What’s Trending in Interior Design?

Design trends for 2022 can be summed up in one word: Biophilic. Never heard of it? Us either!  

Here’s what it means: Interior design that is inspired by nature, and borrows from nature, to create a  harmonious interior space. 

More and more, people are wanting to bring the outdoors in, and the use of nature-inspired materials can create a calm, soothing environment in which to relax. There are endless opportunities to curate a  beautiful, nature-inspired aesthetic.  

 

All About Earth

 

Earthy, natural materials like wood, clay, stone, terracotta, marble, and crystals can be incorporated in a variety of ways, from countertops, flooring, and tables to light fixtures and décor accents. Using materials found in nature rather than manufactured items adds warmth and richness to any space.  Additionally, earth tones like greens, browns, and blues make for a beautiful palette that naturally creates a peaceful, calming environment. 

 

 

 

 

 

Curves for Days

 

 

 

Out are the hard edges and angles of tables and sofas; instead, soft shapes with organic, rounded edges are in. This allows for a creative fluidity that lends an air of softness to the space, while also permitting a  more versatile and interesting furniture arrangement without the limiting constraints of hard 90° angles. Consider a curved sectional or a sofa that is kidney-shaped or has a curved back. A free-form coffee table can be placed in any direction, adding an unexpected whimsy element. Reducing the number of hard edges can make a space feel safe, cozy, and welcoming.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

Paper that Space! 

 

Wallpaper has made a comeback in recent years and is still going strong, with a heavy influence on nature prints this year. This is not your grandma’s floral wallpaper! Rather, wallpaper today takes a  modern spin on vintage prints, including tropical plants, jungles, botanicals, and florals, and gives a fresh twist to a centuries-old design element. It’s not only flora that is taking over the wallpaper world, but also fauna. Wallpaper that incorporates forest and woodland animals like deer, rabbits, and birds is trending big now. From hummingbirds to peacocks and everything in between, birds are one of the hottest-selling prints today. If you are feeling brave, a bold print can be just the thing a room needs for that “WOW” factor! Quirky, colorful wallpaper prints demand attention, and when placed in the right space, it can transform your room from mundane to magnificent. Alternatively, if you are more inclined to play it safe, you can’t go wrong using a textured, neutral wallpaper like grasscloth or linen, perhaps with some modern geometric elements to make it more interesting. If you don’t want to paper an entire room, consider an accent wall or wallpaper inserts framed with molding. In recent years, many people have chosen to paper their bathrooms, as it can be a cheaper alternative to tile, and can add a powerful punch to a small space without having the styling constraints of wallpaper in your everyday living areas. 

 

 

 

 

 

ALL THE FEELS!

 

 

Textiles and textures are crucial elements in any good design. You don’t want a flat, monotonous space, so incorporating a variety of textiles can create instant appeal in any room. Shades of brown like camel,  chocolate, and caramel are taking a front seat as the neutral colors in the design, so consider a leather (or animal-friendly faux leather) sofa in one of these shades. Or, perhaps add an accent chair or ottoman in suede. Look for wood furniture pieces that incorporate interesting elements like rattan and metals; for instance, a credenza that features rattan inserts on the doors and metal legs with matching hardware, or a luxe, sleek, gold-framed wall mirror to add light and a dash of glamour. Lay a patterned jute rug on the floor and add some elegant, patterned throws and pillows covered in velvet, suede, and mohair to your sofa. Your living room will be the envy of the neighborhood! 

 

 

 

 

 

Add a Pop of Vintage 

 

In addition to just being super cool, adding a vintage element (or 3) allows you to save money and reduce your carbon footprint by repurposing older items. Vintage lighting is always on point, whether a  funky lamp with a modern shade or a gorgeous pendant light hanging from the ceiling. Some mid-century modern pieces incorporate the free-form edges that are currently back in style, so check out your local antique shop and look for a retro coffee table (Father and Sons Antiques in downtown Raleigh is THE place to go for mid-century treasures!) Or perhaps you have a special piece handed down from a  grandparent that can be refinished or repainted and included into your design in a useful way. Get creative with it and you’ll have a one-of-a-kind piece! 

 

 

 

 

 

Plants, Plants, and More Plants 

 

 

You can’t bring the outdoors in without some greenery! Plants are a great way to bring life into a room,  not to mention the added benefit of helping clean the air. Decide where you would like to place the plants in your room and ensure you get the right type of plant for the amount of light it will get. Also,  factor in how much effort you want to put into your plants; succulents are much more forgiving and easier to take care of than leafy plants. Or, if you have a black thumb and are capable of killing a plant just by looking at it, you can always opt for faux plants. Realistic-looking plants and trees can be easily found at Target, HomeGoods, and other stores. Additionally, fresh-cut flowers always add a beautiful display of color and scent to any room! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Even though these are some of the current trends, keep in mind you need to curate a space YOU love and that makes YOU feel happy and cozy. But come on, who couldn’t use a little nature in their everyday life, right? Take a risk or two and stretch yourself out of your comfort zone and you might be pleasantly surprised at what you end up with!