Interior design trends 2022: enduring decor for winter and beyond

Whether you're planning a refurbishment project or looking to make small seasonal changes to refresh your home decor, the top interior design trends of 2022 offer inspiration for Fall and beyond.

The beauty of home decor and interior design trends is that they are ever-evolving, meaning you don't have to redecorate with every seasonal change, instead you can simply take away new design elements to incorporate into your existing scheme to offer any room a renewed lease of life for the months ahead.

As our personal sanctuaries away from a busy world, many of us find solace in the world of interior design. Whether you've worked on a new DIY project, re-arranged your space to make room for a home office, or have spent hours taking design inspiration from social media, interior design on any scale can resonate fondly with all homeowners.

While the top interior paint color trends and latest wallpaper trends set the visual tone for our homes when it comes to interior design, you can also expect this year and next to be governed by well-being as we seek to create a sense of solice. Also sustainable living and the desire to reduce, reuse and recycle are interior design trends that aren't going anywhere next year, as we continue to work towards a greener tomorrow. 

Top interior design trends of 2022

1. Modern country charm

Country style is a classic interior scheme that has taken on a new role within the modern home, where floral prints and rustic materials are updated to suit a more contemporary dwelling. 

"The modern country trend is a nostalgic style that will give your home the wistful feel of a memory-filled treasure cove," says Philippa Prinsloo, head of design for John Lewis & Partners. "The trend has a new decorative and playful twist, layering botanical patterns, colors, and shapes to create a tasteful modern aesthetic. Think natural materials, romantic decorative details, and carefully crafted furniture."

“The ‘modern country’ aesthetic is all about blending modern and vintage," explains James Mellan-Matulewicz, design expert and creative director at luxury wallpaper brand, Bobbi Beck. "Inspired by rural lifestyle and farmhouse homes, exposed beams, mismatched furniture, and painted wooden panels would all be typical within the modern country aesthetic.” 

The rise of this much-loved traditional aesthetic has been largely influenced by the migration of city-dwellers moving to the countryside and, with it, a demand for more modern and tasteful takes on rural design. "After a year of growing popularity, the style continues to remain popular and will do so throughout the rest of 2022,” says James.

“To capture the ‘farmhouse’ feeling, be sure to utilize wood where possible. Natural tones work well as base colors to achieve a modern and minimalist edge, and vintage, quirky, mismatched furniture will add to a more homely look. A touch of ‘rustic’ can also be accomplished using handmade items; chunky knitted throws or maybe even a hand-woven basket would both be great to nail this trend.”

2. Contemporary retro

This trend looks to the past to reimagine and inspire how retro design looks for a contemporary home. Taking inspiration from the 1970s this trend is bursting with strong jewel-colored accent tones mixed amongst deep-hued wooden furniture and wood wall paneling. 

The interior design is a fusion of elegant and decadent touches and furniture shapes that hark back to a different era yet somehow feel thoroughly modern at the same time. 

The velvet revival adds to the luxe appeal of this trend while Bauhaus-style furniture and geometric prints add a more bohemian feel to the overall aesthetic.

Habitat has named its take on this contemporary retro trend 'Afterglow', director of products Rona Olds explains, "Afterglow is a nostalgic look back at the glamour and richness of 1970s fashion and interiors, updated with a modern sleekness for today's urban spaces."

"The collection harks back to the quintessential brown and orange color pairing, reinvigorated in a subtle symphony of earth tones and textured wood finishes that warms the home during the colder months. Rich Velvet upholstery enhances the contemporary shapes and bold patterns of the home accessories, made more luxurious by accents of gold and ribbed glass. 

3. Velvet revival

While velvet has been a huge trend over the last few years, it still remains a popular choice for many. Rachel Epstein, Design Specialist and Creative Director of CARME Home says that a retro revival will see the luxe fabric continue to be a key material in the home in AW 2022.

"Due to the '70s retro revival we are seeing all over interior design, velvet is one of the most prominent comebacks!" exclaims Rachel. "A fabric that can sometimes be tricky to style but beautiful when done correctly."

"When looking to add a touch of velvet elegance to your home, consider what other fabrics that item will be paired with. Velvet accent chairs, headboards, cushions, or stools are a great place to start experimenting with this luxurious material."

