It’s an exciting time of year......when Interior designers assess what's moving the industry forward - and what will get left behind.
I am exposed to various forecasts from leading design suppliers and super companies who invest time and money researching to present forecasts and to ensure that they are in touch with their target markets. Suppliers like Dulux, Warwick Fabrics, various rug suppliers, flooring companies and such present their new season offering. Designers naturally pay close attention to these forecasts as they naturally affect our future specification options or product choices and can influence future projects and their outcomes.
I can't be considered a 'trend' or mainstream designer, and I rarely conform to mainstream design ideology. Perhaps it's good to know what the trends are, if only to stay current in an ever changing industry.
I don't present a 'cookie cutter' or trend reliant design solution for my clients, I prefer to create interiors that are timeless. I'm not reactive to trends unless the client is specifically drawn to a certain concept - in that case I try to incorporate the idea in a thoughtful and creative way.
Well here it is....my take on what lies ahead for 2022. There's something in there for everyone and a few things that might even make you cringe!
After all, its up to you or your designer to help you find your own personal style to best suit your preferences and your lifestyle. A good designer is like a design tour guide, will offer ideas, options, advice and guidance. It's a fun process really so don't be afraid of the road ahead if you're embarking on a design project.
As you all know, 2021 was an exciting year for trends. After being stuck at home, people around the world finally decided to ditch the minimalist, all-white aesthetic in their spaces and adopt some new, bolder design choices. In came texture and pastel colour to replace the beige and white that dominated the past few years; the time for joy and experimentation had finally returned. Fortunately, one could say the same about the 2022 trends.
While some parts of our lives are going back to normal, it seems an embrace of fun and whimsy in design is here to stay for a while.
It looks like Mid-century modern seems to have been making an exit as a popular trend.
However, last year’s most popular trends are simply predicted to evolve and adapt, rather than get replaced completely - 2022 is going to be a fun year.
We, of course, have supply chain issues. And, we have a wave of younger idealistic thinkers and trendsetters entering the home-decorating phases of their life. All of these things will come into play when observing global design trends.
Lets take a closer look....
Reusing and repurposing
Shopping secondhand and refurbishing furniture is set to be the biggest trend of 2022. With supply chain crunches around the world and a global focus on eco-friendliness, purchasing vintage, antique, or pre-loved pieces is a way to circumvent the long manufacturer lead times, while also reducing your carbon footprint. All this while having the opportunity to be creative! Not to mention the sense of satisfaction upon completion of your project too.
What I find so fascinating about this trend is that it comes from the earth-friendly ideological thinkers and out of sheer necessity as we are seeing backorder dates getting pushed out as late as 40 weeks in some cases - sometimes longer. People are looking for creative ways to furnish and decorate their homes. Not only is it earth-friendly and convenient, it can also create a much more interesting, eclectic aesthetic. A design style that is close to my heart - my own home has been described as quirky and eclectic.
-------------------------------------------------
Maximalism
Maximalism is often loud, chaotic and very colorful. However, this chaos is, contrary to its appearance, tamed and thoughtful. It is a contrasting combination of colors, materials, textures and modernity with traditional elements. All this is accompanied by a large number of accessories and decorations.
Very often people who prefer maximalism are collectors of art or souvenirs and design the interior in such a way as to best expose them. It should be remembered that in this case of maximalism, the line between good style and tacky splendor is very thin. Therefore, when arranging your own space, while following the principle 'more is more', you have to be very careful or engage the services of your favourite interior designer to help you get that balance just right : )
Maximalism is a 'disturbance' in interior design, but it makes ordinary four walls gush with the personality of their owners. Minimalism an interior design style based on clear and simple rules. Maximalism is much more difficult to define and it is not easy to push it into organized structures. It is much more personal, diverse, and particular. This is my favourite design style because I get the opportunity to practice true creativity in its implementation.
-----------------------------------------------
Colour
When it comes to colour, many predictions are pointing at the return of red, albeit in a “happy” way. The reds I see trending are anything from bright cherry red to red-orange tones. Muted/ less saturated tones of green will be everywhere. Deep jewel tones paired tone on tone in solids and patterns will go a long way in 2022.
We’ll see a welcoming of bold patterns in the new year - smaller patterns, especially florals, will make their way onto multi-coloured fabrics for draperies and accent chairs alike. The fabric companies are predicting lots of texture for next year.
Though these bold hues and prints will be featured throughout rooms, you can expect to see them in some unexpected places as well. We’re seeing a resurgence of very colorful, patterned wall coverings in all areas of the home and no longer being reserved for small spaces. No more white ceilings; saving white for the walls and using bold colors, high gloss paint, and wall coverings on the ceiling.
-------------------------------------------------
Use of Glass as feature
Another eye-catching look on the rise... an emerging trend enticing us lately is the use of glass in lighting, tables, and accessories. Its use is evident in both classic and new pieces alike. Glass features can enhance the look and feel of your interiors, providing the illusion of space by reflecting natural and artificial light throughout, and further illuminating the room’s design or providing striking artistic feature which substantially elevates the aesthetic of any space.
-------------------------------------------------
Grand Millennial Style
Though it could simply be classified as maximalism, “grand millennial” style is looking so strong, it warrants a category all its own. Millennials are reigniting a love of all things floral, traditional and frilly. YES, I said 'frilly.
Think fringed sofas, antique china, patterned drapery, oil paintings, etc., but with a modern or playful spin. This also fits well within the secondhand furniture trend.
Block prints
The use of block prints adds a a ‘traveled and curated’ look, and it fits in with the grand-millennial style that is so strong. Currently, I have been using block pattern designs in various soft furnishing specifications such as curtains and cushions, but I’ve seen some beautiful upholstered headboards and adorable chairs made out of block print fabrics that have just been stunning.
There will be more pattern and color mixing — a core tenet of this aesthetic. We've seen a bit of this in 2021 and we'll see much more in 2022 as colour and pattern still feature. Designers will be mixing whimsical patterns or modern chintzes with stripes and contrasting scale patterns.
-------------------------------------------------
Curved Lines
Yes, arched features, squiggly nad curved lines and blob-like shapes have been popular for a while now and they’re here to stay. 80s and ‘90s style will be big next year, just like in fashion, and shows no signs of waning. Think curved silhouettes, arches, over-scaled pieces, and a focus on geometry. We’ll see these shapes in many ways. You will see more curves in furniture as new ranges being advertised are soft rounded shapes that wrap around you like a big comforting cuddle. Curved lines will also show up in patterns, whether in fabrics or tile designs. People are loving this softness and comfort after being through the hard times that COVID brought on.
-------------------------------------------------
Warm Neutrals
Not into maximalism? You’re in luck. Rooms done in neutrals in a global way and (not a contemporary way) is something I expect to see a lot in 2022. To achieve this, I recommends layering this colour family in a room meant for relaxing for a “zen” experience. “The goal is to use various tints of alabaster, cream, white, taupe, etc., but to incorporate ample texture so the room still feels warm and cozy. Warmer tones but not your basic beige and neutral materials with the influence of more wood are trends that will come into their own next year as well.
Thank you to all my lovely clients for 2021. it’s been so much fun working with you all.
I look forward to next years projects with excitement and enthusiasm as I move into into my 22nd year in business.
Well, thats a wrap, Merry Christmas to you and yours!
