10 Timeless “Trends” for 2022

The Glam Pad dislikes trends. Every January there is a silly “color of the year” announced and all of the shelter magazines clamor to report what’s “in” and “out” in an attempt to please advertisers and make you spend money. The Glam Pad believes in creating your own personal style that is based on timelessness and quality. As Alex Papachristidis says, “Good decorating should only be redone because you want to, not because it looks dated and you have to.  Always changing things is an American sensibility, not a European one.”

I am happy to report that after years of living in a beige, disposable world, these values are finally making a comeback.  You can read my Anti-Trends predictions from 2021 here and going back to 2018 here where I longed for this day, which has been ushered in largely by the Grandmillennial movement. Below, I have collected the best “Trends” for 2022 from leading publications.  These “Trends” are timeless design principles that should not be forgotten in years to come!

James Farmer

A Return to Tradition

“Expect English roll arm sofas, wingbacks, simple dining tables based on antique styles and pieces with detail and some history. For materials, we’re going to see a lot more natural materials become popular again. Marble, real wood, linens, mohair — things that feel more organic and nice to the touch,” said Erin Gates via Good Housekeeping.

Forbes reports, “There’s no better way to go maximalist than with a traditionally inspired interior. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean an abundance of floral prints or going full-on Grandma. Interior designer Ariel Okin tells me these can also be more subtle touches. “We are going to continue to see a rise in more layered, traditional interiors that are cozy, warm, and inviting. A blend of old and new: contemporary artwork and lighting paired with classic furniture silhouettes like an English roll arm sofa, for example. [These] are a good representation of this ‘new traditional’ aesthetic, freshened up for today’s young families.”

Cathy Kincaid

Embracing History

According to the Times Union: Design experts are calling for a return to good bones and restoring historical elements, embracing original architecture and creating solutions to updating a space without mass-produced, commercial items.  “History is sexy,” said Brendan Flanigan of Brendan Flanigan Interiors. “Perhaps the prevalence of being indoors has us itching for romantic, historical architecture.”

With ongoing supply chain issues and inventory shortages still affecting many redesign projects, Lee Owens, principal of Lee Owen Designs, helps her clients explore purchasing vintage pieces rather than wait for mass-produced furniture with no clear estimated time of arrival. (via Times Union)

Veranda reports: “Our younger clients are more interested in buying antiques than ever before, and based on the supply-chain predictions we’re seeing now, I’m guessing this will only continue in 2022,” says Lilse McKenna. “I think one silver lining to the wild lead times we’re all seeing now is that we’re afforded a little more time to dig for those special pieces. Clients might also be a little more open to imperfections in their antiques, since ‘in stock and ready to ship (with a few scratches)’ is so much more appealing than ’26-week lead time (with the potential for another 26).'”

The Wall Street Journal reports: “Antiques are available and sold right off the floor,” enthused Sheldon Harte, of interior design firm Harte Brownlee in Laguna Beach, Calif., one of the many design pros we polled who said that shipping woes associated with new furniture have bolstered their appreciation of vintage pieces. Attic finds qualify, too. “Many clients are digging up family heirlooms and opting to use these in interesting ways,” said New York City designer Tina Ramchandani. “People are craving connections and history.” Alessandra Wood, design historian and VP of style at online design firm Modsy, called out early-American examples and their simple forms as particularly resurgent.

Forbes discusses the environmental benefits of antiques and vintage treasures: …there is no greener choice than going with vintage, explains Emma Kemper, Principal Designer of Emma Beryl, “Embracing vintage furniture pieces has so many benefits. It is sustainably responsible since you aren’t using resources to build a new piece of furniture, and from an aesthetic perspective, it is such a wonderful way to make your space feel timeless. When you include pieces that are from all different eras it’s impossible to date your space and the design feels unexpected and fresh.”

Another way to incorporate vintage pieces into your home is to scour places like Facebook Marketplace, Next Door, or Offer Up, continues Forbes. Many individuals also sell new or gently used furniture from mid-tier and high-end retailers. While these may not necessarily be vintage or antique, buying secondhand is always easier on the environment and the wallet. (Forbes)

Veranda: “Antiques and vintage will be celebrated as the ultimate ‘green’ resource available in the furniture sector and younger clients will become more fascinated with learning about collectable masters like Jean Prouve, Jacques Adnet, and Gio Ponti,” says Michael Cox, of Foley & Cox in New York.

House Beautiful reports: Not only is shopping vintage an efficient and sustainable option, it adds important personality to a space. “Homes should celebrate our uniqueness and furniture choices are an important part of that,” says designer Sara Hillery. “An old piece with great patina reflects a love and respect for history and story, just as a freshly painted antique shows a value of the past while also creating a colorful and playful environment.” And you can be sure none of your neighbors will own the same thing!

