This Year's Color Trends To Guide Your Design

If you’ve paid any amount of attention to pop culture, you’ll know that we’re constantly referencing the past. Currently, it feels like everybody is missing those key 80s aesthetics. And if there is one aspect of the 80s that everyone is latching onto, it’s neon. Of course, you could just throw up some neon lights and call it a day, but you should go a bit further. Think about contrast. Combine bright blues and pinks or reds and purples. Use classic outrun and vaporwave palettes. Consider using soft LEDs to light your rooms rather than harsh white light. Throw in some vintage decor like vinyl records to add some refined flair to the area.

Just as everyone is looking to the past, they’re also looking to the future. When most people think of the colors of the future, they think of chromes and silvers. However, not only is that extremely limiting, it’s not realistic. Consider using hyper-saturated blues, pinks, purples, and yellows. Colors that have high saturation simultaneously feel as though they have a slight glow while also seeming both flat and 3D. Pair this with isometric decor with lots of straight lines and you’ll be able to evoke a futuristic but still beautiful feeling.

If throwbacks to the 80s aren’t your style, what about going back a little further? We have over a century of incredible color concepts and designs to borrow from, so there’s no point in letting them go to waste. There are a few ways to embrace vintage. Colorwise, think about what decade you’d like to evoke. Usually, you’ll use extremely muted colors with some level of distressing. Mustards and creams almost always evoke that vintage feeling. Pair these with decor from the era you’re referencing. Art Deco is seeing a major resurgence, so try using bold outlines and straight edges.

Historically, it’s been extremely difficult to have monochromatic designs because there just weren’t enough subtle shifts between shades of the same color. However, that’s changed in recent years. Pick your favorite color and almost every paint company has slight variations available to you. A major trend this year is monochromatic green. Make sure to choose colors that are easy on the eyes. Since you’ll be seeing the color everywhere, a color that’s too saturated can become extremely annoying. If the color is too powerful, add some moments to break it up. For example, perhaps use some dark, bold wood furniture to offset some of the green while still complementing the overall aesthetic.

When it comes to design, there are few names as influential as Pantone. Every year, Pantone’s Color of the Year dictates everything from home paint to clothing colors. This year, they’ve chosen Classic Blue. This is a beautiful shade that sits comfortably between mid-tone and deep blue and it is incredibly easy to build around. Generally, blues represent comfort, intelligence, and maturity. Because it is a saturated color, make sure to pair it with furniture that has strong colors. Browns, purples, and greens can all help flesh out the overall design.

A major part of the 21st century is crossing borders and referencing other cultures. Mantra is a design idea that sits firmly between Scandinavian design and Japanese minimalism. Use a palette with muted warm and cool tones. Think of colors that are soft and soothing, like pinks and blues. To add some pop, add in some metallic gold furniture. Too much and it will look gaudy, so make sure to restrain yourself. Soft off-whites can help fill space if the colors seem too powerful.

It should come as a surprise to no one that naturalism is returning as a trend for 2020. There are few things as timeless as the earthy tones and blue hues of Mother Nature. When designing with a naturalist theme in mind, try thinking beyond the obvious. Of course, you can use strong, wooden furniture and some bold greens. However, you may find it more interesting to harness wicker decor with some slightly muted blues and greens to update the overall look. Display some plants to add in some actual nature.

Pantone’s Color of the Year may not be your style, but their spring and summer New York Fashion Week suggestions just might be. While these may be for clothing design, color theory applies to everything. Pantone has chosen some bold oranges and reds as their leading colors this year. These are powerful, saturated shades so make some strong choices with your decor, as well. Add in some sculptures with a modern art twist or hang some pop art on your walls.

One of the most interesting trends to arise in 2020 is the idea of comfort and humanity. This palette harnesses silky tones such as clove and soft coral. These hues have a relaxing energy and pair well with everything from modern furniture to decor with some retro inspirations. Because this trend is both bright and comforting, it’s ideal for those who want to make their residence feel like home. For some contrast, add charcoal or dark gray pieces or elements.

Ultimately, the biggest color trend of 2020 is to simply do what you like. Chances are, you have a pretty good idea of what colors you enjoy. You also know exactly what kind of decor and furniture you have. Think about your room and design your colors around your favorite piece. Because there are seemingly infinite paint choices available, you can match any aesthetic at any time. Spend 2020 being your most authentic self.