2022 Predictions: The Future of Interior Design

A new year is approaching, and for many of us, life is much different than it was about two years ago. 

As a result, interior designers are pivoting their approach to accommodate the shift. You can expect to see various changes in design trends, including some surprisingly refreshing solutions to outdated colors, furnishings, and mentalities. 

If you’re craving a change of scenery, more efficiency and functionality in your space, or both, now is the time to check out the trends designers are most excited about for the upcoming year. 

Let’s dive into the predictions interior design experts agree will change the future of interior design in 2022 and beyond. 

Work-From-Home and Multifunctional Spaces

If you’re like millions of other people worldwide, life has changed significantly in the last few years. For better or worse, you may have been spending much more time at home: a factor you may not have considered when selecting your current residence.  

It’s no simple task to transform a shared living space into a remote office, virtual classroom, at-home gym, or all of the above…….while you continue to use each room for its primary purpose. 

Fortunately, the most anticipated interior design trends of the coming year focus on both form and function. That means transforming your rooms to accommodate the new normal doesn’t require you to choose between tasteful design and functionality. 

These brilliantly updated and practical solutions might include:

  • More attractive Murphy beds 
  • Compact desks that easily fold up for storage
  • Comfortable or ergonomic dining table furniture
  • Scaling back decor for easier room transitions
  • Investing in quality, long-lasting pieces like rugs and furniture
  • Purging clutter and using more innovative organizational strategies 

Reconnecting with Nature

The human spirit innately longs for connection with nature, but you don’t have to be backpacking in the mountains to enjoy the beauty of natural wonders daily. 

Expert designers have seen an increased demand for spaces that both include and are inspired by nature. As the world reawakens and explores nature’s potential impact on our physical, mental, and spiritual health through the lens of modern life, interior preferences are shifting accordingly. 

The best part? There’s a way everyone can use natural inspirations to transform any space in a way that resonates with them. 

Consider these approaches: 

  • Add indoor plants with artisan pots
  • Paint with matte, earthy tones
  • Select furniture crafted from natural materials (wood, marble, crystal, glass, clay/terracotta, bamboo, or stone)
  • Go natural with decor and soft accessories (made with cotton, linen, wool, flax, silk, bamboo, hemp, or recycled paper)

Revival of Antiques and Retro 

Do you have valuables, collections, heirlooms, or vintage furniture hiding in storage? Or have you been eyeing an antique piece, not sure of how you would apply it in a modern design approach?

Here’s some fantastic news: it’s time to embrace the past as you rethink the future.

It’s always crucial to be thoughtful and selective about the usage and placement of older furniture or decor, as these pieces can potentially clash with your other picks. 

Don’t stress, though: you’ll have fun redesigning an adventurous (yet tasteful) room if a charming piece from the past inspires you. 

When you love it, there’s a way to make any vintage or antique piece work in your space with a bit of design insight. A few favorites of expert designers are:

  • Restored or antique-inspired statement rugs
  • Rounded, retro furniture (vintage or inspired by the 1970s)
  • Prominent displays of heirloom dishes, books, and pottery
  • Pops of bright color balanced with natural tones
  • Authentic antiques displayed sparingly in modern curio cases

Sustainable and Ethical Selections

Climate change, health, and the overall well-being of our global society have become a significant priority in how we live. More than ever before in human history, people are becoming aware and concerned about the impact of their consumer habits. 

Our collective efforts are certainly worthy of applause, particularly in the home furnishings sector. 

Whether you’re interested in revamping your home to accommodate a new lifestyle dynamic or surrounding yourself with a fresh, inspiring environment, there are several excellent ways to do so ethically and sustainably:

  • Purchase items crafted from natural, compostable, or recyclable materials
  • Identify product offerings from small businesses operating ethically and sustainably (particularly those run by people of color, women, locals, indigenous people, nonprofits, or retailers willing to refurbish and repair your purchase to ensure its longevity)
  • If you feel comfortable, shop stores in-person to reduce carbon emissions from frequent deliveries
  • Consider browsing thrift stores, antique specialists, and resale apps

Magnificent Minimalism

Some people criticize the minimalist design approach for being boring and lacking soul or personality. 

But remember: beauty lies in the eye of the beholder. And the recent trends indicate that more people prefer a minimalist approach to interior design, whether they always have or recently experienced a shift in perspective. 

Some designers speculate that most clients who have transitioned to minimal design styles are spending more time in a cluttered, disorganized, or ambiguous space that abruptly became their primary workplace anywhere from early 2020 until now.  

Embracing minimalism doesn’t require you to sacrifice a stunning design strategy. Some advocates claim you might find that a minimalist approach to design brings you more peace, facilitates greater focus, increases your productivity, and bolsters your ability to combat stress. 

Check out the alleged benefits you may enjoy:

  • Reduced stress and anxiety
  • Saving money and time
  • Clearing physical clutter to decrease your psychological burden
  • Restructuring personal values, priorities, and sense of self-worth

Conclusion

There’s never been a better time to embrace change when it comes to your home. Interior design has become more human, accessible, and versatile than ever before. 

Enjoy reworking your space to accommodate your new normal in 2022, whether the change has occurred in your lifestyle, mentality, or both.