Interior Design Trends to Know in 2022

For millennia, interior design trends have been used as aesthetic aids in our attempts to find some sort of inner peace: take the ancient Chinese art of feng shui, where spatial positioning corresponds with energy flow, or wabi sabi, the Japanese practice of embracing an imperfections, or ancient Rome's fondness for using earth-tone colors and geometric patterns in order to mimic the harmony of nature.

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“There is more and more research that shows the direct influence that our homes have, not only on our moods, but our overall health and well-being,” interior designer Timothy Corrigan of Timothy Corrigan Inc. tells Vogue. So is it any wonder that in 2022—our third consecutive year in a global pandemic—the top interior design trends are again focused on making us feel emotionally at ease?

“We have been forced to slow down and spend time in our homes—this drives a strong desire to really create a space that reflects both visually and affectionately what it is we are feeling. As of lately we are paying close attention to how design has the ability to create an energy,” says Erick Garcia of the Los Angeles-based design firm Maison Trouvaille. “This all excites me very much—allowing the senses to drive a space.”

And what, exactly, are our senses drawn to in 2022? 14 top interior designers have some ideas. For starters, several predict the rise of the enveloping, earthy color of brown, displayed in fabrics like leather or even in terracotta walls (how Ancient Rome of us). Others see a spike in nature-inspired surfaces and accents—think marbles and mushroom shapes—while others say their clients can’t get enough soft, curvy furniture. Essentially, anything that feels warm, welcoming and cozy is in: “Clients are asking for warmth, comfort and airiness—this seems to be a common thread amongst current and past projects,” says Garcia.  Athena Calderone, founder of Eyeswoon, agrees: “Who wouldn’t want to design a room that feels like a warm hug?” 

Then, there’s the pandemic reality that our homes have become the main settings of our lives: where we work, sleep, and socialize. Every corner, and every object we're surrounded by, must serve some sort of purpose. Perhaps it’s a functional one—Kelly Wearstler touts the rise of useful domestic technology—or an emotional one, like Mark D. Sikes's prediction that we will see more travel-inspired interiors. “We really want to examine what we love, what we want to live with every day and for years to come,” concludes Robin Standefer of Roman and Williams.

Meanwhile, some popular design choices of the past several years are falling to the wayside. Boucle's moment, it seems, is over, as is the all-white minimalism that may look crisp, yet provides little visual comfort. “The trend that I believe is going the way of the past is all white everything,” says Justina Blakeney, founder of Jungalow. Adds Kathryn M. Ireland, “The minimal look is at last warming up.”

Below, are the top interior design trends to know in 2022—as well as what’s on its way out.

shades of brown

“Chocolate browns, camels, and caramels—there has been so much color and pattern, especially pastels, the last few years and I think people will be ready for a palette cleanser.” -Mark D. Sikes

“Chocolate brown is back! And I for one as a ’70s baby am thrilled. But this time chocolate brown won’t only play with orange shag (cue my childhood living room) but also play well with other colors as a deep neutral for rich elegant timeless spaces.” -Danielle Colding, Danielle Colding Design.

“Neutrals will take a bit of a back seat in 2022 as people start to experiment with color again, but the palette will stay very close to hues you’d find in nature. We predict paint rollers will be dipped in rosy, terracotta tones, swathing rooms from wall to ceiling for a complete monochromatic moment that envelops you in its coziness.” -Athena Calderone

“I think we're going to see a return of earthy browns in 2022—from cognac to burnt umber.” -Justina Blakeney

Nature-Inspired Surfaces and Objects

“With more time spent indoors than ever before, we’re all seeking to strengthen our connection with nature.”

“With more time spent indoors than ever before, we’re all seeking to strengthen our connection with nature. This has simultaneously inspired a resurgence in natural surfaces—think stoneware, terracotta, marble, and travertine being used across the board from backsplashes to bathtubs, furniture, and decorative objects. 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. This lure back to nature has also sparked an interest in large trees at home, from the elegant black olive to Southern magnolias.” -Athena Calderone

Sculptural and Curved Furniture

“A curved form is subconsciously read as safe, friendly and welcoming. With everyone feeling a bit precious I think those softer shapes and angles will still be a big trend in 2022 in furniture as well as architecture.” -Sarah Sherman Samuel

“I love sculptural furniture. Our Catalpa series, named after a plant, is a perfect combination of nature and culture. ” -Robin Standefer

“More gracious and sensual shapes, curved edges and deep, luxuriant seats.” -Martyn Lawrence Bullard

Venetian Plaster and Limewash

“Living/antiqued plaster walls. Plaster finishes have been everything for a long time, but now we will start to see the prevalence of walls that evoke times past in a new way. Made by craftsmen who know how to achieve antiqued surfaces, walls will be the textured backgrounds of our historical, crumbling, dreams.” -Danielle Colding