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The new year catapults a fresh start to optimistic everything’s ahoy. Following turbulent times for all, we’re raring and ready to connect, take action and crack-on with a rejuvenated perspective. Our homes and how we use them has massively evolved as we embrace multifunctional spaces and a sense of retreat. With wellbeing, mindfulness and sustainability as catalysts for change, home decor trends 2022 explore exciting possibilities into a bright new world.
Rippled in expressive maximalism and nurturing natural connections, these design looks for 2022 embrace a renewed energy and spirit. Be inspired to create meaningful spaces with curated and characterful decor and deep rooted color stories.
Home decor trends 2022
Green supreme looks set to radiate our homes' interior design ideas with verdant goodness advises Lynne Tocchet (opens in new tab),director of interior design, Pacaso (opens in new tab).'Greenery never goes out of style. As we start 2022 in the winter season, we don’t have a ton of green surrounding us by nature, so the more we want to be reminded of a warm summer day and see our interior decor screaming green, whether it's furniture color, cabinet color or little decor pieces! No matter what other trends are circling around it, or layering in, greenery is alway at the epicenter of design and we will continue to see that in the new year. In fact, companies such as Sherman-Williams (opens in new tab) and Pantone (opens in new tab)have declared shades of green the color of 2022.'
Learn more about the shake-it-up interior design trends of 2022.
1. Color me happy
(Image credit: Carpetright)
Color can massively effect mood and well-being - fact! With brighter shades associated with a naturally uplifting effect, this season feeling good and making your home look amazing has never been so easy or fun. Use variations of the primary palette to add interest, optimism, and vibrancy to every space - this trend’s all about color blocking and expressing your home’s personality through active color therapy.
‘Whether you’re taking a maximalist approach or opting for bold pops of color, mixing super-bright with slightly more muted tones will keep things just the right side of grown-up,’ advises Helen Marsh, head of communications, Carpetright (opens in new tab).
‘Color engages with people’s emotions. Moving into 2022 and then into 2023 we’ll begin to see stronger, more saturated shades emerge. Our digital world seems to have heavily influenced the designers. In the home it’s all about making things so they can be adapted; spaces to evolve,’ says Kathryn Lloyd, Crown paints (opens in new tab) color consultant.
2. Curvaceous headboards
(Image credit: Button & Sprung)
Celebrate your sleeping beauty heroine self with a striking headboard silhouette, inspired by theatrical Rococo and Regency designs. Oozing classic appeal with a luxurious look, a statement headboard makes a timeless addition to any bedroom decor scheme.
‘There has been a move away from sharp rectangular bed designs, towards headboards with adventurous curves. This shape lends itself particularly well to both pastel and bold coloured velvets, creating a visual contrast when situated in a pared-back bedroom scheme,’ say the design experts at Button & Sprung (opens in new tab).
3. Natural textures and materials
(Image credit: Dunelm)
Embrace slow living and bring the raw simplicity and sensory calm of nature into your home with honest materials and tactile textures in an effortless palette of calming neutrals. This mindful home trend is balanced, considered and sensory stimulated, and one of the biggest living room trends of 2022, too.
Everlasting dried flowers and dyed and dried grasses remain hugely popular decorative accessories, working in harmony alongside fresh and faux house plants, to further blur the boundaries between outside-in living.
‘In 2022, we will see an increased usage of natural materials - from decorative elements to furniture itself. We'll also see calm, nature-inspired colors and textures become more prevalent, especially in communal spaces like the living room. Earthy textures, organic natural shapes, raw materials, and greenery will all be elements that ground the home for design longevity,’ says Milwaukee-based interior designer Anna Franklin of Stone House Collective (opens in new tab).
4. Sanctuary shades
(Image credit: Earthborn Paints)
Pale shades that evoke a magical twilight glow lend a quiet elegance and alluring beauty, while offering flexibility for use throughout a variety of rooms.
Cathryn Sanders, head of creative, Earthborn Paints, explains: ‘Color is a powerful way to create a mood in any home, a mood that aligns with how you wish to feel whilst spending time in that particular room. Our Lily Lily Rose is a romantic, playful color which offers great depth whilst adding an air of style and allure. This beautiful shade will create a homely, comforting sanctuary where you can switch off and relax.’
