Editorial Features
Trend 4: Mix It Up
The WNWN 2020 Trend Report features the top nine design trends for today as told by the WNWN Ambassadors, a group of 94 designers from across the country. From prioritizing a sense of calm at home to creating mixed period style interiors, these nine trends will reign supreme through 2020 and 2021.
![WNWN Trend 4_Mix It Up_Carlton Varney](https://nydc.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/WNWN-Trend-4_Mix-It-Up_Carlton-Varney.jpg)
Carlton Varney, photo by Dorothy Draper & Company, Inc.
![WNWN Trend 4_Mix It Up_Cynthia Ferguson](https://nydc.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/WNWN-Trend-4_Mix-It-Up_Cynthia-Ferguson.jpg)
Cynthia Ferguson, photo by Donna Griffith
Homeowners are moving away from a single style of home and looking more towards mixed decorating styles. As we’ve seen with the rise of grandmillenial – or granny chic – a term coined by millennials embracing outdated or “grandma style” décor options paired with modern styles. Read on to learn why our WNWN Ambassadors predict mixed period style interiors will remain among the top trends this year.
“I think as we move forward, we will increasingly combine the old and new, the classical and modern – rooms that are all modern or all antique do not age as well. People are seeking rooms that are both new and fresh, as well as familiarly comfortable. I’ve always believed that successful contemporary interiors belong to a historic continuum and I can see us continuing towards authentic, meaningful design that transcends trends or one specific style.”
–Thomas Jayne of Jayne Design Studio
“Moving forward I see a greater movement towards clean-lined modern furniture with a vast amount of old-world vintage and antique pieces in the mix. For many years now spaces were very contemporary and sparse. I see a warmer perspective for the coming years, traditional vibes are back. Spaces will be less loft driven and soulless, more conscious of privacy and comfort. I see color and pattern with large florals and geometrics as very important.”
–Evelyn Benatar of Evelyn Benatar New York Interior Design
“Everything goes in cycles, so as we move through a period of seventies inspired furnishings, we are starting to see the influence of the 80’s emerging. I think some of this is fueling the move away from midcentury design and the desire for more traditional interiors, including canopy beds, plush upholstery and Laura Ashley inspired textiles. Simultaneously, sustainability and wellness in interiors are becoming increasingly important. The pause created by the COVID pandemic made people even more aware of the impact our choices have on the environment, a silver lining of sorts. That said, within all these trends, I think the focus on individual taste and a mix of periods and styles remains the strongest trend.”
–Anelle Gandelman of A-List Interiors
“The design industry today seems to be very divided between maximalist and minimalist decor. Some believe layering is the way to go while others want a clean, sparse look. Personally, I would love to see the demise of all white painted wall surfaces. As a color and pattern loving traditionalist, I want to look at something interesting and fun! I believe that brown furniture is still a major finish to be reckoned with and painted finishes will always be in. I want more textures in wall coverings, pattern on fabric, paint colors for walls, oriental rugs on the floors! Take your souvenirs from your Holiday and put them on display on a shelf to remind you of the good times. Life is short – make it happy!”
–Carleton Varney of Carleton Varney
“Like generations prior, history always seems to repeat itself. The next wave of design will not be exempt from this constant. I foresee
designers pulling inspiration from the past era. Millennials were able to revive pink walls, abstract geometric shapes, and rattan furniture. Don’t shoot the messenger…but the next design trend is bound to be the 90’s. I believe we’ll see a resurgence of hunter green walls, modern wicker furniture, and the infamous arched windows and walls that were iconic of the 1990s.”
–Mikel Welch of Mikel Welch Designs
![WNWN Trend 4_Mix It Up_Thomas Jayne](https://nydc.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/WNWN-Trend-4_Mix-It-Up_Thomas-Jayne.jpg)
Thomas Jayne, photo by Pieter Estersohn