Earthy tones, organic shapes and cosy comfort are high on the interior trends list for 2022. It seems hot environmental topics such as sustainability and consumption are leading us towards a new way of living rather than just aesthetics, and this is reflected in the colour palettes. That being said, there will always be room in the interiors world for a touch of fun and pattern so read on to discover what decorating trends you'll be incorporating into your home next year...
Green is set to be the colour of 2022, from emerald kitchens to olive feature walls. Leading the way is paint brand Glidden. Spearheading an avocado revival with its Color of the Year, 'Guacomole', this zesty shade is definitely worth 'dip-ping' into, whether you go for a feature wall or full-on room makeover. Other paint brands have gone for a more subtle take on the trend, Sherwin-Williams has selected a grey-green 'Evergreen Fog', while PPG has chosen 'Olive Sprig' as their Color of the Year.
Sustainability is the buzzword across all industries. We're more conscious of our choices than ever before, and this applies to homeware choices too. We'll be looking at environmentally-friendly fabrics and materials that are long-lasting to inject personality into every room next year.
The last couple of years have had us spending more time in our homes than ever before so it's no surprise that ways of living have had to adapt. As we move into a new year it seems we are saying goodbye to full open-plan spaces in search of privacy zones for separate activities. Moveable room dividers create versatile living spaces for smaller areas of intimacy when needed.
Metallics will remain a hot trend in luxe room schemes. The need for cosy comfort is turning us towards warm metals such as brass, bronze and copper. The reflective finish looks ultra contemporary when teamed with natural textural materials such as smooth marble and raw concrete.
Our love of cosy 'hygge', and Nordic-style home comforts is sending us in Norway's direction with a new (to our ears) Scandi buzzword, 'friluftsliv'. Pronounced 'free-love-liv' it's translated in English to 'open-air living' (with loved ones). When entwined into interior decorating friluftsliv's way of life brings the outdoors in by socialising within elements of nature.
Perhaps in rebellion towards so many soft neutral looks this year, clashing colours and pattern are here with a bang. Jewel tones create a busy luxe look when teamed with striking pattern added to almost every surface. This incredible living room look with Oriental leaf print wallpaper and leopard print sofa is part of Paloma Faith's, Paloma Home range. No wonder it's so rock 'n' roll!
Self-care and wellness rituals are transforming our basic bathrooms into more luxurious 'spathrooms', and we're on board. Pared-back spaces with smooth surfaces create a calming atmosphere for a soothing bathing space. Go all out if you can with a standalone statement bath, waterfall shower or even a bubbling Jacuzzi. Then dress the space with lush greenery and soft texture. Joanna Ross of Sheridan explains: "Nothing says spa-like quality quite like a fresh stack of plush towels placed over a towel bar."
Period dramas like The Crown, Bridgerton and The Great, have seen the popularity for traditional and opulent decorating surge. Ornate furniture and embellished soft furnishings are hot news right now. To get the Regency or royalcore atheistic look for 19th century-style furniture that will make a regal statement. Then, accessorise with ornate gilded mirrors and decorative candelabras.
As well as zoning our open-plan rooms, finding practical new uses for spaces in our homes is an innovative trend that's super inspirational. The 'race for space' is so popular, tradesperson platform, Rated People, saw a 139% spike in home renovation enquiries this year in the UK. Garages, gardens, lofts and lean-to's are being reinvented into new rooms. We love this hallway boot room, complete with built-in seating, storage and striking rustic feature wall.
Minimalism is back but in a new way. The look has been promoted to a more refined position with straight lines, polished finishes and full plush soft furnishings. Keep the backdrop neutral but warm with an injection of subtle colour that avoids any harshness.
We saw a huge spike in pink decorating schemes in kitchens and bathrooms in 2021 and it seems the rosy hue is heading into other rooms too and where better than our zen bedrooms. The online PR tool Pressloft stated that the "colour represents serenity and freshness as we look towards 2022".
