Unveiling the Hottest Home Design Trends of 2019: Insights from the Pinterest 100

In the vast digital landscape of inspiration and ideas, Pinterest consistently stands out as a paramount platform for visual discovery. While other excellent resources like Houzz offer specialized avenues for home decorating and design curation, Pinterest remains the undisputed titan for millions seeking to catalog their aspirations, particularly when it comes to transforming their living spaces. For many, it’s the ultimate go-to for gathering and organizing ideas, a visual search engine powered by personal dreams.

For the fifth consecutive year, the influential social media platform has unveiled its highly anticipated Pinterest 100 report. This comprehensive, data-driven collection offers a profound glimpse into global trending interests, meticulously categorized to reflect the most popular pins and searches across various topics. It’s more than just a list; it’s a predictive tool that highlights emerging desires and aesthetics.

“Pinterest is its own positive corner of the internet, where more than 250 million people around the world come to discover new ideas to try,” the company explained in its announcement for the 2019 list. This ethos underscores Pinterest’s unique position as a source of positive inspiration, fostering creativity and personal expression rather than just social interaction. The methodology behind identifying these trends is remarkably robust and sheds light on genuine, sustained interest rather than fleeting fads.

The platform’s analytical rigor is impressive: “The way we know an idea is trending is by looking at what all those people are searching for. If an idea keeps getting more and more searches each month? And that upward trajectory holds steady for 6+ months? That’s how we know it’s a trend.” This data-driven approach ensures that the Pinterest 100 truly captures significant shifts in consumer interest and emerging styles, making it an invaluable resource for designers, brands, and everyday users alike.

Understanding the Pinterest 100: A Global Snapshot of Inspiration

The Pinterest 100 report is thoughtfully organized into ten overarching categories, designed to encapsulate the diverse interests of its global user base. These categories include Travel, Health and Wellness, Hobbies and Interests, Celebrations, Food, Home, Men’s Style, Women’s Style, Beauty, and Kids and Parenting. Each section offers a detailed look at the specific micro-trends gaining momentum within that broader theme.

For those eager to dive into the full spectrum of global trends, the complete Pinterest 100 board is accessible here, offering a visual journey through the year’s most inspiring ideas. Additionally, a comprehensive downloadable report, rich with further details and insights, can be found here. These resources empower users to explore not just what’s trending, but why, providing context and inspiration for their own projects.

Deep Dive into the Home Category: Crafting Personal Sanctuaries

Given our readers’ keen interest in all aspects of home trends, we have focused specifically on the “Home” category, which consistently ranks as one of the most popular sections on Pinterest. This category is a testament to the universal desire to create living spaces that are both functional and deeply personal. The company highlighted this sentiment, stating, “People use Pinterest to get their houses feeling more like home.” This isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about comfort, identity, and sanctuary.

The breadth of home-related searches on Pinterest is staggering, reflecting the diverse needs and ambitions of homeowners and renters alike. “Homebodies come looking for everything from day-to-day DIY projects (83 percent of home searches) to remodels, landscaping and other monumental undertakings (60 percent).” This data underscores Pinterest’s role as a comprehensive resource, catering to both small, manageable updates and large-scale renovations. Whether users are seeking a quick weekend craft or planning a major structural change, Pinterest provides the visual guidance and practical ideas they need.

Let’s explore some of the most compelling and rapidly growing home trends identified in the 2019 Pinterest 100 report:

1. The Allure of Contemporary Fireplaces

Fireplaces, both indoor and outdoor, are experiencing a significant resurgence, particularly those boasting a contemporary aesthetic. Searches for “contemporary fireplaces” surged by an astounding 763 percent, indicating a strong desire for sleek, modern hearths that serve as both a focal point and a source of warmth. This trend moves beyond traditional ornate designs, embracing clean lines, minimalist materials, and innovative forms. Modern homeowners are looking for fireplaces that blend seamlessly with their architectural style, offering efficiency and aesthetic appeal. Imagine a minimalist gas fireplace integrated into a stone wall or a chic outdoor fire pit creating a cozy ambiance on a patio. This trend emphasizes comfort, style, and a touch of luxury.

2. Embracing Bold Yellow: The Mustard Moment

Color trends often reflect societal moods, and 2019 saw a vibrant embrace of yellow, specifically “mustard yellow.” This bold, warm shade is being integrated into homes in various ways, from an entire accent wall to smaller, impactful accents like throw pillows, artwork, or furniture. Searches for “mustard yellow” increased by 45 percent, showcasing its growing popularity. This hue brings a sense of energy, optimism, and warmth to any space, offering a sophisticated alternative to brighter, more primary yellows. It pairs beautifully with neutral tones like gray and cream, as well as darker shades like navy or emerald green, allowing for versatile design applications.

3. The Renaissance of Painted Floor Tiles

Instead of embarking on costly and disruptive tile replacement projects, many are discovering the transformative power of paint. Searches for “painted floor tiles” exploded by an astonishing 1,276 percent, highlighting a massive trend towards budget-friendly and creative floor makeovers. This approach allows homeowners to refresh outdated or disliked ceramic, porcelain, or even parquet floors with intricate patterns, solid colors, or stenciled designs. It’s a fantastic DIY solution that offers significant visual impact for a fraction of the cost and effort of a full renovation, proving that innovation can be both beautiful and economical.

