What’s IN & What’s OUT in 2020 Pt. 1

There’s a gal I watch on Youtube who creates videos along the lines of “things in your closet to throw away right now.” And I can’t help but respect the boldness of that! Especially in 2020; nobody’s got time to dance around what they can’t stand in their homes. So I’ve reviewed my recent interior design projects and created a list of the top 10 design trends people are getting the heck out of their lives in 2020. Read on to see part one of what’s IN and what’s OUT in 2020.

Let’s take out the trash!

This article is based on my opinion as a full time designer. There’s no judgement if you have these in your home. Trust me when I say: I still have a list of projects I’d like done here at the mini-farm! No one’s home is perfect, but this article is meant to report on the trends I’m seeing first hand. By the way, subscribe to the blog if you want to continue to follow my progress at the mini-farm.

Take a look and let me know in the comments what you’d like to get rid of in YOUR home!

1. Trading in Orangey-Tone Floors for Cooler Shades

Floors are a hot topic in 2020. I’ve honestly seen my flooring contractor more than some close family members this year! What I’m seeing consistently with clients is that we’re feeling DONE with the bad flooring in general. Even if they have solid wood, stone, or tile flooring, we’re getting rid of warm, orange-y and pink-y tones across the board.

We’re throwing those out in favor of cooler toned, luxury vinyl plank, which is a new favorite material of mine. Two examples of projects completed with cool-toned, life-proof LVP, below. Both new flooring examples add a fresh look to their respective spaces.

Speaking of floors, my most popular blog post on this site so far is on the topic. (Read: How to Decide Between Dark and Light Flooring)

2. Removing Rainbow-Bright Wall Colors

“Before” back wall of my office

Ah memories. This “no” example was taken the day I started painting over the bubblegum pink and sky blue combination. The two previous colors made no sense and I asked myself many questions as to who would do that.

Even if the room was ALL of just the blue or the pink, it’s a no from me. Rainbow brights on all four walls of a space can create a feeling of unnecessary stress. While you can do an intentional accent wall or pops of saturated color, all four walls is not the on-trend way to approach. Design today definitely prefers neutral wall tones in the hardest working rooms of our house. “Greige” is also a super popular neutral for paint colors this year.

P.S. I think my office may have previously been a little girl’s room, so I try to forgive them. But moving forward let’s not let the kid pick the paint color like it’s a crayon in a box. A light, dusty pink OR soft periwinkle however could totally work if those are his or her favorite colors.

The same wall, post paint job and makeover.

I love this before and after! The flat white backdrop of my office allows the color in my decor, inventory, curtains, and bench to take center stage.

To see more of my office, check out my One Room Challenge Reveal post.

3. Ripping Out Old Stair Carpet

Image credit: Remodelaholic

Similar to how so many people are feeling “DONE” with their general flooring, ugly stairs are also getting the boot in 2020. In most cases, we’ve been updating with high end luxury vinyl plank with the contrast risers like my example below. In houses with small children or pets, for safety purposes, people are updating with soft, textured, modern carpet. Keep in mind this update might end up costing the same as the LVP option. But there’s no question either feels like a million bucks under your feet compared to old carpet.

After photo from a new flooring and stairs project.

4. Getting Rid of Wire Shelving

Image source: The Happy Housie

This is a cross between a trend and a matter of upgrading the function of your space. The internet is with me when I say wire, builder-basic shelving in linen closets, pantries, and laundry rooms is out of style. Especially when it’s not behind a closet door. The raw wood look is totally in for shelving. Some people are taking it further and REMOVING doors to linen closets, etc. because they don’t want to hide this upgrade. And I’m sure it’s motivation to keep it looking Pinterest-level organized all the time.

From a function standpoint, it’s less of a headache to move things in and out when the surface is smooth and solid. And nothing can get stuck or fall through the gaps of the shelving.

I actually tried the Dollar Tree version of this look for my open linen closet in my $300 bathroom makeover. It’s so worth it!

5. Finally Getting Some Art on the Walls

Photo from my new entry way gallery wall

So this is not literally something you can put in a trash bag and walk to the curb. Unless, of course, you’re getting rid of old picture frames, which I’ve also helped my clients do this year. And I absolutely approve. But man, we really all got sick of looking at blank walls during this quarantine didn’t we?

Art is very much the most subjective part of the interior design process – whether you’re working with a professional or going it alone. My advice is to find an inspiration pic that shows HOW to put together a desirable art moment or gallery wall in the respective space. And then figure out the WHAT and just do it!

Identify the barriers of what’s keeping you from doing it, and make the first step today to change that. Order the gold frames from your Amazon wishlist, order the art print you liked on Etsy, buy a cool frame with matting to memorialize your kid’s artwork in a modern way. Don’t over think it, because you can always change it. To see the process of how I put together this gallery wall, check out my Instagram story here.

So this wraps part 1 of my What’s IN and What’s OUT in 2020. What have you been happy to get rid of this year? Be sure to follow me on Instagram or Facebook so you don’t miss the follow up with five more items we’re kicking to the curb in 2020.

If you want help making positive changes in 1-3 areas of your home that you’re stuck on, I’m currently offering Virtual Design Strategy Sessions through the end of the year. (Recently extended since they are SUCH a hit with homeowners who are tackling big projects this year on their own!)

This one-time, flat fee service consists of a style assessment, a concentrated strategy discussion on three areas of concern, a prioritization roadmap, and connecting you to relevant resources with a summary PDF at the end.

Plus, you can stay safely at home since it’s a 100% remote service. And in as little as three business days. If this sounds like a fit for you, click here to book your session today!

Hope you enjoyed today’s post! Click here to read Pt. 2 now.

About Kaitlyn Loos

Kaitlyn Loos Headshot

Kaitlyn Loos [loh-s] is one of the newest designers for interiors and events in the west-central Florida area. (Tampa, Ocala, Gainesville, and everywhere in between.) She brings over seven years of graphic design, project management, and event planning experience to create amazing spaces and experiences for her clients. She is one of the only interior design companies in her area who offers modern, fresh, pattern and color-savvy designs. From styling an event to designing an entire home, Kaitlyn Loos Design is a full service company that delivers style for nearly any investment level. She also enjoys sharing her ideas and projects through her new blog which reaches over 325 people monthly.

For more information about Kaitlyn, check out: About Kaitlyn: Interior Design, and About Kaitlyn: Event Planning.

You can also subscribe to the blog and contact Kaitlyn directly here.

Disclaimers: a small percentage of purchases from select links will benefit me via an affiliate program. I appreciate anyone who wants to support my blog by shopping the productsbut there is no obligation to buy.

All of my DIY blog content is for informational and entertainment purposes only. I share what works for me in my home, but you should consult with professionals/landlords before taking on any construction projects. My blog does not constitute interior design advice for readers. I am not liable or responsible for any damages resulting from or related to your use of this information.

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