Interior design trends have been used as aesthetic aids in our attempts to find some sort of inner peace for millennia. Consider the ancient Chinese art of feng shui, where spatial positioning corresponds with energy flow, or wabi sabi, the Japanese practice of embracing flaws, or ancient Rome’s fondness for earth-tone colors and geometric patterns in order to mimic the harmony of nature.
“There is more and more research that shows the direct influence that our homes have, not only on our moods, but our overall health and well-being,” Timothy Corrigan of Timothy Corrigan Inc. tells Vogue. Is it any surprise, then, that the leading interior design trends in 2022, our third year in a global pandemic, will once again center on making us feel emotionally at ease?
“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,” says Erick Garcia of the Los Angeles-based design firm Maison Trouvaille.
“This all excites me very much—allowing the senses to drive a space.”
And what are our senses drawn to in the year 2022? 14 of the most well-known interior designers have some suggestions. For starters, many foresee a rise in the enveloping, earthy color brown, which will be seen in textiles such as leather and even terracotta walls (how Ancient Rome of us).
Others observe an increase in nature-inspired surfaces and accessories, such as stones and mushroom shapes, while others claim their clientele can’t get enough of soft, curving furniture.
Clients are asking for warmth, comfort and airiness—this seems to be a common thread amongst current and past projects,” Garcia says. “Who wouldn’t want to design a room that feels like a warm hug?” says Athena Calderone, founder of Eyeswoon.
Then there’s the widespread truth that our homes have evolved into the primary settings of our lives: places where we work, sleep, and socialize. Every nook and cranny, as well as every object in our immediate vicinity, must have a purpose.
Perhaps it’s a practical one—Kelly Wearstler praises the rise of useful household technology—or an emotional one, as Mark D. Sikes predicts more travel-inspired interiors. “We really want to examine what we love, what we want to live with every day and for years to come,” says Roman and Williams’ Robin Standefer.
Meanwhile, some of the most popular design trends of recent years are fading away. Boucle’s time has passed, as has the all-white simplicity that, while clean, offers little visual comfort. “The trend that I believe is going the way of the past is all white everything,” says Justina Blakeney, founder of Jungalow. “The minimal look is at last warming up,” Kathryn M. Ireland adds.
The top interior design trends to watch in 2022, as well as what’s on its way out, are listed below.
What’s In
Shades of Brown
“Chocolate browns, camels and caramels—there has been so much color and pattern, especially pastels, the last few years and I think people will be ready for a palette cleanser.” -Mark D. Sikes
Nature-Inspired Surfaces and Objects
“With more time spent indoors than ever before, we’re all seeking to strengthen our connection with nature. This has simultaneously inspired a resurgence in natural surfaces—think stoneware, terracotta, marble, and travertine being used across the board from backsplashes to bathtubs, furniture, and decorative objects. The raw, porous, imperfect nature of these organic materials adds depth, soul, and visual intrigue while also mimicking the calming, restorative ambiance of the outdoors. This lure back to nature has also sparked an interest in large trees at home, from the elegant black olive to Southern magnolias.” -Athena Calderone
Sculptural and Curved Furniture
“A curved form is subconsciously read as safe, friendly and welcoming. With everyone feeling a bit precious I think those softer shapes and angles will still be a big trend in 2022 in furniture as well as architecture.” -Sarah Sherman Samuel
Venetian Plaster and Limewash
“Living/antiqued plaster walls. Plaster finishes have been everything for a long time, but now we will start to see the prevalence of walls that evoke times past in a new way. Made by craftsmen who know how to achieve antiqued surfaces, walls will be the textured backgrounds of our historical, crumbling, dreams.” -Danielle Colding
Elevated Outdoor Furniture
“Outdoor furniture will become more sophisticated and refined as we continue to spend more time entertaining outdoors, and our patios become true extensions of our interior décor.” -Timothy Corrigan
Tactile Textiles and Textures
“We have been playing around with patterned jute to add more texture and depth to our spaces. I see a lot of people exploring different types of patterned jute, rush and abaca in 2022 as a way to expand that neutral foundation a rug provides and have some fun with pattern play.” -Jake Arnold, founder of The Expert
Dual-Purpose Rooms
“As we get into another year of COVID variants, our living spaces continue to double as our work rooms, which is the new normal. The kitchen continues as the conference room and The Farmhouse Table is the new boardroom table.” -Kathryn M. Ireland
High-Tech Homes
“Design continues to evolve with new advances in technology. Myself and many designers are embracing virtual design by leveraging this powerful new technology to create immersive spaces and highly engaging designs that feel both contemporary and futuristic.” -Kelly Wearstler
Vintage and Sustainable Accents
“Whenever I can use vintage, I will. From a design standpoint, vintage is the protagonist of every room—it has the power to influence the storytelling and direction. Their patina brings a touchable texture and warmth to every space, not to mention a sacred sentimentality. But aside from their decorative propensity, these rare antiquities are stylishly sustainable. By repurposing the old, the damaged, the jagged into something new, we’re reducing our footprint while bringing a rich sense of history and spirit into a space.” -Athena Calderone
Leather Furniture and Upholstery
“1989 is calling and it wants … Sade, Lisa Stansfield-soft Italian leather sofas, Calvin Klein home, Armani Casa, and Terence Conran back!” -Robert McKinley, founder of Studio McKinley
A More Modern Grandmillenial
“Trends for 2022 include the embracing of floral patterns, a sort of 1940s updated chintz vibe, resplendent in the memory of Mario Buatta, but in more contemporary palettes. The ‘grandmillennial’ look that was slowly infiltrating influencers and taste makers in 2021 is now become more widespread, moving tastes back to a “more is more” look. But unlike our grandparents’ interiors, the feel is more curated with floral and damask-printed wallpapers becoming the backdrop for contemporary-shaped soft furnishings given an added touch of glamour with unexpected fringe and piping additions.” -Martyn Lawrence Bullard
Up-and-Coming Artwork
“Art collections focused on up and coming artists and artists of color. Gone are the days of high-brow art collecting dominating the scene. My clients are looking for fresh faces on the art scene. They also want collections that reflect the diversity of our world and the perspectives these artists offer.” -Daniele Colding
Travel-Inspired Interiors
“People will be traveling again, so interiors will take on a nomadic adventurous flare. I see lots of tenting and low banquettes with Turkish poofs and cigarette tables.” -Mark D. Sikes
Mixing Materials and Design Styles
“The desire to have unique things that are not like everyone else’s is leading to an increase in mixing materials in furniture design. It is not uncommon to see case goods with wood, metal and stone elements all used in the same piece, to make them more unique and special.” -Timothy Corrigan
Bold Patterns and Colors
“I believe we will see a move away from neutrals and people will be using more vibrant colors and bold patterned fabrics. Citrus green and RAF blue are colors I think we will see a lot of.” -Marcus Barwell
What’s Out
Open Floor Plans
“Open floor plans will give way to more segmented and traditional spaces, delineations, as we have come to realize the need for privacy and quiet spaces.” -Timothy Corrigan
Boucle
“White and cream boucle. I think after two years it’s time to move on.” -Marcus Barwell
All-White Everything
“The trend that I believe is going the way of the past is all white everything.” -Justina Blakeney
Non-functional Decorative Objects
“Colored candles and useful everyday objects with personality will be replacing futile decorations that have neither meaning or purpose.” -Kathryn M. Ireland
Boxy Sofas
“The square armed boxy sofa has definitely been retired.” -Martyn Lawrence Bullard
You’ll be tempted to try all of these décor concepts, from curved furniture to ’70s-inspired paint colors.
