2020 might see the end of the official kitchen area and the rise of cheeky leftover spaces; it's certain to see terrazzo move to a foundational material in a home staple, and metal will definitely adorn the most fashion forward homes. Leading platform for home renovation and design Houzz shares its top trends for the year.

The rise of curves and arches

Curves and arches will emerge as an interior design trend in big ways next year, adding a feminine touch and create softness in spaces otherwise filled with hard surfaces. Architectural elements of the home will embrace rounded edges through circular windows, arches and curved walls as advances to technology allows architects to challenge structural boundaries.

Cheeky extras

Got an extra 1.5 metres space at the end of your kitchen renovation floor plan? Houzz reports that it's starting to see homeowners no longer decide between a pantry or more bench space if they have spare meterage. Instead, they are extending into the space, building in integrated study nooks, kitchenettes and banquettes. This trend began at the start of 2019, with study nooks searched on Houzz 26 per cent more than the previous year.

Popularity of metal cladding

With an increasing focus on technological innovation, the desire for greater sustainability, the need for safety and always-changing realisations about wellbeing in the home, one of the biggest trends on Houzz is metal cladding. With recent issues with combustible materials, Houzz is seeing professionals readjust to these new demands - goodbye rendered brickwork and timber slats, hello copper, zinc and steel.

The 'unkitchen' kitchen

As the most popular room to renovate, Australian kitchen will continue to evolve, with contemporary kitchens beginning to integrate small touches of furniture-like elements that reflect the rest of a home's more personalised decor. At the extreme end, we will see kitchens that disappear completely into bespoke cabinetry, so all their functionality is hidden away when not in use.

The colour trends

Beige, stone, soft eucalypt greens and earthy browns will be strong interior colours in 2020, following their popularity this year. They're hues found in natural materials such as sisal, jute, hem; the colours of unbleached, undyed wool, natural clay colours, natural stone. However, there is some solace for those who love colour. Houzz's colour professionals predict that strong colours with added shading will be on trend, such as merlot, peacock blue and spicy pink.

Homewares made of biomaterials

The common concern about climate change, sustainability, the harm of single-use plastic and environmental pollution will push professionals to innovate even more in the years ahead, developing new recycled and recyclable materials for homewares and decor.