Hindsight is 20/20. As a new year begins, it’s time to take a look back at the best trends in interior design from 2019. By doing this, it will not only help you assess how well these trends will hold up this year, but it will also allow you to take some inspiration from the best trends of the previous year. To get the full picture, read on to learn more about 2019’s best interior design trends from around the globe!

Sustainable Designs, Germany

One of the biggest driving forces for trends nowadays is the looming threat of climate change. Bloomberg reports that scientists have learned a great deal about climate change over the last decade, and to say that it is concerning is a gross understatement. This is what led to the trend of sustainable design championed by German furniture company, Ekomia. Ekomia uses organic solid wood and pollution-free materials for their pieces that range from tables to shelves and drawers. The packaging that the furniture comes in is also made of recycled paper and cardboard, ensuring that every step of the process is exempt from excess waste. Now, one of the things you have to be wary of when using wooden pieces is water stains. Luckily, CNET has compiled a list of ways to remedy water stains of varying severities. One quick fix is to use a clothing iron on the affected areas. Lay down a cloth on top of the stain and go through it with an iron. This should release the moisture that’s causing the stain and make it look good as new.

Utilitarian with a Twist, United Kingdom

2019 was mostly dominated by utilitarian design, which valued function over form. However, this can get rather drab. This is why one of the leading interior design trends from the United Kingdom incorporated new elements to this trend to give it a newer and fresher look. They did this by mixing the “form follows function” design principles of utilitarian design with elements of wooden hues similar to those that you would find at your local luxury spas. These include wooden bathroom countertops and an assortment of wooden panels installed on different surfaces of your bathroom. Now, to apply this entails a pretty thorough overhaul of your bathroom. This means you have to take every precaution and make sure everything is done perfectly, as cutting corners may lead to bigger problems down the line. One thing you should focus on in particular is that your plumbing and heating systems should remain unaffected by these changes, as the strain of the installation could end up damaging your bathroom. That said, a little financial safety goes a long way during this major overhaul. UK-based company HomeServe highlights how you shouldn’t skimp on insurance when it comes to your heating system, as unexpected damages can disrupt your schedule and impact your budget. Being insured means you don’t have to worry about things going wrong during or even after your renovation, especially when you get to installing wooden panels around your bathtub and sink.

Minimalism, Singapore

Similar to how sustainable design was brought about by the climate crisis, minimalism in Singapore stems from the need to maximize the country’s living spaces. Her World details how pieces such as customized built-ins, or cabinets that double as wall features, make use of modern design principles to optimize the space. While applying this concept to your home seems like a good idea, having this much storage space will surely lead to some confusion. One way to make the process easier is by having a category system, where you group together items that have similar uses. This way, the chances of misplacing an object are reduced. If you’re looking for more ways to improve your home this year, check out Kate Wight’s article on how a simple change to your tiles can elevate the aesthetic of your entire home!

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