10 Timeless “Trends” for 2022

The Glam Pad dislikes trends. Every January there is a silly “color of the year” announced and all of the shelter magazines clamor to report what’s “in” and “out” in an attempt to please advertisers and make you spend money. The Glam Pad believes in creating your own personal style that is based on timelessness and quality. As Alex Papachristidis says, “Good decorating should only be redone because you want to, not because it looks dated and you have to.  Always changing things is an American sensibility, not a European one.”

I am happy to report that after years of living in a beige, disposable world, these values are finally making a comeback.  You can read my Anti-Trends predictions from 2021 here and going back to 2018 here where I longed for this day, which has been ushered in largely by the Grandmillennial movement. Below, I have collected the best “Trends” for 2022 from leading publications.  These “Trends” are timeless design principles that should not be forgotten in years to come!

James Farmer

A Return to Tradition

“Expect English roll arm sofas, wingbacks, simple dining tables based on antique styles and pieces with detail and some history. For materials, we’re going to see a lot more natural materials become popular again. Marble, real wood, linens, mohair — things that feel more organic and nice to the touch,” said Erin Gates via Good Housekeeping.

Forbes reports, “There’s no better way to go maximalist than with a traditionally inspired interior. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean an abundance of floral prints or going full-on Grandma. Interior designer Ariel Okin tells me these can also be more subtle touches. “We are going to continue to see a rise in more layered, traditional interiors that are cozy, warm, and inviting. A blend of old and new: contemporary artwork and lighting paired with classic furniture silhouettes like an English roll arm sofa, for example. [These] are a good representation of this ‘new traditional’ aesthetic, freshened up for today’s young families.”

Cathy Kincaid

Embracing History

According to the Times Union: Design experts are calling for a return to good bones and restoring historical elements, embracing original architecture and creating solutions to updating a space without mass-produced, commercial items.  “History is sexy,” said Brendan Flanigan of Brendan Flanigan Interiors. “Perhaps the prevalence of being indoors has us itching for romantic, historical architecture.”

With ongoing supply chain issues and inventory shortages still affecting many redesign projects, Lee Owens, principal of Lee Owen Designs, helps her clients explore purchasing vintage pieces rather than wait for mass-produced furniture with no clear estimated time of arrival. (via Times Union)

Veranda reports: “Our younger clients are more interested in buying antiques than ever before, and based on the supply-chain predictions we’re seeing now, I’m guessing this will only continue in 2022,” says Lilse McKenna. “I think one silver lining to the wild lead times we’re all seeing now is that we’re afforded a little more time to dig for those special pieces. Clients might also be a little more open to imperfections in their antiques, since ‘in stock and ready to ship (with a few scratches)’ is so much more appealing than ’26-week lead time (with the potential for another 26).'”

The Wall Street Journal reports: “Antiques are available and sold right off the floor,” enthused Sheldon Harte, of interior design firm Harte Brownlee in Laguna Beach, Calif., one of the many design pros we polled who said that shipping woes associated with new furniture have bolstered their appreciation of vintage pieces. Attic finds qualify, too. “Many clients are digging up family heirlooms and opting to use these in interesting ways,” said New York City designer Tina Ramchandani. “People are craving connections and history.” Alessandra Wood, design historian and VP of style at online design firm Modsy, called out early-American examples and their simple forms as particularly resurgent.

Forbes discusses the environmental benefits of antiques and vintage treasures: …there is no greener choice than going with vintage, explains Emma Kemper, Principal Designer of Emma Beryl, “Embracing vintage furniture pieces has so many benefits. It is sustainably responsible since you aren’t using resources to build a new piece of furniture, and from an aesthetic perspective, it is such a wonderful way to make your space feel timeless. When you include pieces that are from all different eras it’s impossible to date your space and the design feels unexpected and fresh.”

Another way to incorporate vintage pieces into your home is to scour places like Facebook Marketplace, Next Door, or Offer Up, continues Forbes. Many individuals also sell new or gently used furniture from mid-tier and high-end retailers. While these may not necessarily be vintage or antique, buying secondhand is always easier on the environment and the wallet. (Forbes)

Veranda: “Antiques and vintage will be celebrated as the ultimate ‘green’ resource available in the furniture sector and younger clients will become more fascinated with learning about collectable masters like Jean Prouve, Jacques Adnet, and Gio Ponti,” says Michael Cox, of Foley & Cox in New York.

House Beautiful reports: Not only is shopping vintage an efficient and sustainable option, it adds important personality to a space. “Homes should celebrate our uniqueness and furniture choices are an important part of that,” says designer Sara Hillery. “An old piece with great patina reflects a love and respect for history and story, just as a freshly painted antique shows a value of the past while also creating a colorful and playful environment.” And you can be sure none of your neighbors will own the same thing!

