Local Designers Weigh in on 2020 Decor Trends

Kick off the year with expert tips from top Jersey tastemakers.

Cool colors from Benjamin Moore’s 2020 color palette include Blue Danube, Buxton Blue and White Heron.

“Sculptural lighting as art can elevate an entire space. We like to juxtapose a modern fixture with more traditional furnishings.”
Kelli Suozzo, Nest in Red Bank

“People want to live with colors. Green is a happy hue that connects homeowners’ indoor spaces to their outdoor landscaping.”
Gail Davis, Gail M. Davis Designs in South Orange

“Revolutionary open living means solid walls are coming down in favor of movable and glass walls, and multiple entertainment sources can occupy a single, sunny space.”
Tom Baio, Thomas Baio Architect in Millburn

“Create a beautiful, functional space to reflect the essence and spirit of the people who live in it.”
Katja van der Loo, Papyrus Home Design in Boonton

“Gradient ombre wallpaper is beautiful as its darkest shade slowly changes to the softest version of itself.”
Jennifer Pacca, Jennifer Pacca Interiors in Hillsdale

Left: Courtesy of Benjamin Moore. Right: Courtesy of Christian Giribaldi.

“Designing a bedroom with serene colors and super-soft monogrammed sheets, pillowcases and towels instantly makes any space more special.”
Ashley Moos, A.HOME in Summit

“While it’s fine to embrace the comeback of traditional style, it’s important to keep it light and fresh.”
Jane Connell, Fun House Furnishings in Mendham

“Think putty, camel and tobacco paired with organic, earthy pink, rust and mustard. Layer touches of olive and marine blue to feel more tonal with less pop.”
Jenny Glassberg, Nest in Red Bank

“There’s a return to moody greens, mixed woods and layered organics. We like comfortable ‘Scandifornia’ design with clean lines and bigger windows that focus on nature.”
Miriam Silver Verga, Mimi & Hill in Westfield

“A room is visually more interesting when you layer different textures in fabrics and furnishings. Mix it up with soft prints, slubby linens, silky embroideries and chunky tweeds.”
Julie Mihuc, director of marketing, Calico

Courtesy of Surya

“Showing enthusiasm for a design through the hues of a brilliantly bright woven rug is a powerful way to set the stage!”
Heather Tokarz, Well Design in Brookside

“While grays remain popular, a new neutral is soft white. I love layering tones of white in varying textures and patterns.”
Kristin Badolato, Kristin Ashley Interiors in Bernardsville

“There’s a resurgence in scenic floral and landscape murals–best executed in dining rooms and bedrooms, where the soothing images invite you to escape reality and get lost in the ethereal oasis.”
Sandra Funk, House of Funk in Montclair

“Textures are having a huge moment—nubby bouclé upholstery for seating, and grass, raffia, leather and shagreen finishes for other pieces.”
Marisa Friedmann, The Home Revivalists in Summit

“There’s a trend toward traditional, casual kitchens with a mix of painted cabinets and stained wood for a more authentic, antique farmhouse look.
Uma Stewart, Uma Stewart Interiors in South Orange

“Custom-built, clean-lined furniture and cabinetry make spaces aesthetically pleasing and functional.”
Victoria Gerts, Victoria Gerts Interiors in Alpine

Courtesy of Benjamin Moore

COLOR YOUR WORLD

For the brightest ideas in paint, we turned to the experts. Benjamin Moore, headquartered in Montvale, presents its 2020 palette of easy-on-the-eye blues, greens and go-with-everything neutrals. “The colors in the Color Trends 2020 palette strike the right balance as a color statement, yet each color has a degree of softness that makes it easy to use, and easy to work with, no matter what the function of the space,” says Andrea Magno, director of color marketing and development for Benjamin Moore. These sublime neutrals include a serene shade of pink, First Light (2102-70), a flattering alternative that Magno calls optimistic, gender neutral and appealing to all generations. “As a color you can live with from morning to night, First Light is gorgeous in any room, bringing softness to a living room, a beautiful glow to a dining room, or a refreshing wash of blush for an office or bedroom,” she adds. See more trending paint colors at benjaminmoore.com.

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