the 1920s. From authentic stone tiling to reprints of the classic motif across an array of home accessories, there's no shortage of ways to incorporate it. For a look that combines the Art Deco and dark decorating trends, mix blue-hued terrazzo with navy wall tiles and pair with a lozenge-shaped basin and opulent gold fixtures.
Homeworking is the new normal for many of us, so we've had to get creative with our living areas and repurpose underused corners into space-efficient work stations. In particular, the cloffice trend – converting a redundant closet into a home office – has taken the internet by storm. Featuring gingham wallpaper and stylish Scandi furniture, this transformation by designer and Instagrammer Tara is one of the best we've seen.
Inspired by the green-tinged hue of the morning sky, Dulux’s 2020 colour of the year is Tranquil Dawn, a versatile pastel green with hints of grey and blue. Used in combination with other neutral shades, it helps create a peaceful space conducive to relaxation. Combine with soft lines, natural materials and handcrafted furnishings for the ultimate in zen living.
Pattern has gone all post-modern this year with abstract shapes taking centre stage – think bold, Picasso-style paper cut-outs, inky Georgia O’Keeffe-inspired watercolours and just a splash of Jackson Pollock. Jump on the abstract bandwagon with this earth-toned Forme wallpaper and create a homage to Henri Matisse in your living room or study.
Velvet upholstery has dominated showrooms and catalogues for the past decade so the rise of corduroy is a natural progression. A tufted cord fabric with a soft, silky finish, it adds distinctive texture to armchairs and sofas and is also incredibly durable. Choose neutral-coloured, fine-wale fabric for a subtle take on the trend or go all-out 70s retro with this bold tan couch from Urban Outfitters.
Forget about walls, statement ceilings are the next big thing. Beams and tinder cladding lend homes a rustic, chalet-style vibe, while metallic paints and finishes add instant glam. If you're feeling daring, why not experiment with a bold, graphic paint pattern for a really unique focal point?
Colour blocking has been on the scene for a while now, but the new geometric trend takes it one step further. Use colour to break up expanses of blank wall, divide open-plan spaces and add interest to alcoves or chimney breasts. In this bedroom, a bold graphic design in muted blues and greys helps to zone a home office space.
The collaboration that we never knew we needed, Farrow & Ball's partnership with the Natural History Museum has begotten 16 gorgeous new paint shades inspired by the natural world. Named for its resemblance to emeralds, and also the beauty spot on the wing of the teal drake duck, Emerald Green is a strong hue that will add depth and warmth to airy spaces. Pair with Joa's White and Jitney from the Colour by Nature collection for an organic palette that will work well in period homes.
Riding on the success of 2018's millennial pink trend, this year it's all about adding subtle colour to your walls with a range of nude-tinged hues. This gorgeous Camisole Pink from Craig & Rose creates the perfect backdrop for sage green and soft mauve furnishings, adding warmth to the space without overwhelming it with colour. Complete the look with brass accents and textured materials for a new take on the classic country interior.
Shades of grey are so passé – now is the time to go all out and embrace dark and moody hues. Whilst stark blocks of black and white may sound intimidating, the key is to break them up with colourful textiles, metallic accents and tons of texture. For a softer take on the trend, opt for a playful colour combination of deep charcoal grey walls paired with pastel pinks, corals and beiges.
With bold shapes, strong colours and gold highlights, the Ancient Egypt trend is not one for the faint-hearted. Use geometric patterns to add interest to neutral spaces or draw attention to sideboards and end tables with gilded lamps and ornaments. We love Jonathan Adler's new range of Egypt-inspired furnishings with its decorative pyramids, cobra-shaped lamps and evil eye décor.
Wall hangings serve both an aesthetic and a practical purpose: they're an easy way to add character and personality to your home and they also help combat icy winter draughts. This year is all about handwoven, boho-style textiles with tassels, crochet and beading featuring prominently in many designers' collections. Use large-scale pieces to decorate open spaces with high ceilings or combine several smaller hangings to create an artistic feature wall.
From sponging and colour washing to dragging and patinating, this year marks the return of paint effects. While rag rolling may conjure up images of dodgy 1980s paint jobs, employed effectively, it creates a gorgeous finish reminiscent of marble or crushed velvet fabric. Choose neutral colours, such as this soft plaster hue, to keep things understated and let the texture shine.