James Farmer

Lasting Style

Michael Cox says that overall, he predicts the concepts of choosing quality over quantity will inspire design enthusiasts to educate themselves and be more willing to wait patiently for those pieces that they can surround themselves with for decades to come. (Veranda)

Good Housekeeping reports: The trend for 2022 is a return to lasting style. We are seeing the effects of our ‘buy it and throw it away’ consumerism on our planet, and I think people will realize that developing a personal, lasting style is not only beautiful and unique, but good for the environment as well,” said Kate Patterson, Perlmutter Freiwald.

Leta Austin Foster

Individual Character

Veranda reports: “After spending so much time scrolling through Instagram over the past two years, I think we are all tired of spaces that are void of personality or look like copies of spaces we’ve seen before,” says Lilse McKenna. “Highly personal spaces that reflect the lives and interests of the homeowners are the antidote to that kind of cookie-cutter design.”

According to Forbes: Rocky Rochon, Principal and Founder of Rocky Rochon Studio and The Paint Laboratory believes imperfection will start to trend in 2022. “What I see as going away is the idea of the sterile or one-dimensional white home environment, often seen as ‘perfection’. 2022 will bring more imperfection, which to me is a more soulful, natural environment, more personalized interiors that reflect the character of the inhabitants, not a pre-packaged idea of what a home should be,” he says.

Via Chairish: Focusing on lavishly detailed surfaces, plush textiles, heirloom accents, and ​fanciful artworks, this year’s report reflects the shift to the at-home lifestyle born during the pandemic. These days, designers are prioritizing comfort and clients’ personal style: Homes not only need to accommodate a number of different functions but also provide a sense of escape from the troubles of the outside world.

Mallory Mathison Glenn

Maximalist Colors

Bid adieu to boring and beige in 2022, says Forbes. More is more again. “Goodbye monochromatic neutrals and minimalist design,” says Roxy Owens Founder and Designer of Society Social. “Now more than ever we are seeing a return to cozy and warm interiors. Think beautifully layered spaces, a mix of prints, patterns, and colors, delicious wallpapers, textures, pleated and patterned lampshades as well as bespoke textiles.”

Good Housekeeping reports: In 2022, we’re going to see a lot of color and patterns, especially within window treatments. They play a key role within design because they are the jewelry of the room and can really make an impact. Whether it be drapery, shades or sheers, patterns with a burst of two to three colors will play a strong role in design next year.” — Martyn Lawrence Bullard for The Shade Store

Via Forbes: “Color is making a comeback and the world is ready for it! I haven’t stopped painting color walls in the last decade…” says Dallas-based interior designer Caitlin Wilson. “Classic colors and punchy paints can serve a great purpose in the right spaces and really make art and simple furniture pop. Pretty silhouettes and floral fabrics come to life with the right hue and can help to create a coordinated, proper space,” she says.

Brittany Bromley

Florals 

Chairish says: Designers previously wary of intricately patterned wallpapers and upholsteries may soon come around, thanks to a rising tide of nostalgic, flower-studded designs. Whether applied to wall-hangings, wallpaper, or even pillows, botanical imagery is ready to take over interiors.

Chauncey Boothby of Chauncey Boothby Interiors says mini print florals akin to the Laura Ashley textiles many of us grew up with will continue to see a resurgence in popularity while mixing retro-inspired colors and prints will also be a top trend. (via Veranda)

Lilse McKenna of Lilse McKenna Inc. in New York told Veranda: “I can remember a time when a floral print was a tough sell for some clients because it was too ‘old -fashioned’—and now we’re getting to layer different florals on the same piece of furniture. I’m hoping we will only see more appreciation for beautifully crafted textiles in 2022.”

Designer Shea McGee reports via Homes & Gardens: “I’m excited to lean into more romantic textures and prints like ruffles, scallops, floral patterns, and even fringe in the upcoming year,” Shea says. She adds that she will experiment with the trend ‘on everything from bedding to styling accessories.”  It is perhaps unsurprising that romantic textures will have their moment next year. Chintz trend shows no signs of wavering – while fringe is evident in stylish schemes on both sides of the Atlantic.

Mark Sikes

Textiles, Passementerie, And Decorative Trim

As minimalism and mid century styles modern fall out of favor, we will be seeing more decorative touches like passementerie and trim in 2022, according to Roxy Owens. “The design world is seeing a resurgence of texture, tassels, trim, and passementerie galore. More and more people will be dressing up their homes and trimming their furnishings.” (Forbes)

According to Chairish, Comfort-seeking is the name of the game next year, according to the marketplace. That means textiles partout—think canopied, David Hicks–style beds, fabric-wrapped benches and headboards, and upholstery as far as the eye can see. Details will feature prominently on almost every surface, as demonstrated in the striking Milanese flat of Martina Mondadori and Ashley Hicks.

