Real Estate Investor Magazine South Africa March/April 2020 | Page 33

T
here are two words to describe the décor trends of 2020
and those are: anything goes. Gone are the days of
structure and sticking to one colour, now it’s all about
mixing and matching and playing around with different
textures and tones. There are eight significant trends that
have taken 2020 by storm and you are encouraged to
incorporate your favourites into your property making it the
trendiest on the block.
1
Off-trend will be on trend
In today’s world, everyone wants to be different and
everyone wants to stand out and what better way to
do that than in your home. Homeowners and tenants
are looking for the most unique, most avant-garde pieces
that scream ‘’uber-unique’’ and we will see these being used
meticulously as furnishings and architecture throughout the
home.
Having said that though, it’s not about having random
bits and bobs in your home just so you can follow the trend.
The items you choose and the colours you choose, need to
reflect who you are as an individual. After all, isn’t that what
uniqueness is all about?
2
3
Colours are the new neutrals
Neutral colours are being replaced by warmer, jewel
tones to provide more character to the home. It’s
suggested that shades of pink will be making a return
so expect to see more soft, peachy corals and terra cotta. Colors
that feel soft, yet grounded in earth tones.
Geometric patterns
Geometric patterns are not new to the design world
and they are certainly not going anywhere but what
is new is geometric balance. Because geometrics are
such a popular trend, they can be found everywhere which
means it’s easy to overdo.
Instead of having geometrics all over, stick with more classic
or contemporary patterns with chairs and throws. You can also
pick an area where you want the geometric pattern to make a
bold statement.
4
Florals
Floral fabrics and wallpapers have made a comeback.
Florals have technically been around for a long
time, but there’s a big difference between the floral
interior design trends of 2020, and the florals you saw in your
grandmother’s home. Florals today incorporate different
patterns, sizes and colours instead of sticking to one colour,
one shape and one size.

5
Black is back
Black is back and it’s bigger and better than ever. Black
everything is the way to go for this new decade – from
cabinets to sinks to paint to countertops – we are
going black and never going back (well, perhaps just until they
invent a darker colour).
Black walls, finishes, and furniture has the potential to make
your home look high-end and on-trend. One of the reasons
black has been so off-putting in the past is because there’s this
misconception that black makes a room look smaller but you
can combat that problem by including contrasting colors.

OUTDATED DÉCOR IN 2020
Grey-on-grey colour palette: during 2019 there
was a lot of varying hues of grey, saturated in one
living space. In 2020, there is more of a demand
for warmer toned palettes and rich accent colors,
there’s more mix and match than just sticking to
one colour and all its variants.
Traditional dining table in the kitchen: Gone are
the days of stiff and starchy dining tables. Property
owners are wanting a more ‘’livable’’ feel and are
therefore opting for comfortable, upholstered
chairs and lower tables that are more suitable for
laid-back socializing.
All-white kitchens: 2020 will see property owners
opting for warmer tones in their kitchen in order to
make it more inviting.
Faux plants: these are great initially as it’s low
maintenance and adds character to the room.
However, as time goes on, it remains the same.
Choosing to go with real plants will add more
personality to the room because as the plant grows,
it changes the look and feel of the room. Plus, the
O2 is great for you!
6
Sustainable materials & natural luxury
Sustainability has become increasingly more
important. As we gravitate towards more eco-friendly
lifestyles, people are more ecologically conscious and
knowledgeable than ever before. This is being reflected in a
desire to bring warm, earthy elements into a space. We will be
seeing more natural materials being used with a luxurious spin
added to it, like marble finishes in bathrooms and kitchens.
Organic linen will also be big, not only in white, but in
beautiful jewel tones, giving it a more polished look, rather
than raw and unfinished. We will also see people looking for
ways to incorporate nature into their home using houseplants
and natural materials like cane, raffia and rustic wood.
7
Indoor garden
Property owners are wanting to bring more of the
outside, inside. One way of doing that is by creating
an indoor garden. Not only will you receive cleaner
oxygen because of your plants, but you will have a fabulous
talking-point when entertaining. Make your indoor garden a
place of tranquility and the ideal family room by adding a few
armchairs and a sofa for that perfect ‘’homey’’ feel.
8
The re-emergence of the wallpaper
It can be so difficult to choose one colour for your walls
so instead of using paint, use wallpaper. That way,
you can change it whenever you like. Wallpapers are
affordable and add an exciting touch to any blank wall. Popular
wallpaper motifs to this year include 3D motifs, watercolor art,
geometric shapes, art deco and bohemian motifs.
Alternatively, you can give your tenant the option of
choosing a wallpaper that they like, helping them to make the
space feel like a home. This option will increase the appeal to
tenants, without emptying your pockets.
2020 is looking pretty bright, both literally and figuratively,
with wild colors, sustainable decor, and floral prints. While
these are the trends that are in style at the moment, ultimately,
it’s your property and you need to be happy with it.
SOURCE Greeff Christie International Real Estate
SA Real Estate Investor Magazine MARCH/ APRIL 2020
31