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15 Home Decor Trends YOU’RE ABOUT TO SEE EVERYWHERE IN 2020

By Juliana LaBianca, goodhousekeeping.com

on our list that you’ll adore (and will continue to adore into the next decade).

1. VINTAGE ACCENTS

What goes around comes around — especially when it comes to home decor trends. “One thing we’re starting to see is more of a nod to vintage and traditional detailing — things like spooled legs, spindles, and other things we saw in furnishings from the 1800s and early 1900s,” says interior designer Bria Hammel, CEO of Bria Hammel Interiors.

But don’t expect to see all vintage everywhere. This time around, designers are incorporating just one or two statement pieces.

2. NAVY BLUE

The 2020 Pantone Color of the Year is Classic Blue (a navy shade), which means you can expect to see a lot of the color in the new year. Fortunately, it’s totally versatile and sophisticated.

“Navy blue provides the perfect amount of contrast for interiors and exteriors in both traditional and modern home styles,” says interior designer Kerrie Kelly, founder of Kerrie Kelly Design Lab. “Whether a kitchen island gets a quick upgrade or a room gets a dramatic new look with contrasting white trim and woodwork, the shade provides a stately look without going completely black,” she says.

3. FLORAL WALLPAPER

From navy paint to floral wallpaper, these are the trends experts say will be huge.

If there’s one perfect moment to update your home, it’s at the start of a new decade. After 10 years of the same old, same old, now is the time to roll on one of the top paint colors, refresh the heart of your home with one of our favorite kitchen ideas, or simply add a new piece of art to your gallery wall.

And if you want to make a serious statement this year, then try incorporating one of the hottest home decor trends of 2020.

To find the home ideas that are about to be everywhere, we went straight to our favorite interior design pros. From navy paint and floral wallpaper to colored cabinets and free-standing tubs, these are the 2020 home decor trends that experts can’t wait to see. Whether you love trends or will typically go to great lengths to avoid them, there are bound to be a few ideas

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If the thought of flower-power wallpaper makes you flinch, then 2020 might just be the year you change your tune. “Floral wallpaper has been around for years and you will continue to see the pretty pattern but with a much more modern update,” says interior designer Abbe Fenimore, founder of Studio Ten 25. “Large scale, bold color, and even metallic versions are here to stay.”

Fenimore says they’re a particularly good choice in powder bathrooms and foyers. Plus, there are tons of stick-on options if you’re not ready to fully commit.

4. HIGH-CONTRAST DECOR

High-contrast designs are currently having a moment — which means if you’ve always wanted to paint your home black, now is the time to give it a whirl (in moderation, of course).

“For a long time, it was white, white, white,” Hammel says.

“But now, for example, maybe we’d see a chair with black fabric continued on page 4

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15 Home Decor Trends YOU’RE ABOUT TO SEE EVERYWHERE IN 2020

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and a white frame. Or a console table in a dark stained wood with light-colored hardware.”

5. NON-WHITE KITCHENS

If there was one defining design trend of the 2010s, it was the all-white kitchen. But in 2020, designers predict there’ll be a shift toward spaces that go beyond just white. For example, Hammel expects to see more natural wood cabinets, islands, and shelves — all of which allow homeowners to keep a bright and airy vibe without restricting themselves to all-white-everything.

12. CURVED SOFAS

This 2020 home decor trend will transport you back to another decade. “We’ll see some ‘60s and ‘70s throwbacks with a modern twist and a focus on line and curve,” says Giannasio.

13. RATTAN AND WICKER FURNITURE

6. COLOR-POP CABINETS

Nope, these materials don’t need to be relegated to the back deck. “Rattan/wicker is having a resurgence,” interior designer Nicole Fuller told Elle Decor. “It warmly reminds me of my childhood and has evolved in fresh and exciting ways whether in chairs, tables, or lighting. It is the perfect layer to balance modern and traditional style.”

7. CANOPY BEDS

Need a fresh master bathroom idea? Try a luxurious soaking tub. According to the 2019 U.S. Houzz Bathroom Trends Study, 38% of homeowners added or replaced a bathtub as part of their master bathroom project, and 50% of those folks chose a freestanding flat-bottom tub shape; another 9% chose a free-standing claw-foot tub.

