The 5 Biggest Trends at 2020’s Global Design Events
The pandemic has had an undeniable impact on design, but how has the conversation really changed this year?
Houzz’s editorial teams cover fairs all over the globe, which gives us a chance to celebrate the diversity and creativity of local design, but also to see the big picture trends shaping the industry and homes around the world.
It’s no surprise that the big trends all seem to be connected to the pandemic. Hygiene, comfort, multi-functionality, sustainability and biophilia certainly have a role to play in helping us adapt to this crisis. However, trends don’t come out of a vacuum, but build on or respond to what came before. At a time when it’s tempting to see everything through a single lens, we look back at how this year’s biggest trends developed and ask: How has the conversation really changed this year?
It’s no surprise that the big trends all seem to be connected to the pandemic. Hygiene, comfort, multi-functionality, sustainability and biophilia certainly have a role to play in helping us adapt to this crisis. However, trends don’t come out of a vacuum, but build on or respond to what came before. At a time when it’s tempting to see everything through a single lens, we look back at how this year’s biggest trends developed and ask: How has the conversation really changed this year?
Casalgrande Padana’s Limpha tiles use photocatalysis to break down pollutants in the air. Spotted at CERSAIE in 2019.
Have we seen it before? We’ve seen this trend gaining traction over the past few years. Last year, chemical- and VOC-free materials were highlighted at the London Design Festival, while tiles that use photocatalysis to actively break down pollutants in the air were a hit at CERSAIE (Milan).
At KBIS 2019 (United States) and CERSAIE 2017, we saw cutting-edge fixtures with hygienic features such as antibacterial, air-filtering or VOC-free surfaces and toilets with no-touch opening and rimless or self-cleaning bowls, including through UV disinfection.
Have we seen it before? We’ve seen this trend gaining traction over the past few years. Last year, chemical- and VOC-free materials were highlighted at the London Design Festival, while tiles that use photocatalysis to actively break down pollutants in the air were a hit at CERSAIE (Milan).
At KBIS 2019 (United States) and CERSAIE 2017, we saw cutting-edge fixtures with hygienic features such as antibacterial, air-filtering or VOC-free surfaces and toilets with no-touch opening and rimless or self-cleaning bowls, including through UV disinfection.
Libeco The Belgian Towel Mercurio stripe. Spotted at M&O 2020.
Cosiness and wellness
As forecaster Jaye Anna Mize of Fashion Snoops put it at M&O, “We are no doubt in a comfort movement,” as people retreat – willingly or not – to the safety of their homes. Mize highlighted the bedroom specifically as a place of pampering, with extra-cosy décor and bedding, and practical solutions such as soundproofing creating a sense of calm.
At a seminar at Designscape, neuroscientist Dr Ash Ranpura likewise discussed the need for comforting surroundings, and how our environments influence our choices, noting that safety is essential to wellbeing. At Decorex, a panel explored Designing for True Wellbeing at Home.
Cosiness and wellness
As forecaster Jaye Anna Mize of Fashion Snoops put it at M&O, “We are no doubt in a comfort movement,” as people retreat – willingly or not – to the safety of their homes. Mize highlighted the bedroom specifically as a place of pampering, with extra-cosy décor and bedding, and practical solutions such as soundproofing creating a sense of calm.
At a seminar at Designscape, neuroscientist Dr Ash Ranpura likewise discussed the need for comforting surroundings, and how our environments influence our choices, noting that safety is essential to wellbeing. At Decorex, a panel explored Designing for True Wellbeing at Home.
Filmore Shg pouf, World’s Away. Spotted at Las Vegas Summer Market 2020.
We’ve seen products respond to this trend as well. Milano Design Week showcased light fixtures that double as soundproofing. Upholstery made of soft sheepskin and other cosy real or imitation animal skins were a hit at both 3 Days of Design in Copenhagen (3-5 September), and the Las Vegas Summer Market (30 August-3 September, USA).
We’ve seen products respond to this trend as well. Milano Design Week showcased light fixtures that double as soundproofing. Upholstery made of soft sheepskin and other cosy real or imitation animal skins were a hit at both 3 Days of Design in Copenhagen (3-5 September), and the Las Vegas Summer Market (30 August-3 September, USA).
