How to Style Your Home with the Design Trends of 2020
An interior stylist shares tips on how to incorporate 2020 trends into your home
While I don’t consider myself a trend-driven stylist, I always look forward to reading reports of design trends to see how they correlate with the projects we’re working on. As an interior stylist, there are always easy, non-permanent ways to incorporate design trends into a home. Trends can be fun when they’re low-commitment!
But there are times when permanent fixtures can make a bigger impact – this is where considering how certain trends that you like can be incorporated at the renovation or build stage. Below I outline some easy ways to apply some of this year’s biggest trends in both interior design and interior styling. Not all of us can currently renovate, but there are definitely ways you can update your home with some of these trends.
But there are times when permanent fixtures can make a bigger impact – this is where considering how certain trends that you like can be incorporated at the renovation or build stage. Below I outline some easy ways to apply some of this year’s biggest trends in both interior design and interior styling. Not all of us can currently renovate, but there are definitely ways you can update your home with some of these trends.
How to design & build with Art Deco elements
A simple, timeless way of building in Art Deco elements at home is to consider gentle arches or geometric elements.
Constructing built-in shelves or converting an open doorway? A simple arched shape can create geometric interest and is a subtle nod to the Art Deco period.
A simple, timeless way of building in Art Deco elements at home is to consider gentle arches or geometric elements.
Constructing built-in shelves or converting an open doorway? A simple arched shape can create geometric interest and is a subtle nod to the Art Deco period.
How to style with Art Deco elements
A simple styling trick you can use to infuse that Art Deco vibe at home is to decorate with rich jewel tones. Using darker tones such as emerald will exude moodiness while brighter rubies and amethyst hues are glamorous and royal. If possible, look for texturally rich fabrics like velvet and jacquard for textiles.
If you want to accessorise with Art Deco elements, consider glassware or decorative objects in jewel tones or even in reflective gold and glass hues. These bring to mind the opulence of the Roaring Twenties – one of my favourite eras and also the height of the Art Deco period.
A simple styling trick you can use to infuse that Art Deco vibe at home is to decorate with rich jewel tones. Using darker tones such as emerald will exude moodiness while brighter rubies and amethyst hues are glamorous and royal. If possible, look for texturally rich fabrics like velvet and jacquard for textiles.
If you want to accessorise with Art Deco elements, consider glassware or decorative objects in jewel tones or even in reflective gold and glass hues. These bring to mind the opulence of the Roaring Twenties – one of my favourite eras and also the height of the Art Deco period.
2. Trend: space-saving functionality
I’m a big believer in living large at home, whatever your square footage may be. And in tiny Singapore, we all know that space is a luxury, so it’s no surprise that space-saving decor for small homes continues as a dominant design trend in 2020.
I’m a big believer in living large at home, whatever your square footage may be. And in tiny Singapore, we all know that space is a luxury, so it’s no surprise that space-saving decor for small homes continues as a dominant design trend in 2020.
How to design & build in space-saving functionality
In our reno-build projects, the most common room we design with built-in storage is the bathroom. Recessed storage can eliminate the need for a shower caddy and open up what is typically a cramped, tight space for a more pampering experience.
Most of us also own enough books and decor to fill one tall bookshelf, so if you’re renovating your home, consider a built-in shelf – I typically recommend a built-in panel in the living room. My guiding principle to maximising space is: think tall when small, and bookshelves are the most efficient way of utilising your floor to ceiling space without adding another piece of furniture.
In our reno-build projects, the most common room we design with built-in storage is the bathroom. Recessed storage can eliminate the need for a shower caddy and open up what is typically a cramped, tight space for a more pampering experience.
Most of us also own enough books and decor to fill one tall bookshelf, so if you’re renovating your home, consider a built-in shelf – I typically recommend a built-in panel in the living room. My guiding principle to maximising space is: think tall when small, and bookshelves are the most efficient way of utilising your floor to ceiling space without adding another piece of furniture.
How to style with space-saving functionality
Can’t renovate? Make sure your pieces serve more than one purpose. One of my favourite pieces is the humble but capable ottoman, which not only makes a great tabletop surface (just accessorise with a tray), but can easily be converted into seating when you’re hosting extra guests. Some ottomans even come with hidden storage underneath a storage space, allowing you to keep magazines or stow away disorderly items!
