BEST BEFORE INTERIOR DESIGN DATES

by Lynn Fenwick B.I.D.

Everyone talks about trends in interior design. What's hot, what's not. Current or dated.

The issue is, how do we know when a trend is over? When do we start thinking of replacing or refreshing our paint colours, furniture, our kitchen and our floors? Has grey had its day? Is there a local fashion police we can phone to find out?

It would be so easy if they just put a best before sticker on everything you buy. Unfortunately, trends are hard to identify as ones that will stand the test of time or, ones that will be quick and heartlessly snubbed.

Don't think it is only you ... I have done enough research to know that if you ask 10 different designers, they will have nine-10 different answers on what not to go near this year as it is last year's trend!

No one has a crystal ball to foretell the design future but, what I have found is that there are some styles continuing from 2019 that are still very relevant and will probably continue developing for the next 10 years.

Our world is so much more aware of sustainability; making something last is the new key to design.

NORDIC RETREAT
The Swedish concept Lagom, replaces the Danish Hygge. It is the balance between too much and too little. Natural sun-drenched wood, simple understated pattern, wool, sheepskin, wicker, velvet - texture is the key! Paired together, these natural materials and textures bring a sense of warmth and calm to any space.

The Swedish Style is also being amalgamated with the Japanese style. It has been dubbed "Japandi." Both are minimalist, simple and functional.

OUR WORLD IS GLOBAL
Globally inspired patterns - rugged knits, paisley, Indian block prints, hand-dyed textiles, hand-thrown pottery, detail with tassels, fringe pom poms and macramé.

The key is global artisan craftsmanship. Have less, but well made. Fast fashion/trends are being phased out in light of sustainability. We want our pieces to last to reduce waste. Found pieces are being reused in different ways to give them new life.

RETRO FUSION
It is no longer just Mid-Century but a conglomerate of diverse styles from the 70's, (80's is sneaking in) to the flowing shapes of Art Deco. If it is classic, it is considered on trend. It is all about the mix of styles and the balance of the different periods. If you managed to save any of your older pieces of furniture from the 70's, you're in luck! Pair with an Art Deco sofa and the very popular tea cart. Use with cleaner-lined chairs and tables and you will have the perfect blending of styles. Think of velvet, wood and leather textures.

COLOUR OR NO COLOUR
White walls continue. The colour mustard was paired with neutrals last year, but you will see it with rich jewel tones this year. Paint is definitely being used in a variety of ways on the same wall, creating a blurring of defined space.

A number of colour trends from the 70's and 80's are making a comeback in refreshing ways. Terra cotta, spiced red, and muted yellow with soft blues and teals. Dusty rose and mauve with pewter are still on the glam side of colour moving forward. And we can't forget about all of the jewel tones paired with gold fixtures!

Beige is back ... but not the beige of yesteryear. Beige will vary anywhere from oatmeal, sand and nude to soft chocolate. It will enrich the classic white or grey pallet, not overtake it.

TROPICS
There is a celebration of nature happening. Bold tropical prints are still hot, and can uplift even the smallest room. You will see more botanicals but they are becoming more subdued and used with a strong painterly effect. The home with an oasis of plants will be trending. It is a way of bringing nature close to us.

REFINED GLAMOUR
Toned down from prior years, 2020 shows more shimmer and less shine. Think the iridescence of pearls and you have the new glam look. Metals are more muted. Brass is matte and silver is the new chrome. Materials like marble, pewter and velvet are the go-to materials.

KITCHEN STYLES
The trend in white kitchens may diminish even though they never really go out of style. There is a movement to more natural wood with pops of colour. Mixing white or wood cabinets with coloured cabinets is growing. Black cabinets are back. Matte is still a strong finish for all painted finishes.

Open shelving is a must in the new trends. Vintage plate racks, or display your favourite pans instead of a wall of cabinets. Backsplash tiles are coming into their own. Patterned backsplash and handmade terracotta tile as well as black tiles for backsplash with contrasting cabinets is surging.

Mix and match your metals. Matchy matchy is out. Just be careful to make sure they are well balanced within the space.

Counters:  I see a fall in granite as a go-to material. Quartz has topped even marble because of its inherent low maintenance qualities and it is becoming more affordable. The relatively new kid on the block is slab porcelain tile. Even more heat resistant than quartz!

The butcher block look has become more affordable with the new veneer wood counters.

Cement:  Lagged in popularity for a while but is back as micro cement. Look for it for use as counters, flooring, backsplashes and large formats for showers!

Exposed hood fans are being replaced with concealed range hoods. They aren't completely disappearing, but, if a hood fan is being used, it is becoming more of a centerpiece and contrasting in material to the area around.

WALLS, FLOORS AND CEILINGS
Texture is the key. Ship lap, bead board, cork, wallpaper with texture are all gathering ground for walls.

Ceilings and wall definition are becoming blurred with wall treatments continuing on the ceiling. Coloured and detailed ceilings are growing in popularity.

Hardwoods are heading in a warmer direction as well. Greyed floors are giving way to more brown or blonde tones. Wider planks are still thriving and we foresee this gravitation to wider planks far into the future.

Tile is making grand headway in many formats from mini-detailed, to 3D and tile that create illusions. Large format tiles in many patterns are showing up on floors and walls. We are talking up to 4 ft. x 8 ft. tiles. You will see non-repeat marble geometric, wood parquetry, metal and cement looks as a few examples.

Cement flooring tile is still relevant, but is now in competition with terrazzo and travertine tiles from previous eras. Again, if it's classic, it's trending!

So many trends, and not enough room to write about them all. I am not pushing trends - it is more for making an educated decision on what to choose if you should wish to renovate. Please remember, trends come and go, but I truly believe, if you love something, it will transcend the trends. Fenwick and Company has many answers to your trend questions, and we would be happy to find solutions for your renovation to keep you ahead of the best-before date!

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