Adding subtle hints of the fabric will add an elegant finish to any room, while bigger pieces like velvet sofas and armchairs make a bold statement. 

4. Grounding elements

Making a powerful statement with a neutral color palette and comforting textures is a continuing trend, one that encapsulates the need to create a grounding backdrop to our busy daily lives. "This trend creates a calm haven of neutral tones, with complementary warm hues and rich accent colors," Philippa explains.

“Neutrals and earth tones will be a key interior trend throughout the Autumn and Winter months this year. The popularity of these tones in homeware has been on the rise over the course of 2022, and will truly come into their own during A/W as the palette is perfect for this time of year," says James.

“Nature-inspired earthy tones, such as beige and brown, promote calm and tranquillity in the home and can create a real sense of comfort. I would suggest that the best way to utilize this color palette would be to use these tones on the ‘base’ items within your home - carpets, wallpapers, and bulkier furniture.”

“Styling with neutrals is all about building textures," advises Alexandra Fryer, home design stylist at John Lewis & Partners. "Layering contrasting materials like chunky knits, Jute, and soft linens in natural tones create a palette of interest and a sense of calm."

Although still muted and derived from the natural earthy pigment found within nature, this trend does still welcome stronger accent shades. “Against the backdrop of existing grey, white and beige room canvases, there are easy ways to add trending colors and styles that will update decors in an instant," says Daniel Prendergast, design director at The Rug Seller. "We’re seeing an influx of warming, earthy colors such as soft browns and oranges down to mustard yellows and khaki greens. Warm undertones are amplified by diffused and low lighting, to create an atmospheric space.” 

“Whilst still being drawn to the tranquillity of nature and the palettes of the changing season, color is very much on people’s shopping lists – introduced with easily interchangeable products such as rugs, bedding, cushions, and throws."

5. Gothic influences

Taking inspiration from age-old gothic architecture and the arts and crafts movement of the late 19th century, this design trend taps into the darker side of interiors. The brooding darker color palette we've seen in recent years is enhanced by intricate patterns and layers of delicate textures to add gothic appeal. 

“Whimsigoth is a rising trend that perfectly lends itself to cold evenings and dark nights," explains James. "The style is inspired by a typically gothic aesthetic but with a slightly lighter and fairytale-esque feel. 

“To incorporate the trend into your homeware, a great starting point is by using rich, dark colors such as navy blue and emerald green. Velvets and satins are also a perfect way to create the enchanting, homely vibe.”

“Vintage lamps shaped like butterflies and flowers, using gold brassy tones, are perfect for this look and can add so much personality and color to a room," says James. "In terms of patterns, opt for anything celestial - stars, moons, suns - particularly in a hand-drawn style. 

"The great thing about this trend is that individual and vintage items work a treat, which can be sourced cheaply and sustainably at charity shops and car boot sales.”

“Another key element of the gothic homeware trend is maximalism. If clutter isn’t your thing, never fear; rather than filling your home’s surfaces with trinkets and photos, a more purposeful way to embody the trend is with clashing colors, patterns, and textures.”

6. Multifunctional spaces

Multifunctional spaces will also reign for the rest of 2022 and beyond, according to Rachel, thanks to the continuation of office closures and the popularity of working from home: 

"Thanks to our ‘new normal’ of remote working, homes have changed to suit the needs of the whole house. But, if you don’t have the space to dedicate an entire four walls with square footage to the cause, we have the perfect solution. Invest in furniture that serves more than one purpose. Whether it’s a dressing table that converts into a desk or a mirror that hides a jewelry cabinet, there are plenty of brilliant furniture pieces that act as storage solutions."

7. Sustainable materials

In 2022, sustainable living and eco-friendly, ethical choices will remain a huge focus for many people. 

"There is ever more focus on sustainability in our homes, from the products we use to how we design a space," says designer Jojo Bradley. "Think reclaimed, recycled, pre-loved, and ethically sourced."

“Sustainable home decor is not so much a trend, but more of a movement in the interior space," says James. "This shift will of course go beyond A/W 2022/23, but the demand for more sustainable products in the home is only going to increase. So whether it's longer-term home improvements or quick buys for holidays and parties, sustainability will be at the top of the agenda for many customers."

