Interior Design
The Predictions Are In: 12 Home Decor Trends We’ll See in 2022
Did someone say curvy furniture and nature-inspired hues? Yes, we did.
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 all this TLC, 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 du jour—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 to 2022—and the fun trends we’re rounding up below—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.
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,” says designer Linda Hayslett of LH.Designed. “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.”
“Curvalicious furniture was a big design trend in 2021 and it's set to stay,” adds Alex Liepman, founder of art company DROOL. “Curves are both feminine and forgiving, which makes a room feel instantly more cozy and safe. If you want to incorporate some bold colors into a room, curves make for the perfect combo, as they lend so well to big, bold designs.”
If there’s a cabinet profile most people recognize, it’s shaker style. The clean lines and simplicity lend themselves beautifully to almost any design style, allowing other unique elements of your kitchen (like your cabinetry color or countertop selection) to take centerstage. That being said, designers predict the rise of different profiles in 2022, lending each kitchen, powder room or mudroom an air of personalization. “I think (and hope) that 2022 is the year more creative cabinetry styles will go mainstream,” says designer Kate Lester of Kate Lester Interiors. “If you’re going for a more contemporary look, I always suggest something a little different, like a vertical paneled door detail or a flat-panel style with a really unique piece of hardware.”
“Bevelled shaker cabinets are making their way again,” adds designer Sarah Stacey of Sarah Stacey Interior Design. “Shaker cabinets have been all the rage for so long now. However, the trend is moving away from a standard shaker and instead focusing on beveling the shaker styles and rails for a unique look.”
“Sustainability is the new sexy—and, in 2022, we predict consciously-designed and responsibly-manufactured products to be at the forefront of every home,” says Georgie Smith and Hilary Gibbs, founders of recycled tile company LIVDEN. “From building materials to furniture, consumers are looking to adopt more innovative products that are designed from the start with sustainability in mind. Next year and beyond, we 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.”
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. “We'll definitely be seeing an uptick in texture in 2022—the more, the better!” says designer Andi Morse of Morse Design. “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.”
Our passports may be collecting cobwebs as of late, but that doesn’t mean that our homes can’t be a transportive experience all their own. “Next year, we’re going to see modern interpretations of Parisian-inspired designs as a popular home trend,” says Kelley Carter, Bloomingdales’ Home Fashion Director. “The intersection of color and materials will be a focal point here, with pastels and metallics coming together to create an inviting space. By bringing in design pieces made of translucent materials—like colored glass and iridescent crystal—they can create a glowing effect when you place them in an area of the home with plenty of natural light. It’s a nice way to brighten up the space and create a dreamy, warm atmosphere typical of Parisian culture.”
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. “One of my favorite new trends for 2022 is fun in the foyer,” says designer Hillary Stamm of HMS Interiors. It’s the first room people see when they come to your home, so don't be afraid to make it amazing! From vintage rugs to books and baskets, aim to create a styled but welcoming vibe.”
“No room is too small for a royal treatment,” adds designer Killy Scheer of Scheer & Co. “Powder rooms used to be the space that our clients would be a little more fearless, but now we're seeing fun designs in closets, utility rooms, entryways and other spaces where we spend a whole lot of time.”
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,” says Scheer. “While it's a holdover from the pandemic, I think it's a trend that's here to stay and I'm not the least bit mad about it.”
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,” says Hayslett. “The past couple of years, people have had to spend more time outdoors, where the colors are always calming and never too stark, bright or loud. 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.”
“Green has always worked beautifully in interiors, especially when clients ask to bring the outdoors in,” adds designer Caroline Turner. “However, I think 2022 will be the biggest year yet for the versatile hue. Whether the application is big (my preference) or small, the right green can really pack a punch. Olive, sage, emerald, and forest are some of my favorites.”
For months now, supply-chain issues have been top of mind for anyone building a home, redecorating a room, or even shopping for a friend’s birthday. As a natural reaction to that, second-hand shopping has increased in popularity, especially when it comes to furniture and larger accessories (which are sometimes months—if not a year—away from being delivered through mainstream retailers). Expect to see vintage and antique furniture gain in popularity even more in the coming year, with many homeowners focusing their money and attention on making these new-to-them pieces feel like their own.
“With the massive shipping delays and increased raw material prices we've seen as of late, vintage pieces have become even more desirable,” explains Lauren Meichtry of Elsie Home. “I've seen some stunning vintage pieces brought back to life with new upholstery and a little refinishing. Nothing like a global pandemic to force our hand into getting even more creative.”
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 (both of with you can achieve with walls, promise you) is slowly giving way to more sequestered living. “The pandemic has impacted every facet of life but especially our homes,” says Turner. “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.”
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,” says Jean Brownhill, founder of Sweeten. “Homeowners 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, while large windows are a better option in climates with four seasons.”
According to Food52's table buyer, Casey Simring, "tablescaping is quickly becoming an art form and medium for self expression. Dinnerware, glassware, even flatware, have all become opportunities to show off your personal style and curation—and the style is no longer your grandmother's bone china plates." This year? It's all about mix-and-match color. "The beauty of a mix-and-match colorful table is that you can grow your collection over time," Simring says, "adding pieces from different collections to create an eclectic yet stylish tabletop. If you're nervous, just start with the small stuff: snag a set of mixed color napkins, fun taper candles, or even a mini cake stand. Then work your way up to the tinted glassware and dinnerware styles—I find it's easier for me to commit to a set of funky color bowls before a full dinnerware set. If you're intimidated at having to style colors together, start with either warm or cool tones—you'll be surprised how easy it is to create a palette from there!"
Written by: Alyssa Longobucco
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24 Comments
They are great.
As for the home bar, drinker or not, I've always found them creepy.
Love, love this photo! Could you share the couch and chair purchase info?
I'm very interested in those 2 coffee tables; one in trend #4 and the other in trend #8, and that gorgeous paint color in trend #8. Thank you so much!
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