Trends Darren Palmer doesn't want to see in 2020

The hardest thing to say right now, among the plethora of interior periods and trends that are having their “moment” is what not to do.

There seems to be so many avenues to explore, so many ways to express yourself through the variety of trends that have been offered to us through the European and American design shows that it becomes hard to say what’s passe.

With information and education from social media of what is coming to market available to us almost as it hits the stands at the international shows, it’s easy to lose yourself or your personality in pursuit of the new and the now.

Stepping back from trends and taking a personalised view of them, through your own filters, needs and experiences will allow you to see the best of what’s on offer and make it uniquely your own.

That being said, I would love to see an end to following in 2020.

Be careful with colour

Don’t jump on the trend bandwagon unless it fits you like a glove. Be prepared, though, the fit might not be so good in the future.

Colours are tricky to talk about right now, living coral still has life and is being reinvigorated with different colour combinations to keep it alive.

Desaturated, secondary pastels will still be a thing into next year, as too will acid bright colours and gem-inspired tones.

Shades of grey

I’d say the only thing we’re going to move away from next year are cold greys, in favour of warmer, browner based neutrals. But let’s face it, grey is always going to be around in some form or another. If you want to move in a trend direction though, the thermometer is definitely skewing toward the warmer neutral hues.

Terrazzo

In terms of trends that we’ve seen this year, I’d like to issue a warning on peak terrazzo. I love it. I think it’s beautiful and interesting and there is magic to be had. And if you love it for what it is, and not because it’s the cool hot thing, then you’re A-OK to invest in it.

Avoid using terrazzo in floor tiles or things that are hard to update unless you truly love it for its merits. If that’s not so, it’s best to play it safe with your consumption of terrazzo.

Playing it safe

That’s something else, ironically, I want to see an end to in 2020.

There are so many ways to express yourself that you need to only take stock of what is important to you and the people who share your spaces to be able to tailor your homes to suit yourselves.

Educate yourself on what works and why, see what has happened successfully in terms of merging different influences, and make sure you’re confident that what you want to mix is not going to be oil and water together.

Explore options, combine passions, look at what serves you and your spaces – make your home your own.

Typography

With that in mind I want to see the end of words and letters as decor.

I want nothing more than to never see a “home” called a “home” in cursive, routed timber writing. I’m good for not seeing “art” comprised of quaint or motivational phrases.

Keep those for cat posters and Instagram posts with yoga poses and sunrises.

Art as decor

While I’m on the rant, art that just fills walls can take a rest too.

Art is something, ideally, that reflects your loves and your passions. Don’t feel the need to fill walls just so there’s pictures on them.

Art as decor is a bit of a tired approach. In 2020, I want to see art that feels like the occupant of the space. I want people to express themselves and what they love in their spaces.

French bulldogs

Also, can we please put to bed the “playful” trend of using things like French bulldogs as decor?

I’m a dog lover and I really love the real thing. I’d be pretty satisfied, though, to not see a Frenchie frozen in glossy ceramic, featured on wall art, or used as decor, period.

With the exception of kids’ rooms and decorating choices for whimsy in those childlike spaces, let’s take a more grown up approach in 2020.