2020 Trends: A Mid-Year Peek at Designers' New Releases
COVID-19 may have left us with fewer trade fairs, but design companies are still delivering great ideas and products
There is no doubt that the past months have been some of the most unusual and challenging in years for homeowners, companies and society as a whole. After weeks of lockdown and social isolation, some countries have started easing restrictions and reopening to a ‘new normal’, while others are still in the middle of local emergencies. But what about design companies? What have they been working on?
Surprisingly, lots of new products that were just about to be released are now officially in the pipeline and on the way to shops. Though the process may be different and slower, manufacturers are still putting out new proposals for the rest of the year. As even the biggest and most important trade fairs have had to be cancelled, companies are finding new ways to reach their audiences, primarily through their own websites. Houzz got in touch with some of the biggest manufacturers worldwide to uncover the trends among their new offerings. These products reveal what we like, how we want to live in our homes and what we’ve missed over the past few months.
Surprisingly, lots of new products that were just about to be released are now officially in the pipeline and on the way to shops. Though the process may be different and slower, manufacturers are still putting out new proposals for the rest of the year. As even the biggest and most important trade fairs have had to be cancelled, companies are finding new ways to reach their audiences, primarily through their own websites. Houzz got in touch with some of the biggest manufacturers worldwide to uncover the trends among their new offerings. These products reveal what we like, how we want to live in our homes and what we’ve missed over the past few months.
Palma lamp, by Antoni Arola for Vibia Biophilic collection; photo by Justin Paquay
Thinking or redesigning your home? Find an interior designer near you on Houzz to work with
Thinking or redesigning your home? Find an interior designer near you on Houzz to work with
Flora Promenade rug by Santi Moix for Nanimarquina
Découpage Vases by Bouroullec Brothers for Vitra
Autumn 2020 display from Vitra; photo of Taylor Colantonio
All around earth colours
While florals are part of many patterns and textures, when it comes to colours, this year we are seeing earth tones return in a wide palette, from cream to terracotta. These colours are showing up all over, from the red-earth palette of Cor to the yellow, red, deep peach and dark green set of new rugs by Nanimarquina.
All around earth colours
While florals are part of many patterns and textures, when it comes to colours, this year we are seeing earth tones return in a wide palette, from cream to terracotta. These colours are showing up all over, from the red-earth palette of Cor to the yellow, red, deep peach and dark green set of new rugs by Nanimarquina.
Programm 520 chair by Marco Dessí for Thonet
Conseta sofa by F. W. Möller for Cor
Nanimarquina, staged picture showing the different colours of the new collection
Taba sofa by Alfredo Häberli for Moroso; photo by Alessandro Paderni
Adell armchair by Lievore + Altherr Désile Park for Arper
FangoRosa tiles collection
FangoRosa tiles collection
Babila XL chair by Odo Fioravanti for Pedrali, art direction Studio FM for Pedrali; photo by Andrea Garuti
Bold blue is back
Earth colours are not the only trend with staying power. While black is becoming less popular, blue is now replacing it. This colour is more versatile and more emotionally indulgent while we shelter at home.
11 Ways With ‘Yves Klein Blue’
Bold blue is back
Earth colours are not the only trend with staying power. While black is becoming less popular, blue is now replacing it. This colour is more versatile and more emotionally indulgent while we shelter at home.
11 Ways With ‘Yves Klein Blue’
Aston Club by Jean-Marie Massaud for Arper; photo by Salva López
Avalanche by Metrica for Cor
Era Scrittoio by David Lopez Quincoces for Living Divani
Back to the past
Shapes from the 19th century and the 1950s are having a comeback. From very simple designs like school chairs or writing desks, to the elegant forms of the Ligne Roset sofa.
Back to the past
Shapes from the 19th century and the 1950s are having a comeback. From very simple designs like school chairs or writing desks, to the elegant forms of the Ligne Roset sofa.
