2022 is almost here and that means it’s time to start thinking ahead to what will be trending in the world of interiors for the new year. We’ve put together the top five trends set to dominate the interior world this coming year along with our top tips and product picks to help you achieve the looks. There’s something for everyone…
1. Mood-boosting blue
Dulux has named a light and airy shade of blue, which evokes an atmosphere of peace and tranquillity, as their colour of the year for 2022. We all deserve a dose of both after the year 2021 has turned out to be! Called Blue Skies, this shade will heavily influence how we decorate our homes in the coming months. Shades of blue that remind us of the sea and sky can help us to feel connected with the soothing and calming effects of nature, making blue an ideal colour for those rooms in which we rest and relax, such as a bedroom or bathroom. To create a space that is peaceful but has visual impact, try building up a variety of blue hues to create an attractive tonal effect. Lay a pretty patterned bedspread over a plain blue duvet set, then add blue cushions in different shades and textures. Choosing some with botanical motifs will add to the serenity of the space, while a blue fabric headboard will complete and frame this look beautifully.
2. Seventies heaven
The 1970s reappears on almost every catwalk year after year. In fashion, it’s always in vogue. But 2022 will see a distinctly retro aesthetic pervade our homes too. Thankfully, we’re not talking about avocado bathrooms or psychedelic prints here. This trend is about taking inspiration from the warm, earthy tones and geometric patterns of the past, while incorporating some of the textures particular to this era, such as corduroy and velvet. This trend will work especially well in a living space because the shades and textures have such a warm, tactile feel, but it could easily appear overwhelming, so focus on one specific area of the room to begin with. Hang a pair of curtains in a repeat pattern in shades of bronze or orange, then position a velvet armchair in similar tones beside it. A scattering of corduroy cushions or matching pouffes around the room is enough to unite the space and achieve that perfect mix of retro meets modern.
3. Dual identity spaces
The remote working phenomenon of the pandemic looks likely to influence how we work for the foreseeable future and interior trends for 2022 reflect this. Multifunctional spaces have become common in most of our homes, and while many were haphazardly set up in living rooms and spare rooms across the country, there’s a desire to maintain the fluidity of these spaces but make them more visually appealing. Clever, attractive storage is key, as well as furniture that does double-duty. If you’d like your spare bedroom to still function as an office but without it looking like a workroom, try storing office supplies and paperwork in an elegant ottoman, or invest in a bed with hidden storage. Perhaps your desk is in your living room? If so, choose a chair in a colour that blends with the interior of the room and has more personality than the traditional black versions you find in most offices. This will soften the space and allow both its functions to blend more seamlessly. Finally, use artwork to unite the different functioning spaces by hanging prints from the same series or artist in both areas of the room.
4. Outdoor appeal
Bringing the outdoors in was one of the most dominant trends of 2021 and it will continue to heavily influence the interior of our homes in 2022. The first thing to do if you want to achieve this look is to dot a scattering of plants around your home, as they will bring freshness and a sense of harmony with the outdoors to every space. Whether you prefer faux or real greenery, you can create strong visual interest by choosing plants with leaves in different shades of green and with a variety of textures. Plants are terrific for creating interesting visual displays, too, so group together three or four on shelves or side tables for an individual look. Incorporating traditionally outdoor textures such as rattan, seagrass and bamboo into your home is another way to nail the trend. This can be as simple as buying pretty rattan plant pots or alternatively, investing in some key furniture pieces to make a bolder statement.
5. Black magic
This is a very contemporary trend for anyone who likes to give their home a modern edge. Black accents in a room will give it a sharpness and depth that can have a real impact. This trend works best in a room with minimal colour and neutral tones, so perhaps try it out in a dining room or study. Test out the trend with accessories to begin with. Black picture frames containing black and white images will punctuate the monotony of neutral walls, and when grouped together in an arrangement of four or five prints, they’ll create a stunning focal point. When selecting larger items of furniture, such as a sideboard or cabinet, choose pieces with black rims or handles, as this is exactly the kind of subtle finish you’re looking for. While incorporating black into a room might seem terrifying at first, this trend is about subtle suggestions that won’t crowd the space but will create an effective contrast with the quiet neutrals of the overall decor.
