It’s almost a new year…and a new decade! 2020 is just around the corner and here at Lesley Wong Interiors, we are so excited for these design trends that will define the new year. From Pantone’s colour of the year (a beautiful, classic blue that we’ve already used) to the continued trend of mixed-use lobbies, here are the residential and commercial design trends you can look forward to seeing in 2020.


Calming Down
The world we live in is chaotic, and it seems that everyone is looking for a little bit of peace and a return to something more natural. This is coming through in the design trends for the year ahead.
Pantone’s colour of the year, Classic Blue, is a great colour to invoke stability, calm and comfort. It matches well with other trending colours, or holds its own, as seen here.
Another area where designs are reflecting our need for peace is with environmental touches. Whether live plants, wood finishes or other earthy touches, we are simplifying our approach to design and returning to all things natural.
Finally, we see it in a pared down approach to design. Especially in residential design, where the idea of the home as a haven reigns large, we are seeing a warm minimalism. Clean spaces but with softer neutrals (lest it become too stark), we are seeing a trend in 2020 towards simple spaces that feel lived in.
The “Millennial Effect”
We’ve mentioned before how millennials are growing up and exerting their influence in design. We see this most in design in the individual.
For our hospitality clients, that means the rise of the unique. Guests want to connect their stay to the larger context around them and are looking for the unique location’s personalities to shine through. Looking to the area’s history and environment for inspiration, hotels will continue to trend towards design that stays true to both the area and the brand.
Additionally, we cannot forget about the power of social media and creating designs that inspire “Instagram moments”


Sustainability & Durability
More than ever before, our society is cognizant of our individual impact on the environment and this will continue to drive design decisions. LED lights are increasingly becoming the norm, as well as sustainable materials such as natural wood and recycled textiles.
Even in other areas, designing to last is taking centre stage. Marble countertops are being edged out by porcelain and faux marble, which are more durable and much simpler to maintain. We’re seeing a decrease in disposable items, and that includes design elements. Purchases are made more meaningfully, and with an aim to minimize waste.
On the hospitality and commercial side, businesses are also taking a closer look at their environmental impact. By way of example, this year, we saw many hotels change from one-use amenities to larger dispensers.
The new year is the time when we make changes, and the space that we grow should be elevated to match. Lesley Wong Interiors would be happy to discuss any of your design needs as we enter into the 2020’s. Contact us here.