Pack sofa, designed by Francesco Binfaré for Italian company Edra. Spotted at Salone del Mobile 2018.
Have we seen it before? In January, before Covid-19 had turned into a pandemic, trend spotter Vincent Gregoire told us, “Our ‘home sweet home’ is increasingly part of our professional activities and, above all, the place where we let go.”
In fact, we’ve only just managed to stop talking about hygge, the Danish approach to cosiness, which saw its zenith in 2016–2017. We’ve also been seeing innovative approaches to soundproofing at fairs in both Europe and North America for at least the last four years.
However, what we see as comfortable has shifted: it’s velvet that has starred as the cosy fabric at fairs from 2016 onwards, while oversized sofas (Salone del Mobile 2016, 2017) and padded, squishy upholstery (M&O 2017, 2018; Stockholm Light & Furniture Fair 2018) that stood for comfort in past years. This year, the conversation has shifted away from a luxurious aesthetic.
As for wellness, its role in décor and the impact of our surroundings on our emotional landscape has been discussed here and there over the years. At last year’s Formland fair (Copenhagen), Louise Byg Kongsholm talked about prioritising sleep and mental health, while trend researcher Mads Arlien Søborg highlighted jomo, “the joy of missing out”, as a trend to watch at 3 Days of Design in Copenhagen in 2017. However, this year, it’s become something of a buzzword in interior design.
Have we seen it before? In January, before Covid-19 had turned into a pandemic, trend spotter Vincent Gregoire told us, “Our ‘home sweet home’ is increasingly part of our professional activities and, above all, the place where we let go.”
In fact, we’ve only just managed to stop talking about hygge, the Danish approach to cosiness, which saw its zenith in 2016–2017. We’ve also been seeing innovative approaches to soundproofing at fairs in both Europe and North America for at least the last four years.
However, what we see as comfortable has shifted: it’s velvet that has starred as the cosy fabric at fairs from 2016 onwards, while oversized sofas (Salone del Mobile 2016, 2017) and padded, squishy upholstery (M&O 2017, 2018; Stockholm Light & Furniture Fair 2018) that stood for comfort in past years. This year, the conversation has shifted away from a luxurious aesthetic.
As for wellness, its role in décor and the impact of our surroundings on our emotional landscape has been discussed here and there over the years. At last year’s Formland fair (Copenhagen), Louise Byg Kongsholm talked about prioritising sleep and mental health, while trend researcher Mads Arlien Søborg highlighted jomo, “the joy of missing out”, as a trend to watch at 3 Days of Design in Copenhagen in 2017. However, this year, it’s become something of a buzzword in interior design.
The Duriniquindici showroom at Milan Design Week 2020, fitted out with a Load-It bookcase, a Modern suspended desk and a Romby armchair by Porro.
Multi-functionality and modularity
Multi-functionality and modularity was a major theme this year, with an emphasis on combining work spaces with other functions.
At Milano Design City, brands put multi-functionality into practice, with showrooms doubling as spaces for collaborative work.
It also showcased a lot of transformable furniture, especially for remote work. At Designart Tokyo (23 October-3 November), the emphasis was on adapting standard office furniture to Japanese homes and lifestyles.
Multi-functionality and modularity
Multi-functionality and modularity was a major theme this year, with an emphasis on combining work spaces with other functions.
At Milano Design City, brands put multi-functionality into practice, with showrooms doubling as spaces for collaborative work.
It also showcased a lot of transformable furniture, especially for remote work. At Designart Tokyo (23 October-3 November), the emphasis was on adapting standard office furniture to Japanese homes and lifestyles.
The digital San Francisco Decorator’s Showcase (5 September-5 October) demonstrated what a multi-functional home space could look like, in the dining room-work space-library-cocktail area designed by Kelly Hohla Interiors (pictured).
3 Days of Design brought us multi-functional and space-saving designs, such as the Angle stool (next photo), from Danish brand Form & Refine, which folds up and comes with its own hook, so it can be hung out of the way on a wall. Indeed, many companies highlighted these kinds of small, portable designs when we conducted our mid-year survey of new products.
