It’s a new year, and for many of us, this means breathing new life into the design of our homes. Considering the many trends and styles emerging — some familiar while others may be fresh new looks — my team and I gathered to finalize 8 design trends to embrace in 2022. And while you do not have to follow trends to a tee, getting an idea of what’s coming ahead can bring clarity and inspiration.
Recently designed curved butcher block island bar for a young family. Expect to see more furniture with rounded edges in 2022
Last year we began to see a reemergence of Art Deco, and we expect to see it move forward and influence trends in 2022. As a style that defined an era, Art Deco first showed up in the 1920s and stayed through the depression of the 1930s. The style is characterized by geometric shapes, which evoke a sense of grounding, and curving forms with smooth, polished surfaces, which bring a sense of ease. Squeezed between two wars, it offered a feeling of strength and hope and fixed its gaze on a future of technological promise — Something to embrace in uncertain times. Much like then, with two years of Pandemic sorrows under our belts, the provocative elements of Art Deco are very much welcomed today.
Geometric Shapes
Geometric patterns will become increasingly common this year. We’ll see it influence kitchen and bathroom walls, fixtures, backsplash and floors. Below are images and renderings from a work in progress with JRS Developers (Custom mural by Maggie Sanger) It’s really great seeing it to come together. I’ll be posting more on it on my Instagram if you want to follow along…
Marcelle Guilbeau New Build: New Build by JRS Development, Marcelle Guilbeau Interior Design – Designer, Wall Mural Design by Maggie Sanger, Architect – August House Co.
Biophilia: Nature, natural wood and more
Jenna Batcher from StyleBlueprint explains Biophilia as, “having a green thumb to the next level. A plant and nature-forward concept, the term “biophilic design” is a fancy way of saying “bringing nature indoors.” I love the topic of biophilia – having been a nature lover all my life. We’re always endeavoring to bring the outdoors in. We do see a growing trend with clients joining us in that passion, in ever more creative ways. Not just bringing plants or vines into a home or workplace, but also bringing in natural light and views, natural materials and organic shapes that echo nature.
Biophilia can be expressed through curved furniture as well because it has an organic, natural quality. It also creates space and luxury in an increasingly urban environment. We’ve recently designed a curving butcher block island bar for a young family, a built in dining booth with curving back in a high rise condo, and curated a curvy leather sofa bench for a plastic surgeon’s office.
In one new build, the architect placed a glassey master bath vanity against a private zen garden. We designed some floating mirrors to hang in front of the glass. The entire zen garden will be the airy “wallpaper” behind the vanity.
Marcelle Guilbeau Master Bath Zen Garden: New Build by JRS Development, Marcelle Guilbeau Interior Design – Designer, Profile + Principle – Architect
We have embraced a new cosmetic plastic surgeon’s office with abstract, naturalistic wallpaper, natural oak floating shelves and soft lighting. She is planning to bring in lots of plants!
How do we channel serenity? Now more than ever, we are seeing foux tress inside children’s spaces. They make the rooms a perfect biopic space to read and relax while inviting the imagination to play.
Photographed by: Andrew Keithley
Sacred Spaces
We are seeing more and more sacred spaces in the home these days. These are spaces created to retreat and contemplate. This could be a more traditional prayer corner tucked under the stairs, or simply a cozy nook in a girl’s bedroom tucked behind a whimsical tree-shaped barn door (as shown above). I think in these times of quarantine and virtual work, having spaces to retreat and recharge have added meaning.
Photographed by: Andrew Keithley
Muted Colors
Muted color palettes are the perfect choice for an understated effect. These hues encourage you to dial down on saturation, in favor of softer tones that are calming and elegant.
Muted palette. Featuring S.W. Evergreen Fog #9130,
Marcelle Guilbeau Interior Design + JRS Development
Light or Natural Wood
When it comes to styling with wood, in 2022, we’re going light (as with muted colors below). Most notable, we’ll see much of this in wood ceilings, exposed beams, floating and custom design wall shelves. It’s an organic way to bring natural elements inside your home.
Marcelle Guilbeau Interior Design + JRS Development
Marcelle Guilbeau Interior Design + JRS Development
Space: Light & Airy Design
With more time spent at home last year, there remains a call to bring the outside in. Whether in your bedroom, living room, or kitchen, the feeling you want is one that invites us to inhale and energize. This means a light color palette, a lot of natural light (keeping that amazing floor-to-ceiling window unobstructed) and while you may not want to knock down a wall, opening up the furniture goes a long way.
Dynamic Countertops
Bold marble patterns are scheduled to take over in the coming year. While granite has dominated for a long while, there’s a soft and soothing quality we find appealing after so many months spent at home coping with 2021 stresses.
Epoxy
Epoxy furniture is growing in popularity. It brings together natural elements to contemporary furniture design. Here is one we had custom-made for a client. Certainly unique, eye-catching, and inspirational. I highly recommend reaching out to Good Wood Nashville when you are ready to have your custom table created!
Below are additional photos from the gorgeous Virgin Hotel in my hometown, Nashville and one from a hotel in Chatanuga. Note the geometric shapes, muted colors, natural woods, and the nature-inspired elements we talked about, all in one place! We love how it all plays together!
Geometric patterns, Virgin Hotel, Nashville
Natural Woods, Hotel, Chatanuga
Curved Furniture, Hotel, Chatanuga
Historic Chattanooga YMCA – (Currently a Social Club)
Geometric design, Virgin Hotel, Nashville.
Curved furniture, Hotel in Chattanooga
Curved Furniture, Virgin Hotel, Nashville
Dark Wood, Historic Chattanooga YMCA – (Currently a Social Club)
We have much to look forward to in the Interior design space this year! Do let us what you’re excited about incorporating into your homes this year in the comments below!
For more great articles, check out these great posts by StyleBlueprint and The Scout Guide!
Cheers to the New Year!
– Marcelle Guilbeau