It’s 2022, and we’re hoping that this year allows for more family gatherings, traveling, and cocktail parties than before. But regardless of what the future holds—and much in part to what we experienced in ’20 and ’21, appreciation for our homes as our sanctuaries is here to stay. Whether that means enlarging your work from home corner into an actual space or preparing your common areas for future parties, we’ve got the top trends for you to consider when you begin your new year spruce ups and projects.
- Sustainable materials. Eco-friendly materials and sustainable design will be more popular than ever. Folks are now aware of the advantages of incorporating energy-efficient products into their homes to reduce heating and lighting needs. And too, more people are focused on investing in sustainable furniture, products, and lighting, and in how these designs fit into different spaces.
Eco-friendly materials (reclaimed, recycled, and ethically sourced) are garnering lots of attention, especially as the younger generation comes of age to buy and renovate their own homes.
- Neutral and natural. Neutral and natural never goes out of style, and these shades are gaining popularity. People want longer lifespans for their living spaces, so they are integrating elements that provide for more timeless design.
Think gray, beige, white, and brown with warm or rich undertones on walls. For furniture and decorative elements, lean on nature-inspired colors and textures such as blues, greens, rich/deep reds and pinks, and earth tones, along with organic, natural shapes that add interest.
Access to daylight and views will remain key in 2022, so large windows and high ceilings are vital as they enhance views, provide abundant daylight, and relieve stress.
- Luxurious, textured, and colored textiles. Beautiful textiles will be a staple for color, texture, and depth in your home by simply layering different fabrics (on a bed, for example), or using different materials as accents.
One way to include this trend is with natural elements like linen in earth tones, or with colored fabric patterns on a neutral background. Don’t be surprised to see some of your grandma’s favorites prints and fabrics coming back, such as velvets, Sherpa, and boucle. Fringe will also come front and center on furniture again, especially sofas and ottomans.
- Vintage. Your grandparents’ fabrics aren’t the only item coming back in 2022: vintage furniture is “in.” Vintage furniture has made a comeback, and vintage designs are popping up all over due to supply chain shortages and focus on sustainability. You can find these unique statement pieces at thrift stores, flea markets, repurposed furniture stores (online or in-store), or at local resale sites like Goodwill, Craigslist, or even Facebook Marketplace.
Beyond efficiency and sustainability, vintage shopping encourages personality. Since our homes should reflect our own unique styles, the retro vibe allows for personal creativity like nothing else. And none of your friends will have the same things.
- Black accents. Black accents and hardware will be a popular design trend for 2022. It’s a great way to add some edge and depth to more minimalist spaces: Choose light, neutrals for the main elements of your room, like wall paint and sofas, then incorporate black accents, such as lamps, for contrast and to add interest and depth. Also change out handles on your side tables and TV cabinets with black hardware for a nice update.
- Living room bars. A trend that began during lockdown—living room bars and drink trolleys—will be huge in 2022. As we’ve gotten more comfortable with staying home, this fun and convenient tendency now continues unabated. Consider adding a built-in bar to an unused alcove to provide purpose to an “adult-only” entertaining space. Or find a vintage drink trolley to roll out at party time. Nothing says fun better!
- Nature-themed décor. Achieve a connection with nature with plant-focused decor, nature-themed walls/aesthetics, or by adding houseplants wherever possible.
Wellness-based design is now a trending topic due to the increase in time at home. Designers are looking to wellness experts for ways to amplify the home as a have. It follows that because indoor plants have a calming effect and promote clean air, living walls and hanging plants at home are popping up more and more.
- More marble. Bold, heavy marbles (authentic and faux) have been “a thing” in home design for a long time, and now they are really making headlines. Rough, rugged, and fresh slabs will be introduced heavily into interior design, and most designers will agree that you can never go wrong with marble.
- Curved furniture. Huh? Curved furniture? Well, according to the experts, it’s the latest 2022 furniture trend. It features pieces with sloped lines, curved silhouettes, and not a harsh angle in sight.
The movement into curved furniture took off in 2021, bringing a timeless mid-century trend from the ’60s and ’70s back to life. And according to the experts, it’s not going away any time soon. More and more people are predicted to invest in curvy pieces such as mirrors, kitchen islands or statement furniture like barrel back chairs.
- Inspired WFH. The makeshift kitchen table “office” no longer cuts it. With all the hybrid work schedules and remote work opportunities, creating in-home workspaces that inspire is a trend that folks are jumping on.
Many designers report that their clients want not just one, but two, functioning office spaces where they can work without interruption from others or to others in the family. They are converting closets and rooms that are no longer being used. Consider a “library” aesthetic with plenty of cabinetry, even paneling, and whenever possible a view and access to a porch. Include the right seating and desk, with enough outlets and great lighting, then surround your workspace with things you love, energizing colors, and comforting textures.
- Kitchen glow up. Move over all-white kitchen; your days are numbered. Like it or not, color-laden, vibrant cook/eat spaces are the new thing. Notable details include statement-making stone for dramatic countertops or backsplashes; paint in warm, moody colors on cabinets and walls, and even closing off the kitchen from the living area and giving it some designer touches.
The good news is that if you have a white kitchen and you love it, you should keep it because in truth, all-white is considered classic. But do add mixed metals and lots of color and pattern in your accessories and fabrics for an update and more flair.
- Greater investment in outdoor rooms. Gone are the days when outdoor spaces are last on the list—the pandemic changed our priorities. Nowadays, serious money is being spent on outdoor living, and this trend is not going anywhere any time soon.
Backyards and patios are now as important as indoor spaces. People are requesting that outdoor rooms be as flexible and functional as traditional indoor spaces and as center points for gatherings of family and friends. Performance fabrics, pizza ovens, full kitchens and more furniture than ever is the new backyard normal.
Incorporating all these trends would be too overwhelming to your senses, time, and budget, so pick a couple that are realistic for you and your family and the way you live in your home. Then enjoy the fun of transforming what may be tired spaces into interesting and on-trend interiors that you’ll love all year long.
