What's Ahead in Colour and Design for 2020

As the new year ticks over we undoubtably think about all the things we would like to achieve over the next twelve months and all the changes we want to make to attain our goals. It's a great time to give some thought to our home life. We spend such a large proportion of our daily lives at home it is important we feel nurtured, comfortable and relaxed when there. Daily life is stressful and busy - so our home should be our sanctuary. If you feel your home needs some attention, below are a few interior design trends that are set to feature in 2020 and may be worth considering.

Think about the mood you want to create - is it luxury, bohemian or a relaxed and casual beach vibe? Is your home looking tired and in need of a paint job or is your favourite armchair in need of a facelift? Perhaps it needs to be reupholstered or the cushions re-stuffed. Sometimes a small change or an update can add maximum impact. Small tweaks can really amp up an interior space and bring about a fresh, new look. Think new cushions, new fabrics, rugs or a coat of paint. You don't need to spend a fortune.

This year sees a focus on natural pigments with colours such as ochres, burnt terracotta and buttery tan. According to the Dulux forecasting team, colour can transform a space and create a rich narrative. Colour has an amazing power to evoke emotions and connections. For 2020 Dulux have focused on four colour palettes (Grounded, Comeback, Cultivate and Indulge) that are worth considering when making paint colour choices. The overarching theme is Essence which is about bringing together gentle neutrals and muted brights.

Grounded is a warm palette of neutrals with elements of white and beige through to caramel tones. Muted lavender, blush and terracotta tints add warmth and interest.

The Comeback palette blends contemporary design with vintage charm. This palette of retro blues and greens is inspired by the early 20th century and marries well with the warmer tones of burgundy, rust and mustard.

The third palette is Cultivate and this palette is all about nature and regeneration. The tonal greens are offset by deep plum, blue and yellow to create a sense of harmony and calm.

The final palette is Indulge. A luxurious palette of warm burgundy, browns, reds and oranges. The palette gives a nod to Art Deco, the retro 70s and futurism with hints of lilacs, melon and salmon to invoke a sense of opulence. If you prefer neutrals why not choose a bolder or more vibrant hue to highlight architectural features or choose cushions and decorative elements that provide pops of colour.

Materials such as velvet and terrazzo will feature in interiors even more this year giving a nod to nostalgia. The wide availability of replica terrazzo tiles means it will be cheaper to incorporate this look into design schemes. Perfect for bathroom makeovers. Plush and luxurious velvet is soft and comfortable to sit on and there is a wide range of vibrant upholstery fabrics and cushions to choose from. Think emerald green and pop art blues, especially on sofas. Alternatively, blush and cream velvet adds texture to neutral palettes too. Brass tapware will also see a come back which fits with the nostalgia theme and organic and earthy tones will be evident in textured boucle, tweed and wool fabrics. More use of fluted glass (think glass with vertical stripes as per Art Deco) will be more widely used in joinery especially kitchen cabinetry.

If you need some help navigating the trends and re-imagining your home space shapiro+glass design can help.

I