4. Bold and Tropical Wallpaper Takes Center Stage

Forget subtle patterns; 2019 was about making a statement with wallpaper. Searches for “bold print wallpaper” soared by 401 percent, indicating a strong preference for dramatic, eye-catching designs, especially tropical prints. This trend allows for incredible personalization, transforming an ordinary wall into a vibrant work of art. From oversized floral motifs and lush jungle scenes to abstract geometric patterns and daring color combinations, bold wallpaper injects personality and character into any room. It’s a powerful way to define a space, create an accent wall, or even add an unexpected pop of style to smaller areas like powder rooms or entryways.

5. Rustic Charm with Tin Interiors

Adding a touch of vintage or industrial rustic flair, “tin interiors” became a noteworthy trend, with searches increasing by 563 percent. This includes everything from decorative tin ceiling tiles repurposed as backsplashes to tin-inspired wallpaper that mimics the look and texture of aged metal. Tin brings a unique texture and subtle shimmer to a space, adding character and warmth. It can be used to create a striking feature wall, enhance a kitchen backsplash, or even as decorative accents in furniture or lighting. This trend beautifully merges industrial appeal with rustic charm, offering a distinctive aesthetic.

6. The Art of Geometric Painted Walls

For those seeking artistic expression on their walls without committing to full wallpaper, painted geometric shapes offered a compelling alternative. Searches for ideas related to “geometric painted walls” rose by 225 percent. This trend involves using tape and paint to create intricate, visually dynamic patterns directly on walls. From abstract triangles and interlocking lines to color-blocked murals, geometric designs can add depth, modern flair, and a customized touch to any room. It’s a versatile trend that can be subtle or dramatic, allowing for endless creative possibilities to reflect individual style.

7. Textile Art: A Renter-Friendly Statement

A truly revolutionary trend, especially beneficial for renters or those hesitant to commit to permanent changes, is the rise of “textile art.” Searches for this decorative solution skyrocketed by an astonishing 1,718 percent. Textile art encompasses woven wall hangings, macramé pieces, tapestries, and embroidered works that bring texture, warmth, and artistic interest to walls. Unlike paint or wallpaper, textile art is easily removable, making it perfect for adding temporary pops of personality. It offers a soft, bohemian, or eclectic touch, and comes in an array of styles, colors, and sizes to suit any aesthetic, providing an instant focal point without permanence.

8. The Enduring Charm of Cactus Arrangements

The popularity of succulents and cacti continued to grow, with “cactus arrangements” seeing a 235 percent increase in searches. And for good reason! These resilient plants are incredibly easy to care for, requiring minimal water and attention, making them ideal for busy individuals or those without a green thumb. They offer unique textures, intriguing shapes, and a modern, minimalist aesthetic that complements almost any decor style. Arranged in pleasing compositions—whether in terrariums, decorative pots, or as part of a larger display—succulent and cactus arrangements are a low-fuss, high-impact decorating option that brings a touch of nature indoors with effortless style.

9. Maximizing Greenery with Vertical Gardens

For those with a bit more green thumb and a desire to maximize space, “vertical gardens” emerged as a strong trend, with searches up by 287 percent. As urban living continues to proliferate and outdoor space becomes a luxury, vertical gardens offer an innovative and aesthetically pleasing solution to bring more greenery into both indoor and outdoor environments. These living walls can be constructed using various systems, from simple hanging planters to complex hydroponic setups, transforming bare walls into vibrant ecosystems. They are not only beautiful but can also improve air quality, provide fresh herbs, and create a calming, natural atmosphere. It’s a smart, space-saving way to connect with nature.

10. The Serenity of Natural Swimming Pools

Thinking of installing a pool but not thrilled by the chemical smell of chlorine? You are certainly not alone! Searches for “natural swimming pools” increased by 262 percent, indicating a significant shift towards more environmentally friendly and aesthetically integrated aquatic solutions. These pools use biological filtration systems (plants, gravel, and beneficial microorganisms) instead of harsh chemicals to keep the water clean, creating a miniature ecosystem that doubles as a pristine swimming area. Natural pools blend harmoniously with the landscape, offering a serene, chemical-free swimming experience that feels more like bathing in a natural pond or lake, providing both recreation and a beautiful garden feature.

Embracing the Future of Home Design

The Pinterest 100 report for 2019 offers a fascinating window into the evolving world of home design. These trends collectively speak to a desire for personalization, sustainability, creativity, and comfort in our living spaces. From bold declarations of color and pattern to ingenious space-saving solutions and eco-conscious choices, homeowners and design enthusiasts are continually seeking ways to make their homes truly reflect their lifestyles and values.

So, what do you think of these compelling trends? Which ones resonate most with your personal style, and which have you already adopted in your own home? Are you brave enough to embrace a statement-making bold wallpaper, or do you prefer to infuse personality through striking accent pieces? We encourage you to share your thoughts, your experiences, and even your own inspiring Pinterest boards with us. Let’s continue the conversation about creating beautiful, unique, and truly personal homes!