2022 was a unique year in the design world. We saw influences from the pandemic linger, while aesthetic revivals and new fads emerged throughout the year. While some trends are sure to stay, others may soon disappear, burning out as quickly as they had sparked interest.
As we look back on 2022, we reached out to design experts from Anaheim, CA, to Bridgeport, CT, to share their favorite and not-so-favorite design trends of 2022. From wallpaper to zellige tiles to checkered prints, be sure to sit back, relax, and enjoy 2022 Design Trends Wrapped.
1. An embrace of wallpaper
Wallpaper is an easy way to bring clean design and personality into your home. In 2022, wallpaper made a big splash, creating both bold statements and stunning backdrops in homes.
Kaitlyn Loos Design, which specializes in design and organization, shares, “In 2022 I saw more clients embracing patterns in bigger, bolder ways. Wallpaper has become a much hotter trend, not just for powder rooms anymore.”
“From laundry rooms to nurseries and bedrooms, many homeowners added wallpaper to their home, either as an accent wall or throughout the entire room. The variety available in color, pattern, and texture today makes it the perfect addition to any home,” adds interior designer Marlaya of Studio One Nine Design.
Not only did wallpaper become a popular option in 2022, but the different types of wallpaper designs expanded considerably.
“Homeowners are becoming bolder, as their options are expanding and as they learn that wallpaper isn’t necessarily a permanent fixture in a home but can add much-needed character and color to a space,” shares residential interior design studio Jamie Nell Design.
And one such wallpaper option that emerged in 2022 was wallpaper murals.
“We’ve seen mural wallpapers explode in popularity. They are great for making a bold statement in any room as they create a more immersive environment than a simple repeat wallpaper and capture the imagination,” adds Sian Zeng, a wallpaper company.
2. Textured accent walls
Accent walls have slowly emerged as an art form that brings texture and depth into homes. Bold accent walls took center stage in 2022 as more people continued to embrace working from home long-term.
“Plain white backdrops were replaced with energetic paint colors, accent walls, and graphic wallpaper patterns to create a memorable on-camera look,” remarks We Are Branch, a brand crafting company.
“I’ve already noticed the accent wall evolve from being a black wall with geometric paneling to becoming a moment for texture,” adds online interior design service 3D Bright Designs. “I’m happy to see less importance in shocking the eye with contrast and more emphasis on leading the eye on a comfortable journey.”
3. The curation of unique furniture
As with any home, it’s important to make a home that is unique and completely your own. That is why curved and rounded furniture became in vogue in 2022.
“Overall style trends leaned towards, more rounded, curved furniture,” shared Sydney, NV-based 3R Design Studio. “Furniture saw natural movement to its framework through curved sofas and rounded chairs, old and worn woods already in circulation had a resurgence and their character was embraced and even welcomed into the most elevated spaces,” adds Becky Shea Design.
While curved furniture made a surge, custom furniture was also at the forefront of 2022 as more people wanted to bring a sense of uniqueness and luxury into their homes.
“In 2022, we saw a resurgence of people looking to purchase custom, hardwood chairs made in America,” notes sustainable chair company Eustis Chair. “The Rose Room chair, an antique replication based on existing chairs in the New York Public Library Rose Reading Room, was our most popular chair model purchased for homes.”
In addition, 2022 saw the old being modernized into the new. Antique furniture combined with contemporary modern interior design, as well as upgrading seemingly normal furniture pieces into beautiful pieces, was a trend even in 2022.
“Mixing pieces of valuable antique furniture with straight lines of modern interior design loosened up the almost very clean atmosphere and spreads unique charm. Further, it created a special kind of luxury for every room,” says Masterpiece Antiques, which specializes in European antiques.
“Whether the famous Billy Bookcases from IKEA or a flea market shelving unit, the trend for upcycling bookshelves inspired us in 2022. Using strategic moldings, some paint, and the addition of handsome coving, the ‘bookcase hack’ has shown how ingenuity can transform a simple item of furnishing with some money-saving creativity,” shares design and decor blog Scene Therapy.
4. Warm neutrals made a resurgence
A defining interior design trend for 2022 was the use of warm neutrals.
Heather Wise, Senior Interior Designer of Space Joy notes, “Customer preferences changed from crisp whites and cool tones to warmer palettes that included creams, beiges, and a lot of deep browns. Whether being applied to walls or furniture, it helped customers foster a cozier and more inviting atmosphere.”
“2022 was a year for paint updates with neutral color pallets. Our client’s homes post-pandemic have become more about who they are and embracing their design styles within their home as well as mixing designs instead of sticking to one,” adds design studio A Jolie Design.
