Trends that need to be on your radar

Home décor is much like fashion; it changes with each season, bringing with it something new to keep our surroundings fresh. But when we step into a new decade, small changes are not what we expect. As more time pass, we see new trends blooming and popping out of different corners of the world, all of which we can incorporate into our own homes, or at least take inspiration from.

A new form of minimalism

Minimalism has been a huge trend as of late. But minimalism on its own in décor can seem sparse, especially when you are deprived of the elements you love. This is where the occasional splurge comes in. Minimalist décor involves lightweight and functional furniture, little décor elements and basic colour palettes, which can get boring.

Add in some velvet furniture in jewel tones, statement showpieces in bold metals, and maybe some marble on your table tops, and the space will visibly come to life. In other words, just the right mix of minimalism and elaboration to keep you happy.

Au naturel

No matter how much we look up those beautiful colour palettes on Pinterest or drool over Instagram-perfect bedrooms, at the end of the way, we all bow down to mother nature and her beautiful hues that bring us peace. The year 2020 brings back all the tones of different woods and stones with its natural finishes in furniture, décor accents, as well as interiors like ceiling beams or doors. The different natural shades and textures have a way of making us feel at peace, while bringing in a lovely warmth to any atmosphere, that no other colour palette can ever achieve.

A classic mix

Ever visit your grandparent's place and fall in love with some of the furniture pieces? Like that heavy old arm chair, or the four-poster bed, only to think they would never fit in with our current interiors?

Well, this year, we are looking into pieces that have some form of a sentiment attached. Pieces like these always have a place, you just have to tweak the surroundings a bit— like making sure the textures of the furniture are similar so these do not stand out oddly. Traditional furniture tends to be bulkier than modern counterparts, so having just the two types would be too much of a contrast. Bring in furniture that are not too bulky, or too light, so there is a transition and the space looks well balanced.

Wallpapers are back

When the wallpaper trend first started in the country, it used to be all we could see as people went crazy covering every inch of every wall they could find. This time however, it is a bit different.

 Wallpapers are being used wisely and in small sections, sometimes in shapes to create affects, at other times even on ceilings. Use bright and bold colours that you love being around in small spaces, like a row behind a foyer mirror, or in a rectangle behind your TV, and our favourite — in an arch behind a sofa or your bed's headboard. But do make sure that the colour schemes match with the rest of the walls. This makes you see the design of the wallpaper and appreciate it for what it is — a beautiful piece of art, while not being too overwhelming.

Think sustainably

Sustainability today is a huge global concern, and interior decorators are also taking it into account. One of the top priorities of home décor in 2020 is to make sure our homes are not only beautiful to live in, but is one we can live in for long times to come without causing harm to the environment.

Buying cautiously is the most important thing here. Avoiding plastic furniture and boxes and opting for natural wood, bamboo or rattan, purchasing furniture and décor items from flea markets, repurposing home goods etc. are some easy steps. If you get bored of the same things over and over again, consider giving them away to someone who would value it instead of throwing it away when purchasing new items.

Fresh, natural and sustainable are the key words when it comes to décor in 2020 and hopefully it is a trend that will stick in the long run.

Photo: LS Archive/ Sazzad Ibne Sayed