5 Design Trends from 2022 That Are Here to Stay for Good

Please join me in giving a big round of applause to the design trend superstars of 2022. Like the perfect pair of blue jeans or a classic cashmere sweater, the following decor styles and vibes topped the charts in 2022 and are showing no sign of slowing down as we head toward a new year, thanks in large part to their versatility and adaptability. Perhaps you’ve already incorporated the below up-and-comers into your home. If not, go ahead and earmark them for 2023. 

“For me, and many of my clients, 2022 has been all about embracing coziness,” says designer Molly Torres Portnof of DATE Interiors. “Swathing a space in rich colors and a variety of soft, textural pieces with plenty of curves is definitely a trend that will be following us into 2023 — and for good reason! The pandemic has forced all of us to evaluate what’s most important and the answer is warm, embracing, and comfortable interiors.” 

Portnof suggests layering up a space with plush, cozy furniture, nubby textiles, and plenty of vintage finds to help comfort reign in your home. 

“When in doubt, buy a vintage rug,” she adds. “They’re an incredible way to add texture, color, and coziness to a space, as well as a bit of history and sustainability.” 

When it comes to design, there’s no reason you have to lean into just one aesthetic. Advice on “finding your style” can sometimes feel prescriptive, but the reality is that many of the most well-designed homes rely on numerous design ethos to find their “look.” And in 2022, we saw a major melding between traditional and/or vintage design elements and modern details, a combination that designer Linda Hayslett of LH. Designs says will become even more popular in the coming year. 

“There are many trends that I saw that’ll be sticking around for a while, one of which is mixing vintage items with modern spaces and pieces,” says Hayslett. “People love unique items that give personality to their space, like a Baroque table in a modern room that has clean lines. This mix of opposing styles helps us to see the beauty in pieces, with the space highlighting this mix. We’re seeing this with intricate medallions on ceilings paired with sleek modern lighting, and woven tapestries behind beds that look like they were designed by Mies van der Rohe or Le Corbusier.”

We’re living in a time when more and more people are waking up to just how precious our planet and nature are, so it makes sense that certain elements of our home design and decor are garnering inspiration from our outdoor surroundings. 

One easy-as-can-be take on the trend? Paint! “We saw a surge in earthy tones and natural textures in 2022, and I believe they are here to stay for a while,” says designer Rozit Arditi of Arditi Design. “After two years of pandemic living, everyone is in search of something more grounded, whether that be with color, texture, or materials used in their space.” 

She points to muddy hues like terracotta and brown, as well as easygoing fabrics like cotton and leather, as great ways to capture this back-to-nature perspective. 

This one’s for you, Facebook Marketplace and thrift shop fans. Vintage and salvaged furniture and decor were bigger than ever this year, and pros predict that savvy shopping will only increase in the coming years as more homeowners begin to realize the importance of their carbon footprint and the impact of their design choices. 

“More and more of my clients are becoming conscientious about upcycling and mindful of their part in sustainability,” explains designer Shari Francis of Dadapt. “They want to preserve items that hold meaning and positive memories. I think people are finally understanding that the word ‘discard’ is better replaced by phrases like ‘resell and reuse.’”

At the end of the day, a house is only as special as the company it contains and the memories created inside it. 2022 was the year when some normalcy returned to our lives, allowing us once again to reconnect with loved ones and pay special attention to all the ways our homes helped (or hindered) us while entertaining and bonding with friends and family. 

One of the most unique design attributes to come out of this mindset? The very retro, very ’70s-inspired conversation pit, says architect and designer Anand Sheth of Studio Anand Sheth.

“It’s obviously not the easiest thing to implement, especially in a rental, but I think we are breaking down the formality of the living room and seeking opportunities to lounge in more than the two to three ways a sofa supports,” he explains. “We first saw conversation pits in ‘Mad Men,’ then in tech offices, and now they’re making a comeback in today’s home renovations. I’m even installing one in a natural wine bar next year!”