“Residential design trends continued to make their way from bright whites and cool grays toward a warmer, softer palette of creamy whites, taupes and stains in rich, light and medium tones,” notes interior design and styling service Niche Design Co.
5. A turn to nature and natural materials
One popular interior design trend we saw in 2022 was the use of natural materials, such as wood, stone, and plants, to create a warm, organic, and sustainable aesthetic.
“In 2022, we saw designs that felt connected to the outdoors with the use of natural materials and colors such as rattan, wood, stone, terracotta, earth tones, and greens,” says interior design company Jenna Nicole Interiors. “This nature-inspired trend is more of a design philosophy, one that caters to our well-being and brings us closer to nature without ever having to leave our homes,” adds Georgie Mihaila, editor and founder of luxury real estate blog Fancy Pants Homes.
By bringing in natural elements into the home, it helps create a feeling of warmth, tranquility, a sense of grounding, and connection to the natural world.
“Nature-inspired design helps nourish both the home and the soul and was much needed after the past few years of uncertainty and isolation,” says artist Melissa Mack.
If you plan on incorporating natural materials into your design style for 2023, it’s important to consider the mood and purpose of the space.
“For example, if you want to create a relaxing atmosphere in a bedroom, consider using soft, muted colors. In addition to using natural materials, you can also incorporate elements of nature, such as plants, to bring life and a sense of tranquility to the space,” shares A.F. Duealberi, an abstract painting artist.
They also recommend thinking about sustainability when making design choices by looking for energy-efficient appliances, choosing materials with a low environmental impact, and considering the lifecycle of products.
6. Sustainability at the forefront of design
Some general trends that have been popular in recent years include the incorporation of sustainable design elements, the use of natural materials, and the incorporation of technology into the home.
“In terms of rugs, machine washable, low maintenance, sustainable area rugs have become very popular in 2022,” says Super Area Rugs.
“The buzzword for 2022 was definitely sustainability,” adds Shades of Gray Design Studio. “We saw this in kitchen, bath remodels, and furniture pieces. The aftermath of the pandemic pushed homeowners to lean towards selecting materials and products that will be long-lasting.”
Expect this trend going into 2023, as sustainability isn’t going anywhere soon.
7. Added splashes of color
Gray interiors are a thing of the past as 2022 saw an infusion of colors. Below are tips on how to bring color into your home during the new year.
“You can definitely expect to see more people embracing color in their homes,” says V. James and Co. Interiors. “People are finally starting to move away from all-white spaces and more towards more lively and moody colors that add a sense of personality to the home.” Stephanie at Rumble Interiors, based in Eastern, WA, adds, “If you have all gray, it’s time to add a punch of boldness. Try a rose-colored wall or a bold wallpaper to jazz things up.”
“Don’t be afraid of color, and use a lot of it,” adds contemporary artist Sarah Stieber of Stieber Spaces. “Rather than choosing two colors and using them as accents, discover a family of colors and sprinkle them throughout the entire space.”
“2022 was all about embracing the modern bohemian style with pops of color in combination with clean line art – line art that blends effortlessly with gorgeous color schemes to add a bit more color, joy, and good vibes to your everyday life,” says boho canvas art print company 83 Oranges.
8. An embrace of the color green
A design trend that was starting to become popular and is gaining traction into 2023 is the use of the color green.
“Green symbolizes rebirth, hope, health, and overall well-being, which is in line with people trying to return to normalcy after the covid pandemic. Green is very versatile and easy to incorporate into a home whether it’s in a big or small way, like plants,” says interior design and decorating firm GC INTERIORS.
“The color green is in demand because it connects to the environment and holds a connection with nature. So these days people prefer green colors indoors as well,” adds Home Decor Expert, a home improvement magazine.
9. Joinery brought a touch of elegance into homes
2022 was all about joinery, from adding arches to your home, doorways, and entrance hall to installing connecting details.
“Adding texture to the front of cupboards, for example, joinery circular ribs or ending the joinery in a circular way, was trending in 2022,” shares London-based interior designer Cigal Kaplan Interiors.
10. Multipurpose spaces are still in demand
With the covid pandemic spurring remote work and the longing for more space, multipurpose spaces have continued to stay a commodity in 2022.
Holley Pokora Interior Design notes, “In 2023, our homes will need to continue to offer multi-purpose spaces. The pandemic solidified for most of us the working and managing life from home lifestyle.”
Not to mention various types of rooms emerged this year, some of which include gyms, massage rooms, music rooms, and craft rooms.
“Thanks to the continuing pandemic,” says Barbara Graceffa, president of Secretary of the Interior in Quincy, MA, “2022 saw more escape rooms. Homeowners created everything from meditation rooms to music rooms.”
In addition, designers started to see used space turned into expansions of different floor plans.
