2020 has seen huge shifts in many industries. Interior designers have had to adapt to new ways of working, with many now offering remote services to supplement a lack of in-personal consultations.

But what does the future of interior design industry look like?

I asked a few interior designers to give their views on how the industry, trends and ways of working may continue to change over the next five years.

Let’s look at their thoughts…

“People are appreciating their interior spaces more now and will make better use of their space”

Because of this NEW NORMAL there is going to be a shift in design.

The social distancing concept is going to be a must in most designs in the near future, but also giving a touch that people will not feel disconnected from each other.

I think people are appreciating their space more now and will make better use of their space. There will be an idea of a slow interior fashion. Things like sustainability and reusing materials in a new way is part designing new furniture and decor but also how to implement those aspects in your design.

Hubertienne Decaster, JenPen Creative Studio

“People will become more aware of the importance of their own homes”

The future of interior design is a blend of clean lines mixed with warmer, more welcoming textures and patterns.

Colors are trending to more earthen tones, as well. It’s now acceptable to mix grays with browns, soft whites, and tans. For a touch of drama, add black or deep gray. Forest green is also playing a role in the “neutral” arena.

I see a lot of bright, lipstick pops emerging from Europe which is exciting in this sea of neutral palettes. In any design, it’s important to add the unexpected.

People are turning to designers to make their homes a reflection of who they are. The recent events of Covid 19 have allowed homeowners to look inward as they view their homes in a nurturing light. They are becoming more aware of their most intimate surroundings and looking to upgrade on a number of fronts. The future of interior design looks very promising as this unfolds.

Brenda Tucker, Center Stage Interiors

“Interior design will become a more personalized process”

Interior design is continually becoming a personal and custom process.

As our world becomes more automated, people want to enjoy being at home and are looking for ways to enhance the aesthetics of the inside of their home. We are seeing interior design becoming a more personalized process individual to each client.

As designers our job is to beautifully reflect their personality, their lifestyle and tastes so that they LOVE being home!

Alisha Taylor, Alisha Taylor Interiors

“A continued increase in virtual design sessions”

I think interior design will continue to grow in the next five years, especially for construction-level design.

Despite the increasing availability of everything online, including virtual design, busy clients seem to deeply need interior design services with their construction projects. From designing built-ins, windows and doors, to material/finish palettes for kitchen and baths, to window and floor coverings, and lighting, vision and expertise is needed to avoid costly mistakes and leverage trusted vendors.

In response to the pandemic, clients will also increasingly appreciate a combination of virtual design sessions and physical deliveries of samples.

Designers must be prepared for their field to contract and expand in the face of pandemic outbreaks, fears, and job uncertainty, and should plan in advance for project cancellations and delays, while maintaining calm and confidence for our clients, with a method to remotely initiate and support projects.

Deborah Vieira, Deborah Vieira Design

“People have realized how important the home is”

I see interior design growing extensively over the next five years. People have realized how important the home is with the current health crisis, and they are wanting to settle into their forever home because of uncertain times ahead.

Also, they’ve come to recognize how difficult it can be to design and select finishes.

Interior designers themselves have done a good time of letting the public know that hiring an interior design professional is indeed within reach at every price point and can save them money in the long run.

Kathleen Jennison, KTJ Design Co.

“Design will take a more sustainable approach”

Five years from now I see design taking a more sustainable approach. With the use of reusable and recyclable materials, homes will be on the right track to becoming LEED certified.

I see brick and mortar stores offering unique and engaging shopping experiences. As always, antiques will always make statements. Just as we thought vintage couldn’t get any more expensive, it will, so hold on to your pieces!

Lastly, I see our design community expanding demographically. The beauty of design has no limit, and neither should the designer behind it. I look forward to the future of design.

Denise Morrison, Denise Morrison Interiors

“Home office design becoming more prevalent”

In the next five years, design is going to move from disposable, cheap, engineered obsolescence, to an investment in quality that nourishes and enriches our home lives while encouraging environmental stewardship. Heirloom pieces that will last generations will help save our planet instead of buying and replacing every few years with disposable manufacturing.

Additionally, customized design around work from home environments that allows for professionalism and creativity will be the new norm. Innovative approaches to integrating offices into residential renovations and builds in a warm, comfortable, beautiful yet highly functional way is key. Our firm is already working on customized home office tech and storage systems that seamlessly integrate into a luxury residential feel.

Lane McNab, Lane McNab Interiors

“Functional, yet stylish spaces”

When thinking about the future of design, in a general sense, it is heading towards relaxed elegance. Clients want a home that functions on a daily basis for their families, but they also want style for adult entertaining, both business and pleasure. Key themes to consider in the future of design are:

1. technology enhancements
2. blending comfort, style and durability
3. open plans in bathrooms
4. color in every way
5. engineered materials and how best to use them.

Making a design feel timeless is always the focus at Kendall Wilkinson Design. We pride ourselves on approaching trends in our own authentic ways. We believe in the power of great design.

We share a passion for the sophisticated, the delightfully unexpected, and making the old new again. Our mission is to inspire and enrich our clients’ lives by creating artful, timeless, and fulfilling personal spaces.

Kendall Wilkinson, Kendall Wilkinson Design

“The public is thinking of design in terms of health and welfare”

I see our work as designers as more vital than ever, and that will continue to expand over the next five years. We will see home office design come to the forefront, and virtual meetings instead of in-house will be routine.

Ironically, it is only now, in the wake of COVID-19, that the public is thinking of designers in terms of health and welfare, but that has always been the mission of interior design – our first mandate is to keep the public safe.

We do that with knowledge, experience, and current information on the latest products.

An example: installing warm lighting instead of blue wavelength lighting. Blue light can have adverse effects on people’s metabolism – this is the same reasoning sleep doctors use when they recommend turning off your phone and computer screens an hour or two before sleeping. A designer knows to make sure your home is filled with lighting that is good for you.

We improve life quality for our clients with many products and specifications, and the demand for this information and services will increase.

Joanna Barker, Inspirations Interior Design

“A major role in creating healthy home and work environments”

Design will play a major role in creating healthy home and work environments.

Antimicrobial materials and surfaces along with space planning in order to optimize multiple uses will be at the forefront.

Landscape design will also play an important role as we know that any outdoor space, regardless of size is a huge benefit.

Karen Wirrig, Karen Cole Designs

“A new range of services for interior designers”

The year 2020 has changed how many businesses operate, and many homeowners are more open to receiving online zoom home design consultations.

This open-mindedness saves everyone time, money, and makes the design more affordable.

While online packaged consultations gearing towards DIY clients who love hands-on approach, there still will be plenty of busy clients who would prefer concierge services.

Emma Messerschmidt, 7 Sisters Interiors

“Our lifestyles will impact our future design decisions”

Now more than ever our lifestyles will impact our future design decisions.

In my research with the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) we have found that connected living is more important than ever before. It’s easy to assume that “connected living” means connected devices, Wi-Fi enabled products, smart appliances, app-based and voice-controlled operation of faucets, lighting, security, audio, video and home theater.

But especially because the world has become so “connected” in the technology sense, it’s important to emphasize a connection among people.

Over the next five years, homeowners will want their kitchens to promote human interaction—and their connected devices, appliances and systems will be in place to serve that end. Open plan kitchens will be inviting, cozy and warm and perhaps take the edge off all that is tech.

Kerrie Kelly, Kerrie Kelly Design Lab

Wow! Some amazing insight on the future of interior design from some leading designers. What do you think the future holds for the interior design industry?