Although 2019 is in full swing, it’s never too late to take a step back and look at what’s trending design-wise for the year ahead.
Starting the year afresh always makes for the perfect opportunity to start over when it comes to home décor and design. So whether you’re ready for a total makeover or are just looking to spruce up your current décor scheme, here are the 10 biggest design trends for 2019 to bear in mind.
TREND 1: CHOOSING LOCAL & SUSTAINABLE
The shift towards supporting local and sustainable items is slowly finding its way into all spheres of our lives as consumers, and décor and design is no different. Purposefully researching or choosing pieces that have had little impact on the environment during manufacturing, along with asking where something was made and opting to purchasing local, artisanal pieces is thankfully a fast-growing trend.
TREND 2: USING COMPACT & MULTIFUNCTIONAL FURNISHINGS
With more and more people moving into smaller apartments and homes across the globe, the need for stylish, smart and multi-purpose furnishings that are adaptable to different spaces and needs is definitely making waves in this year’s décor scene. Furniture that can be manipulated to work in challenging and smaller spaces while looking great - i.e. an ottoman that doubles as added storage – is all the rage in 2019. So be sure to think outside the box when it comes to upgrading your current furnishings.
TREND 3: INCORPORATING LIVING CORAL
It goes without saying that the 2019 Pantone colour of the year leads the pack trend-wise when it comes to décor and design. Living Coral, which Pantone experts describe as “an animating and life-affirming coral hue, with a golden undertone that energises and enlivens with a softer edge” is perfectly suited to give your home the visual upgrade and refresh that it needs. For more on incorporating Living Coral into your home, read Living Coral: PANTONE Colour of the Year 2019.
TREND 4: ADDING BOLD, RICH JEWEL TONES
Bright and vibrant jewel-inspired hues – such as sapphire blue, emerald green, amethyst purple and ruby red etc – are a definite décor “in” for 2019. Paints, fabrics, rugs and other décor touch points in bold indigos, deep ruby, hunter and emerald greens, as well as dark teals, all work together to create a dramatic flair to any space, especially when accented by a white or clean backdrop.
Read more: Tips to brighten a dark room
TREND 5: THE STATEMENT CEILING
According to the experts, ceilings are fast becoming the “fifth wall” in the room and therefore require as much décor attention as the other four! By incorporating the ceiling into a space’s look and feel, you can make a room feel bigger, brighter and more visually interesting. Almost anything goes when creating this bold décor statement, from lacquer to wallpaper to moldings or even a vibrant paint colour - the sky is (almost) the limit.
TREND 6: CELEBRATING BIOPHILIA
In a similar vein to the above trend, biophilia, or the inherent connection between humans and nature, is a trend that has grown steadily over the last few years and 2019 is no exception. Think natural, organic materials and pieces - such as wooden floors, stone or concrete countertops, and living plant walls – to bring the outside into your home and allow for a more grounded, “in touch with your roots” and earthy feel. Big, bold plants are also in for 2019 so think along the lines of a dragon tree, rubber tree or any kind of palm tree to make a bold tribute to nature wherever you go in your home.
TREND 7: ALL THINGS FLORAL, GEOMETRIC AND TRIBAL
While these are definitely not new trends by any stretch of the imagination, these patterns do tend to go in and out of style every few years or so. For 2019, they are in and are sure to automatically add a sense of warmth, familiarity and interest to even the most minimalistic of spaces. They work best with fresh linens, bold colours and can even be incorporated as decorative scatter cushions and throws.
TREND 8: BOHO 2.0
According to experts, boho is back but with a twist. While the traditional boho look of boldly patterned, eclectic mixing of layers, furnishings and accessories remains, there is a definite softer, cleaner and brighter feel in 2019 as well as a greater mix of modern and vintage when it comes to lines, art pieces and furnishings.
TREND 9: REFRESHING BACKSPLASHES
The monochromatic kitchen and subsequent plain backsplash are out, as design trends are moving towards a bolder, more accentuated look and focal point. Whether achieved through colour or even tile choice (think graphic, patterned or textured tiles), a statement backsplash is a definite must when packing a décor punch in 2019.
TREND 10: MIXED METALS
While rose gold was all the rage in 2018, 2019 will re-introduce us to coppers and brasses as well as a mixture of other metal accents. With their rich, earthy and warm hues, both copper and brass offer a refreshing alternative to the steel accent trend in years gone by. Mixing these together or with another two or three metal accents is a trending and tasteful way to create balance and character to any room.
Whether it’s a total décor overhaul or just replacing some old pieces, bearing the above trends in mind is definitely a good thought-started to get you going. Remember, the changes don’t have to be drastic, but incorporating some of 2019’s trends into your home is sure to leave you flying through the year in style.
