Step into a world of style and innovation with our exploration of home decorating ideas from 2019. This year witnessed a fusion of timeless elegance and cutting-edge trends, shaping interiors that were both aesthetically pleasing and functionally sound. From embracing sustainable practices to integrating smart home technology, homeowners sought to create spaces that reflected their individual personalities while contributing to a more mindful and connected lifestyle.
This comprehensive guide delves into the key trends that defined home decorating in 2019, offering insights into color palettes, sustainable materials, geometric patterns, and the growing popularity of minimalist aesthetics. We’ll also explore the role of statement lighting, the importance of incorporating natural elements, and the significance of personalized touches in creating a truly unique and inviting home.
Trending Color Palettes
saw a shift in home decor trends, with color palettes playing a pivotal role in creating inviting and stylish spaces. This year, homeowners embraced a diverse range of colors, moving away from traditional neutrals and embracing bolder hues.
Impact of Color Palettes on Interior Design Trends
Color palettes significantly impact the overall ambiance and style of a space. They influence mood, evoke emotions, and create a sense of harmony. In 2019, the use of specific color palettes reflected a desire for spaces that were both visually appealing and conducive to relaxation and well-being.
Popular Color Palettes in 2019
Here are some of the popular color palettes that dominated home decorating in 2019:
- Earthy Tones: This palette featured warm and grounding colors like terracotta, burnt orange, olive green, and mustard yellow. These colors evoked a sense of nature and created a cozy and inviting atmosphere.
- Jewel Tones: Deep and rich hues like emerald green, sapphire blue, and ruby red added a touch of sophistication and drama to interiors. These colors were often used as accent colors, creating striking contrasts against neutral backgrounds.
- Pastel Hues: Soft and delicate shades like blush pink, lavender, and mint green brought a sense of tranquility and airiness to spaces. These colors were popular in bedrooms and living rooms, creating a calming and relaxing environment.
- Monochromatic Schemes: This palette involved using different shades of the same color, creating a sense of unity and sophistication. For example, a monochromatic scheme using various shades of blue could create a serene and calming atmosphere.
- Bold and Bright: This palette embraced vibrant and energetic colors like yellow, orange, and turquoise. These colors were often used as statement pieces, adding a pop of personality and energy to spaces.
Mood Board of Color Palettes and Associated Styles
Imagine a mood board showcasing different color palettes and their associated styles. The board would be divided into sections, each representing a different palette.
* Earthy Tones: A section showcasing a living room with terracotta walls, a burnt orange sofa, and olive green accents. This section would represent a rustic and cozy style.
* Jewel Tones: A section showcasing a dining room with emerald green velvet chairs, a sapphire blue rug, and ruby red accents. This section would represent a sophisticated and glamorous style.
* Pastel Hues: A section showcasing a bedroom with blush pink walls, a lavender headboard, and mint green bedding. This section would represent a tranquil and romantic style.
* Monochromatic Schemes: A section showcasing a bathroom with various shades of blue, from a light blue shower tile to a navy blue vanity. This section would represent a serene and calming style.
* Bold and Bright: A section showcasing a kitchen with yellow cabinets, orange countertops, and turquoise backsplash. This section would represent a vibrant and energetic style.
Sustainable Decor
In today’s world, sustainability is not just a trend; it’s a way of life. This awareness is extending to our homes, leading to a growing demand for sustainable decor. Homeowners are increasingly seeking out eco-friendly materials and practices to create beautiful and responsible living spaces.
Sustainable Materials and Their Applications
Sustainable materials are sourced and manufactured in ways that minimize their environmental impact. They are often renewable, recyclable, or have a low carbon footprint. Here are some examples of sustainable materials and their common applications in home décor:
- Bamboo: A fast-growing and renewable resource, bamboo is used in flooring, furniture, and even kitchen countertops. Its natural warmth and durability make it a popular choice for sustainable design.
- Cork: Extracted from the bark of cork oak trees, cork is a naturally sustainable and versatile material. It’s used in flooring, wall coverings, and even furniture upholstery. Cork is known for its resilience, sound-absorbing qualities, and natural beauty.
- Recycled Glass: Glass can be recycled endlessly without losing its properties. It’s often used to create unique tiles, countertops, and even furniture accents, adding a touch of industrial chic to a space.
- Reclaimed Wood: Reclaimed wood comes from old buildings, barns, and other structures. It’s a beautiful and sustainable option for flooring, furniture, and accent walls. Reclaimed wood adds character and history to a space while reducing the need for new wood harvesting.
