For millennia, interior design trends have been used as aesthetic aids in our attempts to find some sort of inner peace: take the ancient Chinese art of feng shui, where spatial positioning corresponds with energy flow, or wabi sabi, the Japanese practice of embracing an imperfect aesthetic, or ancient Rome’s fondness for using earth-tone colours 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,” interior designer Timothy Corrigan of Timothy Corrigan Inc tells Vogue. So is it any wonder that in 2022 – our third consecutive year in a global pandemic – the top interior design trends are again focused 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 late we are paying close attention to how design has the ability to create an energy in a space,” 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, exactly, are our senses drawn to in 2022? Fourteen top interior designers have some ideas. For starters, several predict the rise of the enveloping, earthy colour of brown, displayed in fabrics like leather or even in terracotta walls. Others see a spike in nature-inspired surfaces and accents – think marbles and mushroom shapes – while others say their clients can’t get enough soft, curvy furniture. Essentially, anything that feels warm, welcoming and cosy is in: “Clients are asking for warmth, comfort and airiness – this seems to be a common thread amongst current and past projects,” says Garcia. Athena Calderone, founder of Eyeswoon, agrees: “Who wouldn’t want to design a room that feels like a warm hug?”
Then, there’s the pandemic reality that our homes have become the main settings of our lives: where we work, sleep, and socialise. Every corner, and every object we’re surrounded by, must serve some sort of purpose. Perhaps it’s a functional one – Kelly Wearstler touts the rise of technology in her homes – or an emotional one, like Mark D Sikes’s prediction that we will see 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,” concludes Robin Standefer of Roman and Williams.
Meanwhile, some popular design choices of the past several years are falling to the wayside. Bouclé’s moment, it seems, is over, as is the all-white minimalism that may look crisp, yet provides 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. Adds Kathryn M Ireland, “The minimal look is at last warming up.”
Below, the top interior design trends to know in 2022 – as well as what’s on its way out.
What’s In
Shades of brown
“Chocolate browns, camels and caramels – there has been so much colour and pattern, especially pastels, the last few years and I think people will be ready for a palette cleanser.” – Mark D Sikes
“Chocolate brown is back! And I for one as a ’70s baby am thrilled. But this time chocolate brown won’t only play with orange shag (cue my childhood living room) but also play well with other colours as a deep neutral for rich elegant timeless spaces.” – Danielle Colding, Danielle Colding Design
“Neutrals will take a bit of a back seat in 2022 as people start to experiment with colour again, but the palette will stay very close to hues you’d find in nature. We predict paint rollers will be dipped in rosy, terracotta tones, swathing rooms from wall to ceiling for a complete monochromatic moment that envelops you in its cosiness.” – Athena Calderone
“I think we’re going to see a return of earthy browns in 2022 – from cognac to burnt umber.” – Justina Blakeney
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
“Texture and things from the earth and the hand, like Akiko Hirai’s pots. The inaugural show we launched at our new gallery, that Vogue covered with a beautiful story on women and clay, represents a devotion and decisive movement in design to defining art as objects you live with.” – Robin Standefer
“With folks looking to bring a little magic into their lives after a couple of very tough years, I see earth’s magical wonders taking centre stage: objects made from sparkling crystals and swirling marbles, mushroom silhouettes, pieces that incorporate raw natural materials and exotic flora and fauna motifs.” – Justina Blakeney
“As a designer it is refreshing to see a return to material-driven applications – and it doesn’t seem to be cooling off. We see a desire for rich marbles, soft and organic materials, warmer tones and greige vs white on walls, earthy elements like wood, stone, and clay – this is all so classic and refreshing as it brings life to a space.” – Erick Garcia
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
“I love sculptural furniture. Our Catalpa series, named after a plant, is a perfect combination of nature and culture. ” – Robin Standefer
“More gracious and sensual shapes, curved edges and deep, luxuriant seats.” – Martyn Lawrence Bullard
Venetian plaster and limewash
“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
“As a textile fanatic and colour maven, revamping fabrics is where I feel you get most bang. My son Otis has added mohairs and velvets alongside his elegant linens at @otistextiles. I’ve been working in Scotland on some colourful tartans, crushed velvets and large patterned prints to celebrate 2022, the 25th year of my textile line.” – Kathryn M Ireland
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
“Rooms will be designed for double duty; ie dining room walls lined with wine storage or books, guest rooms fitted with desks, bedrooms equipped with exercise equipment. As people spend more time in their homes, they expect the spaces to work harder for them.” – Timothy Corrigan
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
“We are starting to see lots of new brilliant options for sustainable fabrics and materials. I think this should now be a priority for all designers.” – Marcus Barwell, Managing Director of Soho House Design
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
“Leather in rich tones offset cooler metals and have the ability to tell a story over time as they wear through use – we shouldn’t be afraid of age showing its face.” – Erick Garcia
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 tastemakers in 2021 is now becoming 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
"Le Style Anglais, English Country style known for its comfort, quirkiness and ease of living, continues with its ‘comeback’.” – Kathryn M Ireland
Travel-inspired interiors
“People will be travelling 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
“There is a trend emerging that is reminiscent of the late ’80s and early ’90s. Two directions come to mind. One being very natural – white and creams, mixed with dark natural wood and washed linen textiles and black-and-white photography. The other is dark and moody mixed with stainless steel, jovial multicolour schemes and colour blocking. Some avant-garde sculptural elements that evoke the style of Ettore Sottsass.” – Robert McKinley
“Paying attention to the subtleties will be important in 2022 – like how a beautiful Brazilian vintage solid wood armchair by Sergio Rodrigues can offset an otherwise contemporary home, activating the space, adding warmth and invitation.” – Erick Garcia
Bold patterns and colours
“I believe we will see a move away from neutrals and people will be using more vibrant colours and bold patterned fabrics. Citrus green and RAF blue are colours I think we will see a lot of.” – Marcus Barwell
“The years of dull and muted colours have given way to bright, joyful colours that put a smile on your face.” – Timothy Corrigan
“The undecorated layered look of Bohemia celebrated by the Charleston set, aka the Bloomsbury Group who bravely mixed patterned wallpapers with their art, will be setting the tone for 2022.” – Kathryn M Ireland
“Wallpaper continues to be a dominant element in interiors, with strong patterns and more textured materials being used to create spaces that envelop and cocoon you.” – Timothy Corrigan
What’s Out
Open floor plans
“Open floor plans will give way to more segmented and traditional spaces, delineations, as we have come to realise the need for privacy and quiet spaces.” – Timothy Corrigan
Bouclé
“White and cream bouclé. I think after two years it’s time to move on.” – Marcus Barwell
“Bouclé chairs. I still love them but there is a point where enough is enough.” – Danielle Colding
All-white everything
“The trend that I believe is going the way of the past is all-white everything.” – Justina Blakeney
“We will see more saturated coloured rooms that envelop and welcome you into a space and less of the all-white everything.” – Sarah Sherman Samuel
Non-functional decorative objects
“Coloured 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
This article was originally published on Vogue UK.