Moca Stacked chair by Jasper Morrison by Vitra
Blume by Sebastian Herkner for Pedrali; art direction by Studio FM; photo by Andrea Garuti
2020 Fair Report: Timber, Craftsmanship and Fun With LEDs
2020 Fair Report: Timber, Craftsmanship and Fun With LEDs
Hémicycle by Philippe Nigro for Ligne Roset
Hémicycle by Philippe Nigro for Ligne Roset
Dueppo by Mathieu Delacroix for Ligne Roset
Stone and stone-effect materials are still hits
Stone, or stone-effect finishes are used as the main materials for lamps or outdoor basins. FontanaArte, for example, is featuring marble in every colour on their lamps, while Agape’s basins feature grey stone.
Stone and stone-effect materials are still hits
Stone, or stone-effect finishes are used as the main materials for lamps or outdoor basins. FontanaArte, for example, is featuring marble in every colour on their lamps, while Agape’s basins feature grey stone.
Tropico table lamp by Gabriele and Oscar Buratti for FontanaArte, white version
Tropico table lamp by Gabriele and Oscar Buratti for FontanaArte, black version
Petra basin by Diego Vencato and Marco Merendi for Agape
Carrara Outdoor Collection by Benedini Associati for Agape
FangoRosa tiles collection
Tobia floor lamp in gold, by Ferruccio Laviani for Foscarini
Mini and portable designs
Some playful objects including lamps or even miniature portable kitchens are meant to help us in our ever-changing homes – especially now, after spending so long at home, which for many has meant trying to get the most from tiny spaces. Multi-functional or even portable products are now even more welcome.
Mini and portable designs
Some playful objects including lamps or even miniature portable kitchens are meant to help us in our ever-changing homes – especially now, after spending so long at home, which for many has meant trying to get the most from tiny spaces. Multi-functional or even portable products are now even more welcome.
Open Air shower by Benedini Associati for Agape’s Outdoor Collection
Cucinotta by Fabita
Cucinotta by Fabita
Aston Club chairs by Jean-Marie Massaud for Arper; photo by Frederik Vercruysse
Every shape of armchairs and dining chairs
The furniture winner of the first six months of the year – and the most-produced item – is the living/dining chair. We’ve seen a variety of comfortable new chairs or light armchairs.
Every shape of armchairs and dining chairs
The furniture winner of the first six months of the year – and the most-produced item – is the living/dining chair. We’ve seen a variety of comfortable new chairs or light armchairs.
Ruff armchair by Patricia Urquiola for Moroso; photo by Alessandro Paderni
Patricia Urquiola on The Ever-Changing World of Design
Patricia Urquiola on The Ever-Changing World of Design
Adell by Lievore + Altherr Désile Park for Arper; photo by Frederik Vercruysse
Panarea chair by CMP Design for Pedrali; art direction Studio FM; photo by Andrea Garuti
Lounge Chair Citizen by Konstantin Grcic for Vitra
Bob basin in Dekton created with the artistic direction of Angeletti Ruzza Design for Ceramica Globo
Boutique bathroom fixtures
Bathrooms are losing their minimal style and moving in the direction of a more cosy and decorated room. This year there is lots of attention on the bathroom experience, to make this space one of the most stylish in the house.
Your turn
Which of these trends excites you? Tell us in the Comments below, like this story, save the images for inspiration, and join the conversation.
More
Are you up-to-date with this year’s Designer of the Year? Catch up here: In Conversation With 2020 Designer of the Year, Franklin Azzi
Boutique bathroom fixtures
Bathrooms are losing their minimal style and moving in the direction of a more cosy and decorated room. This year there is lots of attention on the bathroom experience, to make this space one of the most stylish in the house.
Your turn
Which of these trends excites you? Tell us in the Comments below, like this story, save the images for inspiration, and join the conversation.
More
Are you up-to-date with this year’s Designer of the Year? Catch up here: In Conversation With 2020 Designer of the Year, Franklin Azzi
Moca chairs by Jasper Morrison and Vases Découpage by Bouroullec Brothers
New florals
From flower patterns to lights incorporating plants, we’re also seeing original vases and rugs with floral decoration: the search for colour and a spring feel is the mood at many international design companies.