The biggest interior design trends to look out for in 2022

A lot has changed over the last couple of years. Changes to our lives that seemed temporary: the home office, the need for outdoor space, a yearning for simple living (not to mention a newfound appreciation for DIY) have become long-lasting. During the pandemic, we were forced to rethink how we used our space. Naturally, this has had a massive impact on our decor choices. That's why we're taking a look at the biggest interior trends to look out for in 2022.

2022 interior design trend: homes as emotional spaces

Often overlooked is our emotional connection to our homes. Over the last couple of years, that emotional connection has only strengthened as our homes have become our literal safe haven. 

As our Colour Consultant Charlotte puts it, "Now more than ever, our homes are a place where we want to feel sheltered, protected and supported". So how does this translate into interior design trends? Well, would-be decorators are paying greater attention to how colour psychology affects our emotions, and we're seeing lots of gentle, nurturing colour choices.  Warming pinks are like a hug in a paint tin, whilst beiges create an earthy, grounding effect. For the full low down, take a look at our 2022 colour trend predictions. 

Now more than ever, our homes are a place where we want to feel sheltered, protected and supported.

Charlotte - Colour consultant

2022 interior design trend: healthy homes

More than just maintaining our physical wellbeing, having a healthy home is about preserving our mental wellbeing too. It’s time to create a sanctuary within your home by instilling a bit of that spa-like zen, evoking the senses, and sorting out your feng shui. Things like incorporating house plants to help us feel closer to nature, carving out zones in our home for meditation, hit classes or yoga, and decorating with gentle paint colours, are all predicted to stay relevant next year and beyond. Essential oil diffusers in scents like bergamot, ylang-ylang or lavender can alleviate anxiety, whilst the child in us feels a sense of security surrounded by soft, tactile, swaddling blankets or throws.

2022 interior design trend: cosy living

Cosiness isn't a reaction to the weather: it's a reaction to the world outside. It's a feeling so many of us want to evoke in our homes—as demonstrated by the continued popularity of the hygge trend. "I encourage people to find those nooks, those spaces where you can snuggle up with a blanket and feel safe", says Tash, our Lead Colour Specialist, "Our living rooms and bedrooms should always have an element of cosiness to them. A place you can retreat to". During the pandemic, our homes were our cocoons, our sanctuaries, and this has been reflected in our decor choices.

2022 interior design trend: craft & DIY

According to Fameed Khaliqe; “we are living in the golden age of craft”. What we are seeing is an increased demand for design that is bespoke, authentic, and hand-made. Why? Because fine craftsmanship stands the test of time. As we move away from ‘fast fashion’ as a society, we too are moving away from ‘fast design’. More and more, we've seen our community of decorators looking to vintage or upcycled furniture, rather than buying brand new. 

An emergence of ‘makers and doers’ has occurred in the last decade, with people being hooked to the creativity (and affordability) of DIY;  "It's about putting your own touch on it, which makes anything you make feel more loved. It's about feeling pride in your work, standing back and saying, "I made this!" explains Tash. "Anything crafted instantly adds texture, personality, and a grounding feel".

Anything crafted instantly adds texture, personality and a grounding feel.

Tash Bradley

From the cottagecore movement to embarking on DIY wall panelling across the world, the arts and crafts movement is gaining traction, and it has a positive environmental element too. 

It's a great way to know what to do with leftover paint. From painting your garden furniture, getting crafty this Halloween, having a go at these easy DIY Christmas decorations or these handmade Christmas cards. The list is almost endless.

2022 interior design trend: smaller, simpler living

Whether you're renting or buying, property prices are on the up. That's why more and more of us are opting for simpler living. "Our generation wants freedom", says Tash, "When you're tied to bricks and mortar, you're restricted. For some, the idea of a smaller home that they can lock up and leave for a month to go travelling is the answer". 

