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Top 8 home design trends for 2020

New research reveals the top trends for the coming year
HB

When it comes to interior design, the landscape is ever-changing. And according to new research from Houzz, we can expect to see quite a few changes in 2020 when it comes to how we love to style and decorate our homes.

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Next year might see the end of the ‘official’ kitchen area and the rise of cheeky leftover spaces; it’s certain to see terrazzo move to a foundational material in a home, and metal will definitely clothe the most fashion-forward homes. Read on to see what else Houzz is betting will be big in interiors and architecture in 2020.

1. The ‘unkitchen’ kitchen

As the most popular room to renovate in the home, according to Houzz Research, the Australian kitchen will continue to evolve. We’re starting to see on Houzz that contemporary kitchens are beginning to integrate small touches of furniture-like elements that reflect the rest of a home’s more personalised decor. At the extreme end, we will see kitchens that disappear completely into bespoke cabinetry, so all their functionality is hidden away when not in use.

Armelle Habib
(Credit: Armelle Habib)

2. Cheeky ‘extra’ spaces

Got an extra 1.5m space at the end of your kitchen renovation floor plan? 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.

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3. Curves and arches

Curves and arches will emerge as an interior design trend in big ways next year. Designers and architects are introducing curves that 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 allows architects to challenge structural boundaries.

4. Natural colours

Beige, stone, soft eucalypt greens and earthy browns will be strong interior colours in 2020, following their popularity on Houzz in 2019. They’re hues that are seen in natural materials such as sisal, jute, hem; the colours of unbleached, undyed wool, natural clay colours, natural stone. There is some solace for those that love colour. Our colour professionals on Houzz tell us that strong colours with added shading will be on trend, such as merlot, peacock blue and spicy pink.

Martina Gemmell
(Credit: Martina Gemmola)

5. Terrazzo

Increasing 28 per cent in Houzz searches in 2019, the emergence of terrazzo will turn into a full-blown royal reign in 2020. Terrazzo, a composite material that can be poured in situ or pre-case and formed of chips of marble, quartz, granite or glass, has mostly been seen in bathroom splashbacks but in the new year, we can expect to see it used in benchtops & homewares, with the chips becoming larger and colourways becoming bolder.

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6. 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, 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.

7. Eco-friendly homewares

The common concern 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.

Simon Whitbread
(Credit: Simon Whitbread)

8. Interiors that enhance wellbeing

Lamps that adjust their intensity according to natural circadian rhythms, decor that seriously integrates plants, soothing palettes and low-VOC paints, architecture designed for wellness… these will grow in importance and as a design conversation in 2020. Already we are seeing this pop up as many designers and homeowners introduce natural light from windows and skylights; exterior views and access to nature; and using water sources as fountains, ponds and water features, that can be seen, heard and touched.

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*Main image: Dion Robeson

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