A home is a haven, and never was this more apparent than during the COVID-19 pandemic. Following a long day at work or play, our home is a refuge where we can relax and unwind.
Because it reflects our unique personal taste, style, and preferences, our home can tell others a lot about us. With increasing numbers of Americans adopting remote working practices throughout the pandemic, many took a deeper look at their indoor spaces, investing in and improving them.
From multifunctional spaces to increased adoption of smart technology, we explore five prominent home design themes in 2022.
1. All-Black Interiors
Not for the faint-hearted, black is a bold and dramatic color choice that has become increasingly popular in recent months. Used in the right way, it can work with any kind of room.
Patterned black decorative walls made from wooden planks add texture and pattern for visual interest. Although it may seem austere, black is a great color for creating a moody yet cozy interior, providing the ultimate space to curl up with a good book.
In kitchens, black can be used for millwork and cabinetry, creating an ultra-modern look, particularly when contrasted with bare brick walls. Black may be considered a bit heavy for the bedroom, but soft furnishings and fabrics in a lighter hue can help create balance.
2. Multifunctional Spaces
With many modern workers continuing to telecommute for at least part of the working week, homeowners have come up with innovative ways to optimize interior spaces, using the same area in multiple ways.
With property prices and floor space at a premium in many cities, home designs are incorporating more multifunctional rooms into floor plans. Kitchens may double as a dining room and workstation, and guest bedrooms may serve as part-time offices. In addition, combining playrooms with other areas of the home is also a huge trend in 2022, particularly in cities, where it is less safe for children to play outside, as well as properties that lack a backyard or homes in regions that see bad weather for much of the year.
Convertible bedrooms can be a great way to optimize floor space. Fold-down beds allow homeowners to make a makeshift bedroom just about anywhere without permanently sacrificing space.
3. Spaces Inspired by Nature
The pandemic sparked an outdoors renaissance. Forced to spend unprecedented amounts of time at home, people all over the world developed a new appreciation for the natural world, particularly the health and wellbeing benefits of immersing ourselves in nature. As a result, homeowners are increasingly looking to recreate this restorative, soothing atmosphere at home through the introduction of natural accents. This can range from terracotta, stoneware, and marble in bathrooms to placing large trees in planters within the home.
As Eyeswoon founder Athena Calderone explained, “The raw, porous, imperfect nature of these organic materials adds depth, soul, and visual intrigue while also mimicking the calming, restorative ambiance of the outdoors.”
After a couple of tough years, the Earth’s magical natural wonders are taking center stage. Trends include objects made from swirling marbles and sparkling crystals and fabrics and furnishings made from natural materials and depicting exotic flora and fauna.
4. Smart Technology
In recent years, technology has become front and center in home design. Today’s modern homes are brimming with smart features that allow us to seamlessly control music, security, and temperature from our smartphones.
Smart TVs connect to the Internet, providing access to on-demand music and video via apps. Some incorporate voice and gesture recognition. Meanwhile, smart thermostats enable users to monitor, schedule, and remotely control the temperature of their homes, and smart lighting systems turn off lights when occupants leave a room, lowering utilities bills.
5. Upgrading Outdoor Spaces
An enhanced appreciation of the outdoors has inspired many people to while away their evenings in the backyard, sparking a trend for luxe lighting. Designed by Luca Nichetto of the Italian outdoor specialist Ethimo, the Lucerna Lamp is the ultimate addition to outdoor tabletops. Taking its name from ancient Roman oil lamps, the fixture incorporates the latest LED lighting technology, culminating in a range of chic, contemporary outdoor lighting products that stylishly illuminate outdoor spaces.
In 2022 interior furniture trends have increasingly migrated outdoors, with natural textures like rattan and curvaceous furniture styles making an entrance on porches and patios. Water features have become an increasingly popular way of creating a soothing ambiance in backyards, as have patio heaters, which enable homeowners to comfortably extend their time outdoors.