Happy New Year! The new decade is here and we’re feeling optimistic for the turn of time and what’s to come in the future as we leave the past decade in the rearview mirror. In our business, our big question is what 2010s interior design trends will continue in the new decade? An interesting lens to think about is the impact the media has played on these trends with the exponential growth of social media, making it more accessible to see other designers’ work more easily and be influenced by different styles from around the world. Not to mention the influence of renovation TV shows. So let’s dive in to the interior design trends from the 2010s and if we think they will come along into the 2020s.
WHITE ON WHITE
White won the 2010s. Don’t like something? Paint it white! It seems like everyone with traditional honey oak cabinetry from the 1990s and early 2000s were updating to a crisp clean palette in their kitchens and bathrooms. These white kitchens are going to remain classic for many years to come. White running and window trim were also a big project list item this decade, either replacing or painting over wood. In the 2020s white is going to continue to be loved, but evolve. Instead of stark white, we’re seeing a more putty hue to soften and warm the colorway. White kitchen cabinetry will ground more colorful or darker elements, such as partnering dark lower cabinets with white uppers, white painted kitchen island with wood surround cabinets. This isn’t new, but we’ll see homeowners being more comfortable with mixing cabinetry colors. We don’t see white going away any time soon.
GRAY IN ALL ITS GLORY
It sounds almost depressing to call the 2010s the “Decade of Gray,” but many homeowners were opting for a more contemporary wall color of grays than white or beige. While still remaining neutral, gray overpowered the taupes and beiges of the past as the top choice for finishes. White marble with gray veining was the inspiration of many countertops and finishes throughout homes. From sofas to counter stools, upholstery in gray hues were a big choice when it came to selecting new furniture. Even gray-washing wood finishes is a thing. While we are seeing taupe and beige come back into the picture for 2020 and beyond, mixing gray and warmer tones together will be designers’ color story in the new decade.
MODERN FARMHOUSE TAKEOVER
You know where this is going. You can’t talk about interior design in the 2010s without bringing up the powerhouse that is Chip and Joanna Gaines from HGTV’s Fixer Upper. These two are EVERYWHERE. Their signature “modern farmhouse” style has influenced so many homes throughout the world for approachable and comfortable design. This design style is starting to slow down, but homeowners are still incorporating classic design elements from this style into their home: textured walls (i.e. shiplap and paneling), neutral color palettes, and storied pieces. Yeah, antiques are cool! We don’t see this design aesthetic or power couple going away any time soon, but more so just incorporating elements from the modern farmhouse design.
WELCOME BACK WALLPAPER
How many of you ever did a home tour or bought a new home and wailed your head back groaning over the amount of wallpaper that will have to be removed? Well, wallpaper is back with vengeance and we don’t think it’s going anywhere any time soon. Almost all of our clients in the last two years have had wallpaper installed in their homes. Luckily, recent innovations have made wallpaper less “permanent” and easier to remove than the glue on the wall of the past. Even with temporary wallpaper, it is a commitment to a style and homeowners should choose carefully. We love to install wallpaper in the rooms you don’t spend a ton of time in such as powder baths, mudrooms, formal dining rooms, and offices so you continue to be excited about it.
SO LONG, GRANITE
Granite definitely fell back in popularity this decade. It was the solid surface of choice for decades prior for its natural bold coloring and patterns and solid stone durability. Quartz’s maintenance-free qualities are now a top priority for homeowners, as well as the almost-custom pattern designs to perfectly fit the space. As we said above, Carrara marble became wildly popular for its neutral coloring and subtle veining patterns, making it an elegant and timeless choice to withstand design trends. We encourage homeowners to have a conversation with their designer about what solid surface countertop to help determine the best material choice for your home, lifestyle and family.
OPEN SHELVING
Open shelving is a harder design element than some may think. For a spacious kitchen, open shelving is an opportunity to display cookbooks, serving dishes, vases and other decor accessories. In a smaller kitchen open shelving helps open the space to let more air through, making it feel larger and provide practical storage. Those who opt to display their kitchenware should be ready for the additional effort to keep their open shelving clean and orderly. We discourage open shelving near your range because it will make the items on your shelf dirtier quicker with food splatters and grease. We recommend placing them by the sink or above a peninsula in place of an upper cabinet. Because of their upkeep and additional effort, we don’t think open shelving in kitchens will be as popular of a choice in the 2020s, but we sure love seeing the #shelfies.
These popular design choices were fun to look back on from our business and industry in the last decade. We are so thankful for all of the clients we worked with to create their dream home for years to come or make ready for new owners. Each project is unique and it is humbling to think of all the doors we walked through and built. Thank you to all of our clients for letting us into your home and our partners who brought our vision to life. If you’re looking forward to a home refresh or renovation in the new decade, please consider Interior Impressions. You can contact us below to get started right away!
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