A new year is here and we are EXCITED about all the possibilities that are in store for it. As we look ahead and plan for the year ahead, these are some of the design trends we see going strong in 2020:
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SUSTAINABLE SOURCING
Sustainability and green design have become part of our global vocabulary. These days, we are more aware of the issues related to climate change and because of it, we are thinking twice and making bold choices regarding the content of the items we use every day and how they can affect the environment. The sourcing of sustainable products is now more widely attainable as the performance of environmentally-friendly products has greatly improved over the last few years, and the price tags have also become much more practical. In the past, it’s felt as though you needed to pay a much higher premium price for products that had environmental benefits (and in some cases, performance limitations), but these days, that price tag has come down and in some cases is non-existent, allowing environmentally-conscious products to be more financially attainable and part of our every days.
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In the lighting sector for example, it used to be that for a long time LED light bulbs were available but not a viable solution to lighting the home because of the very high costs of LED bulbs, the cold and unfriendly colors of their light, and their very limited compatibility to existing lighting fixtures. Today, we are able to source LED light bulbs that are bright enough, more affordable, and glow with a cozier light than what we've seen in years past, making the light from LED bulbs more warm and inviting, and also a viable choice for lighting the home.
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Sustainable sourcing is also widely used in powering the energy-dependent components of the home through environmentally-driven technology. Home systems like solar panels and wireless charging transmitters are cutting down on our reliance of traditional power systems, while giving homeowners more options when it comes to powering their technology and their home.
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How we are seeing Sustainable Sourcing through building materials and products:
- Wireless Charging: installed under kitchen countertops, systems like Corian’s Charging Surface allow for wireless charging of a variety of smart devices via a stylish finish in your home.
- LED light bulbs replacing incandescent and fluorescent bulbs.
- Building materials and interior finishes made with rapidly renewable materials like bamboo flooring and wood sourced from certified sustainable forests.
- Finishes and decorative products made with concrete.
- Cork wall and floor surfaces.
- Materials and decorative objects made with recycled glass.
- Products like carpet backings, rubber paving and acoustical treatments made with recycled products and waste from building material manufacturing, which would otherwise be trash headed towards a landfill.
From the everyday to the more luxurious items, Sustainable Sourcing has become a hot item on a homeowner's wish list.
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COLOR PALETTES INSPIRED BY NATURE
Bringing a renewed sense of comfort and luxury into every-day items and accent walls alike, saturated colors found in nature like deep ocean blues and rich, rain-forest greens are growing in a much welcomed popularity. With earth-toned color palettes that echo sustainability and new life, the rich and deep colors found in nature help create an indoor oasis year-round.
Neutrals are also getting a warm-up with clay reds, deeper taupes, wet terra cottas and espresso browns playing favorite accent colors to a variety of surfaces and decor items. Animal skins, oversized insect patterns (with their rich color and iridescence) and botanical studies are also making a larger statement in everything from prints on personal items to stationery, artwork, fabric and wallcovering. And while we're talking patterns, let's just say we've been crushing on shibori, block prints and tribal and ethnic prints from around the world.
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NATURAL FIBERS
Providing touch appeal and curb appeal to a home, the use of natural fibers like cotton, jute, linen and wool are perfect for those who prefer a material content list that is both readable and natural. Natural fibers are favorites for everything from bedding, to drapery and beyond, and provide added value to your home’s design. From providing durability that's easy to maintain (cotton, especially cotton twill) to being naturally flame resistant (wool), each natural fiber has distinct qualities that are well worth the know-how and taking a second look.
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When looking to incorporate trends into your home remember, the best trend for your house is the one that helps you feel at home.
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-Wendy Gonzalez for Modern Ornament LLC
www.modernornament.store