Home decorating has taken some interesting twists and turns since the pandemic began, with 2021 focused heavily on the need to create multifunctional spaces. As we head into 2022, designers present new trends that reflect the changing times and the moods of many Canadians.
Here are the top 10 trends we see heading into the new year:
- BIOPHILIC AND NATURE-BASED DESIGNS
Bringing the outdoors inside has become a refreshing trend to compensate for months of lockdowns. Stone, wood, and large green houseplants are finding their way into the décor to connect people with nature. Many are incorporating natural lighting and ventilation with a greener, lush environment, creating an indoor garden oasis.
- INDUSTRIAL CHIC
Industrial chic made an emergence in 2021 in the form of brick walls and exposed concrete. This year’s designs have added reclaimed wood, metallic tones, and industrial-looking metals such as black steel, brass, and polished nickel. Copper and rose gold are being replaced with brass and bronze to give living space a more luxurious appearance.
- VINTAGE ACCENTS
There’s a distinct difference between “vintage” and “retro” – vintage being an authentic older piece of furniture or fabric showing signs of use, such as gramma’s old water jug and basin, instead of “retro” which often means an old-style design in a new form. Pick up vintage, new-to-you treasures at thrift stores and flea markets or check out listings on Craig’s List or Facebook Marketplace. Buying used also supports the environment by contributing to less waste.
- SUSTAINABLE PIECES
Along with purchasing vintage items, pieces like reclaimed wood add to the growing sustainability movement. Sustainable elements include materials that use fewer resources (like water and energy) to scraps of wood or materials that would otherwise go to waste. Some companies are creating unique pieces out of salvaged metal and recycled glass or building wooden furniture harvested from responsibly managed forests.
- MULTIFUNCTIONAL SPACES
While we may have been scrambling to carve out office space a year ago, the bigger picture sees multifunctional statement pieces that are here to stay. This year, loft beds with workspaces are a big hit, as well as nightstand desks and lift-top coffee tables. For the DIY enthusiast, armoires can be transformed into hidden desks and under-utilized closets into mini offices.
- CURVED FURNITURE
Curvy statement pieces originally from the 1970s are a great way to bring this trend to life without spending a bundle. Try a round coffee table, barrel back chairs or a chandelier with rounded features. For a bolder statement, go all-in with a couch, desk, or dining set in soft curves. Complementing this style is a revival of orange and peach colours paired with soft neutrals.
- DARK WOODS
Darker wood options add richness to any room, whether in kitchen cupboards, bedroom furniture or flooring. Keep in mind that dark colours tend to make rooms look smaller, so add these pieces where you want a touch of luxury or to make an ample space feel cozier. Combinations of walnut, brass and black marble create a very sophisticated look.
- MODERN RUSTIC
A rustic-modern mix means bringing modern pieces into country, northern décor or adding rustic styles to contemporary architecture. Think wooden or stone beams if you want a bold approach or keep it simple with furniture pieces made with rattan, linen, cotton, leather or faux fur. This trend is limited only by one’s imagination.
- JAPANDI
This year, one of the more prevalent designs is Japandi, a Scandinavian-Japanese mix for interior design. It is a very minimalist approach, bringing natural features into a simple space with soft palettes and clean, simple lines and adding natural greenery, light furniture and furnishing with only the bare essentials.
- COLOUR SCHEMES
Regardless of which decorating trend you’re drawn to, one thing is consistent this year – colour palettes are warm, soft and light. Yellows and greys pair beautifully, and various shades of greige continue to dominate. Whatever your colour preference, hues follow a ratio of 90 percent white, 10 percent colour.
By: Julie Achtermeier
