Blog
New Year, New Home, New Look
Friday, January 10, 2020
As the new decade begins you may be thinking about a fresh start, perhaps moving house and being settled by spring. And, whilst older properties have heaps of character, space and the opportunity to renovate and add value, a new home or conversion offers a brand new blank canvas that requires little maintenance and is ready to move in to.
So how do you go about making your mark on that blank canvas? For some expert inspiration it might be worth a visit to The Ideal Home show at Olympia, London from 27th March - 13th April 2020. Whether you’re moving to a new home or creating a new look in your current home, exhibitors will be showcasing all the latest hi tech products and design ideas. The 2020 Future Living Home at the show showcases how our living spaces have evolved, focusing on trends such as upcycled living and micro living with interior inspiration on new ideas for colours and decorating styles. Energy efficiency, use of natural lighting and renewable energy are all likely to feature strongly given the current headlines on climate change.
In terms of décor, there’s a move from all grey to warmer toned palettes and rich accent colours, while dark painted interior doors replace white woodwork to add warmth and character. Shades of chocolate brown, wine, olive green, and yellow ochre are set to take over; these warm, natural colours can replace pale neutral soft furnishing or wall colours.
Blue is the new grey, and the 2020 Pantone Color of the Year is Classic Blue. Dulux Colour of the Year 2020 is Tranquil Dawn, a soft and neutral green, and you can expect to see a lot of these colours in interior design this year. If you are into plants, keep it real! 2020 is the year of the olive tree with subtle, sage coloured foliage or choose orchids to add colour and glamour.
Multifunctional use of space has become a must, so create an informal work station that closes down when you switch off, leaving you somewhere to relax. Classic styling is staging a return with a contemporary twist enabling the mixing and matching of old and new furniture, perfect for some upcycling! A resurgence in rattan/wicker, whether in chairs, tables, or lighting offers the perfect way to balance modern and traditional styling.
If you are are trying to shop more sustainably, buy furniture made from sustainably sourced, local or recycled materials and reduce waste by buying/selling second hand furniture on sites like Gumtree and Freecycle.
Whatever trends inspire your interior design schemes in 2020, have fun, add your own style stamp, then relax and enjoy the results. Happy New Year!
