22 Home Décor Trends to Try in 2022, According to Designers

Curved Furniture

Curvy furniture is about to have a heyday. As we continue to shift away from straight-lined minimalism and toward cozier interiors, our furniture is getting softer and more sculptural.

“2022 is going to be full of round-edged, organically shaped furniture,” Kirsten Conner, principal designer at Kirsten Connor Interior Design, says, and other designers agree.

“We are seeing lots of curves in furniture to provide an environment of comfort and calm,” Bartone says. “Nearly every manufacturer—from ultra-high-end to more budget-friendly vendors—is incorporating soft lines, arcs, and curves into their furniture.”

Soft Earth Tones

If “color of the year” selections are any indication, 2022 should be full of soft earth tones. Benjamin Moore picked a soft gray-green, Sherwin-Williams settled on sage, and Glidden chose a light olive green.

“The ‘color of the year’ selections correlate with where we are as a society,” Ginger Curtis, owner and principal designer at Urbanology Designs, says. “People need healing spaces that are restorative and calming.” She expects these earthy greens to be paired with other nature-inspired colors—like sky blues, warm browns, and soft grays.

Cozy Comforts

After spending so much time indoors, many of us have realized which parts of our homes are cozy—and which parts aren’t. We’re upgrading to comfort anywhere we can.

“Overall, people want a cozy look and feel in 2022,” Lina Galvao, co-founder and principal designer at Curated Nest Interiors, says. “It's a year for rejuvenation and refreshment after 2 very hard years.”

Expect to see cozy textiles, subtle colors, and soft-edged pieces.

Lots of Layers

Maximalism might be the move in 2022. “Layers and textures are everywhere right now in fashion, and interior design is usually not far behind,” Erin Coren, co-founder and principal designer at Curated Nest Interiors, says. “Adding layers of interest in rooms where you entertain will be huge.”

So cover your walls in printed wallpaper, paint your trim, and play with a few different patterns. Coren notes that these decorative details will double as conversation starters—“wowing friends who haven’t been to your home in 2 years.”

Sustainable Choices

People have begun to shop more sustainably, and Bartone doesn't expect that to stop any time soon.

“Green is the new black,” she says. “People are more conscious about how environmentally friendly or ‘green’ their purchases are.”

This could mean repurposing old furniture, shopping locally, or buying responsibly sourced items. It could also mean stocking up on pieces made from recycled or scrap materials—something Bartone has seen a lot of lately.

Decked-Out Entertaining Spaces

Entertaining spaces may have taken a backseat as of late. But in 2022, homeowners are reinvesting in their entertaining spaces—and seriously decking them out.

“Over the last 2 years, we've switched over to comfortable and functional,” Coren says. “But we're seeing a lot of clients who want to focus on entertaining friends and families again.” People are once again dressing up their dining rooms, outfitting their outdoor spaces, and making their living rooms more luxurious.

Warm Wood Tones

Our paint colors aren’t the only thing getting softer and warmer in 2022—our wood stains are, too. “Manufacturers have developed a happy medium between ultra-dark furniture and super washed-out gray tones,” Bartone says. Warm, medium-tone woods are already popular in flooring, but she says we should see more “lightly stained wood oak” furniture and décor in the coming year.

And Mary Beth Christopher, principal designer at MBC Interior Design, agrees. “I’m very ready to say goodbye to overly bleached-out wood,” she says. “We are nesting right now. We need comfort, coziness, and warmth.”

Pockets of Privacy

Open-concept floor plans may be all the rage, but Curtis notes that people are increasingly using pocket doors to carve out private spots in their homes.

“This has become more important recently as the need for privacy and quiet is on the rise,” she says. Curtis adds that open-concept homes are “still popular”—they’re just being “modified for privacy to better accommodate spaces like home offices.”

Traditional Touches

Many of us have fallen in love with modern design. But traditional touches and antique accents are coming back in a big way. “Here in California, the T-word (traditional) has been banished,” Christopher says. “But, traditional design is coming out of the woodwork in a new way.”

She notes that people are gravitating toward “pieces that have richness and history”—like ornate mirrors, velvet chairs, and fringe-lined couches.

And no, that doesn’t mean getting rid of your sleekest pieces. “Mixing and matching current furniture pieces with family heirlooms or antiques helps to keep the room feeling timeless,” Mary Maloney, owner and interior designer at Bee's Knees Interior Design, says.

Sunlit Spaces

Natural light never goes out of style. But in 2022, sunlight will become even more important, as we trade once-cozy spaces (like home theaters and game rooms) for light-filled rooms that do it all.

