There's no surprise that the effects of the global pandemic have greatly impacted our domestic needs. Being stuck at home and cut off from international travel made us crave comfortable, stimulating and multi-purpose spaces.
The 2020s will see a fundamental shift in interior design. We'll say goodbye to white-on-white interiors and 'Scandi' styling; cool greys and pastel pinks will be replaced by earthy, warm tones and playful colour-pops; and Mid-Century Modern furniture will be swapped for 70s and 80s glamour pieces.
The next decade of interior design is all about comfort, colour and playful intrigue. It will bring nostalgia without the kitsch (ok, maybe a little kitsch), minimalism without austerity, and functionality with all the style. Materiality will reign supreme and we won't shy away from saturated colour. We unpick the foundations of 2020s interior design - it's worth getting excited about.
Colour Palette
The 2020s will be a colourful decade - it's taken a while, but we are finally saying YES to colour.
Replacing all-white interiors, we'll see a resurgence of warm, 1970's-inspired shades of beige, sand, oyster, oche, terracotta and rust. Or if reds are not your bag, try rich creams and earthy greens like olive, sage and forrest.
Left: Mosco Apartment designed by Agnes Rudzite Interiors. Right: Garden House in Sydney by Polly Harbison Design and Arent & Pyke.
Left: St Kilda Apartment by Fiona Lynch Office. Right: Canal House in Amsterdam by Framework Studio
The next decade won't take itself too seriously. Bold pops of colour will contrast the autumnal shades - often in unusual places. And over-the-top 80s patterns like checkerboard, stripes and polka dots will ensure it's a fun period for interiors.
Left: Paris Apartment by RMGB. Right: Historial Apartment in Saint Petersburg by Tim Veresnovsky.
Le Pop Up by Simone Haag
A standard feature wall just won't cut it. We'll embrace full-colour rooms, coloured kitchens and even coloured ceilings!
Top: Budge Over Dover by YSG Studio. Bottom: Belgian Apartment by Thomas Geldof and Carmine Van der Linden
Materiality
Reflecting our connection with the natural world, the 2020s will see an elegant interplay of polished and raw finishes, organic materials, and textural furnishings.
Left: Palette by Tom Mark Henry. Right: Sarah Ellison Studio
We'll still love the natural imperfections of jute, timber, rattan, linen, but stone - such as marble, limestone and travertine - will make a strong appearance. Ceramics will take pride of place in our styling, and we won't get enough of textured fabrics like wool, bouclé, cord and velvet.
Hong Kong Residence by NC Design and Architecture
Form and Function
There are some fundamental features you'll see in most homes over the next decade, regardless of the interior style. We will move away from harsh lines and embrace organic, voluptuous silhouettes and fabrics that soothe and cocoon. We will fill our homes with curated objects that reflect who we are and what we value - austere minimalism will be left firmly in the 2000s. And we will lean towards bold statement pieces that don't over clutter.
Top: Avian Apartment in Brisbane by Alicia Holgar. Bottom: Sackett Townhouse by Brooklyn Home Company
The 2020s interior vibe will be refined, inviting, individual and playful. We will still fill our homes with plants (thanks goodness) but our design features will be leaning towards 70s and 80s sensibilities. Think sculptural lamps, seashell motifs and curves, curves, curves.
Left: Armadale House by Simone Haag. Right: The home of Heather Nette King
But most importantly, the next decade will embrace 'buy once, buy well'. We will invest in timeless designs and vintage classics with the intention of loving them for decades. Sustainability will be front and center, and we will shun mass produced items for the handmade, locally made and ethically produced.
Top: Kew Residence by John Wardle. Bottom: Historial Apartment in Saint Petersburg by Tim Veresnovsky
2020s interior design will be a lot of fun - we hope you're as excited as we are!
Header Image: Potts Point House by Flack Studio