James Farmer

Lasting Style

Michael Cox says that overall, he predicts the concepts of choosing quality over quantity will inspire design enthusiasts to educate themselves and be more willing to wait patiently for those pieces that they can surround themselves with for decades to come. (Veranda)

Good Housekeeping reports: The trend for 2022 is a return to lasting style. We are seeing the effects of our ‘buy it and throw it away’ consumerism on our planet, and I think people will realize that developing a personal, lasting style is not only beautiful and unique, but good for the environment as well,” said Kate Patterson, Perlmutter Freiwald.

Leta Austin Foster

Individual Character

Veranda reports: “After spending so much time scrolling through Instagram over the past two years, I think we are all tired of spaces that are void of personality or look like copies of spaces we’ve seen before,” says Lilse McKenna. “Highly personal spaces that reflect the lives and interests of the homeowners are the antidote to that kind of cookie-cutter design.”

According to Forbes: Rocky Rochon, Principal and Founder of Rocky Rochon Studio and The Paint Laboratory believes imperfection will start to trend in 2022. “What I see as going away is the idea of the sterile or one-dimensional white home environment, often seen as ‘perfection’. 2022 will bring more imperfection, which to me is a more soulful, natural environment, more personalized interiors that reflect the character of the inhabitants, not a pre-packaged idea of what a home should be,” he says.

Via Chairish: Focusing on lavishly detailed surfaces, plush textiles, heirloom accents, and ​fanciful artworks, this year’s report reflects the shift to the at-home lifestyle born during the pandemic. These days, designers are prioritizing comfort and clients’ personal style: Homes not only need to accommodate a number of different functions but also provide a sense of escape from the troubles of the outside world.

Mallory Mathison Glenn

Maximalist Colors

Bid adieu to boring and beige in 2022, says Forbes. More is more again. “Goodbye monochromatic neutrals and minimalist design,” says Roxy Owens Founder and Designer of Society Social. “Now more than ever we are seeing a return to cozy and warm interiors. Think beautifully layered spaces, a mix of prints, patterns, and colors, delicious wallpapers, textures, pleated and patterned lampshades as well as bespoke textiles.”

Good Housekeeping reports: In 2022, we’re going to see a lot of color and patterns, especially within window treatments. They play a key role within design because they are the jewelry of the room and can really make an impact. Whether it be drapery, shades or sheers, patterns with a burst of two to three colors will play a strong role in design next year.” — Martyn Lawrence Bullard for The Shade Store

Via Forbes: “Color is making a comeback and the world is ready for it! I haven’t stopped painting color walls in the last decade…” says Dallas-based interior designer Caitlin Wilson. “Classic colors and punchy paints can serve a great purpose in the right spaces and really make art and simple furniture pop. Pretty silhouettes and floral fabrics come to life with the right hue and can help to create a coordinated, proper space,” she says.

Brittany Bromley

Florals 

Chairish says: Designers previously wary of intricately patterned wallpapers and upholsteries may soon come around, thanks to a rising tide of nostalgic, flower-studded designs. Whether applied to wall-hangings, wallpaper, or even pillows, botanical imagery is ready to take over interiors.

Chauncey Boothby of Chauncey Boothby Interiors says mini print florals akin to the Laura Ashley textiles many of us grew up with will continue to see a resurgence in popularity while mixing retro-inspired colors and prints will also be a top trend. (via Veranda)

Lilse McKenna of Lilse McKenna Inc. in New York told Veranda: “I can remember a time when a floral print was a tough sell for some clients because it was too ‘old -fashioned’—and now we’re getting to layer different florals on the same piece of furniture. I’m hoping we will only see more appreciation for beautifully crafted textiles in 2022.”

Designer Shea McGee reports via Homes & Gardens: “I’m excited to lean into more romantic textures and prints like ruffles, scallops, floral patterns, and even fringe in the upcoming year,” Shea says. She adds that she will experiment with the trend ‘on everything from bedding to styling accessories.”  It is perhaps unsurprising that romantic textures will have their moment next year. Chintz trend shows no signs of wavering – while fringe is evident in stylish schemes on both sides of the Atlantic.

Mark Sikes

Textiles, Passementerie, And Decorative Trim

As minimalism and mid century styles modern fall out of favor, we will be seeing more decorative touches like passementerie and trim in 2022, according to Roxy Owens. “The design world is seeing a resurgence of texture, tassels, trim, and passementerie galore. More and more people will be dressing up their homes and trimming their furnishings.” (Forbes)

According to Chairish, Comfort-seeking is the name of the game next year, according to the marketplace. That means textiles partout—think canopied, David Hicks–style beds, fabric-wrapped benches and headboards, and upholstery as far as the eye can see. Details will feature prominently on almost every surface, as demonstrated in the striking Milanese flat of Martina Mondadori and Ashley Hicks.

Better Homes & Gardens reports: Erin Coren of Curated Nest Interiors sees more fringe and decorative trim on the horizon. “Layers and textures are everywhere right now in fashion, and interior design is usually not far behind,” she says.

Penny Morrison

Wallpaper and Murals

Forbes says: Wallpaper has been a major trend in recent years and we will only see more of it in 2022. “Many have grown tired of their plain, neutral-colored walls and are looking to bring a sense of happiness and vibrancy to their interiors. This is especially true after the events of the last two years,” says Myriam Badault SVP of Decoration for Diptyque.