A panel at Designscape addressed this head-on, with interior designer Susie Rumbold of Tessuto Interiors arguing that multi-functional spaces are here to stay, possibly leading to more emphasis on zoning, physical barriers such as doors to close off spaces for certain functions, and flexible storage that allows spaces to easily shift between uses.
3 Days of Design brought us multi-functional and space-saving designs, such as the Angle stool (next photo), from Danish brand Form & Refine, which folds up and comes with its own hook, so it can be hung out of the way on a wall. Indeed, many companies highlighted these kinds of small, portable designs when we conducted our mid-year survey of new products.
A panel at Designscape addressed this head-on, with interior designer Susie Rumbold of Tessuto Interiors arguing that multi-functional spaces are here to stay, possibly leading to more emphasis on zoning, physical barriers such as doors to close off spaces for certain functions, and flexible storage that allows spaces to easily shift between uses.
Have we seen it before? Both multi-functionality and the changing face of work are themes we’ve been talking about for a while, but we’re now fitting the conversation to different circumstances.
One of the official themes of M&O in 2019 was “WORK!” Both there and at Clerkenwell Design Week in the UK that same year, spaces that create opportunities for collaborative encounters were in focus. We talked a lot about co-working (and co-living) spaces that welcome light and both physical and social openness, and interactive home workspaces.
As encounters – collaborative or otherwise – are impossible at the moment, we’re now more interested in the opposite: zoning and multi-use live/work spaces.
One of the official themes of M&O in 2019 was “WORK!” Both there and at Clerkenwell Design Week in the UK that same year, spaces that create opportunities for collaborative encounters were in focus. We talked a lot about co-working (and co-living) spaces that welcome light and both physical and social openness, and interactive home workspaces.
As encounters – collaborative or otherwise – are impossible at the moment, we’re now more interested in the opposite: zoning and multi-use live/work spaces.
Cucinotta by Fabita, from our 2020 mid-year product round-up.
How we talk about multi-functionality has also changed. Before about 2018, a lot of the conversation centred on leisure space and time, and fitting comfort into small spaces. At Dwell on Design in 2012 (USA), the cool, multi-functional feature was a solution to small-space living – a wall unit with a built-in sleeper sofa and shelving.
Multi-functionality was also a big theme at The Stockholm Furniture and Light Fair in 2017, in pieces such as the Otto mirror from Asplund that doubled as a shelf and candle holder.
Lately, we’ve seen more of the hardworking multi-functionality that’s so prevalent this year, for example in the moveable, foldable, convertible kitchens at Eurocucina 2018 (Milan) and a home with flexible spaces for combining work and family life modelled at the Playful Living exhibit at Salone del Mobile 2019.
How we talk about multi-functionality has also changed. Before about 2018, a lot of the conversation centred on leisure space and time, and fitting comfort into small spaces. At Dwell on Design in 2012 (USA), the cool, multi-functional feature was a solution to small-space living – a wall unit with a built-in sleeper sofa and shelving.
Multi-functionality was also a big theme at The Stockholm Furniture and Light Fair in 2017, in pieces such as the Otto mirror from Asplund that doubled as a shelf and candle holder.
Lately, we’ve seen more of the hardworking multi-functionality that’s so prevalent this year, for example in the moveable, foldable, convertible kitchens at Eurocucina 2018 (Milan) and a home with flexible spaces for combining work and family life modelled at the Playful Living exhibit at Salone del Mobile 2019.
© SPOTT for Heimtextil 2020, Messe Frankfurt. Photo by Andreas Houmann.
Sustainability, durability and repurposing
Conscientious, sustainable design was highlighted at most of the fairs we covered this year, often with a focus on reuse, inherited pieces and cradle-to-cradle (regenerative) design.
Thus, 3 Days of Design in Copenhagen looked at how antiques can be incorporated into modern design, with an exhibit co-produced by design brand &Tradition and auction house Bruun Rasmussen (pictured).
At a preview of next year’s Heimtextil fair (4-7 May 2021, Frankfurt), there was a lot of talk about how materials can be recombined or “sampled” – by analogy with the music industry – in patchwork designs.
At M&O, a seminar explored the NeoVintage phenomenon, examining the popularity of vintage and used items, especially among millennial and Gen Z shoppers in France.
