These are the Ikea trends we are loving right now

(Image credit: Ikea)

last updated 8 January 2020

Right, we are done with January already. It's grim, it's grey and it feels endless! So, to give ourselves a lift and for some much-needed escapism, we had a sneak peek at the Ikea Spring/Summer 2020 look book (hard job, we know). Ooooh, we just felt warmer looking at all those gorgeous light-filled rooms! We have, of course, picked out our favourite trends that we know you will love too, so you can get inspired to give your home some quick, cheap updates.

Love Ikea as much as us? Obviously you do, so check out our Ikea hacks feature too, and if you are after more stylish ideas, have a read through of round-up of the top 2020 interior trends.

1. Rural retreat

This was definitely our favourite trend from the Ikea S/S 2020 look book. We love the simple, country-style and tranquil feel of the rooms. There's lots of white and neutral colour, but it's kept from becoming bland by all the natural textures and greenery.

Rosheen Forbes, Commercial Activity & Events Leader at IKEA UK & Ireland, said that 'this trend is all about channelling classic chateaux vibes throughout the summer season, by welcoming nature into the home whilst keeping the overall look bold and impactful. Handcrafted homewares collide with modern influences to create a dynamic design outcome that makes the space feel like home.'

2. Citrus shades

Forget blue – we think orange is set to be the colour of the year, it is EVERYWHERE. And it's so versatile, too: there are so many ways to style it. Get a velvet orange sofa for some 70s vibes. Paint a wall terracotta for a warm boho look. Or go for a faded pale orange for a more traditional, old French country house look.

'I love citrus shades, especially for the warmer months, as they breathe a new lease of life into the home for summer', explains Rosheen. 'Not only are the shades beautiful, they are energetic and give the home a sense of vibrance and warmth. Brighter colours reflect the warmer weather and by choosing these colours you can bring a bit of the outside, inside. This trend is all about making minor changes by incorporating small items such as throws or cushions, making this an easy trend to bring into the home.'

3. Vintage Havana

Is that... is that... sunshine? This trend is big on the warm colours and rich, vibrant tones. There's a really cool mix of eclectic patterns, too, with plenty of palms and geometric prints – and, of course, there are some pineapples in there for good measure.

Not that we can even think about spending prolonged time outside right now, but this trend is also focused on blurring inside and outside spaces, a trend that was massive last summer too. Rosheen says that this trend is about 'making the most of the warmer temperatures in the spring and summer months. Mimicking the shapes, beauty and colours of nature within your interiors as well as focusing on dressing your outside space will help achieve this look.'

4. Refined Zen

If a room were to portray how we want to be in 2020, this would be it. Refined Zen. Clean, sophisticated, elegant, relaxed – all the things we probably weren't in 2019.

This trend is all about the calming tones, understated shapes and sustainable materials. There is a functionality to it, too: there are lots of space-saving ideas within the trend and tips on creating a beautiful space that also works well.

Rosheen says, 'The Refined Zen trend is all about taking a deep breath and injecting a calm, fresh approach and sense of balance to one’s space, embracing the harmonious spirit of the season. Soft pastel hues including neo mint and tranquil dawn exude a composed and peaceful atmosphere, providing a neutral canvas for simple and elegant touches. Incorporating sustainable and renewable materials such as bamboo and wood help diffuse a natural spirit, with beautiful raw textures and craftsmanship adding character.'

Hebe joined the Real Homes team in early 2018 as Staff Writer before moving to the Livingetc team in 2021 where she took on a role as Digital Editor. She loves boho and 70's style and is a big fan of Instagram as a source of interiors inspiration. When she isn't writing about interiors, she is renovating her own spaces – be it wallpapering a hallway, painting kitchen cupboards or converting a van.