If you really want to leave the all-white kitchen trend behind, opt for another 2020 home decor trend: colored cabinets. According to the experts at Modiani Kitchens, “the trend in 2020 is to choose one or several elements, like the kitchen island, kitchen wall cabinets, or base cabinets in daring colors, like dark red, bright yellow, green or navy blue.”

Now is the time to make all of your regal canopy bed dreams come true. “Canopy beds no longer need to be draped in heavy fabrics and chunky headboards,” says Fenimore. “Modern versions made with acrylic, metal, and sleek upholstered frames are making a comeback.”

8. PATINA ACCENTS

“One of the emerging design trends is an appreciation of patina and age,” says interior designer Breeze Giannasio. In addition to more vintage furniture, expect to see this played out in color trends such as clay and terracotta, as well as decorative items such as earthenware and ceramics.

9. OLIVE TREES

If 2019 was the year of the dramatic fiddle leaf fig, then Hammel expects 2020 will be the year of the much subtler olive tree. Instead of blooming bright green, these trees are a more sophisticated sage.

10. ANTIQUE ART

Make 2020 the year you start — or continue to grow — your art collection. “If any type of antique is making a comeback, it’s art,” says Hammel. “People love that it looks aged and that it has a story to it.”

11. KITCHEN ART

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some for the kitchen. “There’s always a focus on making the kitchen a room in the house and not a machine for cooking,” says Giannasio. That can be accomplished by hanging art in the kitchen, or using open shelves to display items that show off your personality, she says.

While you’re collecting those pieces of art, be sure to scout

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14. FREE-STANDING TUBS

15. COZY FABRICS

Fortunately for everyone who loves to cozy up with a good book, Giannasio says comfy fabrics will be everywhere in the new year. “Instead of luxe grand velvet, we’ll see shearling, imperfect leathers, and soft textured mohairs.” Count us in.

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TOP FIVE HOTTEST

Home Building Trends From wildfires that last for months to major floods that affect entire cities, we now need to prepare for the worst when building our homes.

Switching to disaster-resilient materials is an important first step. Many builders now prefer to use stronger, more energy-efficient materials like insulated concrete forms (ICFs) instead of more traditional materials like wood. For example, Nudura ICFs can withstand winds of up to 250 miles per hour (equivalent to an F4 tornado) and offer a fire protection rating of up to four hours.

OUTDOOR LIVING:

Many of us are now choosing to forgo getting a cottage or summer home and recreate the experience in our own backyards. This trend helps you make the most of your existing space and take full advantage of your yard or patio during the summer months.

You can design a full living space outside, complete with an outdoor television and comfy couches, as well as a kitchen and refrigerator for entertaining. Consider adding a fireplace or firepit to keep warm during cool summer nights and enjoy the outdoors through spring, fall and even winter if you’re brave.

These days, home trends are about more than good design and aesthetics — they’re about creating spaces that reflect our values and are more comfortable and enjoyable to live in.

From net-zero and net-positive construction to tiny minimalist homes, trends are all about your family’s lifestyle.

Whether you’re shopping for a new home, renovating your own or creating a new build from scratch, here are some of the biggest trends you need to know for inspiration.

SUSTAINABLE DESIGN:

This one has been popular for a long time, but green design has evolved to be about much more than energy-efficient appliances and LED light bulbs. Now, it’s all about making sure everything in your home reduces your carbon footprint and minimizes any impact on the environment.

To try the trend yourself, think big and get creative – install solar panels on your roof, choose building materials that don’t require deforestation and upcycle old furniture for decorative elements instead of buying new.

DISASTER RESILIENCY:

Climate change affects us in so many negative ways, and one of the top concerns is the increase in natural disasters.

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HOME AUTOMATION:

This is another longstanding trend that shows no signs of slowing down. It has also evolved to encompass more of the home to make life even more comfortable and convenient.

From an oven that can be turned on remotely to preheat, to skylights that can open and close automatically to create the perfect ambient temperature, there are more ways than ever to integrate smart home technology into your living space.

