As we reflect back on the year, there have been many changes and progress. This year, we have seen trends from 2020 and 2021 blend into the new trends of 2022. “Rather than specific trends declining, we are seeing the lines between different styles blurring,” says Gemma Riberti, head of interiors at WGSN. “A key example of this is minimalism and maximalism. As the line blurs between these two approaches, this has empowered consumers to find their own take on either. This is leading to a highly personal and more nuanced approach to interiors.” 
Looking back on 2022 those in the industry have expressed the top 2022 trends in interior design.
Landscape palettes
The pandemic has changed not only the way we live but also our perspective on life. The focus is more on mental health and humanity. Neuroaesthetics, an innovative area of scientific study, has found a proven correlation between mental health and beauty in both natural and designed spaces. Designers in the industry have embraced this theory.
“Research shows that natural color schemes and organic forms like those found in nature reduce stress, lower blood pressure and heart rate, increase productivity and creativity, and make us happier,” says Michelle Lamb, editorial director at The Trend Curve. “Perhaps because humanity has never needed the healing powers of nature more than we do at this moment, there is a quest to take this approach even deeper.”
Rooms now are designed to feel one with the outdoors through colors in furniture, accessories and walls. Designers are using every shade of brown, dusty pinks and moss greens. “We are seeing more warm grays, moving away from strictly cool tones,” say Anna Baraness and Kristin Tarsi of New York–based Studio AK.
“The appeal of terra-cotta tones translates to interiors products across the board, from hard materials like natural stone, oxidized metals, wood, and clay as well as soft materials like linen, leather, suede, and brushed pile fabrics,” says Lisa White, creative director and director of interiors at WGSN. “We are even seeing products being beautifully upcycled by being dipped in terra-cotta paint.”
Natural materials
Popular pieces of furniture this year have been made out of rattan, wood and stone. “We used a lot of abaca rugs this year,” he says. “They serve as a great neutral base that grounds furniture and works with so many types of textiles.” When it comes to furniture, however, “especially in the bedroom, rattans and jutes in bedside tables or consoles, and even vintage lighting, create that sanctuary vibe we’re always after,” he says, also noting that his studio incorporated “more textures, more textiles, more print and color, with an important focus on timelessness,” in all projects this year.
“We are all drawn toward natural materials, particularly oiled or stained woods with grain and stones with movement,” say Baraness and Tarsi. One such stone that has proven popular this year is onyx, stylist King says. “I first noticed the material being used in a bold way when I was styling the home of Gwyneth Paltrow. She has the most beautiful onyx bar floating in the middle of her living room. More recently, I styled these divine onyx works by artist Ian Collings for the new Future Perfect Goldwyn House.” He continues, “These unique stones are being used more and more” in interiors.
Sensorial strategy
Today’s buyer is more particular than ever with sensory experiences. “Scent has taken center stage during the pandemic,” White says. “The sensorial experience is dynamic and individually unique yet desirous on many levels,” he says. “[This includes] visually stimulating vibrant color combinations, high-tech performance designs such as voice-activated kitchen faucets, and bamboo as the most important fiber to emerge in furniture and lighting design, which is natural, sustainable, and organic.”
Plush, tufted and luxurious furniture is what designers are using today. Homeowners want comfort and to feel relaxed in their home. “My favorites that instantly create a design-forward, comfortable environment are mohairs, velvets, suedes, mixed with textured linens and wools, rattan, and jute,” AD100 designer Jake Arnold reveals.
“A younger generation of clients prefers casual over formal, with interiors that feel layered and reflect their personality and interests,” say Baraness and Tarsi. Designers are seeing a lot of layered textures and mixed materials all on one piece of furniture.
