Colours play an important role, when designing or renovating the interiors of a home. One has to not only consider the colours on the walls, but also of the furnishings. According to Prachi Chavarkar, co-founder of ArchiLab Designs, the colours that will rule in 2020, will be those that are inspired by nature. Hence, colours like green, blue, yellow and shades of the earth, will dominate the interiors.
Décor inspired by nature and wellness
Over the last decade people have become increasingly conscious about the environment. As a result, many eco-friendly options are being used in interiors and the demand for these will increase in 2020.
“Indoor plants will be a big trend, as they have a calming effect and also some indoor plants improve the air quality. Herb and vegetable gardens and vertical gardens will be used to create soothing interiors with aesthetic appeal. Using succulents is a great alternative, in regions with water shortages. These are also space-efficient and can highlight a plain wall. Self-watering planters are also now easily available, to ensure that the plants do not dry out when one is travelling. Pots made from rice hulls and natural binding agents, which are bio-degradable, are gaining popularity,” adds Chavarkar.
Energy-saving LED lights are likely to become the norm. Reducing energy consumption by using natural screens, shading devices over the windows and pergolas to cool homes, will become more popular. Also, awareness of usage of recycled materials will increase in 2020.
“When it comes to soft furnishings, 2020 will see sustainable and natural materials, such as suede, marble and leather. Natural prints, with dark neutral bases, will bring a sense of harmony to space. For example, printed textures with overlays, can spruce-up and add depth to the interior space,” explains Krish Kothari, creative head and founder of Krish Kothari Designs.
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Minimalism: Less is more
Minimalism is emerging as a big trend globally and this concept is being adopted by Indians, too. “They are becoming conscious about the need for open spaces and the idea that one’s home is one’s sanctuary. Call it a response to societal chaos or the need for freedom, in 2020, the concept of ‘less is more’ will become more prevalent. We will also see a trend towards open floor plans that make the space appear larger. Biophilia is another popular trend that incorporates human design and natural elements, in a way that does not seem mass-produced. Contemporary luxury homes are all about getting back and giving back to nature. Taking a cue from 2019, the Scandi style look (layered with different textures to give the look depth) and the retro fusion theme, will continue to influence interior designs this year too,” adds Kothari.
See also: Tips for hosting a smashing new year party at home
A metallic touch to brighten-up homes
Wallpapers, with asymmetrical patterns and random patterns creating symmetry, which are perfect for people who want to stick to minimalism, will continue to be in vogue. “Asymmetrical shapes will also be popular for area rugs and framed artwork. Additionally, the use of metals, such as silver, gold, tin and copper inlays on walls, will be a trend to watch out for in 2020. Natural materials like marble are making a huge comeback in contemporary designs,” says Kothari.
Impact of technology on home décor
The impact of technology on interior design is likely to increase, with the adoption of smart home devices.
“User experience will be enhanced with the use of various design tools and users will be able to get a 3D look at what their home would look like. This will also give them the freedom to browse through various designs with the designers. Furniture that can be remotely controlled is trending and the same will be easily available to the masses in the year ahead,” maintains Anu Aggarwal, assistant vice-president, Housejoy.
Seamless designs that serve multiple purposes will be in demand.
“Space-saving furniture designs with simple, trendy and playful outlines, will meet neutral colours. Also straight-line concepts, especially for sofas and couches and the use of more velvets as fabric, will be in. Wooden log tables and chairs will also emerge as favourites, given their raw and rustic look,” claims Aggarwal.
A bright 2020
“Interior lighting concepts will evolve according to moods, settings and the surrounding area, creating an ambiance that can be adjusted according to the home owner’s needs. Lighting is expected to move towards wireless technology. We will see a lot of geometric designs and bold shapes. Curved, stark outlines and refurbished vintage lighting, will also make a comeback,” says Aggarwal.
Home décor for the living room
How about a simple and elegant living room?
Source: Jonathan Borba for Unsplash
If you like colourful spaces, let it reflect in your living room. Bright wallpapers, quirky elements and warm, welcoming sofas may just be the right choice for your living room. You could even use a do-it-yourself (DIY) wall painting or wall hanging, to lend a quirky touch to the room.
Source: Toa Heftiba for Unsplash
Home décor for the bedroom
Do not let the bedroom become a workspace. All your décor choices must suit your style but let it be a relaxing space. This blue and white décor accentuates the overall look and feel.
Source: Devon Janse van Rensburg for Unsplash
There is nothing like a bedroom with a view. Use it advantageously and make sure that your overall décor is in sync. For example, in the picture below, the wooden flooring is in sync with nature and its spread outside.
Source: Fran Hogan for Unsplash
Home décor for the guest room
If you prefer keeping it simple and neat, a few artifacts, lampshades, or paintings on the wall, can give the room a quick makeover.
