“There is nothing new, except what has been forgotten.” Marie Antoinette

Design is cyclical, so it’s only a matter of time before that trend you wish would stay firmly in the past comes back around in a big way. 2020 has brought with it a new wave of “Modern Victorian” decor trends, mixing the old with the new, and borrowing from many different decades from the 20th century. We’ve been surprised to find ourselves embracing a lot of these outdated looks.

 

Wood Paneling

Nobody:

2020 designers: I have a great idea! Let’s bring back that wood panelling everyone hated from the 70s.

—

I didn’t think I’d be standing up in defense of wood paneling anytime soon, but this refreshed version of the classic 70s rec room wall treatment has me swooning. I’ve been saving pictures of slat walls for MONTHS.

The key to making this trend work for this century is twofold: Quality materials and moderation. Don’t start tearing down all your drywall to make room for particle board. These slat walls work because of their craftsmanship and because they’re balanced with tons of white.

 

Coloured cabinets

This one shouldn’t be a surprise. Coloured kitchen cabinets have been regaining momentum in the decor community for the last 5 years. We’re here for it, and not just the navy blues and muted forest greens that are so popular. The marigold cabinets in the picture below are so daring and work beautifully. Pair your bold colour choice with white uppers and backsplash, a neutral countertop, and some modern hardware. Remember balance is key for pulling off this look.

 

Wallpaper

Choosing the right wallpaper is tricky. Those samples are so small and don’t give you a great sense of the full pattern.

In 2020, ditch the dainty teeny tiny florals that were so popular 30 years ago and go for big, bold patterns, and pair with simple fabrics and clean lines elsewhere to balance out your space.

 

Integrated Cabinet Pulls

Everyone in the 90s knew at least 3 other people with oak-trimmed melamine cabinets. In the early 2000s, everyone knew at least 3 people who were ready to ditch their oak-trimmed melamine cabinets.

It’s hard to believe that this was ever the height of interior decor, but their popularity soared for years at the end of the last century. In this century, designers are pairing simple cabinet doors with bold natural stone and metal accents that look oh-so-chic.

 

Parquet Flooring

Parquet flooring dates back to the 16th century when craftsmen would painstakingly arrange tiny pieces of wood into beautiful mosaics in the estates of the upper class. It rose to popular prominence in the 1960s, when manufacturers were able to produce a low-cost, tiled version for the masses. But these, mass-produced floors, like all things low quality, didn’t age well.

The difference today? Carpenters have returned to a higher quality, bespoke version of this classic floor treatment. Creating patterns out of real wood to suit the space it’s being created for.

 

Statement Headboards

Move over minimalism, maximalism is here and it’s not going anywhere for a while. 

If someone had told me 10 years ago that I’d be all for velvet accents and art deco silhouettes in home decor, I’d tell them they were crazy. But, these statement headboards and lush fabrics have me head over heels. The low minimalist wooden headboards with clean lines of the 2010s are so over, and the rich-looking upholstered pieces that have taken their place are sheer perfection.

 

Colourful Appliances

I, for one, never want to see the almond-toned appliances that look like they may have once been white ever again. But companies like SMEG and Bertazzoni have done a beautiful job of introducing colour into their product lines in a way that feels authentic and exclusive.

The use of colour in appliance manufacturing is an exciting and welcome change for an industry that has lacked variety for decades.
Before embracing this look, think long and hard about the colour you want and how much you can live with for the next 10 years or so. With a price tag of $16,000 for a new SMEG range, you’ll be living with it for quite a while.

 

Glass Block

I’ve always had a bit of a soft spot for this popular 1980s feature, so I’m feeling a bit vindicated about this one being back in style. Glass block is great for letting in light while preserving privacy.

Use this versatile material in your bathroom, front entry, or hallway design, sparingly and paired with clean, modern lines.

 

Dusty Pastels

I didn’t think we’d see the return of dusty rose, sage, and forest green so soon, but they’re here. And I’m as surprised as anyone to say that I love it.

Using these soft tones with modern prints and materials is the key to success. Don’t be afraid to add a lot of white to the mix.

 

Wicker and Rattan Furniture

That heavy cape cod-esque wicker easy chair sitting in your mom’s house can stay firmly in the early 2000s where it belongs. The wicker we’re talking about is that “perfectly boho” rattan peacock chair that makes your space look like you spend your Saturdays hunting for flea market treasures, or the gorgeous cane dining chair with an iconic Breuer-style metal base.

This look can go in one of two directions: a softer, more feminine boho vibe with airy sheer drapes, tons of floor cushions, and some macrame thrown in for good measure; or a more tailored look with midcentury modern influence with a neutral palette, straight lines, and black or deep charcoal accents. Either way, use greenery to add some colour to the space and tie the look together.

 

Florals

I’m feeling personally victimized by the dainty floral swag and jabot in the outdated version of this look. Between the valence, the wallpaper, the lampshades, and the table skirt it’s all WAY too much.

Moderation is once again the key to pulling off this look. Notice how the bold floral accent wall below is paired with simple fabrics and a limited colour palette.

It’s also important to note the scale of the pattern. As I mentioned above, the dainty florals of decades past feel more “Victorian nightmare” than Elle Decor worthy.

 

Terrazzo

The Terrazzo of 2020 has gotten a bit of an overhaul. This beautiful Italian material is looking less “nondescript flooring in an elementary school cafeteria” and more “someone shot off a confetti canon in your house”– but in the best way possible.

While I am loving this look in 2020, I definitely worry that the bold pattern will find itself looking dated pretty quickly. If you’re feeling brave, but don’t want to commit to 10-15 years of this look front and centre in your kitchen, try to incorporate Terrazzo in a powder room or laundry area.

 

I’ve said it a few times here, but the keys to incorporating these looks into your own home are moderation, balance, and using quality materials and craftsmanship.

Not sure where to start? We can help.

Our team of dedicated professionals can give you tips for choosing finishes and upgrades that will not only look great in your space but look great to potential buyers down the road.