Top Design Trends of the Past Decade—Part One

I am very excited about this blog series! We are going to revisit some of the hottest design trends that have permeated interior design throughout the past decade or so. From there, I will share my favorite takeaways from these overall trends as well as how I think design has evolved since. For part one of this post series we will be reviewing top design trends of the EARLY 2010’s and I will share my takeaways.

Design Trends of the Early 2010’s:

1.) Modern Farmhouse

When it comes to design trends of the 2010’s—modern farmhouse is king. This is almost exclusively as a result of the rise of Fixer Upper on HGTV back in 2014. Modern farmhouse style blends traditional farmhouse decor with contemporary design, furnishings and color schemes. I believe this design style became so popular because it blended many different tastes and matched well with many homes.

2.) Chevron

Chevron-patterned accessories were also hugely popular back in the 2010’s. Think pillows, accent wallpapered walls, rugs and even curtains. This particular pattern resonates with the younger generations as it brought a youthful energy to a space.

3.) Matte Black Hardware

Matte black hardware was popular, also due to the modern farmhouse trend. This trend was especially prevalent in kitchens and bathrooms.

4.) Boho Decor

Boho decor was a big trend that targeted millennials or younger throughout this era. Bohemian decor is often mismatched and full of varying textures. Hallmarks of this style are plants, baskets, hanging decor and macramé.

5.) Knit and Fur Accessories

Knit accessories piggyback off of boho decor. Knit or fur pillows, throw blankets or rugs were also trending as ways to make a space have that hygge factor that also became popular in the early 2010’s. The idea revolved around coziness and simplicity.

6.) White and Neutrals Gallore

Neutral paint colors really dominated the design preferences of the 2010’s. Clean, fresh white spaces or shades of neutral beige and cream were a staple in many kitchen, living room and bedroom designs during that time.

8.) Patterns

Patterns—especially geometric patterns—were everywhere. Many carpets, curtains, pillows, bedspreads, placemats and more incorporated patterns into their design. The pattern elements give traditional homes a more modern, contemporary touch and work well with many styles.

9.) Industrial Materials

Industrial design elements corresponded with the modern farmhouse trend and were popularly expressed via Edison bulbs, steels and metals, bold lines and visible structural elements (like exposed beams, exposed brick walls, etc.)

10.) Rose Gold and Copper

Rose gold and copper were HOT HOT HOT during the early 2010’s. Warm metal hues, like copper and rose gold, were simply all over the place. Copper dishes, baskets, hardware, accessories and even furniture were quite common. The rose gold trend also dominated the jewelry and fashion scene during the early-to-mid 2010’s, if you remember.

11.) Pastels

Pastels! Do you want to know the neutral hue that defined the 2010’? Millennial pink! Pastel hues in general were quite popular during the early 2010’s to often give a statement pop against an otherwise neutral room. Pastel shades of blue and green were also common, especially in accents.

Designer Takeaways

As a designer, I can appreciate value in nearly any design trend, style or preference. Trends, by principle, tend to date inevitably date themselves in time. Many clients I worked with who preferred modern farmhouse design in ten or fifteen years ago are now itching to refresh their spaces. Clients who chose accent wallpapers or trendy warm metal hues (rose gold and copper) are now opting for more neutral touches. Those who leaned heavily towards the modern-industrial design trend often crave something a little more cozy and soothing.

The takeaway? Evaluate the permanency of a design feature to your home before implementing a change. I am a personal fan of variety and encourage clients to explore different style elements than they might initially picture. I also am a fan of using classic, timeless looks when it comes to heavier investment pieces (such as larger furniture staples, wall colors, or curtains). If you want to play around with trendy touches, the best way is to incorporate those looks with your accessories. It’s easy to play around with art, lamps, throw pillows or blankets, rugs or even small coffee tables if you do not care for them years down the road. On the other hand, an expensive kitchen renovation from modern farmhouse to sleek minimalist would take a bit more work and investment. This is why I recommend starting with small touches of a trendy look here and there and sticking with a more timeless, classic design choice for the foundations of your rooms.

Of the design trends mentioned above, I would say my personal favorites from that era were accent walls, geometric patterns and chunky knit textural elements. But at the end of the day, design is extremely personal and trends should never replace personal taste.

Stay tuned for the next two parts of this blog series where we will continue reviewing interior design trends of the mid-2010’s.