An interior designer’s guide to the top trends of 2022

Timeless Design with a Modern Twist

When renovating or building, it’s essential to consider both trends and timeless styles. A skilled interior designer can help you blend your ideas with key trends to create a cohesive, enduring look. While I’m not a fan of blindly following trends, I believe in carefully selecting those that will stand the test of time and incorporating them into a unique, bespoke design.

Emerging Trends and Styles

I’m excited about the new trends and styles emerging in interior design. It feels like we’re on the cusp of a fresh movement, combining the best elements from the past to create innovative, inviting spaces.

Pro Tip: Soft neutrals and nature-inspired colors pair beautifully with curved furniture and simple, handcrafted decor pieces in interesting, often imperfect shapes.

Curves and Round Shapes

Curves, circles, and arches in the home create an inviting, cozy atmosphere. They can make us feel safe and cocooned. Since circles have no beginning or end, they’re pleasing to the eye as it moves around a space. Incorporating curves into your home’s architecture can generate a sense of suspense and drama, while curved or round furniture conveys relaxed playfulness.

Curves in Kitchens

A key trend is incorporating curves into kitchen design. As the heart of the home, kitchens should be inviting and inclusive. Curving the end of a kitchen island, for example, creates more space around it, encouraging people to gather more easily.

Curves in Furniture

Round coffee tables have been popular for a while, but now round sofas and ottomans are gaining traction. We’re also seeing more organic, relaxed shapes inspired by nature. These shapes are the opposite of clinical; they’re feminine and inviting. Rounded or organic sofas foster a sense of togetherness, encouraging conversation and connection.

Fluted Glass

Fluted glass, also known as reeded glass, is making a comeback in kitchens. It’s being used in kitchen cabinetry, internal doors, and shower screens. This glass is not entirely clear, providing the illusion of transparency without complete visibility. Consider using reeded glass in your kitchen, such as on the front of pantries or glass cupboards.

Surface Features

Be bold with your benchtop choices. While natural stone is stunning, it requires significant maintenance. For busy families, ceramic or composite benchtops that mimic the bold effects of natural stone but are more forgiving might be a better option.

Fabric Trends

Gingham

Fashion and interiors are closely linked, and gingham is currently hot in both areas. While you can’t change your kitchen color as often as your clothes, you can switch out cushions, bedlinen, and tablecloths to follow the latest trends.

Boucle

Boucle is a thick, chunky-weave fabric woven or knitted with boucle yarns. Available in a wide range of colors, you’ll find it on sofas, ottomans, occasional chairs, and more.

Chunkier Linen

Our love for linen continues, but the perfect flat weave is being replaced by thick, imperfect, chunky, and loose-weave fabrics. These are being used everywhere from drapery to soft furnishings and upholstery.

Built-in Cabinetry

Built-in cabinetry is in high demand. This could be a bar area, a study nook, or essential storage in a kids’ lounge. TV units that double as storage are also popular, as they hide away tech gadgets and cables while providing a surface to display items. When considering built-in cabinetry, think about the material being used. It doesn’t need to be white or blend into the walls; you can use color and/or texture to create interest.

Color in Cabinetry

Cabinetry is now available in a vast range of colors, opening up a world of possibilities in kitchens and laundries. Some popular choices include soft pinks and classic baby blues.

Wall Panelling

Wall panelling as a design feature creates interest in a room. Some of the best places to use it are in the bedroom, especially behind the bed, or in an entranceway. Wall panelling can create character in a new home. There are various options for creating wall panelling, and your builder, architect, or joiner will have good ideas.