Twin sisters Alisa and Lysandra Fraser won The Block: Sky High in 2013, then returned to the show to defend their title in 2014. Since then, the Adelaide duo have been busy working as interior designers on bespoke properties, and sharing their renovation tips on their Instagram. Here, the pair give us the head’s up on the latest home trends.
Always looking forward is how we stay on top of our game as interior designers. It happens every year – interior trends seem to be reaching a point of balance and then BAM! Something new arrives and shakes things up. While we can’t always tell when a trend is about to lose steam, we do have some foresight when a trend is about to hit the mainstream.
If you’re looking to renovate or restyle in the near future, keep these three major trends in mind.
Mindfulness
Sustainability and wellness are the words – and the movements – of the moment. With a step away from fast fashion and a greater focus on quality, creating a harmonious world to live in is on everyone’s mind, and it’s in everybody’s homes too. We’ve seen the huge influence these trends have had on interior design. A great example of this occurred back in January, when we were all Marie Kondo’ing our homes and thinking more deliberately about our possessions.
In 2020, we’ll see this taken to a new level with mindfulness. In our fast-paced lifestyles, we’re seeing the home become the calm refuge from the hustle and bustle of the everyday.
Natural tones and textures will help us achieve that feeling of tranquillity within our personal spaces. Think white and neutral colours and mixed textures, like linen and natural fibres. Clay, stone and wood are back as rustic materials that remind of us of our connection with nature.
Bring your garden indoors! Not only do indoor plants add to the natural feel of a space, they also bring with them health benefits like the improvement of air quality. There’s no such thing as too many plants for this trend!
Natural light is a must for creating a mindful space; think large windows and skylights for a soft glow that calms the senses and channels a day-spa feel.
Consider feng shui, and how energy (and people!) flow throughout the space. Think about how your home is being used.
Designing spaces with this in mind will elevate that feeling of the home as a sanctuary for mindfulness and relaxation.
Smart tech hits the bathroom
We’ve seen the smart home revolution take over kitchens and living rooms, and it’s now making its mark on the bathroom as well. Rather than voice activation and automation, we’re seeing technology in the bathroom in the form of personalisation.
A host of customised products are using smart tech to promote personal wellness, elevating the bathroom to a day-spa. We’ll see these products becoming the norm in 2020 homes and beyond.
Smart toilets, for instance, are the epitome of hygiene. Reece’s latest techy option features full cleaning and drying functionality that’s set with a remote. It also has rimless technology for easier cleaning (which means it has a smooth toilet pan with no ledge to harbour bacteria). We particularly love the subtle night light for easy navigation in the dark.
Meanwhile smart tech has also hit the shower with the rise of thermostatics. These shower mixers let you control the water temperature and flow with a touch of the button, and ensure a consistent temperature with no interruptions – even when others in the house are running the tap or doing the dishes.
Colours and textures
Earthy tones have been rising in popularity and 2020 will see them taking centre stage as features. We’ll continue to see muted pastels like pale pink, peach and pistachio. Look for deep ochre as well – its subtle yellow-brown mix can cut through neutral palettes without becoming overwhelming.
We’ll see a focus on textures as well as colour. Digitally printed fabrics will take a back seat to tactile materials like velvet and embroidery, while ceramic and artisan tiles will carry the rustic feel through every space. Jute, plywood, cork and wicker are no longer just for beachside resorts – they’ll come through as statement pieces in the home.
You can follow Alisa and Lysandra Fraser on Instagram.
What home trends are you incorporating into your space? Are you as obsessed with plants as us? Let us know in the comments.