Better Homes & Gardens reports: Erin Coren of Curated Nest Interiors sees more fringe and decorative trim on the horizon. “Layers and textures are everywhere right now in fashion, and interior design is usually not far behind,” she says.

Penny Morrison

Wallpaper and Murals

Forbes says: Wallpaper has been a major trend in recent years and we will only see more of it in 2022. “Many have grown tired of their plain, neutral-colored walls and are looking to bring a sense of happiness and vibrancy to their interiors. This is especially true after the events of the last two years,” says Myriam Badault SVP of Decoration for Diptyque.

Forbes also reports: Murals have become a bold way to take wallpaper to an entirely different level. While this trend is rather popular for children’s rooms and nurseries because the average person is less afraid to take design risks in these spaces— we are also seeing more murals in living rooms and dens. They are a great way to tell a story through design.

Homes & Gardens highlights wallpaper inspired by distant lands:  After true global travel disappeared, we turned to our homes for more inward adventures. For 2022, our walls will transport us to faraway lands filled with leafy palms and safari animals.

“Patterns of far-flung places provide a sense of escapism and make us feel relaxed as we are reminded of holidays,” says Johanna Bright, head of design at Osborne & Little. (Homes & Gardens)

“Distant landscapes and flora and fauna add a sense of drama to the wall and offer an alternative from the outside world, which we are all craving,” says Designers Guild’s Tricia Guild. (Homes & Gardens)

The Colony Hotel, Palm Beach, Photographed by Carmel Brantley of Brantley Photography

The Art of Tablescaping: Bring On the Silver, Crystal, and China! 

via Daily Mail: A newfound appreciation for the emotional qualities behind every piece will spark joy as we find space for lovingly repurposed vintage pieces in our homes. Fine bone china, crystal and tablewares gilt with gold and silver grace our tables, similar to the tables our grandparents and their parents once sat down at. We’ve finally come full circle and embraced these unique treasures from the past.

via Martha Stewart: “People are going all out with over-the-top tables and are really enjoying the art of it,” explains entertaining expert Joanna Buchanan. “I think we are looking for a way to make a statement about style and what we have been missing.”

House & Garden UK reports: Both Nina Campbell and Gavin Houghton reckon on an increase in entertaining at home, and Penny Morrison is sure that the interest in table dressing is only going to grow, “with several sets of handmade plates and matching mats, tablecloths and candlesticks to ring the changes – it used to be much more of an American thing but is really catching on in the UK.”

Books are Back

Architectural Digest: It’s time to get lit, if you know what I mean… Not only are more people curating books for decoration (and their personal libraries), but they’re also building stairs and tables out of vintage books. Even if you’re not a hardcore bibliophile, the designer Sophie Collé reminds us that books are great tools to use as visual references. “I’m not ashamed to admit that I’m just flipping through the pictures, but that is such a great way of not going on Pinterest and learning a little bit about history,” she explains. “People have done the work of curating all of this information for us, so why not use it? Some book covers from the ’80s are art pieces, so I like having them out even just for that.” You heard it here first: Books are the new status symbol.

Meredith Ellis

Hello, Multifunctional Spaces (Goodbye Open Plan)

According to Dwell: With the continuation of hybrid and remote work into 2022, flexible live/work spaces that accommodate that needs of various generations under the same roof are paramount. “Owners are now wanting homes to be ideal places to not only live, but also places where they can work, where children can learn, and where multiple generations can live together…” said Cavin Costello, principal at The Ranch Mine. “The obvious spark that ignited this trend was COVID-19, but it has been ramping up for years,” Costello continues, pointing to improved technology enabling more people to work remotely, as well as multigenerational living arrangements resulting from high costs of housing and elder care.”

Architectural Digest says: “With more people spending time at home during the pandemic, many are starting to realize that the separation of space is useful. No one wants to be on competing Zooms in the same kitchen/living/dining room. Having distinct spaces also allows each zone to have its own character, and having everything connected can make a space feel too cavernous when you are not entertaining. Defined, intimate spaces that offer everyday coziness will start to take priority over the once-a-year giant party.” —Rachel Bullock, LAUN Los Angeles

Forbes: The pandemic solidified the need for separate rooms, especially when so many spaces need to double as home offices. For this reason, big kitchens that open up to the rest of the home are becoming less desirable. “I am definitely seeing a lot of enclosed kitchen spaces as opposed to large family room/kitchen areas that are open to the rest of the home,” says Christopher Peacock, Founder and CEO of Christopher Peacock.

