2022's biggest interior design trends

The new year is on the horizon and 2022's interior trends are creeping into view. We’ve kept a close eye on the styles, colours and textures that are due to grace the pages of magazines in 2022 and listed them all below for you to feast your eyes upon!

1. Handmade & second-hand decor

Since the pandemic, more and more of us are shopping small and second-hand in an effort to reduce waste while supporting small businesses and adding a personal touch to our homes.

Handmade decor can be found all over sites like Etsy and second-hand apps, and exudes a comforting, wholesome feel, often in one of a kind styles. Small makers commonly turn to sustainable materials in their crafts, making them a great way to source unique pieces and support artisan makers while doing some good for the environment. 

2. Cottagecore

The Cottagecore aesthetic embraces a more simple way of life away from high-tech screens and instant messaging, back to wholesome countryside living and cosy cottage decor. Think idyllic thatched cottages, floral prints, fresh eggs in wicker baskets and dreamy wildflower meadows. 

It gives us all those warm and fuzzy feelings, and we're not alone with #cottagecore boasting over 2.8 million posts on Instagram!

But it’s not just looks that count. Cottagecore is bigger than patterns and colour, it’s an aesthetic that encourages wellness and a slower pace of life away from the stresses of modern-day living.

Across Tiktok, Pinterest and Instagram, Cottagecore has blown up in the past couple of years and is bigger than ever before. Embrace the aesthetic by incorporating vintage tableware, dried flowers in neutral tones and floral prints along with antique finds and natural materials that offer a nostalgic look back to bygone times. 

3. Soft & natural textures

Ask any interior expert how to create a cosy home and you can be sure to hear about using natural materials from wood to stone and everything in between.

Textures like velvet and wool will be big in 2022 to create a warm and comforting sanctuary, while light wood, clay and exposed brick are here to stay.

Using natural materials helps us to feel a link with nature that relaxes and calms our minds, creating a more snug space. Try cotton or linen bedding, wooden furniture or accents and organic materials in your interior decor.

4. A return to vintage

With shortages in supply chains and an increase in upcycling, a return to vintage is on the cards for 2022. 

Not only is shopping vintage a greener choice, but vintage finds often feature unique designs that none of your neighbours will have, along with plenty of personality that isn’t always found in contemporary decor. Together this grants you the ability to style your home to reflect your personality and taste, whether that’s through an old brass lamp, vintage patterns or a cool 70’s style vase.

One of the best parts about vintage decor is that each piece has a story to tell. The best pieces have character and wear to show off their history, with small blemishes and patina adding beauty to each piece.

In 2022, the key is not to over-style your vintage decor and instead let each piece speak for itself. Try bold pops of colours from retro finds and build a cohesive colour palette with plenty of texture and statement light fixtures.

5. Biophilic design

If there’s one thing that can bring a sense of calm and relaxation to your home, it's biophilic design, which is a concept used to increase our connection to nature.

It’s believed that we humans have an innate need to connect with nature and doing so is proven to reduce levels of stress, which isn't hard to believe when you think about how many of us enjoy the sound of waterfalls, singing birds and leaves swaying in the breeze.

In 2022, we’re embracing natural colours with a focus on green and bringing the outside in. 

With a boost in popularity for houseplants, we recommend adding a few plant friends to your space like large arching palms and trailing greenery, (try faux if you’re not green thumbed!). 

Add nature patterns through cushions, rugs and art, or go a little bolder and paint a feature wall with sage or olive green. You could even add in a small water feature to help you feel at one with nature, or simply allow more natural light and airflow into your space.

Finally, think back to step 3 and add organic materials like jute, linen or wood to tie the look together and create a tranquil space.

6. Curves are in

Curvy furniture is making a big comeback from the ’60s and ’70s. In 2022 however, we’re doing curves a little differently. This time around, they’re soft, spongy and playful with both calming, neutral furniture and lively, mismatched colours.

By introducing curves to your sofa, tables, mirrors and chairs, they disrupt harsh geometric lines and instead offer a visually pleasing look while adding a soft and inviting tone to your room.

7. Black accents

Although we’re seeing a common theme of natural shades and materials in 2022, black accents will also rise in popularity as they accentuate neutral shades and minimalistic interiors particularly well.

Stick to your colour scheme for walls and large furniture, and incorporate black elements into the smaller pieces in your home. It could be as simple as swapping handles on your existing pieces to choosing furniture with black accents, like table legs.

Be careful not to overdo it however, as too much black could work against you if you're hoping for a nature-inspired space.

8. Expert advice

Finally, we had the pleasure of speaking to Charlie from Topology Interiors, an expert interior design studio based in London, who offered their top advice for the year ahead.

In 2022, a few of the top trends we are seeing is a continued emphasis on sustainability which we only think is set to continue to grow beyond 2022.

"In 2022, a few of the top trends we are seeing is a continued emphasis on sustainability which we only think is set to continue to grow beyond 2022.

Our top tip here is to not worry about items in your home matching and instead thinking about a vintage style that you're drawn most towards e.g retro and then looking to source items in line with this to create a sense of flow in your home.

It's not always easy to find that perfect vintage piece for your home so we suggest regularly exploring local antique shops, fairs, and markets as well as looking online for some unique finds. Don't forget there are a host of ways to upcycle a piece too.

In addition, we are seeing a continued need for multi-functional versatile spaces, especially as many continue to work from home. Interestingly, we are seeing rooms that are open plan being subtly divided up to help zone an area e.d adding an internal glass crittall door or panel.

Last but not least, is the power of layering natural materials; adding woods, linen, cotton, wools are a wonderful way to set the tone for zen living. In combination with this, when adding these beautiful textures think about adding subtle black accents to elevate the overall look and feel of the space."

Roundup

Overall, 2022's interior design trends include a strong desire for natural colours, a closer connection with nature and a call for a slower pace of life, reflected through handcrafted decor, organic materials and soft edges.