Looking into the Crystal Ball: Predicting 2022 Design Trends
Lee Miller by fashion photographer George Hoyningen-Huene, 1932
As we enter 2022, we anticipate what this year’s changes will bring. Like fashion, the interior design industry is malleable as it reflects clients’ desires and lifestyles. There are general movements such as trends in hues or materials and more significant innovations. Our world is ever-evolving, and those in the industry note what may be unfolding. COUPAR asked a few experts to look into their crystal balls and predict what they see for 2022.
Interior designer, Ann Lowengart, sees a shift in clients’ values. Previously residences were quite formal, focusing on grand rooms for entertaining. COVID has accelerated the need for comfort in every space, not just the private ones. Lowengart has also seen clients’ become more honest with their needs and lifestyle. “I have clients come to me and explicitly say, we eat dinner in front of the TV, we will need a sofa that accommodates that ritual,” she said. More authenticity from clients will allow designers to tailor their homes to their day-to-day lives.
Another trend the firm spots for 2022 is saturated hues. Lowengart's clients are eager to embrace more striking colors in their spaces, along with bold wallpapers. And not only in smaller rooms like powder rooms but also in larger, open areas such as family rooms, libraries, studies, dining rooms, and kitchens.
Ross Study by Ann Lowengart Interiors
Specialty space builders Cinergy Construction have witnessed an uptick in requests for acoustic design. With the growing number of people working at home, people are yearning for spaces that suit their specific auditory needs, such as theaters and recording studios. Even with the pandemic, open floor plans remain popular, along with sleek finishes and high ceilings, which makes acoustic considerations from the beginning vital.
They also predict a continued increase in home security, specifically stealth security. CEO Greg Francis explains, “Stealth security is the addition of features that unobtrusively or even invisibly make your home more secure. Whether through reinforced construction methods and building materials, smart technology, or locks and systems that will confound would-be intruders and hold up the attack.”
Residential electronics firm Amplified Lifestyles identifies upcoming trends in the home technology realm. Senior Technology Advisor Robert Gilligan notes with the continued demand for indoor/outdoor living, wellness audio systems that provide relaxing and environmental sounds are popular. Spatial is an example of one company offering these immersive audio experiences. By taking surround sound, home theater, and music streaming a step further, they create listening experiences beyond traditional surround.
Gilligan was also excited about the environmentally friendly Samsung ECO Remote, "Remote controls that recharge from solar and WiFI energy waves, so you never need to change batteries again!" he exclaimed.
Spatial can be used indoors or outdoors
