Top 5 Design trends to use this summer, recreated in Animal Crossing: New Horizons

If you've been tempted by the latest design trends of 2020 but perhaps lack the time or the money to put them into action right now, how about incorporating them into your island retreat in Animal Crossing: New Horizons instead? That way, you'll get to experiment with the full range of vibrant, exciting trends this season, all without spending a penny or lifting a single paintbrush!

Don't forget, you can change the colours of your island home's rooms without giving the Nook nephews a Bell, too. All you need is to have unlocked the extended palettes on your in-game smartphone, and you'll be able to create a whole host of custom colours and patterns of your very own. Not only is it a great way of sprucing up your ACNL homestead, but you might get a great idea or two for your own home, too…

So here we go – five top design trends of 2020 recreated in Animal Crossing: New Horizons.

1. Grey goes away

While you'd be forgiven for thinking grey was here to stay, the Pantone Colour of the Year 2020 is Classic Blue. This rich, elegant hue isn't any old blue, either, and while we couldn't quite match the precise shade in our Animal Crossing: New Horizons abode, you can't deny how a stunning statement blue lifts a room. Best of all, most of the accessories you've picked up to compliment an existing grey colour scheme should match well against a blue backdrop, too. This means you can refresh your room's decor without making too many additional, and costly, changes.

2. Pretty pink isn't just for princesses

Before you panic – no, not that kind of pink! While just mentioning the colour might send you hurtling into a flashback of lurid neons from your childhood, the recent pink comeback is all grown-up, too. Instead of loud, clashing shades, we're talking pretty pastels and muted pinks that add a soft elegance to your home furnishings. If you're anxious not to over-egg the pinky pudding – and you're not alone – think about layering the look with complementary neutral tones, too; add in greys, blues, and off-whites to make your home shine in the right ways. 

3. Crazy for chintz

Hard to believe it, we know, but yes, it's true: chintz is back. Delicate, traditional patterns showcased against a bright, light background, chintz is no longer just a relic of the past. Admittedly best used sparingly, these traditional patterns can be used in a variety of ways, from making a statement with a feature wall to transforming your everyday soft furnishings. And if, like us, you're a little concerned about accidentally overdoing it, remember to contrast your chintz against contemporary fittings and furniture to really make it stand out.

4. Astonish with animal prints

Yes, animal print is still here, and it's showing no signs of going anytime soon. The iconic spots and stripes of your favourite creatures can bring a touch of warmth and texture to any home – which is just as well, actually, as layering textures is also a hot trend for 2020, too!

With a wide range of colours, fabrics, and styles, the possibilities for mixing and matching are endless, and while we wouldn't necessarily recommend replicating quite as many different patterns as we have in our Animal Crossing home here, don't be scared to be a little adventurous. If you're really going wild, think about using animal prints in unusual places, too, such as your kitchen or bathroom.

5. Get steamy with classy concrete bathrooms

Style doesn't have to come at the cost of function, and never has that been truer than with the hot trend for concrete bathrooms. While the weight of concrete used to make it difficult to emulate this look without a lot of extra fuss and expense, now you can get someone in – sadly, this is not a DIY job! – to apply micro concrete to your existing walls. It will turn your bathroom into a stylish getaway and best of all, it's as tough and hardwearing as it is stunning.