- Organic Cotton: Grown without the use of harmful pesticides or fertilizers, organic cotton is a sustainable and hypoallergenic fabric. It’s used in upholstery, bedding, and textiles, bringing a natural and comfortable feel to the home.
Eco-Friendly Decorating Tips
There are many ways to incorporate sustainable practices into your home decorating:
- Choose sustainable materials: Opt for materials like bamboo, cork, reclaimed wood, and recycled glass whenever possible.
- Shop local and support small businesses: Local businesses often use sustainable practices and source materials responsibly. This helps reduce your carbon footprint and supports your community.
- Upcycle and repurpose: Give old furniture and items a new life by transforming them into unique décor pieces. This saves resources and adds character to your space.
- Use natural and non-toxic paints and finishes: Look for paints and finishes made with low VOCs (volatile organic compounds), which are harmful to indoor air quality.
- Reduce, reuse, and recycle: Minimize waste by reducing your consumption and finding creative ways to reuse or recycle items around your home.
- Embrace natural light: Maximize natural light by using light-colored paint, removing heavy curtains, and strategically placing mirrors to reflect light.
- Conserve energy: Use energy-efficient lighting, appliances, and heating and cooling systems to reduce your environmental impact.
- Plant a garden: A garden not only adds beauty to your home but also provides fresh food, improves air quality, and supports local biodiversity.
Smart Home Integration
In 2019, technology has become an integral part of home decorating, seamlessly blending functionality and aesthetics. Smart home devices, with their ability to enhance comfort, security, and energy efficiency, are no longer a futuristic concept but a reality embraced by many homeowners.
Examples of Smart Home Devices and Their Integration into Interior Design
Smart home devices offer a range of functionalities, each impacting interior design in unique ways.
- Smart Lighting: Dimmable LED lights controlled by voice commands or smartphone apps can create the perfect ambiance for any occasion. These lights can be seamlessly integrated into the ceiling, walls, or furniture, adding a modern touch to the space. For instance, recessed lighting in the living room can be programmed to mimic natural sunlight, while accent lighting in the kitchen can be controlled to highlight specific areas.
- Smart Thermostats: Learning thermostats, such as Nest or Ecobee, adapt to your preferences and schedule, automatically adjusting the temperature for optimal comfort and energy savings. These devices can be sleekly mounted on the wall, blending in with the existing decor.
- Smart Security Systems: Security cameras, door locks, and motion sensors offer peace of mind and enhance home security. These devices can be discreetly placed around the home, minimizing their visual impact. For example, a smart doorbell with a built-in camera can be installed on the front door, while motion sensors can be placed strategically around the perimeter of the house.
- Smart Appliances: Smart refrigerators, ovens, and washing machines offer convenience and efficiency. These appliances can be seamlessly integrated into the kitchen and laundry room, adding a modern touch to these spaces. For example, a smart refrigerator with a touchscreen display can be used to manage groceries, while a smart oven can be preheated remotely using a smartphone app.
Benefits and Challenges of Incorporating Smart Home Features
Smart home features offer numerous benefits, but also present some challenges.
- Benefits:
- Enhanced Comfort and Convenience: Smart home devices allow you to control your home environment from anywhere, anytime. For instance, you can preheat the oven while commuting home or adjust the thermostat remotely for optimal comfort.
- Increased Energy Efficiency: Smart devices, such as thermostats and lighting systems, can help reduce energy consumption and save money on utility bills.
- Enhanced Security: Smart security systems provide peace of mind by monitoring your home and alerting you to potential threats.
- Improved Accessibility: Smart home features can make homes more accessible for people with disabilities. For example, voice-activated controls can allow individuals with mobility limitations to control lights, appliances, and other devices.
- Challenges:
- Cost: Smart home devices can be expensive, especially if you want to integrate a wide range of features.
- Privacy Concerns: Some people are concerned about the privacy implications of smart home devices, as they collect data about their habits and routines.
- Complexity: Setting up and using smart home devices can be challenging for some people, especially those who are not tech-savvy.
- Compatibility Issues: Not all smart home devices are compatible with each other, which can make it difficult to create a seamless integrated system.
Geometric Patterns and Textures
Geometric patterns and textures have been a prominent design trend in 2019, adding a modern and sophisticated touch to homes. These patterns can be incorporated in various ways, from furniture and textiles to accessories, creating a visually appealing and dynamic space.
Geometric Patterns in Furniture
Geometric patterns are often seen in furniture designs, adding visual interest and a sense of structure to the space. For example, geometric shapes like triangles, squares, and circles can be incorporated into furniture pieces through the use of upholstery, wood carving, or metal accents.
