Chiana Dickson
“We have been forced to slow down and spend time in our homes – this drives a strong desire to really create a space that reflects both visually and affectionately what it is we are feeling. As of lately, we are paying close attention to how design has the ability to create an energy,” Erick Garcia of LA-based design firm Maison Trouvaille told Vogue.
After two years of spending most of our time in our houses, creating the perfect home is becoming more important to the everyday family. Some of the world’s top designers have shared their predictions on 2022s interior design trends as stark-white minimalism steps back in favour of cosiness and a connection to nature. Here are the seven trends I am most excited about.
Earthy browns and neutrals
An interior design trend resurrected from the 70s, chocolate browns and earthly tones are making headway once again. After 10 or so years of block colour grey and monotone neutrals like white, the introduction of earthy browns, terracottas, and burnt umbers are leading the way into warmer tones and cosiness in the home.
Naturally inspired surfaces and accents
Again drawing inspiration from the earth, natural surfaces such as woods, marbles, organic materials and shapes are bringing the outside in.
“With more time spent indoors than ever before,” Athena Calderone explains, “we’re all seeking to strengthen our connection with nature.” Earth’s wonders are bringing life back into the lifeless interiors of the past few years.
Soft curves
“A curved form is subconsciously read as safe, friendly and welcoming,” says Sarah Sherman Samuel. The sleek and clean design of curved furniture adds a modern feel to spaces whilst also creating a stark statement in the space. Incorporating soft lines through couches, soft furnishings, or even curved or asymmetric mirrors contribute to the cosy, ‘hygge’ spaces that the pandemic seems to have inspired.
The home office
The demands we have put on our homes have increased twofold over the pandemic. Countless coffee tables and dining tables have become workstations and childhood bedrooms have become classrooms. With the increase of working from home and hybrid working styles, there is, again, no surprise that spare rooms are being converted back into something reminiscent of the nineties computer rooms. Beautiful, organised home offices are once again becoming a staple as we seek designs that are more functional for modern life.
Depth in texture and textiles
With the focus on rich, neutral colours and an increase in natural furnishings, the texture is coming in with them. In our newfound connection with the earth, adding texture and dimension to our spaces creates variation and interest between surfaces. Create a soft look by mixing soft cotton with chunky knits in the living room or bedroom, or contrast smooth leather with the rougher texture of velvets or loose-weave textured linen. Jute rugs in the hallway can bring rougher but light natural textures into the home as well as offering a degree of functionality by protecting polished wood floors.
Vintage pieces and sustainability
Fast fashion has been increasingly in the headlines recently as people become more aware of their consumption habits. With the rise of interest in interior decoration, particularly in the everyday home, it is also important that we have an awareness of fast decor. Hopefully, sustainable design is something that is here to stay, with an increased interest in vintage pieces and reclaimed, upcycled items not only contributing to a more circular economy of consumption but also breathing new life into old pieces and bringing an element of history into the home.
Statement lighting
Lighting is vital to finishing off a space, not only in the mood it creates, but also in the statement the fitting makes. Whilst there has been a lot of focus on mood lighting in design in the past few years, with an emphasis on different types of interior lighting, highly stylized lighting is coming to the fore. Making a statement with the lighting, you can add intrigue to a space.
Restorative design
We have all been exposed to significant stressors over the last few years and there seems to be more to come. Thoughtfully designing a home that reduces stressful elements and improves well being creates a space that you will enjoy being in.
Biophilic design, for example, is already booming on social media as people nurture their ‘plant babies’ that in turn nurture their well-being. Create a ‘healthy home’ by catering to your need for natural light and a peaceful atmosphere. Incorporate soothing tones into bedrooms and avoid harsh colours like bright yellows to allow the brain to rest. You can also design your home to be effortlessly functional. Curating an organised home that works for you takes away some of the stress of tidying, allowing your space to be relaxing and not just another chore.
Here to stay?
Whilst trends tend to fly around faster than ever before with the increased usage of social media platforms, we are seeing trends re-emerging this year from decades past. Design is circular in this sense. I personally see this return to more natural elements in colour and materials as a timeless shift that is sure to stick around long into the future.
Featured image courtesy of cottonbro via Pexels. Image license found here. No changes were made to this image.
Chiana
Chiana is a third-year English Literature student at Lancaster University who also has a passion for interior design. She aspires to one-day work full time as a content editor for one of her favourite home magazines.