Conscientious, sustainable design was highlighted at most of the fairs we covered this year, often with a focus on reuse, inherited pieces and cradle-to-cradle (regenerative) design.
Thus, 3 Days of Design in Copenhagen looked at how antiques can be incorporated into modern design, with an exhibit co-produced by design brand &Tradition and auction house Bruun Rasmussen (pictured).
At a preview of next year’s Heimtextil fair (4-7 May 2021, Frankfurt), there was a lot of talk about how materials can be recombined or “sampled” – by analogy with the music industry – in patchwork designs.
At M&O, a seminar explored the NeoVintage phenomenon, examining the popularity of vintage and used items, especially among millennial and Gen Z shoppers in France.
A panel at Decorex explored longevity by pointing to suitability for purpose and lifecycle planning – such as whether a piece can be fully disassembled for material reuse or recycling – as key factors in the sustainability of décor.
At Decorex, even waste was seen as a resource for future design, with landfills hailed as “the mines of the future” by speaker Sean Sutcliffe of Benchmark Furniture.
In fact, a preview of next year’s Heimtextil fair heralded a seismic shift in consumerism. “Now is the time for a new perception of new itself,” Danish trend expert Anja Bisgaard Gaede said.
This was put into practice by consumer electronics company Bang & Olufsen, whose exhibit at 3 Days of Design focused on a project to buy back, refurbish and resell some of their most iconic historic pieces, starting with the Beogram 4000 series turntable (pictured).
At Decorex, even waste was seen as a resource for future design, with landfills hailed as “the mines of the future” by speaker Sean Sutcliffe of Benchmark Furniture.
In fact, a preview of next year’s Heimtextil fair heralded a seismic shift in consumerism. “Now is the time for a new perception of new itself,” Danish trend expert Anja Bisgaard Gaede said.
This was put into practice by consumer electronics company Bang & Olufsen, whose exhibit at 3 Days of Design focused on a project to buy back, refurbish and resell some of their most iconic historic pieces, starting with the Beogram 4000 series turntable (pictured).
© SPOTT for Heimtextil 2020, Messe Frankfurt. Photo by Andreas Houmann.
We’ve also seen an explicit look at craftsmanship, with Bisgaard additionally predicting a new focus on the process of production over end result. Well-crafted décor with fine art influences appeared at many fairs. At Milano Design City, “the knowledge of local master craftsmen”, as the Salvatori press release puts it, was highlighted in particular.
At M&O, likewise, Francois Delclaux, founder of style agency Un Nouvel Air, drew attention to “creation [that searches] for a proximity of production at a hyper-local scale, which respects an environmental ethic”.
This emphasises lasting products as the antithesis to fast fashion, and in this way, at least in theory, leads to a reduction of waste and carbon footprint. Likewise, producing locally minimises the carbon costs of transportation.
We’ve also seen an explicit look at craftsmanship, with Bisgaard additionally predicting a new focus on the process of production over end result. Well-crafted décor with fine art influences appeared at many fairs. At Milano Design City, “the knowledge of local master craftsmen”, as the Salvatori press release puts it, was highlighted in particular.
At M&O, likewise, Francois Delclaux, founder of style agency Un Nouvel Air, drew attention to “creation [that searches] for a proximity of production at a hyper-local scale, which respects an environmental ethic”.
This emphasises lasting products as the antithesis to fast fashion, and in this way, at least in theory, leads to a reduction of waste and carbon footprint. Likewise, producing locally minimises the carbon costs of transportation.
Nyami printed sheet set by Miini + Jiinda. Behind the brand are Australian Indigenous mother-daughter duo Lauren Jarrett and Melissa Greenwood, who are taking local Indigenous motifs to mainstream retailers, in this case Adairs. Photos from Adairs. Spotted at Decor + Design 2020.
Have we seen it before? While sustainable brands have been appearing at fairs throughout the last decade, sustainability has certainly become more central overall.
Some may remember the upcycling trend in 2013 and 2014. It’s only become more visible from there. A big part of the discussion has centred on innovation in materials, especially in bioplastics and recycled materials. A particular highlight was last year’s Salone del Mobile, where Kartell showcased their Bio-On series, which brought bioplastics into the mainstream.
