Posted by Bridget Chaney, Red House Custom Building, PR Committee Member
We’ve compiled our favorite 26 home design trends for 2020! Take a look and see which elements will be in every stylish home this coming year. Some new ideas are hitting the scene – get ready! If you are thinking about remodeling your home – start your inspiration hunt right now!
26 Design Trends for 2020:
1. Blue
Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2020 is Classic Blue. Already, the color is starting to pop up in stores and your Instagram feed – but its popularity is only going to grow for home interiors. Furnishings, soft goods, and cabinetry will be popular choices for blue in various shades. It is particularly striking as a deep, dark blue wall like in this Providence, Rhode Island condo remodel below.
2. Statement Lighting
Luxe lighting is having a moment right now. There are countless incredible options available on the market – especially pendant lights. Decorative lighting can transform a room and should be a design focus for anyone planning out a new space. This high-end East Greenwich, RI living room features 3 different types of lighting to highlight the design features, including strip lighting to accentuate the recessed-paneled ceilings and a unique chandelier. In the second photo, the 3 pendant lights above the kitchen island are a stylish way to brighten your culinary workspace. Finally, a truly striking example, the statement lighting of this Providence condo remodel adds drama to the stairwell.
3. Bathroom Wallpaper
Fun, colorful wallpaper is making powder rooms pop in 2020! Looking to surprise your guests with a little bit of whimsy and show off some of your unique personality? There are endless options for high-end wallcoverings right now. Wallpaper is no longer the outdated, saccharine style of the 80s-90s – it has matured into a maximalist aesthetic moment. Floral prints (like the first East Greenwich half bath), art deco motifs (as seen in the black and white East Side of Providence historic remodel), and Chinoiserie (in the vibrant emerald green East Greenwich powder room) are the current pattern frontrunners.
4. Dark Color Palettes
Next up – moody and elegant, dark color palettes can be a welcome color addition for maximalists and minimalists alike. In 2020, we will see a huge surge in dark color palettes for every room of the house, especially bathrooms, kitchens, and living rooms. Black, dark blue, and dark grey are the most popular choices. The Warwick, RI master bath below showcases how elegant dark walls can be in your home. The black accents create depth to the room that might otherwise appear flat.
5. Extra-Long Kitchen Islands
The bigger the better. According to Houzz market research, 60% of kitchen remodels now contain islands – and 1/3 of kitchen remodels now opt for islands bigger than 7 feet! What to do with all of that prime real estate? The bigger space allows for multifunctional zones – seating for meals, prep areas, cooking, or even a beverage cooler. The XL island can be customized to meet your family’s needs – like this island from a first-floor renovation in East Greenwich, RI that spans over 11 feet! Make your new island the command center of your kitchen.
6. Arches
Arches started coming back into popularity recently and we won’t see them retreating any time soon. The timeless look adds an elegant style to any room. The curves evoke a natural calmness and take the eye on a gentle journey through your space. Arches can be used in all sorts of applications such as doorways (like this secret under-the-stairs powder room in the Blackstone Boulevard historic remodel), window treatments (seen in the large windows in the light-filled East Greenwich, RI bathroom), and in hallways (like the arched hallway of the East Greenwich historic renovation).
7. Cathedral Ceilings
High ceilings are a design trend that’s here to stay. Cathedral ceilings can make any room immediately feel more open and luxurious. Pair vaulted ceilings with statement lighting (like the East Greenwich kitchen below) or exposed wooden beams and you’ve got a recipe for greatness.
8. Matte Black
Matte black is powering up to be one of the biggest design trends of 2020. This treatment can be used in a myriad of applications throughout the home, but our favorite is in the kitchen. The most popular features to use matte black in 2020 are faucets, sinks, or in the case of this walk-in pantry, countertops made of bombproof, Fireslate. Bathrooms will also see the rising popularity of matte black, including unique freestanding bathtubs.
9. Wood Paneling
It may come as a surprise to many people that wood paneling is making a comeback. Today, this once-dated style is showing up in 2020 in a brand new way. Dark or cool-toned stains give the wall treatment a more modern appeal. In this transformed third-floor media room, the wood paneling at chair rail height wrapping up the staircase looks smooth and sleek.
10. Farmer’s sinks
No Surprise here. Farmer’s sinks have been one of the most requested kitchen items of the last couple of years – and we couldn’t be happier about it. These large sinks pair function with style – you can’t go wrong installing one of these in your new kitchen. The sink in this Newport kitchen remodel below is the perfect example. Expect to see more customization in farmer’s sinks coming up in 2020, new colors (like matte black or copper), textures, and custom printed patterns.
12. Walk-in Showers
If your space allows it, your master bathroom is not complete without a walk-in shower. This luxurious feature is a beautiful focal point for the room. Not only do these showers look better (check out the beautiful East Side of Providence master bath), but they are more practical for those with accessibility concerns. With no ledge to step over and enough room for a bench seat (like in the East Greenwich master bath), these showers are the ultimate universal design.
13. Pops of Color
The new modern look isn’t stark or minimal. Today’s modern is embedded with a bit more character than the basic, neutral styles of the past. In 2020 and beyond, Millenial Modern will feature pops of color mixed with sleek, high-end appliances – the best of both worlds. Unexpected color choices will make appearances in all rooms, but especially in kitchens (like this Bonnet Shores, RI Beach Cottage Renovation). Find ways to weave that color throughout the rest of the house through soft goods, furniture, and decor for a sophisticated, cohesive design.