Can’t renovate? Make sure your pieces serve more than one purpose. One of my favourite pieces is the humble but capable ottoman, which not only makes a great tabletop surface (just accessorise with a tray), but can easily be converted into seating when you’re hosting extra guests. Some ottomans even come with hidden storage underneath a storage space, allowing you to keep magazines or stow away disorderly items!
3. Trend: the return of terrazzo
How to design & build with terrazzo
Instead of incorporating it into your flooring, which can be expensive, experiment with using this long-lasting material for kitchen countertops or backsplashes. You can also explore its variants:
20 Terrazzo Touches You’ll Want at Home
How to design & build with terrazzo
Instead of incorporating it into your flooring, which can be expensive, experiment with using this long-lasting material for kitchen countertops or backsplashes. You can also explore its variants:
- Standard terrazzo is made from moderately small stone chips.
- Venetian terrazzo has larger stone chips and is sometimes mixed with smaller-sized chips.
- Rustic terrazzo has a uniformly textured finish with slightly exposed stone chips
- Palladiana has a mosaic finish, characterised by very large stone chips
20 Terrazzo Touches You’ll Want at Home
How to style with terrazzo
Terrazzo can vary in colour, allowing you to adhere to your colour palettes while adding greater interest to your space. Keep smaller aggregate terrazzo patterns to accent pieces such as cushions or lampshades as the extensive use of small patterns can make a room feel busy. To calm down the intensity of the patterns, opt for décor that have paler chip colours.
Larger aggregate styles creates a playful, retro effect. This can be used for statement furniture pieces, such as table tops, or even in the form of hanging art.
With a wide gamut of colour ways and patterns to choose from, terrazzo is also great for styling accessories such as trays, vases or kitchenware. They are best complemented with silver, gold or brushed metal accents.
Terrazzo can vary in colour, allowing you to adhere to your colour palettes while adding greater interest to your space. Keep smaller aggregate terrazzo patterns to accent pieces such as cushions or lampshades as the extensive use of small patterns can make a room feel busy. To calm down the intensity of the patterns, opt for décor that have paler chip colours.
Larger aggregate styles creates a playful, retro effect. This can be used for statement furniture pieces, such as table tops, or even in the form of hanging art.
With a wide gamut of colour ways and patterns to choose from, terrazzo is also great for styling accessories such as trays, vases or kitchenware. They are best complemented with silver, gold or brushed metal accents.
4. Trend: the sophisticated luxe look
The sophisticated and contemporary designs of Scandi and Japanese styling will be big in 2020 – but with an upmarket twist. This means retaining the minimalist chic aesthetic but amplifying it with accents of luxury.
The sophisticated and contemporary designs of Scandi and Japanese styling will be big in 2020 – but with an upmarket twist. This means retaining the minimalist chic aesthetic but amplifying it with accents of luxury.
How to get luxe sophistication in your reno-build phase
The best way to attain that sleek, luxe look is by creating clean lines. Adding symmetrical wooden or upholstered wall panels can help balance the tenuous relationship between sleek and cold.
When designing cabinets and doors, opt for sliding panels or push-to-open hydraulics, which will do away with clunky knobs and fixtures. It is also worth considering the use of glossy veneers in smaller homes, especially if you are designing with wood as a main element. These glossy surfaces can help reflect light and will make a space appear bigger.
The best way to attain that sleek, luxe look is by creating clean lines. Adding symmetrical wooden or upholstered wall panels can help balance the tenuous relationship between sleek and cold.
When designing cabinets and doors, opt for sliding panels or push-to-open hydraulics, which will do away with clunky knobs and fixtures. It is also worth considering the use of glossy veneers in smaller homes, especially if you are designing with wood as a main element. These glossy surfaces can help reflect light and will make a space appear bigger.
