Interior Design Trends for 2020 inspired by Paris Events

Here we are in the second week of February… not quite sure how that happened … surely December was only yesterday?!

Having said that, January was a spectacularly busy month for the TOI team. One of the highlights was our long-awaited trip to Paris to visit the ‘Maison & Objet’, and ‘Deco Off’ design shows. This year was particularly special as it was the 25th anniversary for ‘Maison & Objet’s’ furniture, home decor and lighting event.

Despite the two events contrasting vastly in their make-up, one dominating the entirety of Parc des Expositions de Paris Nord Villepinte – a huge exhibition centre on the outskirts of the city – and the other spilling out into the streets of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, but together they work exceptionally well.

DECO-OFF – Saint-Germain-des-Prés

Many would claim that both shows have become the go-to destinations to garner and gauge new interiors product launches, and fresh styles from leading suppliers that are expected to dominate the market over the course of the coming year.

We would have to agree that they are undoubtably two of the hottest events in the design calendar, catering to more than 80,000 design enthusiasts. We certainly came back teeming with ideas and creativity, and so here are a few thoughts on upcoming interior design trends for 2020, inspired by our time in beautiful Paris.

1. Furniture

Many stands at the shows were showcasing furniture that felt playful this year – whether overtly in form, colour or material, or more subtly – it wasn’t taking itself too seriously. There was a plethora of curved shapes, originally popular in the 1960’s, curved lines have now seen a return to sofas and seating. Rounded edges, when designed tastefully, make for an intriguing and covetable design trend, and in social scenarios, gives the enhanced opportunity for conversation, communication, and of course the furniture also looks relaxed and inviting.

2. Textured Fabrics

Textured fabrics, such as boucle or shearling, were increasingly popular this year, which makes a refreshing change to the glossy velvets of recent years – although these were still featured by many designers.

Uniquely styled coffee tables were also very popular among designers this year. Double circular coffee tables are big news for living room trends in 2020. The equilibrium is inherently pleasing and makes the design presence twice as strong. The staggered height creates visual interest between the two pieces to connect them.

3. Natural Minerals

Natural minerals have always been popular choices for furniture as they instantly give a feeling of luxury and style and are wonderful neutrals to work into a design scheme. This year, the natural materials trend heavily focused on the use of tactile materials, including seagrass, rattan and bamboo. They are also, of course, much more eco-friendly than their artificial counterparts, which means it’s good for the environment as well – another important factor designers are now having to consider.

Ceramics are still very much on trend, but this year it was about simple, matte and unglazed finishes which highlight natural textures and organic forms. A less populated space full of natural materials means less competition, so the furniture and accessories you do choose to feature thrive and have room to breathe.

4. Colour Trends

Pastels, either alone or used together, were big at the shows, as was the return of monochrome. Stands, such as L’Objet and Ralph Lauren favoured classic monochrome, whereas others championed a warmer style which paired creams, sands and taupes with charcoals and blacks.

However, on the flipside of the monochromatic theme, we also saw how this can work really beautifully with brighter tones – think Cobalt Blue, Kelly Green, or even Aubergine, which are more daring but full of personality and elegance.

Of course, neutral colours never really go out of style, and some people will feel safer in this territory. The most important element to consider is introducing other subtle details that give a bit more character to an interior space when using neutrals – try discreet and trendy tones and different textures that provide lightness and elegance to any room. Shades of chocolate brown, wine, olive green, and yellow ochre are all set to take over from cool tones that have ruled in homes for so many years.

On the more vibrant scale, decadent deep green tones were an apparent colour trend for many at the shows – popular in prints and standalone. Greens help enhance vision, stability, and endurance within a design scheme.

Classic Blue (Pantone 19-4052) is a timeless and elegant blue hue, classy in its simplicity, and works beautifully in living spaces. With the suggestion of the sky at dusk, the reassuring qualities of this inspiring Classic Blue highlight the desire for a dependable and stable foundation on which to build as we cross the threshold into a new era.

5. Muted Colour Contrasts

Whilst considering new on-trend colours and considering an easy-going and understated scheme, colour contrasts have also lowered their tone so as to clash less than in previous trends. So instead of selecting polar opposites, it’s softer to favour a softer dark hue alongside a darker pale so the difference between the two is still felt but significantly reduced.

Other trends to think about for 2020

Dark painted doorsInterior doors painted in a rich colour can really add warmth and character to any space. Paired with great hardware, a dark door can provide an artistic finish to a room.

All over colourFor rooms that have a lot of woodwork, coating the walls, ceiling and trim all in the same shade makes the room feel chic and comfortable.

Upholstered wallsTapestries and upholstered walls were also really popular at the shows this year, and make a strong statement in any room. This can be either a half wall of upholstery or it can be the entire wall applied in a variety of patterns.