2020 design trends – The Interiors Addict

Home trends 2020: what to know if you’re renovating

If there’s one thing we can count on when it comes to home trends, it’s that what is happening in the wider world will be reflected in our own backyard (so to speak). It’s no surprise then that energy efficiency, new technologies and an evolution of aesthetics are set to shape home design in 2020 and beyond.

Here, top homes experts, architects and interior designers reveal the home trends to watch in 2020

The home trends to watch in 2020

Going green

It’s no surprise that the green, energy efficient home will continue to dominate building design in the 2020s. “Building regulations will continue to push green building, new technologies in glazing and improved product engineering and design,” says Christine Evans, marketing director at Stegbar. “This will facilitate better energy efficiency within the home and reduce the reliance on artificial climate controls.”

Saving our most precious resource

Slotting in alongside energy efficiency, there will be a continued focus on conserving water. “The ability to be water wise in our homes is crucial to a sustainable future”, says Nick Swan, Methven brand manager. “One of the easiest ways to be water efficient in your home is to have taps and shower heads that reduce water consumption, and this can start with checking they have a good rating within the Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards (WELS) scheme.” Being water wise doesn’t have to mean sacrificing the luxury of a really great shower though. “Consumers need not choose between an efficient shower and a shower that feels good, which is why we have seen a rising interest in consumers requesting more efficient shower heads ,” says Nick.

Re-inventing the classics

When it comes to the style of our home and the colours we choose within it, there’s still a lot of love for the classics, but with a twist. “The Hamptons style will evolve from its traditional classic blue and white into an Australian look that imitates its unique landscapes, with the additions of muted greens and mustards” says principal at Indah Island and James Hardie ambassador, Natalee Bowen. “Linea Weatherboard will remain a staple due to its ability to cope with our climate, while elements of other design styles will be added to create different takes, from Hamptons-Scandi to Hamptons-country, this will keep the look evolving into the 2030s.”

When it comes to our choice of colour palette, the Mid Century vibe isn’t going anywhere. ““We will see the return of neutrals and warmer, earthy hues in home designs, such as mustard, terracotta, and rusty, muddy colours that will work nicely to create sanctuary spaces,” says Christal Fyentzou, interiors and design consultant and founder of Brisbane renovation company, Zou Build.

Streamlining and simplicity

The world of construction will see a lot of change in the 2020s. “The biggest trend going forward will be building complete sections of houses in factories and then taking them to site and connecting them together,” says James Hardie ambassador and architect, Joe Snell. Not only will this have a huge impact on cost, but also on design and quality control.

James Hardie product manager, Christian Hansen, thinks that this echoes the trend for better designed houses. “In terms of looks, we’re seeing a rise in simplicity and reduced consumption, which is driving a trend for better designed houses.” He adds: “Clean lines and contemporary housing styles, such as Mid Century Modern and Minimalist aesthetics will continue to rise in popularity as homeowners try to escape the clutter and business of modern day life. This translates into more open and liveable homes, with a focus on comfort and style.”

This will also feed into our desire for a ‘smarter’ more automated home. The smart home market is worth approximately $1.924 million this year, and household penetration expected to hit 41.9 percent by 2023. The adoption of smart home technology, such as Luxaflex Powerview Motorisation, for your window furnishings, welcomes elegance, convenience and safety to both your property and lifestyle.

“Personalisation has moved beyond merely heating and lighting,” says Vera Meharg, marketing communications manager, Luxaflex Window Fashions. “Homeowners can take complete control in
the management of shading, temperature control, energy efficiency and privacy in their home, all of which can actively reduce energy consumption and amp up security.”

Embracing small spaces

With the average house size on the decrease, making the most of what you’ve got will become an increasing focus, especially when it comes to outdoor space, which is often the first thing to be sacrificed. “Australians love the outdoors but are finding it increasingly difficult to achieve the right balance between indoor-outdoor living, especially when you have less space to play with” explained Jason Hodges, DIY landscaper and Adbri Masonry ambassador. “No matter what size your outside space, you can create a beautiful backyard oasis for relaxing and entertaining family and friends. My top tip is to take time in planning and aim to create a functional outdoor sanctuary that makes the most of your space to create the perfect getaway from the everyday.”