“Converting formal dining rooms into second kitchens has become a go-to,” shares Paxton Place Design. “This is a great way to expand your existing kitchen and create a space that will get used and loved.”
Photo courtesy of Paxton Place Design
11. Wellness was incorporated into design
2022 brought biophilic motifs for nature and wellness to a new level with biomorphic shapes, stones used as decor, plants, and lighting within design.
Kim Colwell Design, based in Los Angeles, CA, shares, “We elevated our wellness design strategies to include lighting plans that worked harmoniously with the circadian rhythm; our floor plans expanded the natural light.”
12. Jeweled tones
In 2022, jewel tones made a comeback and are still going strong in 2023.
“The colors of rubies, emeralds, amethysts, and sapphires are still in. Bringing these deep rich colors into the home adds elegance, warmth, and luxury,” notes Ruby Rugs of Berkley, CA.
13. A move towards modern natural
Ditch the kitsch and get authentic. People are moving away from the beautiful yet contrived modern farmhouse to modern natural, as“people are craving simple nature to provide balance. Woods like white oak, walnut, pine, and douglas fir with natural finishes complement high-precision modern accents and keep us rooted. Wood accent walls are still very popular, but we see more and more ceiling installations,” reveals peel-and-stick wood company Stikwood.
14. Bigger and brighter wall art
Darren Gygi Home Collection, which sells high-quality giclee prints, shares that 2022’s art trends can be summed up in various catchphrases: Go big or go home, live life in color, and earth without art is just boring.
“2022 has shown us that wall decor isn’t going anywhere, and it’s getting bigger and brighter. Gone are the days of the small, minimalistic black-and-white wall art. Now is the time for large statement pieces with bright colors and lots of personalities.”
15. Lots of windows
Nowadays, the more windows, the better.
Westside Luxe Living, based in Los Angeles, CA, shares the many benefits windows provide., “Windows facilitate the entry of natural light indoors, they enabled the occupants of a house to enjoy the views of the neighborhood, and they served to keep the house cross-ventilated. As such, houses with ample windows will seldom look gloomy or feel stuffy.”
16. A dining room renaissance
Stage the Bay home staging raves that 2023 will be the year of the dining room. “Dining rooms were the neglected room of the past couple of years, and we are seeing a resurgence of importance to this room. Clients are requesting unique table centerpieces and want to upgrade their current seating or tables.”
17. Traditional interior motifs made a comeback
“I have seen time-tested traditional interior motifs like a classic checkerboard tile pattern and whimsical scalloped edge detailing come back in a big way,” raves interior design studio Veneer Designs.
Some examples we saw in 2022 included 4″x4″ checkerboard tile instead of 12″x12″, zellige instead of marble, and scalloped cabinetry edges, headboards, and fireplace surround.
“There’s always a good spot for some crisp white paint, but let’s also embrace colors and patterns, too. There’s a seat at the table for both,” says Hayley Francis, owner of Neon Doves.
18. The year of tiles
In 2022, people wanted to maintain a simple backsplash, while adding some variation.
“Moroccan-inspired Zellige tiles became very popular for their handmade look and slight color variation that is interesting without being too busy,” shares kitchen and bath remodeling contractors McManus Kitchen and Bath.
In addition to Zellige tiles, handmade tiles continue to be all the rage, as 2023 is set to bring even more natural and artisanal looks.
“Color and textural variations add a visual depth to walls not achieved by other types of tile – plus, no two pieces will be alike. So say goodbye to cookie-cutter designs. It’s time for your home décor to get personal with authentic handcrafted charm,” shares San Francisco, CA-based Spaces By Juliana.
Photo courtesy of McManus Kitchen and Bath
19. Modernized ceiling fans and lighting
In 2022, many have realized the value of good lighting and how these components anchor and define every other detail.
“2022 saw the continued popularity of finish options like brasses, mixed metals, and pops of fun color for ceiling fans and lighting,” reveals Vintage Fans & More. “We’ll continue to see the evolution of these trends as more consumers hop on the better lighting bandwagon.”
In addition, Sputnik lighting, which was popular from the 1940s to 1960s, returned and was one of the most popular lighting trends of 2022.
“You will recognize these pendant lights by their multiple arms that extend out from a center globe, each holding a round light bulb. These are so popular as they provide bright illumination and are suitable for many rooms such as dining space, bedrooms, and living areas,” remarks Bibby Fine Interiors based in Nelson, BC.
20. Tweed fabrics and heavy-duty wool
Colorful tweed fabrics took over in 2022. Giving a sophisticated look, while still made of heavy-duty wool and polyester, tweed fabrics provided an opportunity to add more color to furniture, while still keeping it timeless.