Veranda – “With the advent of Zoom and more work being done at home, [clients] are asking for two fully functioning offices—one for each spouse or partner—where they can work and not be disrupted, or be disruptive to others in the family,” says Randy Correll of Robert A.M. Stern Architects in New York. “These rooms are like small libraries with and abundance of cabinetry, paneling and if possible, a view or a porch on which to take a break or power nap.”

Apartment Therapy: “While open concept design plans were a great idea a few years ago, we now know that privacy is a huge part of any design to accommodate the new challenges we are facing every day. Working from home while the children are attending school from the dining room table can make for a very eventful day at the office with an open concept floor plan. More and more, we are understanding that our homes must fit our lifestyle and be fully functional for years to come.” —Michelle Martel, designer and stylist in Montreal

Susan Farcy

And Across the Pond…

In summary, I love this prediction from House & Garden UK:

Pattern is another unanimous call. New entry Brandon Schubert is confident of “more wallpaper, and pattern on pattern, as well as an emphasis on traditional curtain making – I think we’re going to see more people pushing the boundaries with pelmets, trimmings and general creativity.” Penny Morrison prophesies “brightly coloured floral fabrics, such as ‘Dahlia’ by Sarah Vanrenen, and woven stripes – as well as fabrics based on historical African or Anatolian tribes.” Gavin Houghton) seconds florals and stripes, “in strong colours,” as well as “classical prints – Jean Monro and Colefax.”

That concept of craft and handmade “will apply everywhere,” says Nina Campbell; “design is becoming much more personal, and much more unusual. No more catalogues!” Wendy Nicholls of Sibyl Colefax & John Fowler defines it as “individualism.” Olivia Outred explains “We’ll start to celebrate the time it takes to make things, and the process that the maker goes through will become almost as important as the end finished piece.” (House & Garden UK)

Perhaps this helps explain the exponential rise in popularity of needlepoint here in the US?

Colefax & Fowler

Happy New Year!

24 COMMENTS

  1. I was so happy to read your article
    I agree with you I thought I was alone when just keeping my home the way I like it not redecorating when styles change
    I am a country French blue , white and yellow girl with lots of color in my home Fabric Window treatments and lots of beautiful pillows
    Makes me happy to be in the environment of color
    Love your website
    Thank you and Happy New Year

  2. I very much enjoyed this post and love the new 2022 design predictions. I’m one who loves color so I’m very excited. I also love vintage and antique pieces and just refinished a 1920’s buffet table! Always enjoy your blog. Thank you, Bobbi Jo

  3. I always look forward to your posts but I must say his is one of your best and right up my alley because it is the way I have always lived. Thank you for sharing all this wonderful information!

  4. What an inspiring post!! Thank you for expressing the importance of “timeless”. I’ll share this blog with my clients — you explain so well and your photos are definitive.

  5. Finally! People staying at home woke up to the fact that separate spaces are best, and that neutral is a big ol’ bore! Yay! We knew that all along, Andrea. I never go with trends. They are just that – trends (temporary). Classic is my style. Always has been – always will be. Thanks, and Happy New Year!

  6. I am happy that you also dislike “trends”. I like to stick to the axiom expressed by the late great Karl Lagerfield ” trendy is the last stage before tacky”.

  7. What a wonderful article to start the New Year! Many of us never strayed from this way of decorating, color, pattern, antiques, needlepoint and lots of collections, not to mention individual rooms. This past year I changed 23 lampshades in my home to Penny Morrison and Fermoie because all of a sudden it struck me how absolutely boring cream/eggshell lampshades can be. I do realize it will take time for many to realize the benefits of individual rooms, color and pattern but it has started and with your help hopefully will grow.

  8. Being a fan of “brown” furniture, patterned wallpaper, Persian rugs and antique portrait paintings (of people I am probably NOT related to), I love this blog and it’s ethos! And to think I was being green too really makes my day. I consider my home an investment and although it takes me forever to find something I really love, it is so worth it!