14. Slab Backsplashes
Subway tile might still reign supreme for backsplashes right now, but in 2020, we will see a rise in slab backsplashes too. The striking effect has an uninterrupted style, without all the noise of grout lines and hundreds of individual tiles. Slab backsplashes are generally a continuation of the same material as the countertops, like the white quartz with large veining in this East Greenwich, RI contemporary kitchen remodel. Plus, without all those grout lines, slab backsplashes are a dream to keep clean.
15. Earth Tones
Earth tones are here for 2020 and we are loving it! The once drab color palette is now modern, warm, and refreshing to see after years of prominent shades of grey. This historic restoration master bedroom in East Greenwich is a great example of how earth tones can bring elegance to a room. Shades of green and autumnal colors will also be making a big appearance in the coming year.
16. Freestanding tubs
One of our favorite 2020 home trends is the freestanding tub. It is the perfect addition to give your master bath a spa-like experience. The freestanding tub has a greater depth than traditional tubs while also appearing to take up less space. It looks sleek and elegant – ideal for anyone looking for a modern update. The East Greenwich bathroom featured below showcases a beautiful freestanding tub/walk-in shower combo. In 2020, we might see matte black freestanding tubs become increasingly popular. Treat yourself to some self-care!
17. Butcher block island tops
Butcher-block countertops are an excellent choice for many kitchen styles. Craftsman, farmhouse, or transitional kitchens all look great with this wooden feature – but they are also prime for a historic remodel – like in this renovation on the East Side of Providence. Wooden island tops are a warm alternative to the traditional all-white kitchen. A butcher block island top could compliment another 2020 design trend – earth tones. We will be seeing a lot more usage of organic materials in designs this year. They look especially nice paired with a hardwood floor.
18. Mosaics
Mosaics have been a home design trend forever – literally. The first mosaics appeared in Mesopotamia about five thousand years ago, so it’s pretty safe to say that you can’t go wrong with a mosaic in your home. There are countless ways to feature mosaics – backsplashes, full floors, or medallions (like this Portsmouth waterfront home). It’s a great option for an entryway, a bathroom, or incorporated into your landscaping.
19. Tiled bathtub aprons
The bathtub apron is the finished front-facing area of a bathtub. In 2020, we will see a more ornate style in the tiling of this feature. It can be an affordable way to make your tub look high end – like in this Portsmouth waterfront home. Use the same tile as your floor or an unexpected material. We may see wood showing up more often in bathrooms as a 2020 trend.
20. Classic Interiors
We will see a shift toward more traditional elements in the coming year. Furniture that is comfortable, vintage, and purposeful will be a prominent design trend. The buttery yellow and rounded corner alcove of this historic restoration in East Greenwich sets a peaceful tone in this classic, New England living room. Less is more with this look, but keep the materials soft and natural to not get overly modern.
21. Dark wooden cabinets
Next, dark-stained wooden cabinets are going to have a revival in 2020 home design. These cool-toned, dark hues have romantic appeal and can make a small kitchen feel grand. Used as an accent color, the dark cabinetry adds a greater depth to an all-white room. The glass fronts on the Newport kitchen remodel below keep the wood from feeling too heavy. It’s a great option for a room with plenty of natural light.
22. Statement doorknobs
Doorknobs might not be at the top of your list for your home renovations – but they can be a nice detail to elevate your space. In 2020, statement doorknobs will be a key piece of your design puzzle. Notice how the clear doorknob with a gold base makes the design of the blue door in this Providence condo bathroom remodel appear more purposeful.
23. Quartz Countertops
According to Houzz’s research, 28% of kitchen island installations include a quartz counter – and that number is sure to rise in 2020. Quartz is a more durable and practical choice than marble. It is stain and heat resistant. Quartz isn’t as prone to nicks and dents as other materials. Not only is it a smart choice, but quartz looks great too. The East Greenwich kitchen below utilized beautiful quartz for the kitchen counters, island, and backsplash. It is a great choice for contemporary or modern styled kitchens.
24. Black and white
With matte black details on the rise and white kitchens forever popular, the combination of black and white will be a staple design trend in 2020. Matte black countertops, sinks, and window sashes add visual complexity to all-white walls and trim. The walk-in pantry below features matte black countertops and pocket doors contrasted against white subway tile and custom cabinetry. It is a timeless look and on-trend for today.
25. Double Kitchen Sinks
Kitchens are becoming increasingly personalized to homeowner’s needs in 2020. One of the top trends of this year is double sinks – with the second sink often appearing on an extra-long island. While food is being prepped or dishes washed in one sink, family and guests can grab a glass of water or wash up in the next. Designated stations to better utilize space are a big part of kitchen designs going forward. The kitchen below shows how this trend might work in your home.
26. Sleek Cabinetry
Finally, the last design trend of this year is sleek cabinetry, like these custom inset cabinets in this East Greenwich home. Frameless or common framed cabinetry – cabinets that do not have a face frame around each door or drawer – are popular in contemporary and modern designs. They increase the amount of available space, resulting in larger drawers and cabinets – which equals more storage for you. Smart designers in 2020 will create spaces that not only look good but improve the functionality of your home. This trend is one to consider if you need to increase your storage.