In 2020, Products Inspired by Technology and Nature Will Come to the Fore

Between 2010 and 2019, changes in technology and user habits brought shifts in architectural and interior design languages. As 2020 arrived, we entered a new decade, and as lifestyles and needs evolved, new trends followed suit. Generation Y grew up, entered the workforce, and began living in their own homes. New architectural styles emerged in offices and residences to support their way of living. Old rigid rules began to break down gradually. Generation Z also became university-educated and started making more individual decisions. They seek comfort in spaces with different demands than Generation Y. Beyond this, we observe each year that while cities expand, the spaces where new generations live and work—aligned with their understanding of comfort—are shrinking. The use of large spaces is changing rapidly. For this reason, minimalist, simple, and functional design ideas that have been developing for some time will continue to come to the fore in 2020. Alongside comfortable and cozy designs preferred in daily life, nature-inspired products will be used. These products will appear with changes in colour, texture, and form. In the digital world, technology will naturally continue to take the lead, which is why architectural and interior design trends will also make maximum use of technology. Beyond comfort, areas will continue to be created that generate Instagram-worthy photo frames due to social media influence. In both office and residential designs, natural materials will be preferred that keep open spaces airy and allow them to serve different functions when desired. Besides wood, materials such as rattan, wicker, and jute will appear in these spaces. The use of such fibrous materials will add more texture to the space, making the environment feel warmer. Wooden surfaces painted in different patterns will create defined spaces. Velvet upholstery will continue to be used in interior design. Ethnic objects will be used to evoke the atmosphere of different cultures. With metal's reflective property, all variations of metal will be used in lamps, mirror frames, furniture, and accessories. Terrazzo cladding, unlike traditional applications, will be used in architecture and design in larger formats, with lower density, and more striking impact. The trend colour of 2020 will be classic blue. Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute, describes the colour of the year: "We live in a time that demands trust and confidence. The classic blue expressed by Pantone 19-4052 represents this sort of continuity and confidence; a tone we can always rely on, something tangible and reassuring." In new designs, beyond this colour, we will see flame red, saffron, Basque green, spring onion green, pale denim, orange peel, mosaic blue, coral pink, cinnamon stick, and daylight colours. As the greatest supporter of spaces, art will take an even greater place; regardless of interior design style, residential spaces will be personalised individually through paintings and sculptures. In spatial arrangements targeting Generation Y and Z, which value nature, comfort, technology, and socialisation, trends will be much more flexible. We now face a more global user community that is no longer confined to a single space. They value nature and animals much more highly and want to live alongside them. What determines trends is the effort to structure these needs in the most appropriate way.   Feza Ökten Koca Architect Founder Elips Tasarım Mimarlık