Interior Design Trends in 2022

The interior design ideas highlighted for 2022 combine comfort and practicality: retro accents, natural materials, multipurpose rooms, calming interiors, integrated technology, sustainability, daylight, expressive colors and patterns, curved furniture, private retreats, and more usable outdoor spaces. Choose the ideas that suit how you live rather than treating every trend as a requirement.

13 Dynamic Interior Design Trends in 2022

Originally published in July 2022, this article presents design inspiration from that period, not a forecast of current trends.

Functionality and comfort are key elements of a great home. Mastering these design needs can be a challenge. Do you feel like your space needs an uplift but don’t know where to begin?

From modern and multifunctional spaces to sustainable and rustic environments, these interior design ideas blend style with practicality.

1. Going Retro

Retro décor was one of the trends highlighted for 2022. These elements are a way to add color to your home. Think burnt orange and warm neutrals.

Look for décor pieces in flea markets and vintage stores. You may also want to browse online stores or attend auctions to find unique items.

2. Natural Touches

Natural materials featured prominently in the article’s 2022 design ideas. One straightforward way to introduce a natural touch is to add greenery to living spaces.

Plants can complement wood décor and earthy interior colors. It can also be fulfilling to see an indoor plant flourish.

Plants suggested in the original article include sweetheart plants, snake plants, and monstera. Select plants according to the light and care conditions in your space rather than assuming every variety will thrive in the same setting. Other ways to add a natural touch include natural woods, warm browns, stone, and fired clay.

3. Multipurpose Spaces

Multipurpose spaces were another 2022 interior design idea. As lifestyles change, a single-use area may no longer be the most practical choice for a household.

For example, you could use a room divider to include a home office in your living room. Keep in mind that this area should serve as a productive space. For this reason:

• Select a suitable location, preferably a corner with less foot traffic.
• Create enough space for all necessary equipment.
• Choose décor pieces for this side of the living room thoughtfully.

Take advantage of vertical space by including shelving or platforms.

4. Zen Interiors

Being mindful of what you introduce into your home can also inform your interior design choices. Light wood, floating décor elements, and natural touches are ways to lean into the calming interiors highlighted in 2022.

Consider how each piece contributes to your sense of comfort when selecting furniture and other accessories, rather than assuming a particular design will produce a wellbeing benefit.

5. Smart Homes

Technology can be part of interior design when its convenience suits the household’s needs.

For example, if you are planning room additions, a homework room for your children with interactive boards is one way to incorporate smart technology. You may also want to consider thermostats and retractable screens in a sunroom. Other ideas include speakers that function as décor or sliding shelves that reveal a smart TV.

6. Sustainability

Sustainability was another theme in the article’s 2022 design guidance. It invites homeowners to consider the environmental implications of their choices. Ideas include:

• Considering insulation as part of planning for heating and cooling needs.
• Looking for sustainably sourced, recycled, or upcycled items, including materials such as bio-glass and jute; review the particular product’s sourcing information.
• Reviewing paint product information and environmental labeling rather than assuming a color or a single label establishes its environmental qualities.

7. Sunlit Areas

Natural lighting is a design consideration, and sunlit spaces were part of the article’s 2022 inspiration. If a dark room no longer suits your needs, consider how a brighter space might serve your household.

Ideas include large windows in bathrooms or skylights in the family room and kitchen. Treat these as possibilities to evaluate for the particular space, rather than changes that will suit every home.

8. Colors of the Year

Everyone perceives color differently. Some homeowners love to go bold, while others prefer to stick with the classics. The original article highlighted these palette ideas for 2022:

• Gentle Olive, a color suggested for a warm and soothing atmosphere.
• Satin Rolling Surf, a teal color with an optimistic feel.
• Very Peri, an animated periwinkle color with a playful feel.
• Laurel Leaf, a dusty green color that echoes nature.

These descriptions are design inspiration, not promises about how a color will affect everyone.

9. Colorful Curtains

The article’s 2022 design ideas went beyond walls and décor to curtains with vibrant colors and patterns.

Living rooms are often the face of an interior space; consider floral and fruit designs for an energetic feel. For the more intimate setting of a bedroom, abstract patterns and light, airy colors are another option.

10. Curved Furniture

The article highlighted a move from straight-lined décor toward curved elements. Round-edged furniture can give a room a softer feel.

One way to incorporate this idea is to select earth-toned colors. Arrangement matters, too: placing décor pieces in a circular display can help create a cohesive atmosphere.

11. Maximalism

Patterns and textures offer an alternative to a restrained, minimalist interior. Consider adding wallpaper to living room walls, or set up a gallery wall with colored frames in different sizes. This is a way to express your artistic style.

12. “Escape” Rooms

An open plan does not rule out private spots for unwinding. The article suggested adapting part of a home into a quiet retreat, such as turning a suitable coatroom into a meditation room.

13. Introduce Comfort to Your Outdoors

The article described outdoor living spaces as places to use more regularly, rather than only seasonally. If you work remotely, consider carving out a section as a workspace.

You could also add seating and pergolas to create an indoor feel, or consider an outdoor kitchen.

Planning Your Interior Update

For home improvement projects, including kitchen remodeling and bathroom remodeling, consider how your design choices fit the way you use the space. Whether you are introducing colors or partitioning rooms, discuss the proposed changes with an appropriate residential remodeling professional.