2022 Design Trends: What’s In & What’s Headed Out
Over the past couple of years, trends in interior design have undergone significant changes as people have spent significantly more time at home. We’re seeing an overall shift to embrace warm, comfortable, and most importantly, functional spaces that make us truly enjoy our time spent in the home. “There is more and more research that shows the direct influence that our homes have, not only on our moods but our overall health and well-being,” Timothy Corrigan, lead interior designer of Timothy Corrigan Inc, described in an interview with Vogue. It comes as no surprise then that we’re prioritizing design elements that feel welcoming, a departure from past trends that tended toward the modern, minimalist, and sleek. Below we’ve broken down some of the top trends that we anticipate will be all the rage in 2022 and what we’re leaving behind in 2021.
1. Multipurpose Spaces
There has been a firm shift over the past several years to leave behind the days of the unused sitting room or dusty dining room. Those spaces are being revamped to better fit our day-to-day needs. In 2022, every foot counts, and we’re asking bedrooms to double as offices, garages to become home gyms, and dining rooms to split time as libraries and wine cellars. The bottom line is, we want our spaces to work harder for us. Down to even the decor we use–we’re reaching for functional design like candles and books over non-functional decorative objects.
2. Maximalism & Nostalgic Design
A departure from past trends of minimalism, 2022 is anticipated to see a rise in floral patterns, wallpaper, and embrace of color. The “grandmillennial” trend that came on the scene in 2021 is now catching steam as homeowners seek out design choices that feel nostalgic and bright. It feels distinctly reminiscent of a type of 1940’s style, but with a couple of key updates.
Maximalism is successful when handled with a curated and careful eye. As described by Martyn Lawrence Bullard, “unlike our grandparents’ interiors, the feel is more curated with floral and damask-printed wallpapers becoming the backdrop for contemporary-shaped soft furnishings given an added touch of glamour with unexpected fringe and piping additions.” -Martyn Lawrence Bullard
3. Naturally Inspired Decor
In keeping with decor choices that make us feel good, there has been a resurgence in decor inspired by the earth around us. That includes natural surfaces and patterns like terracotta, stoneware, and marble, as well as the use of an abundance of potted plants to brighten and lift the energy of a room. “The raw, porous, imperfect nature of these organic materials add depth, soul, and visual intrigue while also mimicking the calming, restorative ambiance of the outdoors. This lure back to nature has also sparked an interest in large trees at home, from the elegant black olive to Southern magnolias.” -Athena Calderone
4. Sustainability & High Tech Homes
The health of our planet has been a major concern for many years, and recent innovations in home tech have given homeowners more control than ever over their environmental footprint. From large-scale green-energy additions like solar panels to easy, cost-effective tools like smart thermostats and energy-conscious appliances, it has never been easier than it is today to have a green home. Beyond simply being good for the environment, it’s also a great way to save money on utility bills and upgrade the functionality of your home.
5. Elevated Outdoor Spaces
In keeping with the current push to maximize the use of every space in the home, backyard features like outdoor fire pits, hot tubs, and curated patios have exploded in popularity. As we continue to extend our time spent entertaining outdoors, our backyards have continued to become extensions of our interior style. 2022 will usher in a new era of sophisticated outdoor furniture and features.
6. Embrace of COLOR
Current trends are pushing away from the all-white standard of past years. Some contemporary design trends embrace splashy use of bright colors, while other warmer trends pull palettes of natural hues and earthy browns. Whatever your palette of choice, we expect to see a lot more bold paint choices gracing our walls and furniture, particularly rich olive greens and deep browns.