Top interior design trends of 2022, plus predictions for 2023

Hey, home decorators! We know you’ve been hard at work beautifying your homes, and we must say, we like what we see. The home design trends of 2022 have helped create bold new living spaces. The year has brought us new color trends, new furniture silhouettes, and at least one major shift in design philosophy.

You’ve likely seen 2022’s biggest design trends creeping into your social media feed over the last year. Now, we’re looking at those trends side-by-side so we can wrap up 2022 in style. Plus, we’ll consider how these trends might continue to evolve and influence our home decor in the coming year and beyond.

The top home design trends 2022 brought our way

In 2022, two major design philosophies — minimalism and maximalism — fought for superiority. We also saw a major shift in the way people use color in their homes, and new furniture and decor styles took center stage.

If you went all-in on minimalist Scandi design, you’ll be happy to know that this interior design trend is still going strong. But it got a serious competitor this year in the form of maximalist design. Here’s a look at how minimalism evolved in 2022 and how maximalism took shape.

Minimalism

Neutral color palettes continue to rule the roost in minimalist homes. And while whites and ivories still serve as the backdrop in most minimalist spaces, earth tones got a little bolder this year. Rich, sandy hues, terracottas, and herbaceous greens have started to make their way into minimalist design — and we think their moment will last well into the next year and beyond.

The organic modern movement has also continued to influence minimalism. It’s inspired us to add more natural materials to our homes and to incorporate nature-inspired silhouettes in the form of overstuffed sofas with rounded edges and accent tables with curved lines. This movement has led to more free-form and — at the risk of sounding redundant — organic shapes than the straight-line geometric shapes of mid-century modern decor.

Maximalism

Those of us who are obsessed with interior design never do anything by halves. So, our answer to minimalism wasn’t to go a little less minimal — it was to go all the way in the opposite direction. Over the last year, people who were bored with the blank-canvas approach of minimalist design became maximalists.

This design style embraces a “more is more” approach to decorating that’s reminiscent of the design principles of the Hollywood Regency style. It mixes bold colors with big prints, and it fills spaces with plenty of home decor objects and abundant wall art. (Your collage or gallery wall will look right at home.)

Unlike minimalism, which requires you to pare down your possessions and pass over objects you love, maximalism makes room for all of your favorite things. Even mismatched objects — like a psychedelic 60s art print next to a classic floral pattern next to a glowing neon sign in a dramatic cursive font — can look elegant placed side-by-side in a maximalist home.

The biggest color trends of 2022

For the first time in a long time, we started to see a shift away from neutral color palettes. Yes, neutral colors are timeless, and they will always have a place in our home design. But over the last year, people have been adding more color to their homes. Here were the most popular color schemes of 2022.

• Pastels: The pandemic left a lot of us feeling stressed, which made us want to turn our homes into places of calm. Pastel colors add serenity to a living space, and most of the big paint brands went all-in on pastels. Both Sherwin Williams and Benjamin Moore choose shades of pastel green for their paint colors of the year in 2022.
• Darker earth tones: We already mentioned that even minimalists started using more color in 2022. Shades of sage and dark green, terracotta, and ocean-inspired blues made their way into many homes over the past year.
• Bold colors: As American Colonial decor continues to experience a resurgence, so do the bold colors associated with this style. Think navy, burgundy, and forest green. These colors are often used for furniture, accent walls, and chair moldings.

So, where will our color palettes take us in 2023? The predictions so far point to us moving even more toward dark and bold colors. Bright reds and oranges, as well as dark blues and teals, top the list of potential 2023 colors of the year.

Furniture and home decor trends that ruled 2022

You’ve seen the big design trends and the bold color schemes. Now, it’s time to dive into the best of the rest. These were the smaller trends that influenced the home accents we added to our spaces over the last year.

Biophilic design

Learn it, love it because it’s having a big moment. Biophilic design literally means design that loves nature. After being cooped up inside for over a year, thanks to the pandemic, we all have a new appreciation for nature. And we’re showing it in our homes by adding more natural materials (like wood or rattan furniture), an overabundance of house plants, and an emphasis on natural light and ventilation.

Retro-inspired spaces

Art Deco, 1920s-style decor has been making a comeback for a while, and of course, we already mentioned the return of American Colonialism. You can see the influence of American Colonialism in the plaid and striped linens that are currently dominating home accessories.

Other vintage home decor trends that are making a comeback include 1970s interior design — from geometric wallpapers to barrel accent chairs and disco balls. The Hollywood Regency style that influenced the modern maximalist movement is also having a moment. For 2023, top designers are predicting a return of 80s home decor so get ready for bright colors.

Curved lines

Those soft, curved lines that we see in organic modern decor are influencing all our furniture, but especially our living room seating. These curves aren’t ornate like the curves in antique furniture. Instead, they’re soft and natural curves of a river rock or a canyon that has been carved out by flowing water.

Overstuffed sofas and armchairs with rounded arms and seat backs are adding natural comfort to our living spaces. Curved silhouettes have also become popular in sofas. This style, which is reminiscent of a round booth at your favorite restaurant, encourages conversation and makes the space feel intimate.

An emphasis on home offices

A continuation of a trend that started during the pandemic, home offices are still one of the spaces that we’ve wanted to make more beautiful and comfortable throughout 2022.

A lot of what’s driving our home office decor has been focused on wellness. People have been looking for office furniture that’s ergonomic yet beautiful. Creating office-like spaces for children has also been a trend, with many parents adding homework rooms to their home layouts.

You’re a trendsetter

The home design trends of 2022 were created by homeowners. After all, none of these styles could’ve become trends if you hadn’t embraced them and invited them into your home. You are the best style inspiration that designers have, and we can’t wait to see what you’ll do next.

Through every style move you make, we’ll be here to help you turn your house into your dream home. Whether you want to fill your living space with pastels or bold colors, add psychedelic 70s design or embrace a nostalgic American Colonial style, we have the furniture and design inspiration you need to get it done. Happy decorating!

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