2022's Biggest Interior Design Trends Are All About Creating Calm Spaces
2021 has unquestionably highlighted just how important our homes are. More than ever, we've tried to create spaces that feel personal, calming, and joyful as we've navigated constant change and become more aware of the relationship between our homes and our wellbeing.
In 2022, this idea is set to be strengthened further with a primary focus on creating homes that are not only more functional, comfortable, and peaceful, but eco-friendly and aesthetically beautiful. "When it comes to the home design trends of the coming year, I think they will either lift us up with positivity and optimism or calm us down with a grounding, cocooning feeling," says interior stylist, Jessica Bellef.
Interior designer Megan Morton believes that the coming year will see a stronger focus on what the 'home' now means to us as a result of the pandemic. “It will look at home as a refuge, a retreat, a place of learning, and as a bar/restaurant! I think this will lead to more customisation and less cookie-cutter ideas.”
From a nostalgic 1970s revival to the art of tablescaping, these trends are sure to inspire your future projects.
11 Interior Design Trends to Embrace in 2022
1. Nature-inspired design
The nature-inspired trend reveals our desire to bring the outdoors in. "Nature grounds us as we take those first tentative steps into a new future," advises leading paint retailer Dulux. This comes in the form of paint colour, fabrics, and furniture, where we will be favouring green, blue, and earthy hues, organic fabrics, and natural materials like timber.
"We are loving the use of blue in houses: blue kitchens, blue joinery and also blue marble," says interior designer Greg Natale. "It’s a colour from nature with a tone to match every scheme.”
The houseplant trend will also remain prevalent in the next year with indoor trees and peace lilies set to steal the show.
2. Rounded shapes
We're glad to say that curves are still in and won't be going anywhere in 2022. Everything from chairs and coffee tables, to walls and mirrors will be distinctively voluminous. This design aesthetic helps to create flow in a home and ties in with our increased desire for cosy, safe, and soft sanctuaries.
According to a 2007 study that examined the emotional effect of curvilinear forms in interior design, rounded shapes in internal spaces are perceived to be less stressful than angular shapes. Another study conducted in 2012 found that interior settings and furniture with rounded contours promote higher levels of relaxation compared to angular contours.
3. Retro revival
This year's Maison&Objet fair highlighted many manufacturers and designers leaning towards materials and colours that reigned supreme in the '70s. "The 70’s vibe is still here in a strong way with velvet and chrome," says stylist and interior designer, Claudia Stephenson who predicts there will be a real shift from clean modernism to richer interiors created through tone and texture.
Claudia says expect to see chocolate browns, aubergine, and burnt orange coloured fabrics mixed in with chromes, coloured stone, and darker woods. This nostalgic style creates a warm and welcoming environment.
4. Warm neutrals
Cool tones once reigned supreme but there has been a significant shift toward warmer tones in all aspects of interior design from bedding to bathroom vanity joinery. "Warm neutrals in ivory, greiges, and browns create the perfect cocooning colour palette," says the paint specialists at Wattyl.
5. Multifunctional spaces
The typical home in 2022 will easily transform from a daytime work space to a comfortable area to live and relax in. This means mobile furniture, open spaces, and intelligently designed joinery.
With many of us choosing to continue working remotely, offices or study areas are now must-have spaces within the home. These area are entirely personal and need to be designed in a way that is compatible with your workflow and encourage productivity - Functionality, practicality, and aesthetics are of equal importance here.
6. The art of tablescaping
There is a new appreciation for dining and hosting friends and family within the comfort of our homes. At-home entertaining in 2022 will see more of us turning our attention to experimenting and creating beautiful tablescapes for dinner parties and alfresco lunches. Look towards chic tablecloths, placemats, perfectly folded napkins, and stylish table decor in trending hues to create restaurant experiences at home.
Curate your tabletop with objects from elsewhere in your home to add a personal touch, and if you're stuck for ideas remember that fresh flowers are a perennial failsafe.
7. Feature walls
Following 2021 restrictions, there will be a desire to be bold, expressive and try new things. "In 2022, we will be seeing lots of joyful colour and pattern," says Greg Natale. One of the ways this will be evident is in the form of accent walls.
Widely popular during the early 2000s, features walls are one of the easiest and best non-permanent ways to get playful and creative in a home. Paint isn't the only option here. Wallpaper is a great choice for creating a statement or even adding extra texture and pattern to a space.
8. Zen interiors
Carrying on from the nature-inspired trend, a desire for zen-looking and feeling interiors will be at the forefront of home design next year. This trend encompasses minimalism, organic shapes, indoor plants, and natural materials and colours to create an overall calming ambience.
9. Sustainablility and upcycling
Not everyone likes to follow trends, but this is one everyone should get behind and will hopefully become a standard part of our lives.
An increased awareness of the environmental impact of mass production and buying brand new items has resulted in consumers embracing sustainability and upcycling. Sourcing furniture from Facebook Marketplace and secondhand vintage stores, as well as opting for more eco-friendly fabrics like linen and furniture made from recycled materials is becoming increasingly front of mind for designers and consumers.
"When you choose vintage or locally handmade over a cheap fast-furniture quick buy, it represents a sustainably-minded approach to homemaking," says interior stylist Jessica Bellef.
10. Locally-made products
The pandemic has reignited the 'shop local' movement which helps support the economy and reduces our environmental impact. Customers are increasingly seeking convenience, speed, and transparency from the brands they shop with.
The inaugural CommBank Consumer Insights Report showed that 52% of Australian's believe locally sourced and manufactured products are now more important, with this statistic expected to rise in 2022.
This trend also extends to incorporating handcrafted and one of a kind objects like ceramics into our homes for a personal touch. "These one-off pieces add character and create an entirely unique look," says Jessica.
11. Dark timbers
Light coloured timber has been the go-to for the last few years, but darker timber tones will be making a strong appearance in 2022. "Blonde oak is versatile and very pretty, but many designers are turning to dark, rich walnut to create moody, dramatic spaces that draw you in," says Jessica. "From custom joinery in bathrooms and kitchens to furniture and architectural accents, designers are embracing darker timber tones and the result is evocative and cocooning."
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