You can start small with voice assistant and smart light bulbs and work your way up to a total smart home system that includes home security, temperature controls and all your electronic devices.

CUSTOMIZATION:

You don’t have to settle for what mass manufacturers decide to build, or what works for everyone else. Creating a home that’s as unique as you are is the latest trend, with custom-built storage and personalized architectural features to make your space stand out.

You can even go as far as building a custom home that’s suited to your family. Older home demolitions and purchasing land-only properties is becoming more common, allowing you to work with an architect to create exactly what you want with a new build.

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AFFORDABLE FEATURES TO CONSIDER WHEN

Revamping Your Kitchen

Kitchens are popular gathering spots in many homes.

That popularity is reflected in various ways, including how many homeowners choose to remodel their kitchens.

A 2019 report from the home renovation and design resource Houzz found that kitchens were the most popular room to renovate in 2018. Homeowners considering kitchen remodels should know that the Houzz report also indicated that spending on kitchen remodels increased by 27 percent in 2018.

Homeowners concerned by the cost of remodeling a kitchen should know that there are ways to give kitchens a whole new feel without breaking the bank.

APPLIANCES

Consumer Reports notes that luxury home buyers expect high-end features, including professional ranges and built-in refrigerators that match the surrounding cabinetry. However, many mainstream brands offer “faux pro” features that can equal more expensive alternatives. Consumer Reports even notes that many budget-friendly faux pro appliances outperformed their high-end counterparts in terms of reliability.

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COUNTERTOPS

Countertops tend to capture the eye’s attention when walking into a kitchen. Outdated and/or damaged countertops grab that attention for all the wrong reasons, while updated countertops made from today’s most popular materials provide that wow factor homeowners seek. If granite is a must-have, Consumer Reports notes that homeowners can save substantial amounts of money by choosing granite from remnants at the stone yard. If marble is your ideal countertop, save money by choosing a domestic product as opposed to one imported from overseas.

CABINETS

Custom-built cabinets may be a dream, but they tend to be a very expensive one. Such cabinets are designed to adhere to the dimensions of the kitchen, and Consumer Reports notes that they can cost tens of thousands of dollars. If that estimate would bust your budget, examine the current layout of the existing cabinets. If the layout is fine but the cabinets need work, you can give them a whole new look by refinishing them. If the cabinets must go, stock units or semi-custom cabinets can provide a new look without busting the budget.

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Container Gardening Tips Gardening is beneficial in various ways. The AARP states that some of the health perks associated with gardening include improved mood, increased vitamin D levels (which benefits bones and immune system) and reduced risk of dementia. In addition, if gardening efforts include growing herbs, fruits and vegetables, it can be a cost-effective way to eat healthy.

For gardeners without sufficient space or for those with mobility issues, container gardening can be an ideal way to grow everything from flowers to vegetables. Better Homes & Gardens says most plants are not fussy about the containers in which they grow so long as some of their basic needs are met.

This means watering correctly for the type of plant, and ensuring sufficient drainage.

The following are some other ways container gardening efforts can prove successful.

• WATCH WATER. Planet Natural Research Center says plants with thin leaves typically need ample water, and plants with thick leaves need less. Use this as a guideline to gauge water needs.

• SIZE CORRECTLY. Plants should be sized to the con-

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tainer. Consider dwarf varieties of certain plants if your containers are small.

• CHOOSE THE RIGHT SOIL. Fill containers with a commercial potting soil rather than soil from the garden. Garden soil can dry into a solid mass, while commercial mixtures have amendments like peat moss, vermiculite, compost, and other ingredients to help with soil texture and moisture retention.

• MIX IT UP. When planting containers of flowers and other greenery, Good Housekeeping says to include “a thriller, a spiller and a filler” as a good rule of thumb. The thriller is the focal point, the spiller a trailing plant, and a filler has smaller leaves or flowers to add bulk and color.

• POKE HOLES. Drainage holes are essential so that soil will not become waterlogged. Holes don’t need to be large, but there should be enough of them so that excess water can drain out readily.