“The traditional game room and media room as we know it is disappearing,” Curtis says. “We are seeing both of these rooms become one, moving from a dark unlit space upstairs to a bright and sunlit space downstairs.”

Plush, Cozy Textures

Texture plays a key role in how cozy a space feels, so expect to see lots of plush textiles in 2022.

“If it's not comfortable, forget it,” Caroline Brackett, owner and principal designer at Caroline Brackett Studio of Design, says. “For textures, that means anything furry, nubby, or cozy.” 

And Kim Gordon, principal designer at Kim Gordon Designs, agrees. “We’re going to see a huge wave of shapely, soft upholstered pieces that are slung lower to the ground,” she says. “This is all about letting your home envelop you.”

Artisan Accents

As many of us continue to shop sustainably and locally, mass-manufactured products are out—and artisan items are taking their place. “We’re seeing a lot of focus on one-of-a-kind pieces created by local or regional artists,” Bartone says.

Keep an eye out for handwoven rugs, hand-crafted furniture, and other handmade treasures you can bring into your space.

Updated Outdoor Spaces

Many of us have invested in our outdoor spaces—outfitting them with pools, kitchens, fireplaces, and more. And there’s no reason to stop now. “We'll be seeing lots of updated and innovative outdoor furniture, as people invest more in outdoor oases,” Galvao says.

Swivel Furniture

One surprising trend designers say we’ll see a whole lot more of in 2022? Swivel furniture. “Everything is swiveling right now, and I love it,” Conner says. “I’m more than happy to keep this trend spinning.”

And Curtis notes that this trend is an updated take on the swivel furniture of years past. “When done well, the swivel mechanism is completely hidden,” she says. “You don't even realize the versatility and function until you plop down and give it a spin.” 

Playful Wallpaper

As our interiors are getting cozier, they’re also getting more playful and lighthearted—so expect to see people trading bare walls for printed wallpaper.

“We are aching for more homeowners to jump on board the wallpaper game,” Emily Yeates, owner and principal designer at Urban Revival, says. “We’ve installed more wallpaper this year than ever before, and we can’t wait to keep this freight train going.” 

Surprising Materials

Plush textiles aren’t the only way to add texture to your space. Galvao expects to see people using “leather accents” and “innovative materials, like resin” to make their homes more dynamic.

And Conner anticipates a similar trend. “I’m hoping for more unexpected combinations of materials,” she says. “This offers an incredible way to curate a home towards a client’s artistic tendencies.”

Pops of Brown

Brown is about to be one of 2022’s favorite colors. Why? Curtis points out that it has a “very strong connection with natural elements” many of us are embracing. Plus, it’s a popular color in midcentury modern design.

“Browns used in the right way can feel a bit retro,” Curtis says. “The once loved-then-loathed browns of the ’70s and ’80s are having a moment.”

Art Deco Details

Midcentury modern design has gotten a lot of attention over the past few years. But in 2022, we might venture a little further into the past and explore the Art Deco period. “Art Deco is coming into interiors in a big way,” Conner says.

And Curtis agrees, noting that you should expect to see classically Art Deco “fluted and ribbed details” on all kinds of furniture—including couches, chairs, and cabinetry.

Pattern Play

Layering contrasting patterns can be tough. But after a couple of years indoors, many of us are ready to take on the challenge.

“When people ask me to predict what home décor trends we’ll be seeing in 2022, I have to say pattern on pattern,” Yeates says. “After years of being stuck at home with all-white walls, we are craving spaces with strong personalities.”

Natural Touches

Plants have always been a popular addition to homes. But in 2022, expect to see even more nods to nature—with earthy colors, natural materials, and indoor-outdoor spaces reigning supreme.

“The pandemic ushered us all outside, and now we are taking that outside inspiration inside,” Curtis says.

Fringe

Fringe is poised to become the must-have décor detail none of us knew we needed in 2022. “Fringe, bullion, and other trims providing layers are going to be popular in 2022,” Coren says. Expect to see pillows topped with tassels, lamps lined with fringe, and couches trimmed with bullion (a luxe-looking fringe made from knotted yarn).

Forgiving Finishes

Many of us are now keenly aware of the discomforts of our homes, and we’re searching for ways to make them even more convenient. One on-trend upgrade? “Forgiving kitchen finishes,” Nicole Michael, principal designer at Nicole Michael Designs, says. “Soapstone counters patina over time.” That means staining isn’t just OK—it’s welcome.