How to get the look with styling
I love the look of rustic linen contrasted with a sleek interior, which can also create a resort-a-la-Alila-Hotel vibe at home. However, if your tastes skew more dramatic, I recommend opting for plusher textiles. Velvet is always a favourite to use, and it is amazing how much a velvet upholstered sofa can change the look of your living area. You should also reserve ‘colder’ elements like metallics and glass for smaller accessories, and stick to a strict colour palette for an elegantly pared back look.
I love the look of rustic linen contrasted with a sleek interior, which can also create a resort-a-la-Alila-Hotel vibe at home. However, if your tastes skew more dramatic, I recommend opting for plusher textiles. Velvet is always a favourite to use, and it is amazing how much a velvet upholstered sofa can change the look of your living area. You should also reserve ‘colder’ elements like metallics and glass for smaller accessories, and stick to a strict colour palette for an elegantly pared back look.
5. Trend: going natural
Notice how “sustainability” and “eco-friendly” have become buzzwords that slip into our daily conversations? This much-needed appreciation for the environment carries over to the home design realm as biophilic designs – decor crafted from natural materials such as wood or stone, diffused lighting that imitate natural light, and a lot of plants. Essentially, biophilic designs stem from the philosophy that nature can help heal the self.
Notice how “sustainability” and “eco-friendly” have become buzzwords that slip into our daily conversations? This much-needed appreciation for the environment carries over to the home design realm as biophilic designs – decor crafted from natural materials such as wood or stone, diffused lighting that imitate natural light, and a lot of plants. Essentially, biophilic designs stem from the philosophy that nature can help heal the self.
How to incorporate biophilic design in your reno-build phase
The foundation of biophilic design is that it increases our connection with the outside world. Simple ways of achieving that can begin with fixtures and floor plans: use large windows that look out to nature or design an indoor-outdoor space that flows seamlessly between each other – for instance, turning your balcony into an everyday alfresco dining spot.
Have your area imitate the beaten path. You can incorporate references to nature by having your flooring made of wood (or wood veneer if you’re on a budget) or consider textured paint such as lime wash. Since there are rarely straight lines or identical surfaces in nature, you want to achieve asymmetrical patterns and natural shapes.
The foundation of biophilic design is that it increases our connection with the outside world. Simple ways of achieving that can begin with fixtures and floor plans: use large windows that look out to nature or design an indoor-outdoor space that flows seamlessly between each other – for instance, turning your balcony into an everyday alfresco dining spot.
Have your area imitate the beaten path. You can incorporate references to nature by having your flooring made of wood (or wood veneer if you’re on a budget) or consider textured paint such as lime wash. Since there are rarely straight lines or identical surfaces in nature, you want to achieve asymmetrical patterns and natural shapes.
How to style with biophilic design
Include botanic prints into your space. This can be done through furniture upholstery, paintings or even something small, like cushions on your couch. To complement these prints, opt for green or brown hues in your paint job. You can also consider sustainable hardwood furniture made from fast-growing trees, or even furniture made with trees that are cut down with Singapore’s constant landscaping. Already have lots of wood? Don’t forget your greenery – live house plants (make sure they aren’t toxic if you have pets) or faux flora (my preference) are inexpensive ways of achieving a nature-inspired look at home.
TELL US
What is your favourite 2020 trend and how would you incorporate it into your home? Share with us in the comments below!
More
Find a renovation professional in Singapore
Browse more Singapore photos for design inspiration
Include botanic prints into your space. This can be done through furniture upholstery, paintings or even something small, like cushions on your couch. To complement these prints, opt for green or brown hues in your paint job. You can also consider sustainable hardwood furniture made from fast-growing trees, or even furniture made with trees that are cut down with Singapore’s constant landscaping. Already have lots of wood? Don’t forget your greenery – live house plants (make sure they aren’t toxic if you have pets) or faux flora (my preference) are inexpensive ways of achieving a nature-inspired look at home.
TELL US
What is your favourite 2020 trend and how would you incorporate it into your home? Share with us in the comments below!
More
Find a renovation professional in Singapore
Browse more Singapore photos for design inspiration
Everyone who knows me can vouch for this: I love art, and my own space is more so an art gallery than a home. I could go on for days about the revival of Art Deco influences in styling, but the main aspects of this concept are bold geometric lines and strong, jewel-tone colours.