Interior Design Trends of the 2020s: Part 2 – DIY and Vintage, Garden Rooms and Art Deco

Continuation of the article: Interior Design Trends of the 2020s: Part 1 .

4) DIY and Vintage

So far, the 2020s have been environmentally conscious and creative, as evidenced boho chic

Another trend that continues this year is do-it-yourself ideas or shopping in vintage stores , second-hand shops or at flea markets.

It doesn't always have to be new. Often, true treasures can be found away from the shop shelves and window displays of the sprawling shopping streets and malls in our cities, which can be integrated into one's own interior design either directly or with a little DIY.

This interior design trend is particularly noticeable online, especially on Pinterest: user search queries for terms like “vintage DIY” or “furniture from the vintage shop” have tripled compared to the already strong previous year.

Countless Pinterest boards and collections from all over the world are dedicated to DIY , upcycling , and vintage .

The renowned auction house Sotheby’s antiques last year , clearly reflecting changing attitudes towards the environment and consumption.

People are becoming increasingly aware of how their shopping habits and daily lives impact the environment. Therefore, they are finding ways to reduce these impacts and to act in a more environmentally friendly and sustainable manner.

Much to the delight of dealers in antiques and vintage items.

They seem to have moved beyond the one-stop-shop mentality of recent years and want to take the interior design of their apartments and houses to the next level.

They achieve this by familiarizing themselves with mixing and combining old and new while traveling. They often bring back locally or regionally produced items and souvenirs from around the world and integrate them into their living spaces.

Thus, every individual interior design tells the personal story of the person living there.

This is what the expert says:

As someone who appreciates the blend of modern and classic elements, I'm delighted by the revival and renewed popularity of traditional lines, patterns, and details in furniture and decorative accessories. Whether it's granny chic or a reaction against the saturation of mid-century furniture, it's wonderful to see that what's old is new again

Liz Foster from Decorist

How do you achieve retro chic?

You can achieve a particularly successful mix of old and new with pieces that have a simple and clean design language, ideally paired with genuine and authentic craftsmanship.

A cohesive, nostalgic retro look should be harmoniously coordinated to avoid appearing cluttered. It's also best to avoid placing too much emphasis on mid-century furniture. A carefully considered, targeted placement of these pieces creates a much more stylish retro chic .

Anna Brockway , co-founder and president of Chairish , sees the increasing popularity of vintage as a much broader return to traditional interior design and decor:

This trend embraces classic forms; beloved prints from established design houses; landscapes and portraits in striking decorative frames; wallpapers, ribbons, and embellishments to create spaces that feel lush, layered, and full. And yes – that includes traditional brown furniture!

An additional advantage of buying old furniture and antiques: these items are likely to increase in value over time.

Tapestries are also back in vogue. They are perfect as a visual focal point for a room. Large-format tapestries depicting idyllic landscapes bring the enchanting colors of nature indoors. The muted color palettes of greens, blues, and earth tones can serve as inspiration for the colors and textures of the entire room.

Los Angeles-based interior designer David Phoenix regularly sources antiques to enhance contemporary, modern interiors.

In a contemporary environment, it is nice to have an old piece or something you grew up with or that was passed down from a family member.”,

he leads.

Classicism is back

The return to bygone eras and fashions is also evident in the resurgence classicism Busts and Greek details lend a fresh perspective to any contemporary interior.

When dealing with this style, which may have been declared dead long ago, a playful approach is key. You should incorporate elements from the classical era without taking them too seriously.

The following videos provide examples of interior design, inspiration, and suggestions…

5) Garden Rooms / Urban Jungle / Indoor Jungle

The trend towards urbanization makes large cities a magical attraction. However, proximity to nature is often lost in the process. We quickly realize that amidst concrete jungles and small apartments without gardens or green spaces, we are missing something important: the gentle touch of nature as a source of strength and therapeutic balm for our souls.

Isn't it wonderful that nature visits us in our own homes garden rooms , urban jungles , or indoor jungles

This trend creates a green, natural counterpoint to an urbanized and industrialized environment. It's no wonder, then, that this interior design trend is at the top of the list.

This plant-inspired interior trend is all about creating a botanical oasis that nourishes your mind and thus significantly contributes to your mental well-being. And incidentally, it looks beautiful too.

Whether it's a herb bed on the windowsill, small vertical herb gardens in the kitchen, growing microgreens , or even overgrown, hanging gardens in the living spaces – there are almost no limits to your own creativity.

Houseplants have become a must-have for almost every stylish interior. According to a Pinterest report, terms like "garden room" saw a more than 100% increase in popularity in 2019. This growing interest appears to be continuing unabated into the 2020s.

Pinterest describes the phenomenon as "cultivating nature in your own secret garden ." It's like creating a small sanctuary in your living space that fully embraces all the benefits of nature.

This longing is something the writer Kat Poole all too aware of. Poole finds the act of caring for her houseplants therapeutic and emphasizes:

When I feel stressed or anxious, the only sure way to relax my brain is to focus entirely on the green things growing around me.”

She continues:

It requires both hands and no distractions. I can't do it with my phone, with only one hand, or with one eye glued to the TV.”