Forbes also reports: Murals have become a bold way to take wallpaper to an entirely different level. While this trend is rather popular for children’s rooms and nurseries because the average person is less afraid to take design risks in these spaces— we are also seeing more murals in living rooms and dens. They are a great way to tell a story through design.

Homes & Gardens highlights wallpaper inspired by distant lands:  After true global travel disappeared, we turned to our homes for more inward adventures. For 2022, our walls will transport us to faraway lands filled with leafy palms and safari animals.

“Patterns of far-flung places provide a sense of escapism and make us feel relaxed as we are reminded of holidays,” says Johanna Bright, head of design at Osborne & Little. (Homes & Gardens)

“Distant landscapes and flora and fauna add a sense of drama to the wall and offer an alternative from the outside world, which we are all craving,” says Designers Guild’s Tricia Guild. (Homes & Gardens)

The Colony Hotel, Palm Beach, Photographed by Carmel Brantley of Brantley Photography

The Art of Tablescaping: Bring On the Silver, Crystal, and China! 

via Daily Mail: A newfound appreciation for the emotional qualities behind every piece will spark joy as we find space for lovingly repurposed vintage pieces in our homes. Fine bone china, crystal and tablewares gilt with gold and silver grace our tables, similar to the tables our grandparents and their parents once sat down at. We’ve finally come full circle and embraced these unique treasures from the past.

 Cloche Designs  for The Avenue by Lindsey Zorich

Books are Back

Architectural Digest: It’s time to get lit, if you know what I mean… Not only are more people curating books for decoration (and their personal libraries), but they’re also building stairs and tables out of vintage books. Even if you’re not a hardcore bibliophile, the designer Sophie Collé reminds us that books are great tools to use as visual references. “I’m not ashamed to admit that I’m just flipping through the pictures, but that is such a great way of not going on Pinterest and learning a little bit about history,” she explains. “People have done the work of curating all of this information for us, so why not use it? Some book covers from the ’80s are art pieces, so I like having them out even just for that.” You heard it here first: Books are the new status symbol.

Meredith Ellis

Hello, Multifunctional Spaces (Goodbye Open Plan)

Architectural Digest says: “With more people spending time at home during the pandemic, many are starting to realize that the separation of space is useful. No one wants to be on competing Zooms in the same kitchen/living/dining room. Having distinct spaces also allows each zone to have its own character, and having everything connected can make a space feel too cavernous when you are not entertaining. Defined, intimate spaces that offer everyday coziness will start to take priority over the once-a-year giant party.” —Rachel Bullock, LAUN Los Angeles

Forbes: The pandemic solidified the need for separate rooms, especially when so many spaces need to double as home offices. For this reason, big kitchens that open up to the rest of the home are becoming less desirable. “I am definitely seeing a lot of enclosed kitchen spaces as opposed to large family room/kitchen areas that are open to the rest of the home,” says Christopher Peacock, Founder and CEO of Christopher Peacock.

Veranda – “With the advent of Zoom and more work being done at home, [clients] are asking for two fully functioning offices—one for each spouse or partner—where they can work and not be disrupted, or be disruptive to others in the family,” says Randy Correll of Robert A.M. Stern Architects in New York. “These rooms are like small libraries with and abundance of cabinetry, paneling and if possible, a view or a porch on which to take a break or power nap.”

Apartment Therapy: “While open concept design plans were a great idea a few years ago, we now know that privacy is a huge part of any design to accommodate the new challenges we are facing every day. Working from home while the children are attending school from the dining room table can make for a very eventful day at the office with an open concept floor plan. More and more, we are understanding that our homes must fit our lifestyle and be fully functional for years to come.” —Michelle Martel, designer and stylist in Montreal

Susan Farcy

And Across the Pond…

In summary, I love this prediction from House & Garden UK:

Pattern is another unanimous call. New entry Brandon Schubert is confident of “more wallpaper, and pattern on pattern, as well as an emphasis on traditional curtain making – I think we’re going to see more people pushing the boundaries with pelmets, trimmings and general creativity.” Penny Morrison prophesies “brightly coloured floral fabrics, such as ‘Dahlia’ by Sarah Vanrenen, and woven stripes – as well as fabrics based on historical African or Anatolian tribes.” Gavin Houghton) seconds florals and stripes, “in strong colours,” as well as “classical prints – Jean Monro and Colefax.”

That concept of craft and handmade “will apply everywhere,” says Nina Campbell; “design is becoming much more personal, and much more unusual. No more catalogues!” Wendy Nicholls of Sibyl Colefax & John Fowler defines it as “individualism.” Olivia Outred explains “We’ll start to celebrate the time it takes to make things, and the process that the maker goes through will become almost as important as the end finished piece.” (House & Garden UK)

Perhaps this helps explain the exponential rise in popularity of needlepoint here in the US?

Colefax & Fowler

Happy New Year!