• SELECT THE RIGHT CONTAINER MATERIAL. Container materials may be affected by gardeners’ budgets, personal taste and other factors. For those who live in hot climates, selecting a light-colored container can help prevent further soil heat absorption.

Container gardening is a healthy and enjoyable activity that can pay dividends in various ways.

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DID YOU

know?

When planning spring landscapes, homeowners should always group plants with similar water needs together. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, grouping plants with similar water needs together helps to conserve water, which can be an especially useful strategy if or when drought restrictions go into effect in summer. Homeowners also can embrace additional strategies to landscape with water conservation in mind. For example, aerating soil helps to improve water flow to plants’ roots and reduces water runoff, helping to ensure that plants get all of the water they need while reducing the likelihood that homeowners will have to use excessive amounts of water to keep plants healthy. In addition, using low-water-using types of grass can help homeowners who live in areas prone to drought conserve water while still maintaining lush, green lawns.

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7 THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN

Buying a Shed

Backyard sheds can be useful assets. Sheds can create storage space in the garage, basement or other areas of the house that have become gathering spots for gear typically used outdoors. Sheds are ideal for housing mowers, tools and even pool-care equipment. But they can be put to other uses as well, such as being key spots to engage in hobbies or even as a child’s clubhouse.

Various factors should be considered before building or buying a shed. A storage shed can be a significant investment.

Once placed, sheds may remain in their dedicated spots for years to come. That means careful thought should go into the planning process.

1. Check your local building codes first. Before you

accumulate building materials or order a shed, be sure to know the ins and outs of shed codes. The codes may impact the shed’s placement, construction, the materials used, size, and numerous other factors. It’s much easier to amend plans beforehand than to face the hassle and expense after learning you did things incorrectly.

2. Choose placement wisely. Spend several days assess-

ing the yard and thinking about the uses for the shed. If you plan to store pool floats and chemicals inside of the shed, it should be located close enough to the pool to be convenient.

Look at the lay of the land. If there is a soggy patch of land that can turn swampy under the shed’s foundation, that is a poor location choice. If you need access to electricity, placing it far away from the house could necessitate running expensive wiring.

3. Consider the design. Just because a shed is for stor-

age doesn’t mean aesthetics should be overlooked. Choose a shed style that complements your home. You may also want to match certain architectural features, like arched doorways or dormers. Design also may relate to practicality. For instance, storing a riding mower inside may necessitate dual doors that open widely.

4. Invest in quality materials. Spending a little more and using quality materials can ensure it lasts long enough to be cost-effective. The right materials will be resistant to splitting, cracking, decay, and insect damage.

5. Prepare the site well. A proper foundation for the shed

is almost as important as the shed itself. You cannot just drop the shed on the lawn and leave it, as the shed can sink or structural issues may arise if it is placed on a weak base.

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6. Blend into the environment. Sur-

round the shed with shrubs or plants so that it blends into the yard and complements the space.

7. Deck out the interior. Use every stor-

age tool at your disposal to maximize floor, wall and even rafter space for storage. Plan where items will be kept and customize the storage options around those locations.

Sheds can be an asset and improve storage capability in the backyard.

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EXTERIOR RENOVATIONS THAT CAN

Improve Home Value

Renovating a home to improve its value can be a smart investment. Interior improvements, such as updating kitchens and baths, offer good return on investment, but there are plenty of exterior renovations that can add value to a home and give it that coveted “wow” factor.

LANDSCAPING

Abundant and well-planned landscaping can instantly boost curb appeal. According to the landscaping company Lawn Starter, 71 percent of prospective home buyers say a home’s curb appeal is an important factor in their buying decisions.

As buyers use the internet to look for their dream homes, there’s no denying a beautifully landscaped, nicely photographed property can entice buyers to click and read more about a house.

ADDRESS INSECTS AND MINOR REPAIRS

Improving home value may come down to fixing areas of the home that can negatively affect its appeal to buyers. Hire an inspector to look at key components of the house and recommend what needs to be fixed. This way it is discovered before home buyers come in and do their own inspections. Termite infestations, deteriorating roofs and hidden water leaks are some things that might need fixing.