Catharina Björkman, lifestyle expert, Contura (opens in new tab), provides her Scandi-inspired tips on how to win at winter wellbeing: ‘Home is your sanctuary. Knowing that there is a calming space to come home to is a pleasing and positive thought. You can create an uncluttered, inviting space by using neutral tones (paint or wallpaper) to add to the sense of peace, while adding textured soft furnishings such as rugs and blankets can bring dimension - and more coziness - to the room. A roaring fire, soft lighting (lamps and fairy lights as opposed to ceiling lights), scented candles, blankets, cushions, and warm slippers all make for a more zen-like environment.’
5. Sculptural vases
(Image credit: Norsu Interiors)
In response to the Insta ‘shelfie’ movement, stunning DIY vases and vessels have become fun extrovert personalities in their own right, showcasing abstract forms and voluptuous curves in a plethora of bright and breezy colorways and patterns. Grow an entire family of wacky and wild characters along your sideboard or shelving unit for an instant, artful update.
‘The finishing touches are a vital part to interior design. Completing the look and making a house a home, vases in 2022 will become wow-factor pieces thanks to innovations in materials and unique designs emerging,’ says interior design experts, Milc Interiors (opens in new tab).
6. Multifunctional design heroes and spaces
(Image credit: Atkin & Thyme)
This one’s hardly a surprise is it? Dining table-cum-home office hub sound familiar anyone? Ideal for homes that are limited on space, or for those who crave extra practicality, multifunctional furniture will continue to become star staple pieces for the modern home.
‘Single use spaces are a thing of the past, and now is the time to make the most of every inch of our homes. Whether it’s having double purpose rooms or multi use furniture with innovative storage solutions, modern room-dividing tactics are here to stay. Why not take a look at the vertical space your room offers, and invest in some shelving, ladders and platforms to add layers to your interior. Mirrors are a brilliant choice to incorporate as they not only look great aesthetically but also help to reflect light in the room and open up small spaces,’ says Marc Epstein, interiors expert and managing director, CARME Home (opens in new tab).
7. Japandi minimalism
(Image credit: Graham & Brown)
Japandi combines the simplicity of Japanese style and the functionality of Scandinavian design. This style embraces the Japanese concept of Wabi sabi which, in simple terms, means to find beauty in imperfection, and the Scandinavian concept of hygge which can be defined as any place that embodies comfort, cosiness and a general sense of wellbeing.
Look out for oriental designs featuring Japanese inspired florals, cranes or interlocking geometrics to transform your space with an escapist sense of serenity.
Paula Taylor, color & trend specialist at Graham & Brown (opens in new tab) comments: ‘Teien has been inspired by the simplicity and elegance of the Japandi trend fusing both Scandinavian and Japanese styles together. It creates an effortlessly timeless feel that harnesses that zen feeling. This is perfect to create the Japandi ethos combining minimalistic references with hints of the orient.’
Ben White, design expert at Swyft says: 'I thinkthatminimalism will prevail as key to our interior design in 2022. The notion of decluttering isnow moreimportant than ever with people continuing to work from home. The freedom tomove around yourliving spaces unencumbered by unnecessary furniture or knickknacks will be key.'
8. Glass lighting
(Image credit: Glow Lighting)
In 2022, pendant lighting is set to take on a whole new direction with statement designs that explore individuality, form and function.
‘Enabling a deep warming hue, with variations in color and texture, the use of glass in lighting becomes more experimental. From ridged design, a substantial trend for 2022, to bubble-like spheres, glass can be used to create truly show-stopping centrepieces in any residential or commercial space. Glass configurations will grow louder and prouder over the coming year,’ says Ian Cameron, creative director, Cameron Design House (opens in new tab).
9. Modern pastoral
(Image credit: Piglet in Bed)
The trend for cottage core adopts a more modern pastoral element in 2022, as consumers crave a simplified, slower lifestyle in reaction to the frantic daily living that advances in technology have enabled. Think less shabby chic ditsy floral and more color block pastels and contemporary checks for a fresh take on a modern country-infused aesthetic.