This year, it’s the sheer scale of the sustainability conversation that’s particularly noteworthy.
Have we seen it before? While sustainable brands have been appearing at fairs throughout the last decade, sustainability has certainly become more central overall.
Some may remember the upcycling trend in 2013 and 2014. It’s only become more visible from there. A big part of the discussion has centred on innovation in materials, especially in bioplastics and recycled materials. A particular highlight was last year’s Salone del Mobile, where Kartell showcased their Bio-On series, which brought bioplastics into the mainstream.
This year, it’s the sheer scale of the sustainability conversation that’s particularly noteworthy.
The Plissé line by Michele de Lucchi for Alessi. Spotted at Milano Design Week 2020.
Interest in craftsmanship and handmade products has also been with us over the past decade. However, there has long been a lot of attention on international crafts and influences. You may remember the beni ourain rug trend from a few years back. We’re now seeing a more local emphasis.
The idea that classic or quality design is sustainable because it will have ongoing relevance and will last long enough to be passed on to future generations has been a key philosophy in Scandinavia in particular for some time, where iconic brands such as Fritz Hansen have been drawing on their archives for decades and manufacturers have explicitly called out quality as a badge of sustainability.
What’s exciting this year is that projects like Bang & Olufsen’s refurbished turntables actually put this into practice and prove that decades-old pieces really do have new market value, even for a luxury brand.
Interest in craftsmanship and handmade products has also been with us over the past decade. However, there has long been a lot of attention on international crafts and influences. You may remember the beni ourain rug trend from a few years back. We’re now seeing a more local emphasis.
The idea that classic or quality design is sustainable because it will have ongoing relevance and will last long enough to be passed on to future generations has been a key philosophy in Scandinavia in particular for some time, where iconic brands such as Fritz Hansen have been drawing on their archives for decades and manufacturers have explicitly called out quality as a badge of sustainability.
What’s exciting this year is that projects like Bang & Olufsen’s refurbished turntables actually put this into practice and prove that decades-old pieces really do have new market value, even for a luxury brand.
Toucan paradise by La Touche Originale. Spotted at M&O in autumn 2020.
Raw, beautiful nature
Lockdown and distancing measures have left us with an obsession with all things natural: the indoor plant trend is still going strong, and biophilic design is showing up at many fairs.
It was one of the main trends at this year’s Atlanta Furnishings Market. At Designscape, psychologist Karen Haller emphasised the enduring power of biophilic design as we reevaluate our relationship with nature, while at Decorex, a panel entitled Back to Nature is the Future explored how designers can incorporate biophilic design.
Raw, beautiful nature
Lockdown and distancing measures have left us with an obsession with all things natural: the indoor plant trend is still going strong, and biophilic design is showing up at many fairs.
It was one of the main trends at this year’s Atlanta Furnishings Market. At Designscape, psychologist Karen Haller emphasised the enduring power of biophilic design as we reevaluate our relationship with nature, while at Decorex, a panel entitled Back to Nature is the Future explored how designers can incorporate biophilic design.
Utopia accent table by Currey & Company.
At the same time, nature-inspired design, including floral prints, is still ascendant. At this year’s virtual San Francisco Decorator Showcase, natural motifs showed up in a number of creative forms, including a cow-print ceiling.
Even at the Las Vegas Summer Market, where metallics were a big trend this year, we saw gold- and silver-finish pieces in the shape of plants.
At the same time, nature-inspired design, including floral prints, is still ascendant. At this year’s virtual San Francisco Decorator Showcase, natural motifs showed up in a number of creative forms, including a cow-print ceiling.
Even at the Las Vegas Summer Market, where metallics were a big trend this year, we saw gold- and silver-finish pieces in the shape of plants.
Malai Fabric, made by bacteria fed on waste coconut water, at Heimtextil 2020. Photo by Malai Design & Materials.
There’s a growing love affair with natural and raw materials at fairs around the world: wood, cane, stone, linen, wool and even animal skins are trending materials.
