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It’s hard to believe that 2021 is already nearly over! It’s been a whirlwind year for a number of reasons – but rather than looking back, I want to take this opportunity to look ahead. I thought I would take a look at the year to come, and think about the interior design trends we can expect to see in 2022.
Nature and Sustainability
Sustainability has been an issue of growing importance to people in the last few years, and with more and more reports about the devastating effects we have had on our world, the issue is creeping into many aspects of our daily life. In 2022 we’ll be adopting sustainability not just as a personal lifestyle choice, but a fashion and décor statement as well – think reclaimed and recycled materials forming the basis for new adornments and furniture pieces, for example rugs woven from recycling plastics. This sustainability push will also be reflecting in the way we welcome life into our living spaces; 2022 homes will be lush and verdant, with houseplants filling negative spaces and giving a new, refreshing, natural air to their spaces.
Vintage, and Retro
Hand-in-hand with sustainability comes vintage aesthetics, as home designers look to existing furniture pieces instead of brand-new items. A trend of repair and re-use is emerging again, meaning we can expect to see re-upholstered sofas, upcycled tables and shabby chic reign once again – giving us vibrant and unique spaces totally unlike one another. We’ll also be decorating our side-tables and mantles with flavours of yesteryear, with vintage items and accessories creating an anachronistic playground.
Calmness, and Neutral Colours
At the same time as this explosion in colour and history, we’ll be re-embracing the other side of the coin – calmness, and neutrality. Quieter rooms like bedrooms and bathrooms will benefit from lighter, softer colours. In bedrooms specifically, sleek, uncluttered and comfortable will define the coming year. Think fitted storage in a neutral colour, giving space to breathe and practical storage hidden in the wall. Light, earthy colours will promote tranquillity and connection, complementing our newfound sentiments of sustainability.
Statements and Accents
Of course, neutral colours can’t exist in a vacuum – and contrast is key to a calm space achieving its desired effect. In bathrooms, expect to see more deep blacks used, whether as accents to highlight the bath, or as an entire feature wall to make a statement, and define the room. In other living spaces, these kinds of statements are more likely to be made with textured fabrics, loud patterns and reclaimed materials.
The Home Bar
I can’t close off this list of trends without addressing something which has already been emerging in the last year or two, an absolute phenomenon which is only set to increase in popularity in the new year: the home bar. Whether people have been missing the pub during coronavirus lockdowns, or simply looking for new ways to use empty space, I don’t know – but what I do know is building a bespoke bar with storage for spirits and mixers, and loud decorations from mirrors to glitzy lights, is very much in.