Wallpaper trends 2020

The stalwart of any decorating scheme, start your search with a little insider knowledge to truly get the best out of the new collections with these wallpaper trends for 2020.

‘Wallpaper is a key trend for 2020, and the insatiable appetite from consumers doesn’t look like abating any time soon. Whatever your taste, there is something everyone, from traditional florals and trompe l’oeil, to contemporary geometric and tropical patterns or animal motifs and architectural designs. The progress in new printing techniques and finishes is constantly pushing the boundaries, and the availability of new substrates makes it even more exciting. Gone are the days of just printing on paper, you can now embellish corks, grass-cloths and silks with pretty much any design. The usage is also bolder and braver. If you have the confidence, there are endless possibilities,’ explains David Harris, Design Director at Andrew Martin.

1. NEW CHINTZ

Now more than ever we are taking inspiration from the past to influence the present. It is often noted that we hark back to bygone eras in times of uncertanity, and that certainly rings true for the new chintz trend. After all, creating a decorating scheme is a bit like a love affair, and it’s certainly as much about the heart as it is the head.

Fortunately, the new chintz look is all about sophistication and style. Full of movement, colour and exuberance, the Graham & Brown Wallpaper of the Year 2020: Bloomsbury Neo Mint celebrates the vastly influential creative output of the Bloomsbury Set – a group of intellectuals, philosophers, artists and friends who lived and worked in the area in the first half of the 20th century. ‘A radical break from traditional Victorian and Edwardian décor, the group’s liberated modern style became hugely influential in the decades that followed,’ says Paula Taylor, Colour and Trends Specialist at Graham & Brown.

2. BOLD PALETTES

Colours have also gone the same way with neutrals edging away from the grey (dare we say it) and moving more towards the warmer tones to beckon in the return of brown furniture. Don’t be afraid to combine different patterns. ‘Mix classic designs such as stripes or florals with exotic styles such as ikats and kilims. Avoid making the space look too busy by choosing patterns in colours that complement each other,’ says Martin Waller, Founder of Andrew Martin.

3. NATURE’S FINEST

Sustainability is at the forefront of our minds, and it will only escalate come 2020. An increased awareness of the finitude of our natural resources has led to an increased desire to repair, repurpose and recycle. Visible repairs are celebrated and emphasized, and durable, natural, and woven materials are championed. Bolder greens are also taking over from the midnight blue bringing in the biophilic trend of wellness through plants and foliage. Any reference to bringing the outside in will have an impact on wellbeing with the plant trend that just keeps on growing,’ explains Maryanne Cartwright, Design Manager at Graham & Brown.

4. GRAPHIC

The New Year will have us all searching for security and structure amid the chaos. An escalating need to impose systems of order and control in all in all facets of life, from wellness trends to dating apps, has seen a rise in popularity for simplified, structured design. Interiors referencing elemental geometric arrangements, subtle raised relief and monochrome palettes channel the comfort found in pattern and routine.

5. ARCHIVAL

A turbulent environment of political and social unrest has led to a yearning for designs which reflect values of authenticity, humanity and trustworthiness. Craftsmanship and heritage designs are celebrated and familiar natural motifs are favoured. We are more willing to invest in designs that have meaning and have been lovingly created than mass produced products. During a period of uncertainty it is not uncommon for certain elements of nostalgia to set in as we reach for the archive when choosing our next wallpaper.

6. MURALS

Scenic and mural wallpapers continue to be a huge trend for 2020 – from serene painterly flowers and textures to atmospheric panoramas, scenes and murals put your walls centre stage and offer a variety of extraordinary statements for your walls. ‘Fine art-inspired wallpaper is having a moment with life size art murals proving popular. However, don’t blindly follow trends and above all, only choose a style if you really love it,’ says Martin Waller, Founder of Andrew Martin.

7. FADED GLAMOUR

Decadent and romantic with more than a hint of rock n roll, this trend embodies the Hollywood glamour of the 1920s but with a modern twist. Look out for lush botanicals in rich reds and inky blues set against a brooding black backdrop for a dramatic, opulent finish.