- A sofa with a geometric pattern in the upholstery can be a focal point in the living room, adding a touch of contemporary flair.
- A coffee table with a geometric pattern in the wood veneer can create a visually interesting contrast with other furniture pieces.
- A chair with a geometric pattern in the back can add a touch of whimsy to the dining room or bedroom.
Geometric Patterns in Textiles
Geometric patterns are also prevalent in textiles, adding visual interest and a sense of movement to the space. These patterns can be found in rugs, curtains, throws, and pillows.
- A rug with a geometric pattern can define a space and create a sense of cohesion.
- Curtains with a geometric pattern can add a touch of sophistication to the windows.
- Throws and pillows with geometric patterns can add pops of color and texture to the sofa or bed.
Geometric Patterns in Accessories
Geometric patterns can also be incorporated into accessories, adding a touch of personality and style to the space. These patterns can be found in vases, lamps, artwork, and even tableware.
- A vase with a geometric pattern can be a striking centerpiece on the coffee table.
- A lamp with a geometric pattern in the shade can add a touch of modernism to the bedside table.
- Artwork with a geometric pattern can create a focal point in the living room or bedroom.
- Tableware with a geometric pattern can add a touch of sophistication to the dining table.
Bohemian Chic
Bohemian chic, often referred to as “boho,” is a home decor style that embraces a free-spirited and eclectic aesthetic. It celebrates a mix of cultures, textures, and colors, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere that reflects a love for travel and individuality.
Key Elements of Bohemian Chic Decor
Bohemian chic decor is characterized by a unique blend of elements that evoke a sense of global wanderlust and artistic expression. Here are some key features that define this style:
| Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Color Palette | Warm, earthy tones like terracotta, ochre, and burnt orange are often combined with vibrant jewel tones such as emerald green, sapphire blue, and ruby red. Natural shades of beige, cream, and brown are also common, creating a grounding effect. |
| Textiles | Bohemian chic embraces a variety of textiles, including luxurious fabrics like velvet, silk, and linen. Handwoven rugs, tapestries, and throws with intricate patterns and vibrant colors add texture and visual interest. |
| Furniture | Bohemian chic furniture is often eclectic and vintage-inspired. Think low-slung sofas, armchairs with intricate carvings, and antique coffee tables with distressed finishes. Wicker and rattan furniture add a touch of natural charm. |
| Accessories | Bohemian chic is all about accessorizing with unique and meaningful pieces. Think macrame wall hangings, tribal masks, vintage mirrors, and collections of colorful pottery. Plants and flowers are also essential for bringing life and freshness to the space. |
Minimalist Aesthetics
Minimalist design is a popular trend in home decorating, offering a clean, clutter-free, and functional aesthetic. It emphasizes simplicity, functionality, and a sense of calm. This approach involves carefully selecting essential pieces, using a limited color palette, and creating a sense of spaciousness.
Minimalist Furniture
Minimalist furniture is characterized by clean lines, simple shapes, and a focus on functionality. It avoids unnecessary embellishments and prioritizes practical design.
- Scandinavian furniture: Known for its sleek and functional design, often featuring light wood, simple lines, and neutral colors.
- Mid-century modern furniture: Characterized by organic shapes, tapered legs, and a focus on craftsmanship.
- Contemporary furniture: Often incorporates bold geometric shapes, minimalist materials like metal and glass, and a focus on clean lines.
Minimalist Color Palettes
Minimalist design often employs a limited color palette, typically featuring neutral colors with a few pops of accent colors.
- Neutral colors: White, gray, black, beige, and cream are popular choices for walls, furniture, and textiles. These colors create a sense of calm and spaciousness.
- Accent colors: Adding pops of color through accessories, artwork, or textiles can add visual interest and personality to a minimalist space. Examples include deep blues, greens, yellows, or even a bold red.
Minimalist Decor Elements
Minimalist decor focuses on essential pieces that serve a purpose and enhance the overall aesthetic.
- Sculptural pieces: Minimalist sculptures, ceramics, or even plants can add visual interest and texture to a space.
- Geometric shapes: Geometric patterns and shapes in textiles, rugs, or artwork can add visual interest and a sense of order.
- Natural elements: Incorporating natural elements like wood, stone, or plants brings a sense of warmth and grounding to a minimalist space.
Minimalist Mood Board
- Imagine a living room with white walls and a light wood floor. A sleek, white sofa sits in the center, accompanied by a low, geometric coffee table made of natural wood. A large window lets in natural light, highlighting the clean lines of the space. On the walls, a few black and white photographs are hung in a simple grid pattern.
