Interior Design Trends: What's IN and What's OUT in 2020

The start of a new decade has been often the signal for a fresh start. So as we move from the 2010s to the 2020s, what are the emerging interior design trends we should be keeping an eye on? What design trends are making a comeback? And what design trends that are about to go out of style?

To give you an idea, we’ve asked some of our interior designers about the home trends they predict will be IN and OUT in 2020, from colour palettes to furniture, even landscape design and more. Whether you love trends or will typically go to great lengths to avoid them, there are bound to be a few ideas on our list that can inspire your home renovation. So let’s get started!

IN: Vertical garden

As living spaces are getting smaller, owning a vertical garden is expected to become increasingly popular in 2020, according to Wei Ling, interior designer at IQI Concept.

“A vertical garden is an alternative to potted plants in which they can take up a lot of space. It's much more convenient because you just need to take care of one large panel. Other than that, a vertical garden is not only pleasing on the eyes, but it can also improve the quality of the air too,” she said.

Explore: Smart Garden Ideas for Small Spaces

IN: Clean and simple interior

Expect to see a lot of clean and simple interior (ie. Scandinavian) this year, according to Selangor based interior design firm, Line2pixels. While neutral colours were in the trend over the past year, Line2pixels predicts more homeowners will play with colours to offer more visual interest in their Scandi home, while creating a serene space to rejuvenate and switch off from the outside world.

IN: A splash of colour

Jovern, interior designer at EMPT Studio says colours will be the new neutral in 2020. “I think that colour needs to make a comeback soon - hello millennial pink! - Most of the interior trend that we’ve seen these days is based on a neutral colour palette pairing with warm wood tones, and I think by adding a touch of carefully considered colour will lift up the interior space and giving it more intrigue and refreshing look. Whether it’s a kitchen island quick upgrade or a room getting a dramatic new look, don’t be afraid to add in a dash of colour to your space,” he said.

Speaking of colours, the Pantone Colour of the Year 2020 is called Classic Blue (a navy blue shade). This elegant blue tone that infuses calm and tranquillity is set to be huge in 2020 so expect to see a lot of this colour in the new year!

IN: Textured walls

Besides colour, expect to see textured walls to continue being used to add interest to rooms this year.

“You can never go wrong with textured walls. You can add texture to your walls with wooden beading (for example) to create a focal point in the room,” said Wei Ling.

Explore: How to Create a Visual Pop on Your Plain Walls

IN: Art Deco style

According to Wei Ling, Art Deco-inspired design elements that reference the styling design in the 1920s and 1930s (think The Great Gatsby) will continue to be popular in 2020. This includes big statement/ expensive pieces such as stainless steel, mirrors, glass, chrome, inlaid wood, marble, lacquer and leather.

“The mixture of old classics (Art Deco) and modern design can give the whole living space a touch of glamour and fun. It’s a great way to add character to a bland room, especially suitable for restaurants, cafes, and hotels,” she said.

IN: Natural/organic elements

Wei Ling also thinks natural/organic elements such as wooden furniture, brick walls or rustic materials will continue to be on-trend in 2020 as many homeowners love to infuse nature into their home.

“Natural and organic appeal of elements makes people feel calm, comfortable and, above all, accommodated in space,” she mentioned.

OUT: Edison bulb

“From past-hip café to the feature lighting in the kitchen, the bulb that defines a certain period of time definitely needs to go,” suggests Jovern of EMPT Studio.

“Yes, the Edison bulb was cool and in trend a few years ago, but as time and the trend goes, the bulb is literally everywhere. People are starting to take Edison bulb as a ‘no-brainer’ element to add-in when it comes to decorating spaces. There is actually a lot of sleek and good looking lighting fixture out there that deserves to shine (no pun intended),” he added.

OUT: All white kitchen

If there was one defining design trend of the 2010s, it was the all-white kitchen. But in 2020, Wei Ling predicts there'll be a shift toward spaces that go beyond just white.

“All white kitchen needs to go. Although it gives off a sleek and clean look, it’s too bland and uninteresting for 2020. Play around with the kitchen backsplash or kitchen countertop for extra flair,” she said.

OUT: Half-height display cabinet/ wardrobes

Say goodbye to the half-height display cabinet/wardrobes as they are no longer will be on trend this year, says Wei Ling.

“Half-height cabinets have limited storage space and the surface of half-height cabinets can collect dust. Full height cabinets appear more stylish and make the space feel spacious,” she mentioned.

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