The change in living situations in 2020 has influenced the major interior design trends in 2021. This year, it was all about transforming home spaces into hybrid spaces that are multifunctional. However, in 2022, the trends will be dictated around the principles of sustainable living.
Multifunctional spaces acted as much-needed sanctuaries this year that served to protect inhabitants in the long run. In 2022 there will be a renewed interest in sustainable brands, a consciousness of the carbon footprint a house will have, and heavy use of renewable energy. The natural world will be brought indoors so that our sanctuaries are restructured that adapts to our flexible working schedules. The trends will circle back to basics, with a blend of retro and natural patterns, tones, and colours. Here are a few trends that will dictate the interior decoration field in the coming year, 2022.
Sustainability and smart use of materials are on the rise. "Biophilia" is the name of the trend that will be at the forefront in the coming year. The use of renewable organic material has been on the rise in recent years as clients have been looking for a carbon-neutral end product. So, materials like bamboo, compressed moss & recycled glass are being used by architects in multiple projects. This trend only seems to rise in the coming year. Not only will sustainability dictate the materials used in the construction of a house, but it will also determine the choice of furniture made by the resident.
Items made of reclaimed wood or recycled metal will be the first choice for many homeowners. It is also observed that the new homeowners are looking into luxurious second-hand furniture or are actively looking to incorporate vintage furniture. The use of vintage and multi-generational furniture like armoires and elegant cabinets is on the rise, with a special nook for incorporating such furniture without disrupting the contemporary interiors of their homes. These subtle touches fall perfectly in the predicted trends for 2022. Another prevalent material used in the ethos of interior design and architecture is cork for furniture pieces like chairs. Upholstery material might also be sourced ethically, or upcycled pieces of cloth can be used to make homes more sustainable.
Over the past few months, it has been noticed that homeowners are gravitating towards much more colourful and lively aesthetics. As times get better and hope is blooming, signalling the end of the difficult times, homeowners are moving towards more adventurous palettes, experimenting with various colours and patterns. Such design choices play into the new trend predictions while creating stunning home environments. Apart from Pantone colours of the year - yellow and grey, saffron is another popular colour that might be in vogue moving further. Many industry insiders are calling saffron the new black. Vibrant and vivacious colours like eggplant purple, pistachio green, and lemon yellow are on the rise. Moody colours like crimson, pumpkin orange, and fuchsia might reign supreme in the coming year.
There is a playful folk art feeling that comes from the new homes that have been designed, conceptualized, and built at the end of 2021. Art on the wall is no longer relegated to classic art pieces or minimalist crowd-pleasers; homeowners are actively trying to incorporate a traditional touch into their homes by adorning walls with native artists like Amrita Shergil or with short poems written by partition era poets like Manto or Chugtai.
In the coming years, the kitchen will become a makeshift heart of the house. Before strict division of spaces became more common, children used to do their homework on the kitchen island as a parent would cook. The kitchen was also the place where many impromptu work meetings took place. People these days are looking for the use of state-of-the-art kitchen equipment, and the simple neutrals are taking a backseat to the moody hues for 2022. A new era of kitchens is here. Personality-driven kitchens that cater to the strengths of the humble home cook are here to reign supreme.
As mentioned, the kitchen is being reimaged to accommodate all the cutting-edge appliances. Those who plan to renovate their kitchens should look beyond the confines of white and experiment with the new palette. Kitchens with more depth and dimension that incorporate the fun elements to capture the simple joys of cooking are something to look out for. At the same time, hidden and sleek fittings in the form of cabinets, mini wine coolers, and spice racks are also gaining traction. From statement backsplashes to making the kitchen a closed-off space that is not another living room, these are all the significant trends that encompass the new and improved kitchen.
When it comes to design in 2022, there is a sense of balance and coherence that can only be refined with the help of experienced designers. Apart from these significant design trends, there is a call for more holistic spaces that harness the power of the resident's personality.