A potted succulent sits on the coffee table, adding a touch of green to the space.
Statement Lighting
Lighting is more than just a practical necessity in a home; it plays a crucial role in shaping the ambiance and mood of a space. Statement lighting fixtures can be the focal point of a room, adding a touch of personality and style while providing functional illumination.
Statement Lighting Fixtures for Different Styles
Statement lighting fixtures come in a wide variety of styles, each offering a unique aesthetic that can complement different home decor themes.
- Mid-Century Modern: Sleek, geometric pendant lights with brass or chrome accents, such as the iconic Sputnik chandelier, are popular choices for this style.
- Industrial Chic: Exposed bulbs and Edison bulbs are characteristic of industrial lighting, often featuring metal fixtures with a rustic or distressed finish. Think exposed filament bulbs in a cage-like structure or oversized pendant lights with black metal accents.
- Bohemian: Bohemian style embraces eclecticism and global influences. Statement lighting in this style might include Moroccan lanterns, colorful string lights, or chandeliers with woven shades.
- Contemporary: Contemporary lighting often features minimalist designs with clean lines and simple shapes. Look for pendant lights with geometric forms or sculptural elements, or sleek track lighting systems.
- Farmhouse: Farmhouse style often incorporates rustic elements with a touch of modern appeal. Statement lighting fixtures in this style might include farmhouse-style chandeliers with exposed wood beams or lantern-style pendants with distressed metal finishes.
Lighting Plan for a Living Room
A well-designed lighting plan for a living room can create a welcoming and functional space. Consider incorporating a variety of lighting options to provide different levels of illumination for various activities.
- Ambient Lighting: A statement chandelier or pendant light can serve as the main source of ambient lighting, providing overall illumination for the room. Consider a large-scale chandelier with multiple bulbs or a statement pendant light with a unique shape or finish. For a more modern feel, you could use a linear track lighting system with adjustable spotlights.
- Task Lighting: Table lamps and floor lamps are essential for providing task lighting for reading, working, or crafting. Choose lamps with adjustable shades or arms to direct light where needed. Consider lamps with a unique design or a bold color to add visual interest.
- Accent Lighting: Accent lighting can highlight specific features in the room, such as artwork, sculptures, or architectural details. Use spotlights, sconces, or small table lamps to create a sense of depth and dimension. For example, you could use a pair of sconces with frosted glass shades to highlight a painting above the fireplace.
Tip: When choosing statement lighting fixtures, consider the size and scale of the room, as well as the overall style of your décor. Balance the boldness of statement lighting with other elements in the room to create a cohesive and stylish look.
Natural Elements
Bringing the outdoors in is a key trend in home decor, creating spaces that feel calm, grounding, and connected to nature. Natural elements can transform your home into a sanctuary, promoting well-being and a sense of tranquility.
Incorporating Natural Elements
Natural materials like wood, stone, and plants are essential in creating a biophilic design, a concept that emphasizes the connection between humans and nature. These materials bring warmth, texture, and a sense of authenticity to any space.
Examples of Natural Materials in Interior Design
- Wood: From rustic beams to sleek wooden floors, wood adds warmth and character to any room. It’s versatile and can be used in various finishes, from polished to reclaimed, to suit different styles.
- Stone: Stone, whether used for countertops, accent walls, or flooring, adds a touch of rugged elegance and durability. It can be found in various colors and textures, from smooth marble to rough slate.
- Plants: Plants are the ultimate natural element, bringing life and freshness to any space. They improve air quality, reduce stress, and create a calming atmosphere. Choose plants that thrive in your home’s environment and complement your decor.
Ways to Incorporate Natural Elements
| Room | Natural Elements | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Living Room | Wood, plants, stone | Wooden coffee table, potted plants on shelves, stone fireplace |
| Bedroom | Wood, plants, natural textiles | Wooden headboard, bamboo blinds, cotton bedding |
| Kitchen | Wood, stone, plants | Wooden cabinets, granite countertops, herbs growing on a windowsill |
| Bathroom | Stone, wood, plants | Stone tiles, wooden vanity, potted ferns |
Personalized Touches
A house becomes a home when it reflects the unique personalities and stories of its inhabitants. Personalized touches go beyond mere decoration; they imbue your space with warmth, character, and a sense of belonging. By incorporating elements that resonate with your experiences, interests, and memories, you create a space that is truly your own.