Guide to a successful implementation of Garden Rooms

Many, many plants…

Big, small, intricate, tall – the key to creating a botanical wonderland lies in a good mix of plants. The rule here is: more is more. So go on a real shopping spree.

Of course, one shouldn't completely disregard the care and maintenance that many plants require. However, their therapeutic effect also lies precisely in this nurturing and care.

And which plants are suitable for the urban jungle living trend ?

It's really quite simple! Just follow the straightforward motto "The color doesn't matter – as long as it's green ." Basically, numerous plant genera can be freely combined. So feel free to mix native plants with exotic ones, and potted plants with climbing plants.

A real jungle doesn't adhere to fixed structures and conventions.

The following plants are particularly popular:

• Swiss cheese plant – This tropical houseplant, botanically known as Monstera deliciosa, originates from South America. It is characterized primarily by its large, succulent leaves with window-like openings. The Swiss cheese plant prefers shade and moderate humidity.
• Musa – Among banana plants, the Musa, originating from Japan, has particularly distinguished itself. Its leaves can reach a size of over one meter. Therefore, it is ideal for impressive rooms, spacious entrance areas, and open-plan apartments with high ceilings. The Musa should be placed in a sunny location and needs frequent watering. However, it is quite tolerant of varying temperatures.
• Eucalyptus – a tall, pleasantly fragrant plant that we often only encounter in candies and teas. Its blue-green to silvery leaves exude a subtle elegance and therefore fit perfectly into minimalist , purist , and Scandinavian interior design styles . The eucalyptus (Eucalyptus gunnii) can grow up to three meters tall and thrives best in sunny locations with moist soil.
• Alocasia – The arrowhead plant owes its German name to the shape of its leaves, which resemble imposing arrowheads. The dark upper surface of the leaves is decorated with white lines. The underside is reddish. Place the Alocasia in a shady spot and avoid letting the soil dry out completely.
• Schefflera – a perennially popular, easy-care houseplant with dense green to dark green foliage and white flecks. This evergreen harmonizes with almost all interior design styles and is a perfect fit for vintage and retro chic.

Utilize height with shelves, racks, boards, and hangers

You can create a real sense of depth by utilizing the room height and playfully varying the placement of plants vertically and horizontally.

Lift your green friends off the ground to add another dimension garden room

The goal of a garden room is to feel immersed in a tranquil oasis surrounded by your plants. If you are able to place or install shelves, boards, stands, and hanging fixtures in your room, plants suspended overhead contribute wonderfully to this effect. An atmosphere of comfort and security, nestled in the embrace of nature, unfolds.

There are many ways to create vertical storage. You can opt for multiple shelves stacked on top of each other, multi-tiered displays, ceiling-mounted hanging devices, or even rope constructions knotted yourself using macrame .

Send your imagination on a journey and it will show you the way.

Different flower pots

Even if your indoor jungle has little space, using flower pots, tubs, boxes and other plant containers of different sizes, variations, designs and styles will create a more relaxed look and make the aesthetics of your plants more interesting.

Visit various DIY stores, garden centers and department stores, browse online shops and keep an eye out for rare vintage items .

And it doesn't always have to be the classic flowerpot. You might notice unusual containers or receptacles that can be repurposed for your indoor jungle.

Paint the walls in calming colors

Paint the walls in soft and calming colors to provide a harmonious setting for your plants.

I especially love pale sage greens and deep, rich navy blues .

Round mirrors

Many of my favorite examples of garden rooms feature large, round mirrors , which make the room appear bright, light-filled and airy.

They also reflect the images of the plants, so you feel even more surrounded by your botanical friends and the green paradise seems even bigger and more expansive.

Terrariums and glass containers

Especially suitable if you don't have much space and want to create a small miniature world in the middle of your apartment. Terrariums require a lot of attention and love . This can have a therapeutic effect and help us experience mindful moments of devotion.

If you have the space, I recommend buying several of these in different sizes. There are even some that can be hung from the ceiling.

Professional tips from the "Crazy Plant Lady"

New York-based model Summer Rayne Oakes is not nicknamed "Crazy Plant Lady" .

Visit the urban jungle enthusiast in her Brooklyn apartment, where she has now established over 500 plants…

You can also see an urban jungle makeover in time-lapse in the following video…

Inspiration and examples for garden rooms on Pinterest

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6) Art Deco

Want to live like in the days of the Great Gatsby Art Deco trend makes it possible . This style, with its sophisticated 1920s flair, is more popular than ever. Interior design enthusiasts are particularly drawn to art objects of all kinds from this era or pieces inspired by it.

Art Deco was one of the most exciting and influential styles of the 20th century and continues to significantly shape interior and furniture design today. After the horrors of the First World War, life was celebrated in an extravagant and glamorous way as the dawn of a brighter future.

With its diverse elements, this interior design style creates a new clarity, skillfully blended with a touch of French glamour and opulent luxury . The Art Deco style combines geometric forms of classic modernism with an exuberant desire for luxury.

He thus positions himself as a counter-movement to the reduced and functional Scandi-Chic style and surprised us in the early 2020s with all sorts of opulent furnishing ideas and concepts from the “golden” 1920s.