James suggests, "If you’re looking to make more sustainable choices within the home, I would recommend a combination of utilizing second-hand treasures sourced via thrifting, and good quality, ethically sourced homewares which will stand the test of time.”

If you're looking to give your walls a lick of paint, brands like Edward Bulmer use only pure, natural ingredients, and pride themselves on being carbon neutral and 100% toxin-free. 

8. Curve appeal

This trend is one that reappears time and time again. However, the popularity of curves in 2022 will draw on our collective desire to create a feeling of zen at home while the world outside continues to feel tumultuous and uncertain. "From architecture to furniture, the integration of curved shapes and organic lines within the home is to be welcomed in 2022," Taylor Howes say in their annual trend report. 

"With their primitive foundations and organic grandeur and beauty, soft shapes, gentle curves, and meandering bends within architecture and design are providing a sense of being cocooned and comforted. A feeling of being comforted and soothed plays to our subconscious mind and influences us unknowingly to be drawn to curved products and shapes."

9. Green color palettes

Green in approach and green in color, this enchanting hue is set to take Fall 2022 by storm, just as it dominated popular color charts last year. Think sage green walls with the living room paint color, olive-toned accessories, or emerald accents, perfect for adding a pop of calming color to any living space.

A surprisingly versatile shade to incorporate into the home, Heather Hacket, Design Manager at household linen company Christy, explains how green can be used in both big and small ways throughout your home:

"Sage and mineral-based greens bring nature indoors and enrich interior spaces.  However, a whole green room can seem a bit daunting. If you love the color but don’t want to make any permanent changes, add pops of rich jewel-toned greens through your cushions, prints, and decorative items, such as vases and candlesticks. Green towels and accessories can also add an extra level of depth to a bathroom for the colder months."

10. Eastern and Western design fusion

A great example of mixed culture design is the ever-popular Japandi design trend, which has been a popular choice for many over the last few years. Combining the rustic minimalism of Scandinavian interiors with the soft aesthetics of Japanese design, it's a delicate and sophisticated trend that brings warmth and comfort into any space, from Japandi living rooms to Japandi bedroom ideas. And best of all this effortlessly paired back decor trend will endure well into 2023.  

"Chinoiserie has been captivating the imagination of interior designers for years but you'll notice it’s had a maximalist makeover. The style, popular from the latter half of the 18th- to the mid-19th century is distinguished by its fantastical oriental scenes and stylized flower and bird motifs," explains Avalana Simpson, founder of Avalana Design.

Avana says that, instead of subtle touches of watercolor, this season we will experience The Orient in ethereal, full wall-scaped murals that will certainly make a bold statement. 

"Adding a complete scene to your wall creates an instant focal point," she notes. "Silvers and deep greens add harmony while hand-drawn Herons wading through silvery lily ponds and framed by interesting foliage results in a show-stopping theme. Complete the look with tan, copper, gold, or warm yellow furniture and textiles.

11. Cool tones

Both Dulux and Pantone chose cool shades for their annual 'Color of the Year' predictions, setting a new interior design trend for 2022, which is set to continue to grow in popularity for next season also.

"Cooler colors will start to creep into our homes, led by Pantone’s Very Peri and Dulux’s Bright Skies," predicts Sylvia James, Interior designer at HomeHow. 

"Bright Skies works very well with light wood tones whilst Very Peri can be used to add more energy to interiors currently dominated by whites and greys. For those not wishing to go overboard with these tones, try introducing them through art prints, throws, or ceramics."

12. Open shelving

We said goodbye to cabinet doors this year, as open shelving became the hottest 2022 kitchen trend, and one set to continue into 2023. Adding depth and character to the space, and displaying your crockery will make your room feel brighter and more open – an ideal way to organize a small kitchen with style. 

"Display shelves and open spaces have already been seen in other parts of the home for years," says Jenni Greenwood, a Cheshire-based interior designer. "It takes your space from a functional space to more of a place to entertain."

Not a kitchen storage idea for those who can't stand clutter, Darren Watts, Showroom Development & Design Director at Wren Kitchens, explains how open shelving adds a cozy element to the home: "This is definitely more of a contemporary option that can look super stylish when done correctly. It can also create a really homely, inviting look having pots, pans, and the like on display."