Adding Personal Touches Through Artwork
Artwork serves as a powerful tool for personalization, allowing you to express your aesthetic preferences, passions, and inspirations. Consider displaying artwork that evokes specific memories, represents your cultural heritage, or showcases your artistic talents.
- Family Portraits and Photographs: Display cherished family photos in frames that complement your decor, creating a visual narrative of your loved ones and significant moments. Consider creating a gallery wall with a mix of black-and-white and color photos, or arranging them in a unique pattern on a shelf or mantel.
- Travel Souvenirs: Bring back memories of your adventures by incorporating travel souvenirs into your decor. Display vibrant textiles, intricate carvings, or colorful pottery on shelves or tables. Consider creating a dedicated “travel wall” where you can showcase souvenirs from different trips.
- Local Art and Crafts: Support local artists by purchasing their work, adding a touch of community and individuality to your space. Consider displaying paintings, sculptures, or handcrafted items that reflect the local culture and heritage.
Home Decorating Basics
Even if you’re not a professional designer, understanding basic decorating principles can help you create a space that feels both beautiful and functional. This section explores key concepts like color theory, balance, and proportion, offering practical tips and tricks for achieving a cohesive and aesthetically pleasing home.
Understanding Color Theory
Color theory is the foundation of successful decorating. It involves understanding how different colors interact and affect our perception of a space. Here’s a breakdown of key concepts:
- Color Wheel: The color wheel is a visual representation of the relationships between colors. It’s essential for understanding color schemes and creating harmonious combinations.
- Analogous Colors: These are colors that sit next to each other on the color wheel, creating a sense of unity and tranquility. For example, blue, blue-green, and green.
- Complementary Colors: These colors are opposite each other on the color wheel, creating a high-contrast effect. Examples include red and green, or blue and orange. Using complementary colors can add vibrancy and excitement to a space.
- Triadic Colors: This scheme uses three colors that are equally spaced on the color wheel, offering a balanced and visually appealing combination.
- Warm and Cool Colors: Warm colors like red, orange, and yellow are associated with energy and excitement, while cool colors like blue, green, and purple evoke feelings of calmness and tranquility.
Achieving Balance and Proportion
Balance refers to the visual weight of elements within a space, ensuring that no single element overpowers the others. Proportion deals with the relative size of objects in relation to each other and the overall space.
- Symmetry: This involves arranging elements in a mirrored fashion, creating a sense of formality and order.
- Asymmetry: This involves arranging elements in a less formal way, creating a more dynamic and visually interesting space. Asymmetrical balance can be achieved by using different sized objects and placing them strategically.
- Scale: This refers to the size of furniture and decor in relation to the size of the room. It’s important to choose pieces that are appropriately scaled to avoid overcrowding or making the space feel too small.
- Proportion: This refers to the relationship between different elements within a space, such as the height of furniture to the height of the walls, or the width of a rug to the size of the room. It’s important to create a sense of harmony and balance in these proportions.
Common Home Decorating Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Here’s a table outlining common decorating mistakes and how to avoid them:
| Mistake | Solution |
|---|---|
| Using too many colors | Stick to a limited color palette, typically 2-3 primary colors and 1-2 accent colors. |
| Ignoring natural light | Maximize natural light by using light-colored walls and curtains, and strategically placing mirrors to reflect light. |
| Overcrowding the space | Choose furniture and decor that are appropriately scaled for the room, leaving enough space for movement and flow. |
| Neglecting functionality | Prioritize practical needs, such as storage and seating, while incorporating style. |
| Forgetting the details | Pay attention to smaller details, such as throw pillows, artwork, and lighting, to add personality and polish. |
As we conclude our journey through home decorating ideas of 2019, it’s evident that the year brought a blend of practical functionality and artistic expression. Whether you’re seeking to refresh your existing space or embark on a complete renovation, the trends highlighted here offer a wealth of inspiration. Remember, the key to creating a truly beautiful and fulfilling home lies in embracing your personal style, incorporating elements that resonate with you, and creating a space that reflects your unique story.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some budget-friendly ways to update my home decor?
There are plenty of affordable ways to refresh your home decor! You can try painting accent walls, swapping out throw pillows and blankets, adding plants, rearranging furniture, or incorporating DIY projects.
How can I make my small space feel bigger?
Use light colors, mirrors to reflect light, and multi-functional furniture to maximize space in a small area. Consider vertical storage solutions to make the most of your walls.
What are the latest trends in kitchen design?
Open shelving, minimalist cabinetry, and statement backsplashes are popular kitchen design trends. Consider incorporating natural elements like wood or stone for a warm and inviting feel.