I think it’s safe to say that our world changed the very threads of its own fabric after the pandemic hit. By this I mean, pretty much every part of our lives is different now, and some things may never be the same again. We’ve learned to adapt in an ever-changing environment, but most importantly, we’ve uncovered new values because of that change. This change in values even extends to the interior design industry, to the way we’re designing our homes.

Here are some home design trends I think you’ll be drawn to in 2022…

Sustainability, But Make it Fashionable

Sustainability, especially in our homes, is an endeavor we will all take on this year.

I always advocate for selecting materials and processes that keep the wellbeing of our environment in mind. The home renovation industry already abuses the environment every day, so why contribute to that when we don’t have to.

This year, we’ll see a more conscious effort to design our homes sustainably. There is a ton of debate on what are actually sustainable practices in the home, so for now, let’s just focus on at least making the effort to not immediately hop onto Amazon for our furniture. Deal?

In 2022, homeowners will seek out thrifted pieces, furniture flips, and even local craftspeople who can specialize in their style of furniture. “New” furniture does not equate to “better” furniture. In fact, you’ll find that a lot of newly made pieces were mass-produced and are now taking refuge in a million other homes. Yuck.

Keep in mind:

You can find amazing pieces in thrift stores and online spaces, like Facebook Marketplace, that will be entirely new to you and often at a discounted price!

Quality Over Quantity, Always

This year, homeowners will pay more money if it means they’ll receive quality, long-lasting pieces.

In 2022, I believe homeowners will prioritize buying quality pieces, making room for that in their overall budget. Finally!

Expensive furniture is (usually) not a way to scam homeowners into paying more for something that isn’t worth it. It costs that much because it costs A LOT to make it. This means expert craftsmanship – hours of labor for just one piece – and quality materials that are meant to stand the test of time.

After spending two years mostly in our own homes, we can easily see which pieces are long-lasting, and which will end up getting donated soon. This year, homeowners will avoid this low quality trap and save money in the process.

Pay more for a great piece of furniture now and you’ll avoid buying something new every two to three years!

Here’s a Tip:

It’s my job to research quality pieces for the home every day. So, here are some amazing brands that offer quality, long-lasting pieces worth investing in:

• Wesley Hall

• Thibaut

• Stark

Finding Comfort in Maximalism

Minimalism is taking the backseat to its much livelier sibling, Maximalism.

The popularity of Minimalism comes and goes, especially since it can be a very demanding and limiting design style to stick with. This is where Maximalism comes in.

We’ll see even more of a rise in Maximalist design trends in 2022. This is coming through almost as if our homes are chugging the drama and prestige of the Victorian style. Décor will lean toward the more extravagant and dramatic, leaving behind Scandinavian simplicities.

I like to call this something like, “Cottage-core” with a mix of “Eclectic Dark Academia” vibes. Sounding silly to you? Well, it’s all definitely trending and might be here to stay for a while.

Honestly, I’m loving this shift we’ll see in 2022. People are taking the reins on what truly brings them joy! Just because Minimalism stays strong in the mainstream every decade since its first appearance, that doesn’t mean you have to be shackled to it.

Set your Maximalist heart free in 2022!

One-of-a-Kind & To Be Passed Down

We want the best of both worlds: Unique pieces the neighbor down the street won’t have, and pieces our children (and their children) can cherish for years to come.

You could say this goes hand-in-hand with the two points we just covered, and you’d be right. But there is something important to note here: In this new world we’ve stumbled into, we are craving what we used to know.

What many of us remember are the days of playing atop our grandparent’s dining table, climbing their heavy oak bookshelves just for the thrill of it. Sure, we weren’t admiring the craftsmanship of those pieces at the time. But maybe as adults we’re appreciating their beauty in hindsight.

But how did you end up with memories of those pieces, anyway? Well, your parents most likely inherited them from their elders. They’re the classic hand-me-down pieces you treasure for life, the piece you’d never dream of giving up to the donation pile. Such a gift!

These pieces were definitely not mass-produced, so they tend to be one-of-a-kind. Plus, they obviously last several generations. So what’s not to love?

This year, homeowners will seek out their own “heirloom” pieces, if they don’t have some already. They’ll take home unique pieces with the intention of keeping them for life, and perhaps beyond that.

New Year, New Trends

You’ll hear me talk a lot about trends. They’re a fundamental part of my industry, so it’s crucial that I keep an eye on how they fluctuate and change.

2022 will be no different. Some styles – the ones that never seem to fade – will still remain, but the way we go about styling our homes will shift this year. We shouldn’t expect anything less from going through a pandemic!

Here’s the shortlist of shifts we’ll see:

• There will be a rise in sustainability efforts for the home

• We’ll pay more money if it means higher quality furniture

• Our homes will embrace the eclectic beauty of Maximalism

• We’ll seek out unique pieces that can be passed down to our children

Watch out for the kinds of trends you’re drawn to… It can be tempting to fall into the Instagram trap of trendy styles, and you might find that they don’t actually reflect your true design personality. Here are 4 Ways to Know if a New Trend is for You and How to Know a Trend from a Fad and Why It Matters for Your Home!