Over the past 18 months, many of our homes have received more love, care, attention, and introspection than in the last five years combined. And who could blame us? Time hunkering down indoors meant we all naturally turned our attention to our interior surroundings, sussing out once and for all what works for our lifestyles and what reflects our personalities best in our homes. Because of this, we’ve seen a surplus of home decor and design trends cycle in and out over the past year or so—some picking up steam and becoming full-blown phenomena (we’re looking at you, dramatic marble), while others are just on the cusp, waiting to catch fire with homeowners.
At the end of the day, trends are about more than just a color or pattern—they’re a great reflection of where we are as a collective society, what we’re prioritizing, and what we’re impacted by. As we look forward in 2022— consider this permission to lean into these expert-approved ideas as much (or as little!) as you want. If the past year-plus has taught us anything, it’s that home should be a reflection of the people who inhabit it, a place to create your own version of happiness. Here’s what you have to look forward to in 2022 and beyond.
Curve Furniture Silhouettes
The sharp lines of mid-century modern will always be in, but more and more we’re seeing a softening of furniture silhouettes, with curved edges and feminine shapes rising to the forefront. 2022 will show more focus on furniture being artwork in its own right. Furniture is becoming more refined and is about the marrying of form with function—think softer curves that show off like a beautiful naked back. People are looking for comfortability along with fun, cool and/or striking pieces that make a space look interesting and memorable.
Sustainable Practices
Here at DM Interior Design, we are advocates for environmental sustainability. In our recent projects, we have been actively experimenting with exciting materials such as ecological wood for the washrooms and kitchens. We also focus on selecting materials that are formaldehyde-free, and minimise the usage of adhesive. Sustainability is the new sexy—and in 2022, we predict a growing need for consciously-designed and responsibly-manufactured products to be at the forefront of every home.
From building materials to furniture, consumers are looking to adopt more innovative products that are designed from the start with sustainability in mind. We will see widespread adoption of green technology in residential interiors. From smart thermostats to innovative recycled water systems, homeowners will not only be more conscious of their consumption but will also actively look to reduce their energy and water usage. Sustainability doesn’t have to mean sacrificing beautiful design. In 2022, we predict a surge of colorful and bold sustainable materials and products that will force us to reimagine what sustainable design is and can be.
Loads of Textures
Even the most basic neutral palettes can feel layered and exceptional when lots of different textures are incorporated. In the coming year, mastering that mix is going to be paramount. There will be more soft velvets and boucle fabrics mixed with woven furniture and sisal carpets. These elements help add warmth, creating an inviting space.
Impressive Foyers
There’s nothing like making a good first impression, and designers predict that the entryways to our homes—including foyers and mudrooms—will get lots of love and attention this coming year. It’s the first room people see when they come to your home, so don't be afraid to make it amazing.
Home Bars
Time spent at home doesn’t mean all fun is lost. In the past year (and continuing on into the coming year), our homes have learned to flex between WFH zones and classrooms to fine dining restaurants and entertainment zones. One iteration we’ll see much more of in 2022? Home bars. Be it wet or dry, everyone wants a gorgeous, tricked-out bar in their homes right now. While it's a holdover from the pandemic, we foresee that it's a trend that's here to stay.
Nature Inspired Hues
The great outdoors has proven to be a great source of inspiration for home design and decor over the past year, and that pastoral sentiment will continue to reign supreme into 2022. The new neutrals for home colors are actual nature colors. 2022 will see more designs bringing in those muted nature colors such as leafy greens, bark browns, ocean and sky blues, sandy beiges, cloudy whites, and more into the home.
Closed Floor Plans
Turn on any renovation show and you’re sure to see more than a few walls being knocked down in favor of an open floor plan. These days though, the quest for “flow” and a “breezy” home is slowly giving way to more sequestered living. More and more time spent at home creates the need for privacy within. A big part of our job today is creating niches and nooks that feel calm and private. We’re adding walls and openings more often than we are knocking them down. The additional design opportunities are a bonus—the more closed rooms, the more creative you can be. One large open floor plan often relies heavily on neutrals and repetition to not overwhelm the eye, while a more closed floor plan has natural transition points that help a big design moment feel contained.
Indoor-Outdoor Living
Just like our homes have been forced to live well beyond their square footage, so too have our outdoor spaces. Whether you boast half a patio or half an acre, making the most of your green space is likely a top priority in the coming year. Homeowners are putting more investment into their exterior spaces than ever before. They are moving pools, outdoor kitchens, firepits, and extensive seating and dining to the top of their wish lists. In warmer climates, indoor spaces extend out to patios for indoor-outdoor living, often doubling the square footage of a home’s eating and entertaining areas. Installing bi-folding and sliding doors that span the full width of a wall can help you seamlessly connect to the outdoors.
*extracted from food52. Images courtesy of DM Interior Design and the internet