5 Familiar Design Trends for 2022
I believe it’s part of our jobs as interior designers to steer our clients towards a few investment pieces. Furniture that’s well-built and nicely designed can last for generations, so it’s usually a wise money decision.
Today we consider these pieces “classic” and “timeless”, the opposite of trendy. But think about this: back in the 1750’s, the Chesterfield sofa was trendy! So was the Chippendale chair. These now-classic pieces began their lives as design trends. And they’ve gone in and out of fashion ever since.
On the blog this month, I’m bringing you five design trends that have reappeared in a big way for 2022. It’s no surprise that they all fall within a category called Biophilic Design. This approach to interior design aims to satisfy our innate human connection to the natural world by integrating nature with the built environment. Who doesn’t love a room with a view of water or mountains?
Plants
Plants give life, and that's what we're craving right now: nature, growth, reaching for the light. They’re an easy way to get closer to nature indoors, no matter the season or weather. From mini-succulents to entire Living Walls, there’s evidence that house plants reduce stress, provide comfort, improve mood and promote healing. They also boost indoor air quality. I remember seeing Macrame plant hangers almost everywhere in the 70’s, and guess what? They’re selling like hotcakes on Etsy.
Green
Directly related to indoor plants, the color green is in full swing again. Some of us might recall the greens of decades past: avocado, sage and teal. In 2022, dusty green is taking center stage, and with the current shift towards earthy neutrals in the design industry, it fits in perfectly. Green is comforting, familiar, and many shades of this color are very soothing. It emphasizes our connection to earth and natural elements, symbolizing growth and renewal. Check out Benjamin Moore’s Color of the Year 2022, October Mist, or Sherwin Williams’ 2022 pick, Evergreen Fog. Oddly similar.
Curvy Furniture
The curved line is back. From the 1850’s Thonet Chair to the 1970’s Egg Chair, we’re seeing more organic shapes in furniture again. No surprise–if we can’t get hugs from our loved ones right now, let’s get hugs from our homes. Curvy, welcoming furniture really fills that need. We want softness and comfort, no sharp corners. There are lots of examples on the market: Crate and Barrel’s line by Leanne Ford; Pottery Barn’s Farmhouse or Remmy chairs, or West Elm’s Crescent or Cozy swivel chairs. They even named the chair “Cozy”! We’re clearly craving these organic, curvy shapes within our homes today.
Vintage/Second-Hand
While this trend doesn’t bring Mother Nature inside, it does help her out by repurposing items that already exist. You don’t need to get rid of everything to have a completely different room. Likewise, you don’t have to buy all new, customized pieces of furniture when you need something. The vintage market is hot today because folks have gotten wise to the value of vintage. Antiques stand the test of time, and they’re no longer mass-produced, so you can find unique pieces that express your personal style. Also they’re readily available—no supply chain issues. Sites like Chairish, 1stDibs, Etsy and Sotheby’s Home all carry vintage furnishings and accessories.
Reading Nooks/Small Personal Spaces
You know I’m a big fan of cozy corners and reading nooks, and they’re even more popular heading into 2022. Like most other creatures, we humans have a natural tendency for nesting; one of our basic needs is feeling safe and cozy, especially in our own homes. Quiet activities like yoga, meditation, reading, or coloring have become mainstream today because we’ve learned that reducing stress is one of the healthiest things we can do for ourselves. It’s easy to set up a little retreat space. All you really need is a comfy chair, lamp, side table, throw blanket and a small plant. You can probably repurpose things you’ve already got. Take time to decompress there. Even five minutes a day can do wonders for your outlook.
Your home is your sanctuary from the pressures of the world. Bring Nature in. Create a soft, cozy place to land. Add some curves. Welcome to 2022.
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Until next time,
Nan
About Nan
Interior designer focused on helping people turn their homes into their sanctuaries without the pain of renovating. I’ve been working as a professional designer since 1995 and one thing I love about interior design is how it can evoke a mood and create whatever feeling you want in your space. In that way, it’s kind of magical.
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