Top interior design and home decor trends that defined 2022

As the year end approaches, it's time to look inwards and reflect upon what defined the interior design trends. In 2022, the idea of designing interiors became a human enterprise of self-expression. Inner thought manifested itself in colour, light and pattern to form intimate spaces. What emerged is a growing number of consumers who ditched the need to be ‘trendy' and embraced their true self.

Much like other lifestyle verticals aimed at expressing oneself; interior design trends picked a similar rhythm. "2022 was all about finding one's personal expression and ensuring that the spaces are a true reflection of its inhabitants. The focus was on taking care of one's physical, mental and emotional well-being.", says Kamna Malik, former Editor at Elle Decor and former Head at India Design ID.

Design trends that ruled 2022

Smart furniture for smart living
The post-pandemic spell has enabled people to realise the value of tasteful yet functional furniture. The idea is to design interiors that are suitable for smart living as well as working. Lalitesh Mandrekar, General Manager of Design, Godrej Interio says, "Hybrid workspaces of contemporary times, must serve a ‘higher purpose' and stay activity-based, with employees having a choice of tailored work arrangements based on their profile and tasks to be performed. This also includes a variety of workstation configurations, ranging from the traditional sit-down desk to customizable sit-stand smart desks." Furniture is turning into an important asset for the aspirational class and they are investing big in it. Designers seized this opportunity in 2022 to create utility-oriented furniture.

Sustainability is sassy
With the use of reclaimed wood, jute fibers and bamboo in interior design, sustainable design gained traction in 2022. "This year educated people on the concepts of sustainability", notes Misbah Kapadia, founder and curator of Design Konstruct. She adds that sustainable decor, furniture and products made with wool, rattan, sisal, stone, wood, cane, and bamboo became a standard that reflected in prioritizing natural materials.

According to Reshma Chabbria, the founder and creative head at HIIH, energy-efficient designs that make use of natural materials and upcycled products coupled with non-toxic paints are currently driving demand in the decor industry. This is because the approach is towards leading a better life, no matter how long or short. Also, adding greens like succulent or leafy plants became a popular choice. Along with adding a fresh vibe to the indoors, it also helped fight modern day problems like air pollution.

Bringing the outdoors to indoors
A visual refresher is a must have in today's elevated screen time atmosphere. "Natural wooden tones complemented with coral blue and greens bring back the connection with outdoors", shares Reshma Chabbria. Her study on trends this year has observed a surge in nature-inspired colour palette. Earth tones like green, brown and blue were largely incorporated to drive mental wellness and a sense of calm in the year 2022. Designers saw a rise in demand for outdoor décor. "Leaving gardens/balconies unused is a thing of the past now. People want to spend more time outdoors, hence want those spaces accentuated and accessorised as well." Incorporating water elements such as an aquarium, desk fountains, or terrariums, is on the rise and has become essential to creating a healthy and positive living space.

Comfort comes first
Apart from the consumer's affair with nature's palette, there has been a great demand to have cozy interiors. Misbah is of the opinion that one of the biggest priorities for homeowners this year was health, safety and cleanliness. People were selecting furniture and accessories that not only fit their personal style, but were prioritizing the materials too. They were selecting goods that are antimicrobial and easy to clean, materials like copper, brass, and bronze. Lalitesh adds that after an entire day of working, one needs to relax and recharge their body and mind by creating soothing surroundings. To understand the customers' expectations and concerns in the current dynamic environment, Godrej Interio's Workspace & Ergonomics Research Cell provided design solutions to enhance mental well-being and workspace outlay in interior designs.

A mashup of maximal minimalism
Reshma comments, "The domination of colour, texture and patterns that ruled 2022, makes me call 2022 a year of maximalist designs". On the contrary, Misbah had a bang opposite remark that "This year stayed true to the philosophy of "less is more". 2022 was the year of minimalist design."

2022 was an interesting challenge to not just experiment with opposing aesthetics but also normalise it as a downright fashion. An intersection of minimalism and maximalism became instrumental in shaping our newfound expression. Marked by the use of layered textures, warmer tones, plants, and vintage relics, maximo-minimalist design trends crept up in homes as well as café interiors. All set in the background of monochrome shades, this trend combined the best of both worlds to amplify the excitement of empty spaces.

Design forecasts for the year 2023
Lalitesh from Godrej predicts, "Whatever the current trends may indicate, 2023 won't be all about one design." Designers are of the opinion that the coming year will be the year of bright primary colour palettes, maximalist design and more clean shapes, and geometric compositions. Yellows, oranges, and greens would be making their mark this year. Natural, handcrafted materials and products are going to only get bigger and more important in designing/ decorating spaces. People are moving towards investing in qualitative pieces and that is something that is definitely here to stay.

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