An extension of last year's penchant for jewel tones, Prussian blue is the 'it' hue of 2020. Used sparingly, this dark yet surprisingly vivid shade breathes new life into neutral interiors, taking on a starring role when used for accent furniture. Opt for a gorgeous Prussian blue velvet couch à la Caitlin McCarthy for a suave, luxe look that will instantly elevate any space.
Biophilia first hit the headlines in 2018 and it’s still going strong two years later. Propelled by the sustainable living movement, it sees homeowners up their eco-credentials by filling their homes with an eclectic assortment of climbers, trailers and bloomers. From vertical gardens to macramé pot holders, biophilia is one trend that’s here to stay.
2019 saw the metro tile finally toppled from its throne with the advent of the Morocco-inspired fish-scale model. Topps Tiles ‘tile of the year’ confirms that organic shapes are here for the long haul. Stay ahead of the curve with the company’s scalloped Syren tiles in this gorgeous inky blue hue.
The hottest new colour of 2020, Neo Mint is already making waves in the design world. A fresh and futuristic take on the classic pastel hue, this lively green shade represents a world seeking to strike a balance between nature and technology. Use as an accent on colourful kitchen units and splashbacks or pair with salmon pink or coral for a statement look.
In the wake of the stratospheric rise of open-plan design, it seems there’s nowhere to hide everyday clutter and a lack of privacy. So the once old-fashioned screen has been taken up by young designers and reimagined for the 2020s. Taking cues from mid-century designs, these smart room dividers often have an element of transparency and sections that are mirrored, covered with fabric or solid material. Multifunctional with shelves and rails, they can be used to separate space as well as screening off areas.
2019’s Frida Kahlo obsession has naturally segued into a fixation with all things Mexican. Inspired by sun-bleached country villas with their stucco façades, vibrant Talavera tiles and distinctive, handcrafted textiles, this trend is all about the colour. Mix and match different fabrics, patterns and textures for a bold and beautiful look.
If contrasting colours leave you cold, the mono-palette trend is an easy way to add colour to your home this year. The idea is to select one colour to use exclusively or layer different tints for a matt, tone-on-tone look. Try playing around with different textiles in the same hue, or paint walls, shelves and units in matching colours to bring a little drama to the space.
Forget fusty florals – chintz is back and it’s more flamboyant than ever. Featuring 2020’s coolest new colour, this Bloomsbury Neo Mint wallpaper from Graham & Brown features botanical-style roses, chrysanthemums and clivia interwoven with green leaves and pale blue butterflies. Paste behind a marble vanity for a boudoir-style bathroom space or use to create a feature wall in the living room.
It's been 50 years since the moon landing and designers are looking to the skies for inspiration in the home. This year, it's all about constellation patterns, with a focus on star signs, iridescent glass and stars, moons and suns on everything. With a predominantly dark blue colour palette, the celestial trend will add sparkle to your space in the most cosmic way.
This year may not have been full of rainbows and sunshine so far, but there’s no reason why your home should reflect reality. Embrace 2020’s kaleidoscopic trend by piling beds and sofas with cheery, polychromatic textiles or arrange books by colour for striking display shelves. We love this woven accent pillow, from Jungalow founder Justina Blakeney, with its colourful hooked yarn design and bright blue tassels.
Let's be honest, it's been a tough year, and we could all do with a little light relief from the stresses of 2020. Little wonder then that one of this year's top trends is wellness spaces – rooms designed with the explicit aim to comfort, relax and calm. From soothing neutral palettes to cosy bouclé blankets, this trend has got you covered.
Art Deco has long been an influence on creatives in every industry and interior designers are no exception. While brass remains a perennial favourite, at least for the foreseeable, there are new mixes of materials and clean forms this year. Think lozenge-shaped lamps with marble and metal bases like these designs from Houseof, along with simple geometric outlines and curves galore. Rather than glamour and overindulgence, the new look is a pared-back, minimalist interpretation of 1920s design.
Three-dimensional bathroom tiles hit the headlines at the beginning of 2019 and 2020 has seen the trend expand into other areas of the home. A more subtle take on the feature wall, 3D textured wall panels add a tactile element to any space without making a grandiose statement. From warming timber to ridged metal-effect designs, there's no shortage of ways to shake up your living area.
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