IMPROVE THE ENTRYWAY

The front door is the focal point of a home’s exterior. Invest in a new door or paint it a striking color to add appeal. Re-

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modeling magazine’s “Cost vs. Value Report 2019” indicates changing an entry door to a steel replacement can offer 74.9 percent ROI. Such a door provides visual appeal and added security — things buyers look for. In addition to the front door, make sure that the entryway has a level walkway, steps that are in good repair, accents that are free from rust or tarnish, and decorative plants.

OUTDOOR LIGHTING

Outdoor lighting can add to the ambiance of a property and serve as a security feature. Utilize different lights, such as a bright light by the entry, uplighting in trees and shrubs for drama, a light-lined path to the door to improve visibility, and motion-detection lights to improve the security of the property.

REPAINT (OR RESIDE) THE EXTERIOR

A fresh coat of paint or new (or cleaned) siding can instantly give homes a facelift. Neutral, warm and inviting colors tend to have the widest appeal. Adding manufactured stone veneer to the home can offer a 94.9 percent ROI, says Remodeling.

And after doing the front door and siding, investing in a garage door replacement offers the highest ROI of all exterior projects listed on the “Cost vs. Value Report 2019.” This improvement returns 97.5 percent when selling.

Knowing which improvements add value to a home can help homeowners tailor their efforts to those that are most financially beneficial.

DID YOU

know?

Weeding is a chore few gardeners relish. Weeds can seemingly pop up overnight. And when left to their own devices, weeds can quickly grow out of control. There are a few key tips to weeding that can make the process easier. First off, start with wet soil. Choose to weed after it rains, as wet soil makes it easier to pull the full weed, including the root, out of the ground.

Removing the weed all the way down to its root prevents it from growing back. If there’s no rain in the forecast, water the garden before attempting to remove weeds. If the ground is compacted and you’re weeding in a pinch, at least remove the head of the weed to prevent seeds from spreading and starting new weed growth.

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ESSENTIALS FOR A

Bathroom Remodel

What began as a utilitarian space for personal sanitation has, in modern times, transformed into one of the most coveted rooms in the house. Bathrooms have become a place to relax and unwind, and new bathrooms are on the tops of many homeowners’ wishlists.

Bathrooms can be as lavish as budgets allow. Wish lists can include everything from luxurious soaking tubs to rainfall showerheads to chaise lounges to televisions or home entertainment systems contained in the space. Those contemplating their own bathroom renovations may draw inspiration from the following features.

• HOT WATER RECIRCULATION SYSTEM:

Few things can be as disappointing as desiring a hot bath or shower only to find that the hot water tank has been drained.

The home remodeling company Normandy Remodeling says that water recirculation systems provide on-demand hot water.

In such systems, hot water may continuously run through the pipes or there may be a pump underneath a sink. Either way, one needn’t wait for the water to warm up any longer.

• DOUBLE UNDERMOUNT SINKS:

Bathroom time is at a premium, especially when people must prepare and leave the house together. Rather than jockeying for position around a single sink, dual sinks enable more breathing room and time efficiency. Undermount sinks are easy to clean because there is no lip around where the sink meets the vanity, preventing the accumulation of grime and gunk.

• GLASS-FREE SHOWER:

Soap scum and water deposits can form on shower doors, even for homeowners who are diligent with cleaning. A sizable shower prevents water spray and affords the ability to forgo glass doors or curtains, thereby cutting down on cleaning and making the room feel more modern.

• MULTIHEAD SHOWER:

When redoing the shower, account for various shower heads so that the water can cascade across the body more completely.

This provides a spa experience at home.

• TOUCHLESS FAUCETS AND SOAP DISPENSERS:

These aren’t just for public bathrooms anymore. Touchless faucets and dispensers are more sanitary and convenient.

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• SEPARATE TOILET ROOM:

A shared bath almost necessitates this type of set-up. The toilet is housed inside its own small space and closed away from the rest of the bathroom. It’s more private and convenient this way.

• HEATED FLOORING:

You need not worry about stepping out of a warm shower onto a cold floor when heated flooring is part of the equation. This option is available in various flooring materials as well.

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