Design Trends – 2020 Round Up & 2021 Forecasts

This week, we look at what was hot in 2020 and forecast which design trends we expect to blossom in 2021. Take a peek into the future, today…

2020 Design Trends

Ah, 2020; what a year. From fires, to floods, to global pandemics, it seems impossible to recap…but, if  nothing else, we at least saw some killer outdoor design trends!

Zoned back yards

Tackling an entire back yard renovation can seem overwhelming…so why not break it up? This year, we saw homeowners chunking their renovation into bite-sized projects; putting less strain on both your weekend time and the bank account!

READ ABOUT ZONED BACK YARDS

Decorative fence panels

Boundaries are important…but who says they can’t be fun? 2020 saw a rise in fence design using decorative panels to bring some funk to their fencing.

READ ABOUT DECORATIVE FENCING

Terraced gardens

Looking for a creative way to tackle your tricky sloping block? Level up with March's featured design trend and create an amphitheater of lush foliage with terraced gardens!

READ ABOUT TERRACED GARDENS

Feature fencing

This year, creative homeowners took a basic fence and made it a canvas! Feature fencing is the perfect way to bring some architectural interest to your outdoor space.

READ ABOUT FEATURE FENCING

Expressed Joints

Home design is all about self expression; this year, we brought an architectural edge to your fence with the power of Expressed Joints!

READ ABOUT EXPRESSED JOINTS

Picture frame fencing

A boundary fence should frame the masterpiece that is your outdoor area; this design trend featured an easy customisation for your modular wall that creates a modern picture frame fence.

READ ABOUT PICTURE FRAME FENCING

Sun trap corners

Breakfast nooks, outdoor fireplaces, edible gardens; this trend will have you basking in the glow of genius hardscaping. Behold, the sun trap corner!

READ ABOUT SUN TRAP CORNERS

Setback bays

Boosting the functionality of small spaces through built-in features was a big focus in 2020. The setback bay was a fence design feature that created additional functional spaces, such as bench seating, bin storage, sheds and play areas, out of your boundary fence.

READ ABOUT SETBACK BAYS

Dark fence colours

For many years now, fresh white has been the iconic choice for modern fence design. However, this year saw homeowners and designers alike transitioning into experimenting with darker backdrops.

READ ABOUT DARK FENCE COLOURS

Mediterranean style

Let's face it; in 2020, stay-cations were just about the only vacations we could take. Home design began to increase their focus on bringing exotic elements into the everyday; for this month's featured design trends, we explored how to bring the Greek islands, to you...with a bonus offer!

Click through to find out how to win this year’s Ultimate Outdoor Lifestyle Pack, valued at $2,600.

READ ABOUT MEDITERRANEAN STYLE

2021 Design Trend Forecast

Now that we’ve seen where we’ve come from, it’s time to look forward; here’s our forecast on what to expect from design trends in 2021!

Case Study: Textured timber infills for EstateWall boundary

Reclaimed wood

In keeping with the overall shift to sustainability and resourcefulness, reclaimed wood will be in high demand. Polished timbers are on the way out; the aim of the game for 2021 is grain.

Basically, the more textured, the better!

Rustic vibes

Maybe it’s the how intense 2020 has been…but the world of design is softening. Next year, our draw to creature comforts and homey touches will keep growing.

Modern spaces will see rustic touches to bring a little lightness into our lives; think cottage gardens, raw materials, textured finishes and tarnished metals.

Art and craftsmanship

Craftsmanship has been a big response to the market saturation that many consumers are feeling. Gone are the days of mass-manufactured pieces; homeowners are looking for an artistic touch in their homes.

Wall art, sculptures, feature walls; however large (or little) your space is, find a way to introduce a piece of art.

Article: The Block 2020 #makeitmodular in back yard reveals

Global influences

With Mediterranean, Hamptons and Bahamas styles gaining in popularity, worldly inspirations are set to keep climbing. Look beyond your backyard and across the pond; design knows no borders, anymore.

With authenticity and cultural respect staying front of mind, look for unique pieces and styles that evoke an atmosphere, rather than tourist-style pieces.

Raised gardens

While the style of our gardens get a little more wild, the structure of it may move toward a more contained feel. Raised  beds and terraced planters installed in interesting patterns, grids and clusters will bring a stylish edge to your gardens.

This trend pairs beautifully with plants that offer soft, feathery textures, such as rosemary, foxtail grasses, lavender, grevillea and bottle brush.

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Written by Evelyn Kandris