design trends 2022
I recently had the pleasure to sit down with Dan and Hailey from Repcolite Paints for their weekly Home Improvement Show, to discuss Interior Design Trends 2022. It was a fun and interesting conversation. I hope you will listen, and can glean something useful for your own interior design project. The entire show is embedded below for your enjoyment.
Generally speaking, interior design continues to trend away from stark minimalism toward a cozy, comfortable and intimate aesthetic. We are seeing the swan song of harsh, sterile interiors filled with cold blacks, dull grays and jarring whites (thankfully!). Interiors that are layered with patterns, textures and details are in demand, with a return to warmer hues of the past. As I said in the show, think about the colors of coffee, warm and creamy whites, and an interest in the Arts & Crafts / 1970s palette (without the shag rug walls). Jewel tones are hot again (did they ever really disappear?), with a focus on greens in many colors of the year for 2022. Lines in architecture and furniture are borrowing from the organic, blending curves and shapes in a more dynamic and relaxed style. Formality, it appears, continues to wane into a lifestyle of the past.
As nature takes center stage - perhaps in reaction to our ever-deepening understanding of the impacts of human activity / climate change - biophilic design continues to dominate the forecast for what is desirable in the home. And rightly so! Our interiors are places of refuge that bring us safety, comfort and healing. Elements of nature for all of the senses have been shown to reduce stress (such as that brought on by the pandemic and similar uncertainties), improve quality of life, and enhance the experience of occupants in residential and commercial settings. These colors, textures and patterns are the dominate motifs right now, spilling over from 2020-2021, and likely growing in popularity for the next several years.
I reiterate in this radio show the philosophy I have espoused for years: if you love it, and can live with it, then it is right for you. Following interior design “trends” can be exciting - who doesn’t love the novelty of the new? But ultimately, a great interior designer is able to distill exactly what is personal and reflective of you (or your business / brand / corporate culture) into a space that works for your unique situation. Fads can be fun, but most are inherently ephemeral, and will come and go. I follow these industry forecasts to continue to evolve my own visual vocabulary and understanding of design, and incorporate what is appropriate to ensure high-quality, interesting spaces that delight and inspire. If you would like to learn more, please reach out and schedule a free design consultation call.
