So far, 2020’s been, let’s say, an interesting year. We think we’re all in favor of summer being a little less interesting and a lot more fabulous. To get us in the summer mindset, our “Colour Whisperer” and SmithHönig co-founder and designer Kellie Smith pulled together a list of five interior design trends poised to dominate summer 2020—read on to get a glimpse into your design future.

1. Rattan

Rattan was everywhere in the ’70s: chairs, baskets, patio furniture and it’s this year’s comeback kid. Most often, rattan was the province of the pergola, patio and porch—it has a tropical feel and does make for great weather-resistant furniture—but today this tactile trend is moving inside, too. The beautiful woven technique and natural material adds texture and an organic vibe to any room, and can suit many styles.

“The love of this is coming from so many different design styles and tastes, it’s going to show up everywhere,” says Kellie. “Rattan works in upscale preppy spaces, Palm Beach chic interiors, pure classic styles, bohemian spaces, rustic décor, as well as with hygge spaces and mid-century modern.”

Rattan captures the essence of bohemian chic: natural materials and intricate weavings make it earthy and creative. It’s Woodstock, it’s Coachella, it’s vacation—something all of us are needing.

“I do think we are going to continue to see rattan and wicker as a strong element of design throughout the summer and into fall,” says Kellie.

2. Pattern on Pattern Layering

Patterns—especially layered patterns—are very “in” for tabletop and textile designs—it’s extra in all the best ways—and it’s making its way everywhere in home design. The key to mastering this maximalist trend is knowing that there aren’t any rules (which gets a solid yay from our resident rule-breaker).

“Whether we are layering the same pattern—which I love—or heavily layering multiple patterns—which I also love—the layered look is going to be strong,” says Kellie.

Be on the lookout for pattern mixing, with color tying together patterns of different scale and style, and pattern matching, where the same print is on the walls, the upholstered furniture, the bedding, just anywhere you can put it. Pattern, pattern and more pattern is over-the-top in the most perfect of ways for this summer.

An easy way to add print personality to your home without having to completely commit? Peel-and-stick wallpaper, of course. If you want to really go for it (and we bet you do) wallpaper the ceiling. There’s no statement ceiling like a wallpapered ceiling, after all.

3. Animal Print

Zebra, leopard, tiger, snake–animal prints evoke that same sense of pattern maximalism, while still also naturally natural (thanks to the animals it captures). A walk on the wild side is the perfect marriage between out-there and accessible.

Animal prints have been all over the runways, so it only makes sense that these prints would make their way home, too. While traditional animal prints are common, we’re also seeing eye-catching new takes—colorful iterations and repeating patterns showcasing the entire animal.

“We’re very excited about our new animal print collections, Pantera and Moxie (launching this summer!),” says Kellie. “Both of these collections are filled with large-scale, bold patterns. They coordinate with new smaller scale patterns that could certainly be used outside of the collections.”

“We even pulled some of our favorite existing patterns and trim in as well.”

Some think that using animal print in your home is a choice that requires courage. (Others see leopard, for instance, as a neutral!) We think it adds a sense of adventure, glamour and va-va-voom. And if you don’t want to go wild with the print, there’s something cheeky and fun about using it as a subtle accent. Bedding, rugs and textiles are all a great way to incorporate animal prints without being committed to them for life.

4. Classic Blue

When they named “Classic Blue” color of the year for 2020, Pantone described it as “the sky at dusk”—it is a feel-good shade with depth. It’s also the truest of blues: somewhere in-between indigo, royal blue and denim but at the same time none of these. What it definitely is, is versatile.

“Classic Blue is such a chameleon,” says Kellie. “It can be layered with practically any colour and hold it’s own, whether as a base colour or as an accent.”

It can be bold, punchy and playful or it can be cool, calming and serene depending on how you use it. And it functions almost as a neutral and can be paired with many colours. It basically goes with everything.

“It’s beautiful with strong colours such as bold yellows or even black, yet gorgeous with neutrals and pastels, such as lavenders,” says Kellie.

Bold colors blend well with it, while pastels add a touch of softness to the dramatic hue. Blue and white is a classic combination, and that holds here as well. It’s a perfect hue to go with for 2020, sure, but it will look timeless for years to come.

5. Off-Trend Is On-Trend

Tired of endless scrolling past the same styles over and over and over again? Us too. And we think everyone else is on the same boat. For a long time we have championed that what makes your heart sing and your soul shimmy is way more important than what you see in magazines and on social media. Good news! Designing your home to reflect you and your family and their personalities is officially on-trend. Creating a space that tells your story is what all the cool kids are doing.

So, now’s your chance to just go for it, whatever your “it” may be.

“Don’t be afraid,” says Kellie. “If bringing colour into your space feels overwhelming, then limit it to key pieces of furniture or accents.

“Start small with a vase or a throw, add colourful pillows or small art pieces,“ she adds.

This is not about having the most uber-unique or one-of-a-kind pieces, it’s about true authenticity, uniqueness that reflects your individuality. It’s about highly-crafted elements and unusual materials. Playing it safe is a snooze.

If it feels right to you, take that risk, break some rules and you’ll have a home you love well after summer is over. Shop Kellie’s trends.