‘Whilst you can easily make a coffee in a click of a button these days, we’re now seeing a huge trend for people using more traditional pour over coffee makers that require time and effort, because actually the process itself is a romantic and enjoyable start to your morning. So I guess we can expect this trend of creating a slower, romanticized life for yourself continuing, with comfort and coziness being key,’ says Jessica Hanley, founder, Piglet in Bed (opens in new tab).
10. Organic shapes and curves
(Image credit: Rose & Grey)
Curve appeal continues to dominate indoors with soft, cocooning shapes enveloping our spaces with a comforting sense of security and aesthetic flow.For an easy decorating idea that will soften your scheme whilst adding a contemporary dimension, why not paint a wall arch?
‘Shaped boucle sofas and cut-out armchairs make a statement while ornamental pieces in mixed metals instantly elevate their surroundings. A palette of monochrome is softened by textured neutrals and new abstract works, which celebrates the curved lines of the human body,’ says Debbie Drake, design director, Dunelm (opens in new tab).
Robert Stephenson, Sedilia (opens in new tab) founder, says: ‘As our world becomes more sculptural, rounded and organic shapes are appearing in many fields from architecture to cars, as well as in more everyday objects. The adaptability of upholstered furniture makes it an ideal medium for exploring and developing this trend.’
11. Wilderness hues
(Image credit: Crown Paints)
As an antiphysis to ever-busy work-life pressures, wind-down and reset with shades evocative of the most breath-taking view and restore balance with organic naturalness…
‘This is the new Mediterranean with a color palette of earthy, sandy neutrals and ethereal blues to echo the natural landscape of the sand and sky. Consumers remain focused on nature and grounded color in earthy tones dominate,’ says Lisa Miller, color consultant, Crown Paints (opens in new tab).
'Immersing ourselves in the big blue with all our senses can have therapeutic properties. Use this calming color palette of soothing blues and gentle warm neutrals to reset yourself back to balance,' continues Justyna Korczynska, color consultant, Crown Paints.
12. Artful tablescaping
(Image credit: Smith & The Magpie)
Dressing the table to impress will remain a trending topic for social media savvy interiors enthusiasts in 2022. Delectable details will get the table talk flowing, with expressive, styled table dressings featuring a riot of artisanal serve ware, patterned linens and frivolous florals.
‘As we welcome guests back into our homes and gardens, our attention turns to the art of table dressing,’ say design experts at MatchesFashion (opens in new tab). ‘The key to creating a rustic yet refined tablescape is to mix up plates, table linen and glassware from a variety of different labels, while adhering to a complementary colour palette. We have seen a growth of +47% for Table Top sales this year, with Plates being the #1 category and the biggest growth is seen across Placemats and Tablecloths which have grown +168%.’
International interior designer, Penny Morrison (opens in new tab) agrees: ‘Table dressing will continue to be immensely popular with hand made plates, matching mats, table cloths and candlesticks in several sets to ring the changes.’
13. Well-bedding
(Image credit: This Is Linen)
Sleep health was big news in 2021, and we’re not hitting the snooze button on this well-being trend just yet. Endeavouring to create the ultimate sleep experience is a key focus for consumers and retailers as we consciously adopt a more mindful approach to living.
Fabric entrepreneur, Sonal Keay, This is Linen (opens in new tab), predicts that luxury linen and ‘well-bedding’ will be the next big thing. She says: ‘Lockdown has focussed our attention on the home and filling it with the best quality fabrics, which provide physical and sensory benefits – I like to call it ‘well-bedding’. Consumers want the best, natural and sustainable fabrics and are looking for the ultimate comfort in their bedding. Linen ticks all these boxes and looks gorgeous too.’
Consider a green bedroom scheme, to elevate the well-being dream even further.