Along with the already mentioned emphasis on craft, this year we’re seeing a preference for rawness, for example in fabric with rough edges “fallen from the loom and crudely cut”, as trend forecaster Francois Bernard put it at M&O. We saw a similar raw, “caveman” aesthetic at Decor + Design in Melbourne (28 September-2 October).
In line with the sustainability trend, we’re also increasingly turning to nature – specifically, local, native biospheres – as a source of inspiration and materials, both for new innovations and traditional techniques. “We’re rediscovering all of these materials that are actually just before our nose,” Anna Bisgaard Gaede said at the Heimtextil preview.
There’s a growing love affair with natural and raw materials at fairs around the world: wood, cane, stone, linen, wool and even animal skins are trending materials.
Along with the already mentioned emphasis on craft, this year we’re seeing a preference for rawness, for example in fabric with rough edges “fallen from the loom and crudely cut”, as trend forecaster Francois Bernard put it at M&O. We saw a similar raw, “caveman” aesthetic at Decor + Design in Melbourne (28 September-2 October).
In line with the sustainability trend, we’re also increasingly turning to nature – specifically, local, native biospheres – as a source of inspiration and materials, both for new innovations and traditional techniques. “We’re rediscovering all of these materials that are actually just before our nose,” Anna Bisgaard Gaede said at the Heimtextil preview.
Silver grass by Abigail Ahern, spotted at Decor + Design 2020.
Have we seen it before? The plant trend is quite possibly the defining trend of the past decade. It started with the jungle trend, and then went through cycles of different “it” florals, from fiddle-leaf figs to large bold florals, to more traditional, Liberty-style prints more recently.
Natural materials, especially wood and wool, have also had enduring appeal, but while we preferred darker, more luxurious wood varnishes at the start of the decade, we’re now gravitating to more naturalistic forms. We’re also seeing a broader variety of natural textures stepping into the limelight.
And while biophilia is not completely new on the scene – it was one of the official themes of the 2016 London Design Fair, for example – it’s getting more attention than ever before.
Have we seen it before? The plant trend is quite possibly the defining trend of the past decade. It started with the jungle trend, and then went through cycles of different “it” florals, from fiddle-leaf figs to large bold florals, to more traditional, Liberty-style prints more recently.
Natural materials, especially wood and wool, have also had enduring appeal, but while we preferred darker, more luxurious wood varnishes at the start of the decade, we’re now gravitating to more naturalistic forms. We’re also seeing a broader variety of natural textures stepping into the limelight.
And while biophilia is not completely new on the scene – it was one of the official themes of the 2016 London Design Fair, for example – it’s getting more attention than ever before.
Trends in a time of pandemic
During a discussion on New Dynamics in the Home at the 2020 digital Vitra Summit (22-23 October), designer Ilse Crawford pointed out that the pandemic has accelerated trends, such as working from home, that were already on the rise.
That’s certainly borne out here, but we can also see how the conversation around these trends has shifted to turn them into responses and buffers to crisis.
Tell us…
Do you think these trends will continue? Share your thoughts in the Comments.
During a discussion on New Dynamics in the Home at the 2020 digital Vitra Summit (22-23 October), designer Ilse Crawford pointed out that the pandemic has accelerated trends, such as working from home, that were already on the rise.
That’s certainly borne out here, but we can also see how the conversation around these trends has shifted to turn them into responses and buffers to crisis.
Tell us…
Do you think these trends will continue? Share your thoughts in the Comments.
Hygiene and the healthy home is a topic that seems emblematic of this year. At Milano Design City (28 September-10 October, Milan), antibacterial UV lights, such as Integralis from Artemide (pictured), were a major highlight.
The topic was discussed in broader terms at the autumn digital edition of Maison et Objet (M&O; 4-18 September, Paris), in a workshop by the trend forecaster, Fashion Snoops. Looking at search and consumer data, they identified sanitation as a core consumer need this year, and tracked an increase in interest in contactless options, antiviral finishes, and hygiene technology, such as sanitation wardrobes.
Another panel, at the Designscape digital event (11-13 August; normally held in London), noted that consumers are becoming increasingly aware of toxicity in materials and the cleanliness of the air they breathe. Several panels at the digital Decorex (10-13 October; normally held in London) looked at the dangers of air pollution inside the home and how air purifying technology can help.