The interior blunders of the noughties are remembered no less than the characteristic design of the 90s. Today, designers have rethought some ideas from the 2000s — we show what techniques have returned and become trends again.
1. Bright colors
Barbie rooms, acid colors of furniture upholstery and wallpaper, a combination of several active shades — all this distinguished the interiors of the noughties. Bright, catchy — so as not to be like everyone else. Gradually, this fashion was replaced by a trend for calm natural shades, and it is still relevant. However designers suggest not to give up brightness and individuality in the design of apartments. If you like bold color schemes, use them. Just choose more complex shades and remember the 60/30/10 rule.
2. Patterned backsplash
Kitchen backsplashes with realistic photo prints are a striking feature of the design of the noughties, and they are often associated with bad taste. But the patterns on the decoration in the dining area are relevant again. Only these should be images, not photos. You can choose tiles or wall murals with natural themes or mosaic patterns. If you choose wallpaper, cover it with a transparent screen to keep the material in good condition for longer.
3. Volumetric furniture
Gigantomania is also a hallmark of the situation in the noughties. Massive furniture was supposed to show prosperity and well-being. Over time, designers began to offer sleeker compact solutions, and now scale is back on the list of trends. If you want to use large, voluminous furniture, measure it according to the size of the room. For example, a corner sofa is perfect for zoning the kitchen-living room, but it will look bulky and foreign in the corner of a small room.
4. Carpet flooring
Carpeting, especially light carpet, used to be considered chic throughout the room. And at the same time, according to many, it added coziness. Today, practicality is valued in design, and carpet is not distinguished by this feature. It wears out quickly and loses its marketable appearance because it is difficult to clean. But a soft cozy floor is always relevant, although for this it is better to use large carpets that occupy almost the entire room. Just step back 10-20 centimeters from the wall: then the space will seem more spacious.
5. Textured finish
Textured finishes are also among the bright trends of the 2000s. Thick non-woven wallpaper with a textured coating, decorative plaster, embossed panels, and ceiling skirting boards are all good, but in moderation. If you want to add textures, choose one. For example, a minimalist finish with microcement or accent wallpaper on one wall. Otherwise, the volumetric finish will “eat” the space and create visual noise.
6. Desktop
Photo wallpapers with realistic paintings, as well as a backsplash with photo printing, no longer have a place in the interior. At the same time, the very concept of panel decoration is popular again. Choose abstract or graphic themes for accent walls, floral wallpaper, schematic images of wildlife, etc.
7. Imitation of natural materials
Decorating an apartment with natural stone, wood or marble is beautiful, but few people can afford it: both in the noughties and now. That is why imitations became so quickly popular, although, in the 2000s, the quality of copies was almost always deplorable and greatly reduced the cost of the appearance of the apartment. But today manufacturers offer artificial materials that are indistinguishable from real ones even at close range. They make the interior visually more expensive while costing less, and often even winning in terms of performance.
8. Slate Board
15-20 years ago, slate boards appeared in many apartments: in kitchens, in children’s rooms, sometimes even in hallways. The concept was good, but the execution often left much to be desired. In addition, such surfaces were almost always combined in the same way: with a loft finish. I quickly got bored with it. If you want to use this technique now, then keep it in moderation. For example, hang a chalkboard in the kitchen or set aside a small area of the wall for slate painting.
9. Dark Furniture
Dark-colored furniture was relevant in the 2000s, such shades were considered status and luxurious. Then designers switched to lighter colors, black or dark gray, wenge began to be considered gloomy. But now, dark furniture is back in fashion when combined with neutral finishes and contrasting décor. For example, a black sofa can be decorated with light gray textiles, or a colored carpet can be laid next to it.