From studio flats and tiny homes to fully embracing van life and the open road, when it comes to design, they each require one thing: being really smart about space. From built-in storage beneath the stairs, bed, and floorboards to grown-up bunk bed-cum-office layouts, prepare to be amazed at how you can create a simpler living space without going totally minimalist. We've loved seeing at-home frills like subway style tiling, geometric-patterned flooring, fixed beds piled high with throws and cushions, and even the odd log fire in tiny homes and vans. So, if you're looking to declutter your life, take a look at these 6 minimalist kitchen decor ideas.

2022 interior design trend: broken-plan living

A post-Covid alternative to open-plan living, broken-plan living was born from a need to use our spaces differently—whether to create more privacy or separate work from play. It's about using key design elements to break up the space without breaking the flow. Distinct zones can be created by using different floor finishes, creating partitions or strategically placed furniture. 

For example, using large open-shelving not only acts as additional storage, but it can also create a home office, whilst different flooring can differentiate between kitchen and dining areas, as can a kitchen island or butcher's block. An L-shaped sofa can carve out a cosy living space whilst tall, leafy plants can act as a partitioning screen.

2022 interior design trend: biophilia

One of our favourites to date, biophilic design, is the interior trend that keeps on growing. Linked to reduced stress, enhanced creativity and clarity of mind—it's no wonder that some of the world's top companies have implemented it in their workplaces. Charlotte explains, "As humans, we are so interconnected with the natural world. Our physical and mental wellbeing, as well as our productivity, depends on us spending time in nature". Some of the key considerations include lots of natural light, internal and external views of nature, and opting for natural and handmade materials and fabrics.

As humans, we are so interconnected with the natural world. Our physical and mental wellbeing, as well as our productivity, depends on us spending time in nature.

CHARLOTTE CROPPER

And how does this translate into our home decor? Take a leaf out of the Japandi trend or Scandi-interior style and opt for bare windows or blinds over curtains to allow maximum natural light and provide unobstructed views of the outdoors. Inside, incorporate lots of indoor plants into your home decor.

Using colour schemes inspired by nature, like our predicted 2022 sustainability colours, is a great way to bring the outdoors in. Take a look at these green bedroom and living room ideas and our range of botanical wallpapers for some inspiration.

2022 interior design trend: shy tech & digital cosiness

Yet another Covid-coined word to add to the dictionary; “‘shy tech enables you to connect to technology in a positive way", says Tash Bradley, our Lead Colour Specialist. Nowhere is this more important than in the bedroom, where many of us choose to go tech-free. Whilst in the early noughties, your brand new flatscreen might have taken pride of place, today many decorators are looking to disguise it.

Shy tech enables you to connect to technology in a positive way.

Tash Bradley

In the bedroom, you could use a tapestry to ensure no blinking lights are visible after bedtime, whilst in the living room, you could use a cupboard to disguise your TV or home office. Wall-to-wall built-in shelving, piled high with books and trinkets, can also help to mask a large TV. On the other end of the spectrum, many designers are going digital in order to benefit our homes. From salt lamps to sun lamps, these little bits of tech can actually create an air of digital cosiness. Whilst designers like James Turrell take the concept of mood lighting to a whole new level.

2022 interior design trend: expanding outdoors

With our newfound appreciation for our gardens, they've become as vital a part as our indoor living spaces. 'Outdoor space' topped property searches during the pandemic and our need for it shows no sign of wavering. 

Merging our indoor and outdoor living spaces is set to be a big trend next year, as detailed in our predictions for 2022’s garden trends, where we saw outdoor dining, open-air kitchens, and outdoor entertaining spaces all taking centre stage. Even if you don't have access to a garden or balcony, planting a window box with your favourite flowers or herbs will have the same soothing effect on the eye. Whilst the act of caring for your plants can be both relaxing and rewarding.

We hope this closer look at 2022's biggest interior design trends will give you some decor inspiration for the year ahead. Take a look at our colour trends of 2021 and see if you too have found yourself adding a bit of nature into your home.