What are the hottest decor, interior design and lifestyle trends for 2020? Think eclectic, authentic and inspired, says Anita Bloom, the creative director of Decorex Africa and 100% Design South Africa.
Writing in the Decorex Africa Trend Report 2020, she says after years of enjoying industrial, Nordic and navy design trends, we should be prepared for a shift towards something more eclectic - the coexistence or unification of different styles that reflect good taste and personality.
The report, which Bloom authored, provides a glimpse of what to expect from Decorex 2020 in Durban, Cape Town and Joburg, when designers and manufacturers showcase the latest trends, concepts and products which will guide and inspire our interiors this year.
Bloom says two major themes to look out for this year are new Nordic and contemporary organic.
New Nordic
This departs from Scandinavian minimalism, with its stark black-and-white interiors which represent order and harmony, and embraces instead a cosier, more nuanced aesthetic. Clean, pared-down features still prevail but look for softer tones, tactile surfaces, natural materials and textured rugs and fabrics.
“Living spaces are warmer and more inviting - fireplaces are back, as are table lamps, candles and lanterns, along with lots of green plants,” says Bloom.
“The colour palette is easy on the eye: champagne, beige, warm neutral colours, sage green, dark blues and indigo.”
A more cosy and nuanced aesthetic with softer tones and natural materials departs from earlier Scandinavian minimalism. Picture: Supplied
Contemporary Organic
This is more nature-focused, with a luxurious twist. “We’re moving away from sleek materials and sharp architectural lines as ultra-modern design adopts softer, more texturally rich touches: furniture with sensual forms, timber with an irregular grain,” Bloom says.
Other trends to watch:
A mash-up of Scandinavian and Asian trends - think Japadi (a blend of Scandi and traditional Japanese details) and wabi sabi (the idea that imperfection is beautiful and life is impermanent). Go for the unusual, irregular and striking - handcrafted items, textile arts, chubby furniture, oversized paper lamps, touches of neon, painted floors, and chinoiserie wallpaper.
Because down-sizing and urban living restrict often the spaces we live in, there will also be integrated areas in the home - an open-floor arrangement between the kitchen and the lounge means we can socialise while we cook, as well as work or study at the kitchen table.
Along with this trend comes multifunctional furniture design. We’ll also get more imaginative with interiors: artisanal design for fabrics, odd-shaped mirrors, 3D wallpapers, tiles and carpets with geometric shapes and patterns.
A broad range of styles is in vogue, with colours that evoke the sea and the sky, along with a splash of warmth - cassis, cantaloupe and mellow yellow.
“It’s all about the personal touch and creating happily lived-in spaces.”