IN West Mifflin Spring 2020 | Page 29

4 INTERIOR DESIGN TRENDS FOR 2020 Don’t be caught with designs that were “so last decade.” Enter 2020 in style with some trends and tips that are leading the new decade, focused on comfort and sustainability with a touch of modern technologies. • TREND: Paint Colors of the Year – Each year, paint companies release their picks for colors of the year. Think pinks, greens, and blues for 2020, with rosy shades to update neutral walls and navy blues to create relaxing spaces. TIP: Before painting an entire room, paint a small part of the wall and watch how natural light falls during each part of the day. The sunlight will affect the colors you choose. • TREND: Sustainability in Design – Reusing materials in new designs isn’t a novel idea, but this year, designs are incorporating more materials that are perceived as humble, such as rattan, plywood, and jute. These types of materials can be recycled and are biodegradable, maximizing positive environmental impacts. TIP: Incorporate sustainable design trends like Wabi-Sabi, meaning perfectly imperfect, which encourages reimagining and loving the existing pieces you have in your home. Incorporating nature, something inherently imperfect, through wood, natural stones, and plants is an easy way to embrace Wabi-Sabi. Vanities and bath cabinetry have also arrived in the 21st century. Vanities are no longer empty-shell cabinets that open to a cavernous interior with little customization. Current options for drawers and cabinets include specialized areas for storing your blow dryer neatly away and stackable storage options for makeup. And while you’re standing in front of that vanity applying your makeup, you can watch TV in the mirror! New technology allows your favorite TV program to be projected onto the mirror, so you can keep up with the latest baseball scores or check the weather before going out. Slate and marble tile are always elegant options for bathrooms, but one of the latest trends in baths are porcelain tiles that mimic wood. These tiles come in sizes up to 48” and can be laid to look like natural woodgrain, without the worry of water damage. Laipple notes that the woodgrain appearance really warms up the bathroom. And speaking of warm – your toilet can be warm too. Homeowners can opt for a “throne” with a retractable base that comes out and heats your feet as well as the seat of the toilet. And new touchless flushing helps prevent the spread of germs among your family, along with a bidet, which ensures a much cleaner experience. Continued on next page > • TREND: Wallpapered Walls – You may find yourself removing wallpaper, only to replace it with more wallpaper! Bold-patterned designs can create a statement wall, or busier patterns can be used to decorate a half bath. TIP: If you’re not sure you want to take the plunge into committing long term to wallpaper, try removable wallpaper. You can easily remove, reposition, and reuse it throughout your home. • TREND: Technology in the Home – Love it or hate it, technology will be ever-present in our homes; and with an increase in the opportunity for people to work from home, housing our technology has become a design opportunity. Large media consoles are becoming a thing of the past as technologies get smaller or completely digitized. Storage options are turning more display friendly (think open shelving) to act as another design element for your home. TIP: Personalize your spaces to your needs. Have a dining room but need a home office? Repurpose the space according to your needs. Add in a desk and a relaxed seating area, creating a comfortable, yet creative area for you to work. WEST MIFFLIN ❘ SP R I NG 2020 27