This year will be all about merging the past with the present for many consumers as they create their own personal design style.
Both minimalism and a newer maximalism will be influencing their choices when it comes to homewares design, style and products.
Let’s have a closer look.
Full steam ahead for minimalism
According to Architectural Digest’s Top Design Trends of 2020, the idea of home-as-sanctuary will be stronger than ever, translating to a calm, pared-back, warm minimalism.
“It’s all about materials with sustainability in mind—natural wood, recycled textiles, undyed yarns and plush soft fabrics, along with warm terra-cotta earthenware for table accessories,” the report states.
Indeed, two key trends and demographic changes may be fuelling the minimalism trend, according to Joe Derochowski, home industry advisor for The NPD Group. One is smaller household spaces and the other is an increased interest in sustainability.
Also, following the Hygge trend which was all about the feeling of cosy contentment, is Niksen, the newest lifestyle trend fuelling a minimalism mindset. Essentially the art of doing nothing, this Dutch concept is about carving out time to ‘just be’, to let the mind wander for a few minutes.
Maximalism roars into the 20s
In contrast to minimalism, maximalism combines art deco style with flashy colours, appealing to consumers that are not afraid to try anything.
Maximalism combines bold colours and retro style by mixing opulence with functional and contemporary silhouettes. Often, consumers use gold accents to twist traditional design into something more elaborate.
Architectural Digest forecasts the bold colours and clean-cut lines of modernism will also dominate interiors in 2020. There will be an updated take on the angular geometrics, cut-outs and patterns of Art Deco—one expert described it as ‘neo-Deco’—for fresh, sophisticated interiors.
Healthy living continues its popularity
Consumers’ obsession with a healthy lifestyle is still going strong. Products to prepare healthier meals such as air fryers, single-serve blenders, juice extractors and citrus juicers are on the rise.
Indeed, consumers are becoming increasingly aware of how their food and beverage choices can help them manage and, in some cases, reverse certain medical conditions, reports NPD. Especially young people are interested in using foods to improve their health.
According to Innova Market Insights’ Top 10 Trends for 2020, “stress and anxiety are key concerns in modern life as consumers manage careers, families and social lives while striving to maintain healthy lifestyles, both physically and mentally……This, in turn, raises the demand for nutritious foods that are easy to prepare, convenient and portable”.
Another food trend focused on health and wellness, plant-based proteins are becoming extremely popular as consumers search for more holistic products that provide a ‘clean’ label.
“Plant-based innovation in food and beverages continues to flourish as a result of consumer interest in health, sustainability and ethics, which ties into the broader consumer lifestyle trend towards cleaner living,” according to Innova Market Insights.
Sustainable foods on the rise
Consumers are seeking more transparency, honesty and authenticity from the companies that produce the food they are purchasing.
Innova Market Insights reported the number of global consumers who expect companies to invest in sustainability increased from 65 per cent in 2018 to 87 per cent in 2019. About half of consumers are willing to pay extra for products devoted to solving sustainability issues, the company found.
“Nine per cent of adults consider the environment as a top factor when making food and beverage purchase decisions, and it’s young adults, ages 18-44-years-old, who are most likely to feel this way,” finds The NPD Group.
Smart home market remains strong
According to Zion Market Research, the global smart home market was capitalised at almost $24.1 billion in 2016 and is likely to reach $53.45 billion by the end of 2022.
Smart speakers are on the rise as are kitchen products that help with cooking and smart clocks that help you sleep better and wake up feeling more rested.
