2022 Design Trends

As the new year commences, naturally, we look to new beginnings and optimistically set our intentions for the future. With uncertainty continuing to cast its shadow, our industry seeks higher levels of adaptation and innovation. New trends are emerging and old trends are being reinterpreted, demanding a higher standard of functionality and sophistication.

Shaping the Future
The past two years have encouraged us to reconsider the function of the places and spaces where we live and work. We are shifting our focus more towards our environmental impact. Higher density cluster developments are becoming more prevalent with rewards of land preservation and reduced energy consumption. As our need for community engagement and outdoor connectivity intensifies, master planned communities have become even more desirable for a wider variety of buyers. Consumers are drifting away from large retailers and supporting local businesses – investing in their communities. With the rise of remote work, our home’s location is less tethered to high-priced work centers. Many are ditching the city and fleeing to more affordable areas.

Rethinking Home Design
Spending more time in our homes has given us time to reflect and rethink how we live in them. Single use spaces are passé. Accommodating hybrid multi-uses and the needs of various generations is essential. Mobile and multi-purpose furniture can maximize storage and adaptability. Although the appeal of open-concept homes remains, we will see more spaces with the ability to convert for privacy. As sustainable home design gains awareness, buyers desire more energy efficient alternatives not only to increase value but promote a healthier living environment. We expect to see advancements in smart home technology as consumers demand home experiences that provide convenience.
Recent emphasis on outdoor living has brought added importance to this feature – we want them bigger and better. Now more than ever, we cherish these spaces to gather with loved ones and further connect with nature. Eat-in-kitchens and banquets are making a comeback offering hidden storage and comfortable space for conversation.

Embracing our Interiors
With 2022’s Year of the Tiger ready to roar, we’re ready to explore bolder textures, patterns, and colors. Adding vibrant hues to an existing neutral palette evokes energy. While variations of the popular minimalistic aesthetic remain, we begin to pivot towards a more restrained interpretation of maximalism. We are ready to find comfort in new ways. We are beginning to travel again and collect objects of interest and meaningful art – displaying our experiences to reflect our personality.
Biophilic design will have a more sophisticated approach as designers and architects find even smarter ways to integrate nature into our built environments. Enhancing natural light, airflow variability and incorporating plants in our living environments positively impacts our well-being. Playful curves begin to replace hard edges and sharper angles. Elements that are softer to the eye reflects our ongoing need for comfort. Whether it’s a curved sectional, an arched doorway, or a rounded kitchen island, we are craving spaces that help us relax.

Materials Making a Difference
With supply chain crunches around the world and a global spotlight on eco-friendliness, recycling or purchasing vintage/salvaged materials is a way to avoid long lead times while reducing our carbon footprint. Durability and sustainably are becoming key selling points. Overall, we are looking towards organic materials and earthier tactile surfaces such as wood, plaster and leather. As the all-white trend fades, we will see a bolder aesthetic take place. Striking countertop designs, especially on kitchen islands, creates character and individuality. Large-scale patterns are being used in more unexpected ways – splashed on furniture or making dramatic impact in your kitchens or laundry rooms. Many of us have rediscovered nature, this will influence textile design in 2022 with brighter floral patterns and earth-inspired wallpaper.

Nature’s Neutral – Green
We continue to lean into the soft aesthetic that is rooted in organic texture with natural hues. Many homeowners are embracing palettes inspired by our environments. Green’s versatility is being implemented into our homes for kitchen cabinets, accent walls, upholstery, and floor tile. Aurora, WHA’s 2022 Color of the Year, was a naturally inspired green selection.

With rapid innovation taking place in our industry, we are shifting our mindsets even further. We are placing emphasis on design that not only improves our well-being but also allows us to express ourselves in new ways. The past two years have played a vital role in accelerating these design trends – pushing us to reevaluate how we use and how we feel in our homes.

*This blog was co-written by Samantha Aiesi and Donna Aldrich*