‘Largely down to its association with the natural, the color green represents growth, renewal and harmony. Given the ongoing turbulence provided by the pandemic, the need for these qualities is greater than ever, so it’s unsurprising that green has been chosen as 2022’s color of the year by a number of paint brands. If you’re not feeling up to repainting the walls, however, there are plenty of ways to work the trending tone into your existing décor. Faux plants give you the chance to bring the great outdoors to your living space without any worry of upkeep. You’ll get all the harmonious greenery you’re after but with none of the upkeep that comes with live plants. Popping your faux plant into a stylish planter will elevate your interior design further, keeping the feel of the outdoors, but with an added touch of sophistication,’ says design experts at Madison and Mayfair (opens in new tab).
14. Maximalist garden rooms
(Image credit: Wayfair)
In lockdown we reclaimed the outdoors as an extension of our homes, and this year it’s all about adding some zingy, fiesta inspired zest and stylish interior comforts to utilize these precious spaces throughout each and every season. Outdoor living spaces are set to get colorful, cozy and seriously chic!
‘Maximalism is key for adding year-round warmth to our gardens and balconies no matter what the weather,’ says Nadia McCowan Hill, resident style advisor, Wayfair (opens in new tab). ‘Bright colors, clashing prints and cheerful decor add splashes of personality that will keep you out long after the sun sets. Snuggle up in vibrant textiles, set the mood with cosy lighting and share a drink by the fire.’
'As people continue how to navigate connections during this new normal, they are looking to create comfort that works as effortlessly indoors as it does outdoors. Adding dimension to the living spaces is important - incorporating warm colors, rich textures, and softness is crucial for that sense of comfort and normalcy, especially as we enter a new year with the pandemic still with us,' says AlexGibson, founder of home decor and textile design brandSien+ Co (opens in new tab).
15. Loyal luxe
(Image credit: Cox & Cox)
They’ve stuck by our sides through cabin fever thick and thin, so it’s only fair that our favorite fur balls be treated to the same creature comforts as their human counterparts. Elevate your pets living essentials to hotel chic status with oh-so-cute scaled down designs of chic homeware pieces.
‘Making a home feel cozy and welcoming isn’t just good for humans! Whether it’s a tiny velvet sofa pet bed so our pooches can twin with us or quirky pet toys that are almost as cute as our fur babies, this novelty trend is one our best friend will love as much as we do,’ says Nadia McCowan Hill, resident style advisor, Wayfair (opens in new tab).
What is the best decorating trend for 2022?
Texture talks are on the rise as interiors get super tactile, whilst sustainably sourced materials and manufacturing methods make leaps towards a more mindful, considered and conscious home.
'Texture is going to have a moment in2022in every aspect of the home, from walls to furniture to décor. As people look to add dimension in new ways, we’re going to see a resurgence of plaster and venetian walls and a stray away from the velvettrendas people look towards more dynamic fabrics like boucle and corduroy. This will also be a populartrenddue to the surge in neutrals. With less colors to work with, interesting textures can add flair to a space in an unexpected way,' says Channa Alvarez, interior designer at Living Spaces (opens in new tab).
Ben White, design and trade expert atSwyftsays that sustainability and natural design will bekey in 2022:'Sustainability and use of organic materials have become prominent in recent years. With the public's increased exposure to climate change, the idea of sustainability has fed into the interior industry and our homes. This will translate into how we buy furniture; a move towards furniture items with reclaimed woods and accessories with recycled glass and metal. We are looking for upcycled, antique or used furniture which has a story to tell; not only does its origin create great conversations, but it’s a greener approach to furnishing the home. Investing in meaningless furniture and accessories is a thing of the past.'
What is the main color trend for 2022?
Homeowners are getting confident with color as interiors embrace energizing shades inspired by natural goodness.
'2022 is about bold colours and one of these is burnt-orange. This terracotta inspired tone will add warmth and style to any space. Use a range of room accessories to invite this color in,' says Amy Hillary, interiors content writer at Wallsauce.com (opens in new tab).
Amy continues: 'Everyone can’t get enough of sage green living rooms, bathrooms, bedrooms and more. This refreshing shade is earthy, calming and looks great painted on walls and paired with wooden accessories.'