The last few years have changed the way that people work, play and live – and that’s being deeply reflected in home interior design trends.
Where interior design is concerned, there’s a delicate balance you need to strike between the kind of on-trend decor that will remain stylish for a while to come and choices that are merely “trendy” flash-in-the-pans that will quickly look dated.
Fortunately, you don’t have to get your crystal ball out to define the difference, because we have everything you need to know right here about the hottest trends for 2022 and beyond. Whether you’re just picking new colors for your walls or want to revamp your entire living room, we can help you decide where to start.
First, Let’s Talk About What’s Out
Before you decide what to add to your home decor, it helps to know what you need to subtract. Interior designers are pretty much in agreement that the following looks have become oversaturated and dated:
- Tiles: Tiled countertops and tiled bathroom walls alike have become passé due to the sheer fact that it just takes too much work to keep those grout lines clean.
- White: It was the ultimate neutral and felt fresh when it started, but rich, saturated colors are the key to keeping your home from looking bland, boring and dated.
- Boxy furniture: Those bulky, blocky pieces of furniture were considered modern and contemporary when they came out – but now they just make your home look stuck in the wrong decade.
- Signs: If you still have “Live, Laugh, Love,” on your wall (or anything similar), it’s time to take it down. That trend had its moment, but the moment is definitely gone.
Now, Let’s Talk About What’s Hot
Much of the shift that you’re seeing in design trends has to do with comfort – and that makes a lot of sense. With the pandemic, people have been spending more time in their homes than ever. As a result, homes are taking on more individual flair, and the focus is on creating spaces that are very livable. With that in mind, here’s what’s inspiring many interior designers:
Rich Browns and Vibrant Greens
People are reconnecting with nature as a way to de-stress, and one of the ways they’re doing that is by surrounding themselves with natural colors. Forget all about frosty whites and barely-there colors entirely when you’re painting.
If you want to update a room quickly, opt for rich, earthy colors. Green shades are definitely in (think Pantone’s “Evergreen Fog”) and are likely to remain so for a while. If you’re not a huge fan of green, however, don’t worry: Warm browns are also popular. Colors like Pantone’s “Urbane Bronze” are still going strong.
In general, if you’re trying to stay current, ditch all the cold colors and go for anything warm. Cream, coffee-au-lait, taupe and rust are the way to go.
Curves and Soft Lines
Curves and rounded arcs are replacing straight lines and hard corners on everything from furniture to light fixtures – because the softness feels inherently more calming.
The nice thing about this is that you can update a room without doing a major overhaul of anything. If you have a square-ish couch that you’re not ready to replace, add round accent pillows. Swap square light covers for globes. Ditch that severe mirror you have in the hall for one that has a graceful oval shape or one that’s round.
You can expand on this trend in a number of subtle ways. If you need to update the dining room, swap your square plates for round ones and replace the square flutes with goblets. Even small changes can make a big difference.
Repurposed Finds and Sustainably-Sourced Items
One of the most exciting things about current design trends is that updating your home is much more affordable because thrift-shop finds are being repurposed with abandon. You don’t have to go out and purchase all-new furniture and decor – you can scrounge second-hand stores and simply add to what you already have.
People are experiencing a wave of nostalgia for simpler times – and they’re also increasingly conscious of the way that fast changes in fashions can hurt the environment. It’s now perfectly acceptable to mix contemporary items with vintage pieces from the ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s.
Handmade items that have been locally sourced and made from sustainable materials have also become a hugely popular decor trend. Relying on local craftsmen and local products helps reduce one’s carbon footprint while simultaneously capitalizing on the “back to nature” trend that’s become so compelling.
Fiber Art and Texture Layers
Layers and texture have always made something feel richer, softer, and cozy – so it’s no wonder that people are adding highly-textured materials to their decor.
You can quickly take hold of this trend just by adding brocade pillows and furry blankets to your couches and rockers or tossing a few nubby rugs down on the floor. If you want to go bold, consider buying a piece of macrame art from a local artisan or Etsy seller, or throw a patchwork cover made from repurposed saree pieces over your favorite chair.
What’s the Final Take?
Ultimately, the move in home decor is to make things as comfortable as possible for actual living. People don’t want to feel “boxed in” so boxy furniture and fixtures are out. Similarly, homes that are overly pristine (like those all-white rooms) feel “staged” and formal, rather than real and relaxed.
As you update your home decor, take your time and consider every addition you make in terms of how it makes you feel and how functional it is – and make your choices accordingly.