  9. Loved this post. I get a little insecure about the comments people make about my home. I hate the labels friends, family, and guests use to describe my home. Eclectic, Transitional, Traditional, Asian. Like your post I love color, I love antiques, I love whimsy, I love a little trendy, needlepoint, chinoiserie, contemporary, lots of texture, live plants, high end, low end and more. My guests say my home is comfortable for lounging and elegantly beautiful without being cluttered. It looks so different from all the home interiors in my neighborhood. My home says “this is just a bit of who we are as a family”. Yet, when I go to other homes they are nice and not so nice. Other people’s homes say to me, “ I don’t want to be bothered”, “ I want easy”, “ I am afraid…”. I have made many decorating mistakes expensive and not so expensive. As a smaller two story track home, that was suppose to be my temporary house, I love the small sectioned spaces. I always thought I wanted a big open home, but the warmth and cozy feeling of this home is very comfortable. Almost eighteen years later, I still smile when I walk through the front door. I am home.

  10. Yes!!! Finally people are waking up to quality and craftsmanship. Even my children are tossing the Pottery Barn and attending auctions with me. As for fabric, I’m thrilled to see embellishments and beautiful window treatments.

  11. A return to the classics would be my dream come true! I have been waiting years to find just right traditional fabrics so I can have our antique & vintage pieces reupholstered–the so called updated versions of traditional fabrics just don’t appeal to me; they just look modern to my eyes. I am happy that my children see the beauty of finely constructed furniture and fabrics that stimulate the senses. I love your blog and feel your views on the classics may have actually helped to bring them to the forefront once again, so thanks for all your input.

  12. Love this post. I am waiting for the day when one can order fabric directly from the high end manufacturer especially when we want to refresh vintage and antiques we already own. I went to Nina Campbell’s shop in London years ago and was able to order directly from them. Cowtan and Tout, Lee Jofa, Clarence House, Chelsea Textiles, Penny Morrison, Kathie Ireland, Pierre Frey, Brunschwig Fils, GP Baker, Peter Dunham, Jasper, etc. please open your lines to the retail market . The US high end designers who are incredibly talented want to redo our entire houses not just a refresh of a few chairs and a window or two. We see all the beautiful fabrics you offer in the magazines and Instagram, know what we want and wish to just get the fabric and use workrooms we already know about.

  13. I loved your total outlook….I adore the old, antique, textural, colorful and comfortable…extatic to know my decor is IN again. Really, I’m not a trendy person….I go with what pleases my eye and makes me happy to look at an live in. Thank you for this in depth article…

  14. I am so happy I came across this blog. I am remodeling my house and this is the vibe I am going for. I just got my cabinets refaced back to dark wood color. These pictures give me good color scheme ideas. Thank you! and Happy New Year!

  15. This article is so timely for me. Confirmed what I have believed in for years.

    I’m one lucky girl that just acquired a beach home remodeled with high quality Tuscan inspired pieces in the 90’s. Don’t get me wrong- this house was a Tuscan eyesore mess and probably from day one after that remodel, was completely wrong for a Southern California beach front home. The home was originally built in 1935 but the prior owner fell victim to the “trend” back then and redecorated with the help of a designer in the then trendy Tuscan style. Ghastly dark finishes everywhere. Red rooms with red ceilings and sponge painted brown and green walls. A travertine cave bathroom complete with matching sponged painted walls and ceiling. Ornate dark stained woodwork and ornate light fixtures. A Tuscan trend masterpiece. My heart sinks to think what must have been discarded because only one gorgeous stained 1930’s glass window survived the Tuscan trend crazed owner.

    Most people in this area would tear down this split personality quirky house with multiple rooms and build a house that resembles an office building on the outside and open concept minimalist modern on the inside. I can’t even count the beach homes I toured with uncomfortable low back modern furniture all in white on white in huge cavernous minimalist decorated rooms. They kinda all look the same. That’s the trend here. Yawn. Boring. Does anyone really want to go home – to the office?

    When I walked through this house I saw opportunity. Instead of tearing everything out I have been reusing and resurfacing as much of the quality surfaces as I can. Even the ill advised Tuscan woodwork can be reused when you use your imagination. I call it character.

    Let’s be honest almost any decorator can make a home look good if they tear out everything and start over with all new. I find that soulless. The result has been a cozy, collected home that instantly makes everyone feel at home. Paint can fix a lot of bad decisions. I have deliberately designed only with What I like and have stayed away from websites and Tv shows for inspiration. It all works together. This house is a place I won’t get upset if you get sand on my non pristine refinished and and gloriously imperfect original white oak floor – (which was a 90’s dark stain before I came along).

    No walls have been taken down. The small rooms give us places for alone time if we want to quietly read a book or take a nap. The non open concept family room allows cozy group time removed and out of sight from the dirty dishes we left behind in the non open concept kitchen. It’s heaven. I am happily out of trend …or am I a trendsetter?

  16. I love this post and am so happy to learn that traditional decor is making a comeback. I could never understand why so many people were content to live in drab land when there are so many beautiful colors and patterns to fill your home with.

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