As 2021 begins, we anticipate a wave of “new ideas, bold colors and textures, unexpected materials, and general trends.” We have been challenged to change our methods, and as a result the cultural shifts have been massive. While there’s no way of knowing for sure what will happen in 2022, we have a feeling about what it might look like – we take activity checks very seriously in our line of work.
Next year, we expect to see more interiors designed to channel a sense of comfort and personality. We’ve had a lot of time to head inward, and now we have the space to design every aspect of our lives from a more intentional place. As 2022 is the year of the tiger, we expect to be bolder, zealous, rebellious and regal than ever before. Below, we’ve outlined predictions with 10 trends we expect will define interiors in 2022.
Loud and amazing
After we’ve been confined to our homes for so long, the sterile nature of minimalism is gone! More and more people are going to extremes with whimsical, whimsical, wobbly decor pieces that burst with unusually playful energy. (Or is this the sound of a circus?) Although the pastel paintings heralded a necessary touch of softness, it was time to shout “I have a voice with a point of view.” The “essential avant-garde” trend is more than a mood board that borrows aesthetics from the Memphis movement: it’s the beginning of a complete design renaissance, and it’s here to stay.
geometric mesh
As we explore more of the metaverse, our interiors should reflect the journey of the digital world. Spatial designer Hanna Ali told us that this emerging ecosystem offers an entirely new way to experience virtual architecture that radically changes culture. In addition to all the innovations around smarter technology, cryptocurrency, and NFT, we’re in the midst of adapting to a hybrid lifestyle model as well. The verification pattern has prevailed throughout the pandemic, but now that we’ve tried the drug, it’s time to go back to the source. Any architect will tell you how important the grid is, and now more designs are paying tribute to it.
Nowstalgia
From Postmodernism (now referred to as “pomo” aka “emo of design”) and Bauhaus to mid-century and Scandi, we all feel a blast from the past as we navigate our aesthetics and develop style preferences. Feline millennials have graduated from kindergarten, but they still want to play with their fake food because entertainment doesn’t have to stop at the dinner table. Meanwhile, Generation Z doesn’t seem to have had enough of the 2000s culture. The emergence of Poly Gibbs also reminds us that the ongoing obsession with miniatures is multigenerational. Pro tip: Take notes from Jasmine Archie, Vivid Wu, and Lillian Ahenkan for some major inner inspiration.
Green is the new neutral
No matter the shade, it is the The color of the year despite what Pantone says. If you don’t take our word for it, the folks at Benjamin Moore, Sherwin Williams, and Bohr will gladly support us here. We previously noted that shades such as emerald bring a sense of calm and renewal to any space, whether it’s a kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, living room, or office. (It’s part of that ongoing process of reconnecting with nature.) Millennial pink will remain in our hearts forever.
Goblincore mode
Speaking of green, we’re now going beyond aesthetic #cottagecore and leaning more towards sustainability with this more exotic alternative to biophilia. In addition to restoring the wild side of nature and advocating inclusivity in a jungle fantasy world, the Elf advocates thrift, passive shopping, and collecting shiny little things. (In other words, vintage is the way.) At its core, it’s about embracing a more eco-friendly lifestyle—with nature-inspired looks to match. Mushrooms, snails, frogs, plants and algae are the main elements of this trend, which clearly has an earthy color palette. Interpret as you wish!
It’s all hemp
Because you don’t have to be a stoner to appreciate the aesthetics of stones. There are many great ways to incorporate lawn into your home decor, from sculptures and floral arrangements to blankets and coffee table books. The industrial marijuana complex will reach new heights in 2022 as legalization increases across the United States, so don’t be surprised to see more weeds in the wild with the explosive growth of dispensaries and farms. The grass is greener now that we are finally on the other side of this movement. (While you’re here, consider reviewing highly recommended products from our gift guide on the topic.)
glass blocks
With the popularity of transparency, the return of lucite and acrylic appeared, so, of course, the next “he” material is glass blocks. Susan Alexandra set the bar high with her flagship store filled with a rainbow of glass blocks. (Architectural designer Lula Galeano insists the material makes for the most flattering DIY furniture project.) The tile table has had its moment, but it’s about to be replaced with one with glass blocks.
modular furniture
Statement pieces are great, but multifunctional furniture is a better investment now that our multipurpose spaces and things are our closest companions. (Real talk, there’s really nothing more intimate.) We’ve all been amazed at the curse of curves, but what could be more comfortable than a big, chunky sofa? What really stands the test of time is a syllabary set that you can assemble and disassemble to your heart’s content, like togo and mahjong sofas. We’re always one step closer to reviving the conversation hole… and if you haven’t already noticed, the daybed is also back in fashion.
books are back
Time to light up, if you know what I mean… Not only are more people curating books for decoration (and their personal libraries), but they are also building stairs and tables out of old books. Even if you’re not a hardcore book fan, designer Sophie Cooley reminds us that books are great tools to use as visual references. “I’m not ashamed to admit that I only flip through pictures, but this is a great way to not go to Pinterest and learn a bit about history,” she explains. “People have done formatting all this information for us, so why not use it? Some book covers from the ’80s are pieces of art, so I like taking them out even just for that.” I heard it here first: Books are the new status symbol.
Reflections
Mirror, mirror, off the walls! After such a long period of deep thought, the future looks brighter than ever, so our decor must be too. From faux drapes and disco balls to misted and sprinkled foam mirrors, we take all our groove back with pieces that sparkle and sparkle. Now that the portal has been opened, could mirrored ceilings be in our future? Only time will prove…
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