Source: Markus Spiske for Unsplash
It is always good to maintain a uniform theme in the whole house. If you love colours, extend this choice to your guest room, as well.
Source: Chastity Cortijo for Unsplash
Is white your favourite pick? A fine wall art could be a great highlight in a simple-looking room.
Source: Unsplash
Home décor trends from the past
Home owners often take into account the past décor trends, while doing up their personal spaces. Bold trends were in vogue in 2019, with deep, dark colours, including black. “People are likely to incorporate these dark colours with neutral shades, to balance the décor and add elegance to the room. For example, one can highlight one wall with black and paint the ceiling and the other walls with lighter, neutral shades. Orange and autumn white, yellow and daisy white, ultra-blue and light blue, and black and gold, are some colour combinations are expected to be trending,” says Minal Srivastava, VP, marketing, Shalimar Paints Ltd.
Statement walls: A popular trend
Pop art, ethnic Indian motifs and colourful geometrical patterns are popular styles for highlighting the walls. Abstract art will also be increasingly seen on wallpapers, wall murals and soft furniture, and so will textured finishes and artistic patterns.
“Checkered and multi-textured stone tiling of various patterns, combined with lighting, can create glowing interiors. The tiles can be placed on the walls along with photo frames containing inspirational quotes and images, which was quite a trend in 2018. We can see this style continuing. Typography, through geometric lettering of phrases can be used, to give a bold, funky look,” states Abraham Santosh, head designer, Elegancia.
See also: Colour therapy for your home
Natural elements in home décor to increase
Adding a touch of green to the home is also a trend that is growing. Vertical gardens not only look beautiful and add green cover to a wall but also help in efficient utilisation of space.
“Green foliage in the form of green walls, is a trend that is rapidly catching on. It is an attractive way of incorporating nature in households. Also green walls help in purifying the air,” explains Hemil Parikh, founder of Elysium Abodes LLP.
Home owners seek eco-friendly materials
Home owners are likely to opt for natural, bio-degradable, recycled and sustainable materials. Doormats made of coconut coir and carpets from jute, which are bio-degradable, are now being preferred. Cotton bed covers, earthen pots, products made of jute, khadi materials, sugar cane fiber mats and naturally-dyed products are all becoming trendy.
“Use of bamboo, terracotta and hempcrete bricks made out of the woody part of plants mixed with lime binder and timber, is slowly increasing. Technology and sustainability will gain steam. We are also seeing an increase in solar-powered devices and rainwater harvesting,” adds Santosh.
Demand for multi-functional furniture to increase
With the innovative variations in furniture design, multi-functional furniture pieces have become popular. “The furniture pieces work extremely well with small spaces and can make a small space appear large. Furniture like ottomans and poufs having concealed storage options, have also transformed the design industry in recent times,” adds Parikh.
Home automation and its impact on décor
Home automation has progressed by leaps and bounds, providing convenience, comfort and security to the end-user and enhancing home owners’ quality of life. “Homes are heading towards an automated environment. Kitchen automation will gain popularity in the upcoming year. Some of the well-known brands are entering homes and this means that there will be more appliances will distinctive looks, with LCD or LED displays,” adds Santosh.
Timeless décor
Many home owners are increasingly using multiple lighting options like wall scones, chandeliers, indirect lights, drop metal lights and ceiling lights, to brighten up the space. With the preference for LED lights increasing, it is time to ditch some old décor styles such as the Edison bulbs.
Nevertheless, some traditional décor elements will remain in demand. For example, velvet fabric which has a royal appeal and softness is here to stay. Velvet can look classy, when used as upholstery for sofas, pillows, chairs or even on the walls of a room. Similarly, home décor items associated with good luck and positive aura, such as the laughing Buddha, wind chimes, aromatherapy candles, crystals, mirrors, bamboo and Tulsi plants, aquariums, are unlikely to disappear from homes.
(With inputs from Sneha Sharon Mammen)
FAQs
What should I keep in mind before choosing the home décor?
What should I keep in mind before choosing the home décor? Space is a big determining factor when choosing how to do up your home. Small spaces often look cluttered and congested, with a lot of décor items and details in the room. Similarly, spacious homes too need to be carefully designed and decorated, so as to lend the room a good look.
What kind of colours suit Indian homes and rooms?
It is a matter of personal preference. Light shades suit most homes but colourful homes are lovely too. Use subtle colours to make your room look lively. If the room looks very colourful, do not deck the room with too many accessories.
Purnima Goswami Sharma is a freelance writer based in Mumbai, who has been contributing to various newspapers, magazines and portals for the last two decades. Besides being a research writer for various TV shows, she has been a visiting faculty at SNDT for Communication Skills. She hold a master’s degree in English Literature from Mumbai University and a diploma in Communications and Journalism. She writes on diverse subjects like real estate, interiors, education, lifestyle, health, entertainment and environment.
Email: [email protected]
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