2020 interior design trends: Top 8 according to Houzz

It’s hard to believe that 2020 is just around the corner, but with the new year comes one of the things we really love – trend predictions. And when it comes to trends, the Houzz platform is always an interesting place to look. From the end of the ‘official’ kitchen area to the rise of cheeky leftover spaces and terrazzo as a foundational material in the home, read on for Houzz’ top eight home design trend predictions for 2020.

1. The ‘unkitchen’ kitchen
The kitchen remains a constantly evolving space when it comes to design trends, and it’s still the most popular room to renovate according to Houzz research.

Of late, Houzz is starting to see contemporary kitchens integrating small touches of furniture-like elements that complement the rest of a home’s décor. At the extreme end, we will see more and more kitchens that disappear completely into bespoke cabinetry, so their functionality is hidden away when not in use.

2. The cheeky extras
Got an extra 1.5m space at the end of your kitchen renovation floor plan? Houzz is starting to see homeowners no longer decide between a pantry or more bench space if they have spare meterage. Instead they are extending into the space, building in integrated study nooks, kitchenettes and banquettes. This trend began in 2019, with study nooks searched on Houzz 26 per cent more than the previous year.

3. The rise of curves and arches
This is a trend we’ve reported on, but it seems that our collective penchant for curves and arches just keeps growing. Designers and architects on Houzz are introducing curves to add a feminine touch and create softness in spaces otherwise filled with hard surfaces.

Architectural elements of the home will embrace rounded edges through circular windows, arches and curved walls as advances to technology allow architects to challenge structural boundaries.

4. Terrazzo
Again, not a new trend but with searches for the material having increased by 28 per cent on Houzz this year, it’s predicted to truly reign in 2020.

Terrazzo, a composite material that can be poured in situ or pre-case, and formed from chips of marble, quartz, granite or glass, has mostly been seen in bathroom splash backs until now. But, in the new year, we can expect to see it used in bench tops and homewares, with the chips becoming larger and colour ways becoming bolder.

5. Metal cladding
With an increasing focus on technological innovation, the desire for greater sustainability, the need for safety and always-changing realisations about wellbeing in the home, one of the biggest trends on Houzz is the rise of metal cladding. With recent issues with combustible materials, already we are seeing professionals on Houzz readjust to these new demands, so goodbye rendered brickwork and timber slats and hello copper, zinc and steel.

6. Muted colours
Beige, stone, soft eucalypt greens and earthy browns will be strong interior colours in 2020, following their popularity on Houzz in 2019. Those hues are seen in natural materials such as sisal, jute, hemp, unbleached, undyed wool, clay and natural stone.

There is some solace for those that love colour, however – Houzz tell us that strong colours with added shading will be on trend, such as merlot, peacock blue and spicy pink.

7. Homewares made from biomaterials
The common concerns about climate change, sustainability, the harm of single-use plastic and environmental pollution will push professionals to innovate even more in the years ahead, developing new recycled and recyclable materials for homewares & decor.

The 2019 Houzz & Home Australia study found that integrating “green” materials was a high priority for 22 per cent of renovating homeowners; a 3 per cent increase from 2016.

8. Wellbeing & bioliphic design
Biophilia means ‘love of nature’ and this, combined with our focus on wellbeing, will form a strong design focus for 2020. Lamps that adjust their intensity according to natural circadian rhythms, decor that seriously integrates plants, soothing palettes and low-VOC paints, plus architecture designed for wellness are just some examples of the trend.

Houzz is already seeing this emerge with many designers and homeowners introducing natural light from windows and skylights; focussing on exterior views and access to nature; and using water sources as fountains, ponds and water features, that can be seen, heard and touched.