The Paris furniture fair “Maison & Objet” clearly demonstrated that Art Deco style interiors are one of the major trends of our time.

Besides the interior design sector, this style is also found primarily in the world of fashion.

This is what the expert says:

Lighting is so important in every design. For the remainder of the 2020s, we can expect an increase in modern French and Art Deco lighting designs.”

, emphasized Highlyann Krasnow of The Design High .

Origins and history

Generally speaking, we locate the origins of this style in the "Roaring Twenties" , i.e., in the golden 20s of the last century.

More precisely, the original Art Deco furniture style only became established and widespread in France and Austria between 1925 and 1940. It was inspired by Art Nouveau and contrasted with the minimalist and strictly functional Bauhaus style in Germany.

The artists, designers, and architects of that era drew their inspiration from various movements such as Rococo, Biedermeier, and Viennese Art Nouveau. Nature was also a popular source of inspiration.

The materials used and their effect in the room played a significant role.

The following video takes us on a quick tour through the history of this style:

Features and characteristics

It is not possible to define a single, isolated characteristic for this interior design style – rather, it is characterized by the interplay of different influences.

Art Deco is characterized by luxurious materials , patterned surfaces, and both sensual and geometric forms. Velvet fabrics, gold tones, and floral patterns are particularly popular.

Key features at a glance:

• clear, symmetrical shapes and straight, elegant lines
• Ornaments and decorations made up of jagged lines, arcs, steps and angles
• geometric patterns and decorations
• avant-garde, streamlined design and sensual design language
• precious materials such as marble, ebony, ivory, amboyna, amaranth, velour and mahogany
• shiny and highly polished surfaces such as brass, chrome, crystal glass or lacquered wood (e.g. sophisticated lacquering techniques from Japan)
• imaginative and colorful decorations, often inspired by nature and the plant world
• elegant, dark jewel tones

Opulence, decadence and luxury

create an Art Deco ambience boldly, opulently, and lavishly . Splendor meets elegance.

Typical Art Deco furniture consists essentially of pieces that were already found in the homes of nobles and royalty during the time of emperors and kings, e.g. serving trolleys, console tables, side tables , opulent mirrors and dressing tables, as well as representative desks and lounge furniture, such as the chaise lounge or the ottomans.

The quality of the material was just as important as its origin. Marble and onyx from Italy, exotic dark woods from overseas, tiles from Spain and Portugal, and carpets from the Orient were all essential.

A furniture style emerged that was characterized by visible quality and a great deal of handwork, thereby showcasing the refined taste of the inhabitant.

Great emphasis was also placed on the design of the pieces – decadence and opulence, luxury and wealth were the intended outward signal. Even safes were elaborately designed during this period and openly displayed in the house.

Pattern and form language

Popular motifs included the fan, geometric shapes and patterns, and lines.

Upholstery and home textiles were primarily velvet or shimmering, finely woven fabrics such as satin. Wallpapers with large patterns and floral motifs also became prominent in Art Deco. A dark shade of green was frequently used as a contrasting color to gold.

See a selection of distinctive, exceptional Art Deco interiors in the following video:

Here's how to achieve the Art Deco style in your home:

Those who want to enrich their living spaces with a touch of lavish nostalgia are right on trend. The incomparable flair of Art Deco can be achieved, for example, with the following accessories:

• Antique furnishings and decorative objects in the style of the 1920s
• Cushions or upholstered armchairs or even antique wingback chairs made of heavy fabrics such as velvet and brocade
• Coffee tables with solid wood and marble top
• Textiles with geometric patterns or large-scale plant prints or the typical peacock feather
• Wallpapers and decorative fabrics with geographical patterns (arrow-shaped, zigzag, trapezoidal, radial)
• Furs and animal hides as wall decoration
• Lamps made of brass, gold-plated stainless steel, black glass or smoked glass; statement lamps; opulent lighting
• Opulent mirrors, e.g. with elaborate decorative frames
• Stylish bar or serving trolleys with a rounded design
• Wall objects in a sunbeam shape
• Expressive colors: mint green, yellow, pink, baby blue, deep blue to turquoise, glowing orange and pink tones, silver and gold (alternatively: monochrome or classic black and white)

Modern reinterpretations

As a stylistic principle, Art Deco does not need to be implemented in every detail true to the original style period. It can also be easily adapted to any interior and individually reinterpreted, so that hints of the original style are still preserved.

Contemporary reinterpretations celebrate this early 20th-century style era with an inherently opulent and luxurious feel, while remaining elegant, functional, and modern. This creates the ideal combination for the modern home.

While having a complete Art Deco interior creates a stunning effect, it is perfectly possible to incorporate only individual Art Deco interior design elements , which can be plentiful or sparse depending on taste and lifestyle.

Any Art Deco touch is guaranteed to lend your living space a hint of glamour and old-school flair.
Well-known companies dedicated to the Art Deco furniture style include Paolo Castelli from Italy and Hamilton Conte from France.

Art Deco interior design ideas on Pinterest

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… Onwards to part 3 of this series …