Interior design: 2022 in review
What drove design in 2022?
From the ancient Chinese art of feng shui, where spatial positioning corresponds with energy flow, or wabi sabi, the Japanese practice of embracing an imperfections, or ancient Rome's fondness for using earth-tone colors and geometric patterns in order to mimic the harmony of nature, interior design plays a key role in societies, and shapes the way we experience emotions within our own homes. “There is more and more research that shows the direct influence that our homes have, not only on our moods, but our overall health and well-being,” according to interior designer Timothy Corrigan.
In 2022, 3 years after the COVID pandemic began and with its end finally in sight, interior design trends focused on making us feel emotionally at ease. People spent more times within their homes, which resulted in being more aware of how their living space influences them, and a stronger desire to create a personal connection to it. We have been forced to slow down and spend time in our homes, making us pay closer attention to our surroundings and allowing our senses to drive the design of the spaces we live in.
Return to earth(y)
This emotional foundation manifested itself in several ways. Multiple designers drove the rise of the enveloping, earthy color of brown, displayed in fabrics like leather or even in terracotta walls reminiscent of Ancient Rome. Others supported a spike in nature-inspired surfaces and accents—think marbles and mushroom shapes. Some designers say their clients couldn’t get enough soft materials and curvy shapes for their furniture and decors. All in all, people desire a home able to comfort them, asking for warmth and airiness. And who can blame them? Who wouldn’t want to design a room that feels like a warm hug?
Pragmatic interiors and efficient use of space
At the same time, for many people their home became the main stage of life: from home offices to quarantine situations, they became not only a place for sleep, but also for work, socializing and relaxation. This made it so that a certain pragmatism flourished: the object we're surrounded by must serve some sort of purpose. Whether the purpose is functional, such the rise of useful domestic technology, or an emotional one, like travel-inspired interiors or collections that highlight our passions.
Out with minimalism
Meanwhile, some popular design choices of the past several years are falling to the wayside. The all-white minimalism that may look crisp yet provides little visual comfort is being abandoned for more fulfilling styles. Rooms focused on white-black contrast or all-white everything might look impressive for guests but are not inspiring or comforting when having to spend entire weeks inside, which resulted in a kind of backlash against them, and it’s unknown when or if the trend will return.
2023 Trends: Biophilia on the rise
What looks hot for 2023? While still early, it looks like a continuation and even exaggeration of the trends that dominated 2022. Biophilic design is one of the predicted continued big home décor trends of 2023, resulting from humanity's natural desire to incorporate nature into daily life. From natural wooden floors to heavy use of living décor such as hanging plants, people want to bring the web of life within their homes
Clutter is the new minimalism
Going even further than simply rejecting minimalism, some people are now fully embracing maximalism or “clutter-core” aesthetics. Although maximalism doesn’t have a true definition, its core elements are abundant pattern, color, and texture. It allows people to make their homes feels as personal as possible, creating a strong and unique bond between the living quarters and the person habitating them. The key to maximalism is that there really are no rules – it celebrates a freedom of self-expression and the joy of an interior filled with color, pattern, and life.
Back to the future
A last trend to look out for is the retro look of the 70’s, with marvelous form, sensational and flamboyant colors, and bold statements playing major parts. Inspired by maximalism and a romantic, “back to the future” perception of the past, it relies on statement furniture alongside neutral flooring which makes the colors pop!
It looks like 2023 is going to be all about unusual and mind-blowing design solutions, so don’t hesitate to be among the first to bring the concept of bold authenticity into your interior. You can make any IKEA furniture fit within these trends using our covers, whether you want to turn your old sofa into a centerpiece with a splendid sofa cover or make use of an earthy colored recliner cover to suit your indoor garden aesthetic.
