It’s Official: These are the 17 Design Trends to Watch for in 2020

Minimalism 2.0

“Minimalist-maximalist design is exactly what it sounds like—a style that plays with the unlikely combo of a minimalist’s design principles and a maximalist’s love of patterns, colors, textures, and all things over-the-top. I love this style because it’s really about statement pieces, gorgeous statement pieces that are showstoppers. For example, marble is a popular material in this style. You’ll see pieces made of marble with beautiful, bold patterns. This creates a dramatic effect and an emotional reaction, but the space is not cluttered.” —Alessandra Wood, interior design expert and vice president of style at Modsy

A Sustainable Spin

“People are starting to think more and more about the environmental impact of home design. We’re seeing a desire among our customers to shop sustainably and invest in quality pieces they can keep for years.” —Alessandra Wood

“Sustainability will be in everybody’s mind when designing interiors. The build industry is starting to focus on healthy and new materials.” –Laurence Carr, interior designer

Tech-Savvy Treatment

“Smart technology, connected homes, and the utilization of AI at home and work will be at the forefront of 2020 and the new decade. Not only can your home’s smart technology help keep you organized, it can also clear mental clutter. Instead of looking at these products as luxury items, try to view them as installations that will elevate your life. Sure, smart technology is luxurious, but also provides us with the ability to outsource our thinking about small, simple things.” —Laurence Carr

Color Me Happy

“Color. And we don’t mean a splash here and there, but true, genuine happy color. Think: soft rainbow. Unicorns and tie die have been all over the place and I think that trend will start to make its way into home design, not in a literal way, but in a very easy, suggestive way.” —Virginia Toledo and Jessica Geller, co-founders of Toledo Geller

“We’ll see a turn toward colors that soothe the soul and veer toward organic such as blues, greens, and rusts. We'll also see a continued use of woods of all tones, from the light Scandinavian-inspired colors to deep walnuts. We are loving kitchens right now with woods that are leaning toward a warm mid-tone. Balancing the all-white with the organic wood tones is a move toward warmth we are enjoying.” —Miriam Silver Verga, owner and partner at Miriam & Hill

Wow With Wallpaper

“Wallpaper is back. Some people may immediately think of their grandmother's outdated floral wallpaper, but now there are sophisticated and subtle designs. You can use wallpaper to add texture, clean lines, or a pop of color and contrast.” –Margaret Ash, interior designer

Heavy Metal

“Mixing different metals in one room or in one furniture piece is much more acceptable. Brass mixed with copper, black steel, polished chrome, etc. Metals that have some oxidation to them, a little tarnish or wear can actually warm up a space but still bring in the raw aesthetic that metal provides.” —Amber Dunford, lead designer at Overstock

Chic Caning

“Caning is a material that has become iconic thanks to the classic bistro chairs. The first chairs with bent wood back and Vienna straw seat were produced from the mid-nineteenth century. Today, this element can be found on stool seats, cabinet doors, lampshades, and so much more. This is a beautiful material that allows light to filter through it and immediately lends itself to a light and airy vibe. When used in lighting fixtures, it creates a beautiful dappled lighting effect.” —Amber Dunford

Bring on the Brown

“I'm not sure if gray will ever fully go away, but I think that interiors are going to move more towards the off-white and, dare I say, brown neutrals?” —Michelle Lisac, interior designer

Pack on the Personality

“In the new year and this new decade, I'm looking forward to a more eclectic mix of design styles in homes reflecting the client's personality, the places they've traveled, and what interests them the most. This past decade showed us a few approaches that were extremely style specific, so I hope to see more of a fun, intentional mix moving forward.” —Maggie Griffin, interior designer 

“I predict people will break out of decorating their space in one particular style and instead embrace a more eclectic aesthetic. In 2020, I believe people will be more comfortable with mixing and matching: Think a blend of classical furniture with modern accents or vintage tapestries in an otherwise minimalist room. For me, I’ll be layering in more pieces from my travels and finding creative ways to incorporate color in my otherwise neural home. It’s these special touches that make my space feel even more personal and unique.” —Ariel Kaye, founder and CEO of Parachute

Style With a Story

“One big trend that will hit the New Year is being more conscious of cultural designs and incorporating more authentic pieces. Clients are wanting more interesting pieces from cultures that are rich in history, and want to know the stories behind the natives there. Being conscious of that makes a home more interesting by bringing in items that weren’t necessarily just bought online in two seconds. Knowing the story of how the piece was made is making people more excited to make their spaces more unique to their personalities.” —Linda Hayslett, founder of LH.Designs

Something Old, Something New

“2020 will bring richer, warmer designs. Texture, patina, and antiques are filling the souls of our homes. My clients are seeking special pieces that speak to them, or are bringing family pieces with personal history to incorporate into their designs. There is a re-emerging appreciation for quality, and authenticity.” —Marie Flanigan, interior designer

“We are noticing a strong return to traditional design—especially on Instagram from millennials. But not just your average granny chic that many might feel is outdated: This new "Grand-millennial" aesthetic is a fresh take on the classic, layered design style you would see from a Sister Parish or Bunny Williams. These millennials have an appreciation for good design and are implementing fun, colorful and playful spins on the tried and true traditional design. Consumers are now accessorizing their sofa like they would an outfit and are having more fun with design.” —Roxy Te, founder and creative director of Society Social

Tangled Up in Blues

“Over half of Society Social's fabric samples requested last year were blue. The people have spoken and French blue is officially the new millennial pink and the new American neutral. We believe the way in which the millennial pink movement gained popularity amongst modern decorators, French blue garners the same excitement. French blue not only caters to the traditionalist, but also to Grand-millenials who are putting a fresh spin on traditional decorating.” —Roxy Te

Mid-Century Makeover

“Mid-century designs will never go out of style, but an oversaturated market equals a return to more layered interiors with plush, tactile fabrics, metals and stones with a natural patina, varying textures, and colors that instill a sense of luxurious comfort and ease—think burnt orange, ochre, and camel." —Daun Curry, interior designer

A Cozy Crib

“Layered, rich interiors that reflect the people who live there. I don't mean cluttered by layered. Rather, I envision cozier, cocooning environments achieved through color, pattern, wallpaper, objets, and more.” —Elizabeth Cooper, interior designer

An Artful Appeal

“The Art Deco influence will continue to be strong in 2020. There's something about symmetry and geometry that gives us structure and provides a calmness to the home. But the influence will be less ornate and detailed going into 2020 and look more organic in shape and ‘hand-made,’ especially in accessories.” —Dolley Frearson, co-founder of High Fashion Home

The Trend Tables Have Turned

“We are finding that as we head into a new decade, a lot of trends that had their moment are being replaced with new, fresh takes! For example, super clean straight lines are being replaced with curves and organic shapes. Encaustic tiles are being replaced with pattern play on grout lines and arranging neutral tiles in unique layouts! Also, white kitchens are being replaced with black kitchens—which we support because we love a moody moment!”—Jenna Rochon, Lauren Schneider, and Kelli Riley Granello, co-founders of Transition State

Opposites Attract

“We expect to see unexpected design pairings like dark, textured walls with light floors. Wallpaper will become a part of the vernacular for renters, too. I love Edge Collections for their incredible designs. West Elm and Etsy are great sources for peel and stick options.” —Kellie Sirna, co-founder and principal of Studio 11 Design