Trend experts can't get enough of nature's serene or not-so serene green and kitchens aren't being left out. Last year's rich emerald and forest green hues are lightening up with sophisticated sage and silvery-green tones like Benjamin Moore's 2022 Color of the Year 'October Mist'.
As well as green, we will see other colours inspired by nature hitting our moodboards. Dulux's Colour of the Year 'Bright Skies' is a soothing sky blue tone to uplift us in the new year. While earthy tans and browns are warming tones that work so well with all the texture that is cascading through schemes too. Interior expert Lisa Dawson says: "The key to this trend is to keep it simple and chic without too much going on – large scale art works well." Beige is no longer boring!
2022 will be the year of the 1970s throwback. The funky nostalgic look is saturated with bold shades, so in this current neutral loving era, it is perfect for those craving colour. Continue the retro flavour with large prints made famous by the dazzling decade.
Houseplants have been popular for a few years but the pandemic has accelerated everyone's desire to bring the outside in. Biophilic design, the concept that binds humans with nature, continues to thrive and as houseplants are great for our health and the environment bring them on, we say.
An extension of cottagecore, cabincore has more woodland retreat or mountain chalet vibes. It celebrates coming home from an outdoor adventure to a simple yet cosy wood cabin. Start with a shiplap backdrop, install a rustic wood-burning stove and cosy up on furniture that's made from natural materials. Eat your heart out Little House on the Prairie.
With 'renew and reuse' being such a strong topic of conversion it's no wonder we are seeing a rise in upcycled furniture and antiques in our homes. Enhance your home, whether a new build or period property, with authentic pieces such as cast-iron fireplaces and traditional lighting looks for a timeless elegance that will never fade. Team with up-to-date colourways and paint techniques to keep rooms fresh rather than old fashioned.
With so many of us taking up arts and crafts during the pandemic, we've seen a rise in upcycling, sewing, weaving as well as displaying the handicrafts as decoration. So, if you picked up a new creative hobby in lockdown, it's time to display those creations in the home. Or, buy artisan crafts and pretend!
As many of us continue to work remotely, making a space that works for you is key. As we settle into the new normal, makeshift setups will be replaced by dedicated study spaces (yes more than one) in our homes. More thought will be given to home office furniture, lighting solutions and schemes that inspire creative inspiration.
Living Cozy analysed social media searches and found 'cottagecore' as the most popular interior design trend of 2021. And, this country loving trend isn't going anywhere. Create the nostalgic vibe with a warming palette, pretty floral prints and woodland animal motifs.
From country-style tongue and groove to more contemporary narrow strips, decorative slats are becoming extremely sought after. Paul Jenkinson, Founder and Managing Director of LochAnna Kitchens says: "In the same way that we are seeing bolder, brighter colours enter the kitchen, interesting shapes, textures, and patterns are also in demand." And, it's not just the kitchen, slatted headboards, wall panelling and occasional furniture are big too.
Creature comforts are so key for 2022 that, of course, our beds have to get in on the action. “Lockdown has focussed our attention on the home and filling it with the best quality fabrics, which provide physical and sensory benefits," says Sonal Keay from This is Linen. Create a welcoming nest by laying your bed with the best, natural and sustainable fabrics for the ultimate comfort.
Textured walls will continue to jump out at us in the coming year. Think tangible tiles, three dimensional wall coverings and even wall-hanging tapestries to give schemes a cosy and tactile vibe. Topps Tiles Tile of the Year is 'Fluted Bright Skies' and this panelled feature wall looks striking offset against smooth burnt orange walls.
2021 was awash with Japandi style and the minimalist Scandi look crossed with Japanese design is still going strong with restful well-being living spaces. The uplifting yet soothing schemes should be contemporary with a neutral palette and offer perfectly positioned, clean lined furniture to meditate or simply relax.
Lozenge shaped furniture began popping up in architectural and design magazines back in 2019 and finally they will be hitting our homes. While some curvy pill-shaped sofas and curved capsule furniture have been tapered down for us consumers, this luxe design by Jonathan Adler perfectly embodies the trend – it's gorgeous!
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