With a new year comes new trends and the theme of 2022 is defeating the drab! If the last two years have felt surreal, you're not alone. It's time to channel that energy into a dreamy + daring home makeover.

EMBRACE THE BOLD

2022 is the year of jewel tones and maximalist aesthetic. According to designer Jean Liu, "Saffron is the new black." Moody-hued rooms are on the rise with pops of vibrant color and black accents. Gone are the days of gray on gray; people are turning to eclectic color palettes and layering different textiles and patterns.

Designers are also anticipating colorful kitchens next year. More people are choosing bold colors for cabinetry and kitchen walls while statement-making stone is the hot item for countertops and backsplash. 

Chicago-based designer Jessica LaGrange said wallpaper is becoming a larger focal point in many homes where it used to be reserved for small accents. She also noted that white ceilings are becoming less common as clients are opting for wallpaper, bold colors, and high-gloss paint to make "the fifth wall" pop.

GOING GREEN

We're bringing nature indoors this year. Green is the hottest color of 2022 and Behr, Benjamin Moore, Sherwin-Williams, PPG, and Glidden all chose shades of green for the Color of the Year. Etsy agrees and found a 64% increase in searches for emerald green items while searches for emerald green decor went up 60% on the platform.

Sue Wadden, the director of color marketing at Sherwin-Williams, had this to say: "We were seeing neutral colors warming up, sustainability and organic living becoming key design trends, and organic textiles and natural materials are currently huge in home and design. I wanted the Color of the Year (SW Evergreen Fog) to reflect this idea of rebirth and growth and our collective newness for 2022." 

Many designers share Wadden's sentiment as they're seeing an overwhelming push toward sustainable design practices and earthy neutrals. Alessandra Wood, the VP of style for Modsy, said she's seen a decline in white, ivory, and cream. According to her, the popular neutrals for the upcoming year will be camel, taupe, cognac, rust, and sage. 

Shopping secondhand is one of the most popular eco-friendly practices. Global supply chains and manufacturing have been backed up during the pandemic, which has pushed consumers to antique and vintage purchases. This is another reason we're seeing more eclectic styles emerge.

CURVY IS MAKING A COMEBACK

Soft lines are making their way into 2022 with a resurgence in curved furniture and architectural elements. Sculptural seating is everywhere right now. According to Jean Liu, "This trend of rounded edges will continue to be an important part of the design vocabulary next year as we have seen rounded kitchen islands, arched or pill shaped mirrors used on projects, and even more reeded design details on cabinetry and millwork."

REALTOR Ⓡ Magazine also noted a decline in straight lines: "Expect to see more arched openings, barrel-vault ceilings, and curvy furniture, designers predict. Outside, arched windows and doors, arched openings, and ceilings for porches or decks will make statements, as will curved walkways."

VERSATILE SPACES

The prevalence of working from home has forced people to get creative. One home office is a must for most buyers while 48% of people said they wanted multiple offices, according to this survey by the American Institute of Architects. Most of us, however, can't have more than one designated office without giving up bedrooms, which is why we're seeing more versatility in how people set up their space.

Closets are being turned into fully functional offices. The formal dining room that was previously used once or twice a year? Add a cozy library nook! Being at home more means we need to use our entire space more efficiently and make it adaptable for numerous activities. Designers are also seeing a surge in performance fabrics. As our houses are more lived in than ever, many are opting for more comfortable and durable furniture options.

HOW TO INCORPORATE THESE TRENDS INTO YOUR HOME

There's never been a better time to experiment! The most important aspect of 2022 design trends is that your home should show off your personality and function for your convenience. 

If you have formal rooms that rarely get used, it's time to reclaim those spaces. Don't be afraid to mix and match patterns, fabrics, styles, and colors to bring fun and fantasy to the area. If you want to try bold colors but you're worried about overdoing it, start with a few pops like accent pillows or a lamp, then go from there. And next time, don't quickly dismiss your grandma's pre-loved items. With a little vision and elbow grease, they could become a treasured collection. 2022 is all about breaking the mold and making your home unique + sustainable.