What our homes will look like in 2022
Our relationship with our homes has never been as intimate as it has been this past year, which means that we now know ourselves better and have a better idea as to how we would like to live. We have seen the same thing happening in fashion, where individual choices matter more and trends are just guides or possibilities.
“Rather than specific trends declining, we are seeing the lines between different styles blurring,” says Gemma Riberti, head of interiors at the trend-forecasting agency WGSN.
She cites minimalism and maximalism as an example where the two now overlap: “empowering consumers to find their own take on either, leading to a more personal and nuanced approach to interiors.”
Having said that, there are still some general trends that we will gravitate to in 2022, based on our shared experience of pandemic living. These are not entirely new but are an evolution of the more sensible aesthetics that we are constantly refining as we discover more authentic ways of living and expressing our true selves.
Natural colors, materials and forms
Our predilection for nature through soothing colors like greens and blues isn’t just because of aesthetics but rather a necessity for survival, since research shows that natural colors and organic forms reduce stress, increase productivity and creativity and simply make us happier.
Jungle-inspired hues like olive and moss; the use of natural wood, stone, bamboo, rattan, and dried grass; and the adoption of flower and leaf motifs will be seen more in the coming year.
Entangled design
With air circulation a priority, we will continue to bring our living rooms and even dining rooms and kitchens outdoors while at the same time bringing the outdoors in so that we feel more connected to nature. This blurring of the inside and outside is what designers are now calling “entangled design,” combining the surrounding landscape with hardscape design.
The veranda or lanai will thus be used more and we will see the rise of the indoor tree taking center stage in large pots. Garden-inspired rooms will be desirable, both with actual plants as well a plant-themed or patterned wallpaper mixed with furniture in natural materials.
Interiors that feel as good as they look
Comfort has never been as important, making the sensory experience in our homes a top priority. Scent, for example, is given more attention, with scents like sage promoting mental acuity, especially in the home office, and relaxing scents like lavender a must-have in the bedroom. Textured fabrics like velvet and bouclé are luxurious and give a sense of comfort, while vibrant color combinations provide stimulation.
Softness in curves
The harsh realities outside the home make us crave softness, which curved furniture and accessories provide, acting like a comforting embrace.
Pieces like radiused corners or curved backs on sofas, flared arms on chairs or bumpers on sectionals can also complement existing angled pieces for a feminine-masculine harmony. Curvature in design will also manifest itself more in architecture, accessories, and even in patterns for fabrics and tiles.
Multifunctional spaces
With a lot of activity demanded of the home, spaces will be more flexible than ever. In as much as we need efficient workstations because WFH is here to stay, our home still has to be an oasis to relax in. With some having limited space to do many things, furniture will become more multifunctional. With bars and clubs closed, the home bar will also become more essential.
More antiques and vintage
With problematic supply chains delaying deliveries and the realization that overproduction and consumption is harmful to the environment, we will be turning more to antiques and vintage pieces in decorating.
Aside from being greener alternatives, they have unique details in design and craftsmanship that would be difficult to replicate. They will also make our homes a more personal expression of ourselves, reflecting our childhood memories and family histories.