6 ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN TRENDS YOU WILL SEE EVERYWHERE IN 2022
Well, Happy New Year! I am just glad we all made it through 2021. It couldn’t have been any harder with all the uncertainties and craziness happening right now. COVID hasn't been making it any easier for us, but you know what should be easy this new year? Designing your home. Because you have me, and I got your got back! Let’s admit it, being in a comfy home, that is fully designed by you is more than a feeling of accomplishment, so let’s add that to your new year's resolution.
This is why today, we are going to talk about 2022 design trends. But before that, I just want to preface by saying design is very subjective. There’s simply no right or wrong design and that’s the beauty of it (also why I love architecture). What I will be sharing today are just guidelines and they’re not meant to be rules, so feel free to add your personal touch to them. So, let’s get started!
I also discuss these 6 trends in this Youtube video here.
1. Organic and curved forms
Is it just me or is this trend is everywhere in design magazines, Instagram, Pinterest, etc.? Organic and curved forms push the edges and add some fun, cozy, playful touch to the space. The same goes for arches and curved cabinets. Fun fact, this design was very popular back in the 70’s where you would see funky squiggly facades and arches, especially during the art deco era. However, in the past few decades, curves were considered retrograde and out of style.
Since it’s been quite a while now, I am certain that the world is ready to bring that back and break some straight lines. The curves never fail to soften the space and create an overall relaxed, comfortable vibe. Furthermore, puffy furniture can also act as artwork pieces because of their unique shape which is not commonly used in furniture, adding that extra “wow” effect to the space.
2. Flexible spaces
The obvious spark that started this whole trend of flexible spaces is obviously, COVID. But it has been ramping up for years and we shall continue to see the demand for versatility in the home where one space can be transformed based on different activities. For instance, a dining table or kitchen island can be used as a desk. With the continuation of hybrid and remote work, most homeowners are now in need of homes to be ideal places to not only live in, but also an office to work, a study place for their children to learn, and a leisure spot to socialize and entertain. This might be a lot to ask from one space but architects and designers are working every day to make it possible for their clients, by carefully sectioning spaces and providing more privacy for each member of the family now. The only dilemma is how much separation are we going for.
Open floor plans were and are still very popular but the flexible space might favor layouts that distinguish between living and working spaces. And this might cause the fall of open floors? We will see …..
3. Earthy tones / natural palettes
This is something I mentioned in my previous blog post “Mistakes to avoid when designing your first home”. The earthly natural palette is the least risky palette of them all. You really can’t go wrong with this one. It’s definitely timeless and will go beyond 2022. Soon, you will see a lot of brown/beige with copper and rusty metals coming into play. These palettes result in a calming, natural ambiance that balances modernity and longevity without being too cold or lifeless. And, If you are looking to add more serenity to your space, go for a warm palette, hues of muted greens, creamy whites, etc. You will love me for that.
4. Indoor plants
This trend ties back to the previous one about the natural palette and calming interiors. I noticed that people are more mindful about their wellness and mental states, especially in the past 2 years. If you’re looking into that this year, start with your space and your surroundings. Plants are known for having a calming effect and numerous studies have proved that many times. Placing plants in some corners of your home can improve concentration and. reduce stress levels. Now that we’ve settled into the work-from-home lifestyle, it’s only natural that people are trying to find ways to bring the outdoors into their homes. Another fancy word for this is Biophilia, meaning people are trying to establish a visual connection with nature. However, make sure you get the right plant for the right space, and that you’re giving your green babies enough sunlight and water. Don't be a plant killer, you murderer!
5. Sustainability and reclaimed material
It’s 2022 and we need to get our act together about sustainability and salvage some of the damage done in the past centuries. Even if the effort sounds insignificant next to the problem, it’s still a step forward. A few things you can do from a design standpoint are to opt for an energy-efficient design that will reduce the need for heating, cooling, and lighting. If you are still in the early phases of design and you haven't broken ground yet, make sure your building orientation is working for you not against you. In other words, minimize glass in the south facade, have more openings facing north, maximize daylight, skylights, make sure your walls are well insulated, and ask your architect if they can run an energy analysis model for you. There are plenty of software that can predict how much energy your house will be consuming and how to tweak the design to optimize the results.
If you are in the finished stage, go for more eco-friendly materials, recycled and reused finishes, or certified sustainable sources. For example, if you are looking for a floor finish, Herringbone flooring is very popular right now. So reach out to your manufacturer and ask if they can provide some reclaimed wood. That’s a great way to increase the life cycle of material and minimize waste. This one is more about good morals and ethical decency than actual design, but it’s just as important.
6. Introducing Contrast to Minimalist palettes:
Minimalism done right is probably the best thing you can do to your space and your wallet. However, the downside of it is when it’s not done right it can look empty and boring. To avoid that you can introduce some visual interest through different textures and contrasting surfaces. Like this image below, for instance, you notice the velvet as a plush rich fabric that instantly elevates the interior and gives the space a very high-end look. But at the back, there stands a raw, rough minimalist unfinished concrete wall. This combo gives a very interesting visual because it is very unexpected, very against the rules. (rules are meant to be broken anyway… ) The same thing can be achieved with black accents. Your main palette can be neutral or warm, and then you incorporate black accents for contrast to give some edge and depth to the minimalist space.
Credit: Unknown
So these are the main 2022 trends I’ve been noticing for some time. And they all have a common theme —-- laid back, relaxed interiors, flexible spaces. We are slowly staying away from rigid forms, manufactured materials, and trashing the planet in general. Let’s hope that these design trends can help us live a better and stress-free lifestyle this year.