“Think of a Chanel woman’s tweed blazer, it will never go out of style, and that’s what we saw textile companies catch onto in 2022. We have used tweeds in a range of projects, from a large sectional sofa in a luxury commercial project to a bench seat for a residential client,” shares Sarah Elizabeth Design.
21. Asian culture influences
Asian cultures were among the first to appreciate the organic forms, colors, and textures of nature.
Designers Pagoda Red states, “In the Chinese tradition, which draws from Daoism, the imperfection of nature brings a richness to life – including interiors. Organic shapes and materials were popular in 2022, especially given how much time we spent inside in recent years.”
“This year we were surprised to see the rise in Oriental Design. Many of our gorgeous Chinese Art Deco Rugs werepurchased. We love seeing the mix of antique rugs with contemporary furniture, and we saw a lot of this eclectic mix this year,” adds Esmaili-Rugs.
22. A shift to open shelving
For the past several years, people have been ditching their upper cabinets and choosing to have open shelving. However, it’s important to think of the practicality of this type of cabinetry before making the change.
Boise Interiors, which focuses on design and renovations, suggests, “While they are beautiful on Pinterest, in real life, they can be impractical. My advice in all things design is to always think about your lifestyle before making these decisions.”
23. Setting the vibe with moody interiors
“The design trend we loved most in 2022 was the rise of the moody interior,” raves interior designer company Tara Lenney Design. “Dark greens, blues, and blacks that wrapped from walls onto trim, cabinetry, and even ceilings were a welcome departure from the all-white walls that have been popular for the last few years.”
If you’re not ready to commit your whole interior to the moody vibe, she recommends dedicating a specific room to a moody interior, like a home office or bathroom, inside a light and airy interior.
24. The rise of boucle
“One of the most popular played-out trends of 2022 was boucle (a fabric named after the loops in its yarn). It was getting to the point customers would say things like, ‘boucle all day’ and our vendors were stocking multiple frames in the fabric,” remarks Lulu’s Furniture & Decor.
25. Marble home decor
Marble home decor was a popular trend in 2022 because of its timeless elegance and versatility.
The Ancient Home shares, “It can be incorporated into any room, from the kitchen to the bathroom, and adds a touch of sophistication to any space. Additionally, marble is a sustainable choice for home decor because it is a long-lasting material that is both cost-effective and eco-friendly.”
26. Luxury vinyl plank flooring
Luxury vinyl plank flooring (LVP) trended in a big way in 2022.
“Families and pet owners are choosing LVP over hardwood flooring because it’s durable, maintenance-free, and low price point. This modern-day miracle is resistant to water, scratching, and warping,” raves decorating service Styled Interiors.
She also recommended finishing off the ceiling with a gorgeous chandelier to create a show-stopping space.
27. Open concept layouts
The open concept trend has been on the rise for a few years now, and its popularity isn’t slowing down However, not all interior designers are fans of this design trend.
Audrey Interiors remarks, “While we tend to steer clear of trends, we strive to bring light to the importance of the home’s history and structural layout, letting it narrate the story by preserving old fireplaces and floors, and lacquering walls with paint colors that embody the natural beauty of historic homes. Stop knocking down every wall in sight in 2023.”
28. The advancement of smart technology
“As smart technology in appliances continues to advance, clients are naturally looking for the latest in tech to simplify cooking, save time, provide safety and convenience, and be the ‘hub of the home’ by connecting to all smart devices to control lighting, thermostats, air quality, security, and music,” shares CL Design-Build.
We expect to see more smart home tech incorporated into the home as we progress into the future.
29. Designing the ceiling
We often forget about our “5th wall,” also known as the ceiling.
“In 2022, adding paint color, wallpaper, or wood treatment to the ceiling added a fun pop of personality to a space. In small spaces, it was common to see the ceiling be on the bolder side, and in large areas like dining rooms, a subtle pattern or texture was the way to go,” shares Kat Nelson Designs.
Wrapping up 2022
As we look back on 2022 and all the amazing and not-so-amazing home trends. It is important to bring into your space what makes you feel the most happiness. As Fringed Benefits Design, a design firm, says, “Be brave, go big and do what you want in your home. Don’t do what everyone else is doing because it’s safe. Love where you live because you did what you wanted.”
In addition, design a home in aspiration of the lifestyle you desire to create for yourself. “You manifest what seems natural to you,” says artist Samantha Kaplan. “So, if you desire to live a luxurious lifestyle, design your home in a way that evokes that feeling. And you will notice how you will naturally start attracting more luxuries into your life.”
Lastly, decorate your home in a way that feels authentic and personal to you.“Forget leading name brands,” notes Funston Antiques. “Personally collect and display objects and art which reflect your personal interests, whether that be sports, history, or nature.”
Article By: Redfin.com