6 Tired Trends We’re Bidding Farewell in 2020

And what to try instead.
blue marbled wallpaper in bedroom

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It’s time for a bit of introspection. 2019 was full of many delightful new design moments—remember the baguette lamp?—but it was also a time in which we saw trends that have been going strong for the past few years reach a point of saturation, and to quote a certain philosopher, we couldn’t help but wonder what’s next. So we combed through every design show and buzzy collection from the past 12 months to come up with a few predictions. 

While putting together our list, Team Domino also noted a few trends we’re ready to put to rest. Here they are, in no particular order, along with the 2.0 versions we can’t wait to test out in 2020. Of course, style is subjective, but suffice to say the future is looking like an intriguing mix of playful and elegant. 

Goodbye: Tie-Dye Hello: Galactic-Inspired Marbling

The ode to our summer camp days was fun while it lasted, but lately—especially as the temperatures have started to drop—we’ve been seeing more and more of another swirly style on the more dramatic side: celestial decor. From iridescent splatters on mugs to trippy ombrés in headboards, there are tons of ways to bring this funky look home and still have it look elevated. 

Goodbye: Blond Wood Hello: Dark Wood

Nate Berkus called it: We’re going moody in 2020. Scour your antiques market for a classic mahogany furniture piece to anchor a space, whether it’s a coffee table or a bar cart. 1stdibs and Chairish are our go-tos, though we’re also starting to notice contemporary manifestations at our favorite retailers. 

Goodbye: Shiplap Hello: Limewash

No disrespect to Chip and Jo, but we’re ready to finally bid this farmhouse detail adieu. However, we’re all for keeping the best part of the paneled walls, the texture, alive through a different finish: limewash paint (or full-on plaster walls). Like shiplap, the old-world treatment will make any space instantly charming and cozy but with a cool Mediterranean flair. 

Goodbye: Terrazzo Hello: Speckled, Recycled Surfaces

You don’t have to give up the playful speckled look—just make it a bit more sustainable. We’ve been noticing an uptick in designers creating beautiful furniture from reused plastics and trash—most recently, Scandi brand Ganni used display pedestals from Smile Plastics made from bottles and coffee grounds in its Miami store. Other favorites: Ecobirdy for kids’ pieces, and a collaboration between Sarah Gibson and Nicholas Karlovasitis fittingly dubbed the Confetti Range.

Goodbye: Boho Rattan Hello: Modern Cane

Swap out that peacock chair for a sleeker Jeanneret design. It has the best traits of woven furniture (like a natural vibe that makes you feel like you’re on vacation) presented in a more refined, antique-inspired silhouette. 

Goodbye: Macramé Wall Weavings Hello: Stained Glass

If it’s statement-making wall art you’re after, try something Technicolor. Shimmering suncatchers are having a moment, and they’re a great way to add life to any room—particularly if it has a window or two to create those coveted, disco balllike flecks on every surface. Who says a tiny accent can’t totally transform a space

See more trends we love:  You Probably Bought One of 2019’s It Decor Items Without Realizing It These Flintstone-esque Nooks Are the Bookshelves of the Future The Bold Color That Dominated Design Miami

Elly Leavitt

Writer and Editor

Elly enjoys covering anything from travel to funky design (tubular furniture, anyone?) to the latest cultural trend. Her dream apartment would exist on the Upper West Side and include a plethora of mismatched antique chairs, ceramic vessels, and floor-to-ceiling bookcases—essential to her goal of becoming a poor man’s Nora Ephron. You can probably find her in line at Trader Joe’s. You will never find her at SoulCycle.