This just in; our passion for home renovations and DIY shows no signs of abating. In a report published last week by Statista, it was revealed that homeowners had spent record-breaking amounts of time and money on home improvements over the last two years.
The research cites two main reasons for this beyond the omnipresent ‘COVID-19’ catalyst. Firstly, that the global pandemic and associated lockdowns had led to homeowners ‘’finally finding the time for it’’. And secondly, that rising house prices in the UK and across the western world meant that many homeowners had opted to improve their current properties rather than buy new ones.
Whatever your reason may be, 2022, as with every year, sees the emergence of a new set of interior design trends able to reflect your preferences and personality whilst maximising functionality. With that in mind, here are some 2022 interior design trends.
BIOPHILIC DESIGN
It comes as no surprise that biophilic design – essentially bringing the outside in through the functional use of natural elements – is a key interior design trend for 2022.
With many of us continuing to spend more time indoors than ever before, whether that’s because we’re working from home, concerned about rising pollution, or under some form of pandemic restriction, homeowners have been introducing new and innovative ways to stay connected to nature through their domestic arrangements.
By focusing on our relationship with nature, it’s been posited that biophilic design could even improve our wellbeing and expedite healing, enhance creativity and improve clarity of thought…and who doesn’t want that?
This trend doesn’t simply mean buying as many houseplants as you can carry home with you. Instead, enhancing natural light and ventilation is a key cornerstone of biophilic design. Living walls, repainting colours and patterns, and, of course, houseplants all help increase the harmony with your home and the natural world.
Read: The best ways to allow more natural light into your home
MINDFUL SPACES
Phew, after the two years we’ve all had, we all deserve to gain a little peace of mind and perspective from our properties. Unfortunately, as the lines have blurred between homes, offices and schools, so our domestic spaces have sometimes failed in their most basic of responsibilities; to provide a small slice of sanctuary.
Whilst the jury’s still out on whether 2022 will herald the end of the global pandemic, we can be sure of one thing this year; a key interior design trend will be the introduction of mindful spaces in our homes.
How these mindful spaces look will depend on the unique needs of the homeowner. Certainly, that biophilic design we mentioned earlier could play a part. You could try gentle, green tones for your walls to relax you after a hard day’s work, for instance.
Alternatively, create a meditation space to encourage moments of reflection and replenishment. Add some soft furnishings, rugs and throws, perhaps light an incense stick, and retire to this corner of the house when you need to recharge.
It’s a wise move to install secondary glazing to your windows if you’re keen to encourage a more zen environment at home. It has the added benefit of being soundproof, enabling you to shut out any outside noise and enable some quiet time.
CURVED EDGES
The curved furniture trend that became increasingly popular in 2021 looks set to continue as 2022 progresses. Because why be constrained by straight lines?
Think outside the box here, literally, and make your domestic environment playful, welcoming, and on a more functional level, easier to navigate. You can use curved edges in major details such as your doorways and walls or elements like your furniture, where you can use coffee tables with round edges, arching mirrors, and curved sofas, the latter of which may have guests feel like they’re luxuriating on a cloud. This trend requires intentionality and a touch of sophistication to achieve your desired look. Which we’re told you have in spades…
MAXIMALISM
This just in; minimalist interior design is out. Replacing it, perhaps unsurprisingly, is maximalism. This decor style combines different patterns, colours, and textures to make bold statements and revive your interior space.
More people are exploring this idea because it embraces imperfection and goes beyond one-dimensional designs. Yep, more is most certainly more here.
To cultivate that maximalist look, all the old rules of tasteful, well-matched colour schemes and a constant effort at decluttering have been replaced in favour of mixed textures, singular and unique handmade pieces, a deliberate imbalance in decorative flourishes, and a propensity for brash, brassy finishes in luxury metals.
This embracing of the bold and imperfect sounds like a welcome change from the previous two years spent optimising our homes to run as smoothly and robotically as possible; we’re very much here for it.
MAKE DO AND MEND
2020 and 2021’s upheaval has made many of us reevaluate our relationship with consumption, consumerism, energy use and community spirit. Channelling these good intentions into a more environmentally friendly home, shopping more sustainably for our interiors and buying from responsible designers has been a positive byproduct of a tumultuous two years, make no mistake.
The idea of Make Do and Mend as opposed to buying new things for the home, is inspired by a pamphlet issued by the British Ministry of Information in the midst of WWII. Many interior design experts are predicting that this attitude will re-emerge as a result of the pandemic.
We expect to see this energy and ethos adopted in our interior design tastes this year, with homeowners incorporating vintage, second-hand pieces, family heirlooms and hand-me downs, as well as upcycling tired, forgotten pieces, in the spirit of Make Do and Mend.
3D ART
If you’re looking to create a relaxed and playful atmosphere that embraces colours and creativity whilst reiving any interior space that has started to look a little tired, then consider 3D art, a key interior design trend for 2022.
By playing with depth, height, width and, ultimately, perception and illusion, you can introduce a visual treat for residents and guests alike. It’s up to you whether this takes the form of ‘traditional’ 3D art, such as sculptures and ornaments, or the ultramodern version, that feels like it’s jumping out of your wall and interacting with the room.
If it’s the latter version you’re going for, then you might want to consider a picture frame TV, which allows you to double up your TV with a display of ever-changing selection of modern art.
Samsung lead the way with their Frame TV, which has changeable frame settings, over a billion shades of colour, amazing clarity and most importantly, access to a huge digital library of artworks. Yours for just £3.99 a month – plus more than a grand for the actual TV, of course. Oh, and it triples up as a mirror!
THE BOTTOM LINE
Breathe some new life into your home whilst giving yourself room to breathe, too, with these top fun and functional interior design trends for 2022.